Businesses claim roadworks are causing 'gridlock'

Hendford Hill in Yeovil is closed because of gas main work

Residents and businesses in Yeovil say traffic "is the worst it has ever been" because of a series of roadworks.

Hendford Hill, a key route in the Somerset town, is closed because of a gas mains upgrade and work is also taking place on Combe Street Lane, Preston Road and Rowan Way.

Dominic Cole, the CEO of care provider Heartfelt Care, said: "It's leaving our clients stressed and wondering if their carers are coming."

Somerset Council says it does its best to link up the roadworks but says sometimes disruption is unavoidable.

Dominic Cole from Heartfelt Care said the roadworks are impacting his clients

Founder of Dea-Lightful Cleaning Services, Deanna Mills, said delays caused by the town's roadworks are having an impact on her business.

Ms Mills said: "I am losing clients because of it. It shouldn't take up to 45 minutes to get from one client to another."

She added: "Mostly I feel sorry for my staff. Morale is so low at the moment because they're just stuck in traffic all the time."

Deanna Mills said her cleaning business is losing clients because of traffic delays

Councillor Richard Wilkins, who is in charge of highways for Somerset Council said: "When a main road like Hendford Hill is taken out of action it really puts extra strain on the rest of the network."

Mr Wilkins added: "This particular work is for a gas main that requires changing otherwise it will disrupt supplies to the whole town."

The work on Hendford Hill is expected to be completed by the end of the week.