A SECTION of pavement that has been dug up for a year is being repaired next week.

The work will be carried out on a part of Eastwick Road, in Taunton, between 9.30am and 3.30pm on Thursday and Friday (March 25 and 26).

A closure notice will be in force during the work and also covers prep works on Wednesday prior to the power isolation on Thursday.

The scheme involves removing the remains of a tree and its roots systems at the junction of the road with Cheddon Road.

Most of the diseased tree was removed in March last year, since when an area of the footpath has been fenced off with a hole left in the ground.

Letters have been sent to 19 homes in Eastwick Road advising them that Western Power Distribution will cut off supply on Thursday between 9.30am and 4pm.

Lower Marsh Solar Farm has been told it cannot generate onto the high voltage network between 8am and 4pm that day.

And a generator will be brought in from Bristol to be connected to Taunton Academy in the early hours before the pupils arrive.

A spokesperson said: "All steps have been put in place to avoid lose of life or cause a mass power outage in the area."

A Somerset County Council spokesperson said: “We’re pleased to be in a position to finally resolve what has been a very challenging and potentially hazardous problem and are grateful to residents for their patience in this matter.

“Because the roots of the tree had become so entangled in both the high voltage cable and gas supply pipe, the removal operation has posed some unique challenges to our team and has required considerable planning to ensure the safety of the workforce and public. Preparation for the job includes turning off the electricity and gas supply for several hours on Thursday along with the temporary shutting down of a local solar farm while work is undertaken.

“A generator is being supplied to nearby Taunton Academy to ensure lessons are not disrupted, and all residents have been informed of the interruption to the power supply. We appreciate this will be inconvenient but it is essential to ensure the safety of residents, the wider public and our workforce.

“It’s anticipated the removal of the tree stump and ground repairs will be completed on Friday. A road closure will be in force whilst work is being undertaken.”