WORK has started in Taunton to lay high voltage overhead cables underground.

Cables across the River Tone and the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal will be laid from the far bank of the canal, near Winkworth Way, to Priory Avenue.

Somerset County Council and Western Power Distribution, who are co-ordinating the project, say work will last until the end of next month with minimal disruption to the public.

Some works in Priory Avenue from August 28 will require the inbound lane to Taunton being closed to traffic, from the roundabout with Priory Bridge Road to the junction with Cranmer Road. A diversion using Winchester Street will be signposted and could be in place until September 28.

To allow free flow of traffic and access for emergency vehicles, residents’ parking will be suspended from August 28 on one side of Winchester Street, from Priory Bridge Road to Priory Avenue. Alternative spaces will be provided by Taunton Deane Council in Priory Bridge Road car park to compensate residents.

Meanwhile, one-way measures are in place until August 24 in Greenway Road and Priorswood Road while Wessex Water relines water mains as part of its £16m ‘Operation Clean and Clear’ across town.