EXTENSIVE roadworks in a small Somerset town have caused “a great deal of upset” after local heritage assets were removed without warning.

Somerset Council has been carrying out numerous sets of roadworks in Bruton town centre over the summer, putting a “significant investment” into widening pavements and resurfacing key roads in and out of the town.

Councillor Lucy Trimnell, who represents the Wincanton and Bruton division, has criticised the roadworks, arguing they have altered the character of the conservation area and greatly upset local residents.

This comes as the council announced the final phase of the roadworks, which were delayed from the summer after the discovery of asbestos and a sinkhole opening up on the A359 High Street.

Ms Trimnell made her statement on the roadworks when the full council met in Bridgwater on Wednesday afternoon (September 27).

She said: “I am very concerned about the guardianship of our heritage assets within Somerset Council, following a recent highways small improvement scheme in Bruton.

“Over the summer, work was completed to a junction in the middle of the conservation area in Bruton to widen the pavements.

“This included the removal of slabbed paving and iron kerb edging; the same as can be seen in area of cities such as Bristol and Manchester.

“Its removal caused a great deal of upset among residents, particularly those who live in the conservation area and have to comply with incredibly strict rules for even the most minor alterations to their properties.”

Ms Trimnell – who previously represented Bruton on South Somerset District Council between 2019 and its abolition in April 2023 – said the council should consider appointing a heritage champion to ensure all the county’s assets were protected and promoted properly.

She said: “People who own grade two listed properties in these conservation areas have to spend so much money to comply with the requirements of their housing.

“They returned home from holiday to find that the exterior of their properties – including a hotel and restaurant – had been changed completely by the work that took place.

“Sometimes these things are tiny – they’re thing other people might not notice, but they really matter to the communities they’re in. We really need to think about what we have and how we want to preserve it, look after it and promote it.”

Councillor Ros Wyke, portfolio holder for economic development, planning and assets, said this issue was “very close to my heart” and assured Ms Trimnell that the council would take these concerns very seriously.

She added: “Going forward, I would say that listed buildings across the piece and conservation areas are going to be a priority, and I think this will come through as the new Local Plan emerges.”

The new Local Plan, which will cover the whole of Somerset, is expected to be ratified by March 2028 after multiple rounds of public consultation.

The final phase of the Bruton roadworks will see a key section of the B3081 Station Road resurfaced through a series of evening road closures.

Preparatory work will begin on Monday, October 16 and last until Friday, October 20, with the road being closed between 6.30pm and 11.30pm each evening.

The road will be closed between 6.30pm and 11.30pm from Monday, October 23 for three evenings, allowing the resurfacing to be finished as safely and efficiently as possible.

Councillor Mike Rigby, portfolio holder for transport and digital, said: “Thanks to everyone in and around Bruton for their patience.

“This section of resurfacing was originally due to be carried during the summer, but we had some challenges which impacted on that earlier scheme, so a decision was taken to stagger the remainder of the work and return at a later date.

“We hope that doing this essential resurfacing under an evening closure on weekdays reduces disruption on the network, but please ensure you plan ahead.”

The road will be completely open during the weekend of October 21 and 22, and it will remain open outside the hours of closure on weekdays to minimise disruption for road users.

Access for residents and businesses in the immediate area will be maintained throughout the roadworks, and a local diversion will be in place.

For more information on these roadworks, or other roadworks in your area, visit www.somerset.gov.uk/roads-travel-and-parking/roadworks-and-travel.