'Concern' as M5 junction closes for almost four months

All slips roads at junction 26, the roundabout and the A38 link road are closed

A taxi firm is increasing its prices and vulnerable patients could face longer waits for their medication as a motorway junction has closed for almost four months.

Somerset Council's contractor Heidelberg Materials is refurbishing junction 26 of the M5 and the A38 Chelston link road near Wellington as part of a £5.7m project, with a complete closure in place until late-September.

Paul Hickinbottom, who runs Archie's Cabs, said: "We've considered closing, it's really that bad, we're going to have to increase our prices very slightly just during this period."

Council bosses say they understand people have "real concerns" but added "this is the only available window" to complete the vital works.

Archie's Cabs is warning journeys will be longer and could cost more during the work

Mr Hickinbottom added: "My biggest fear is getting customers to Taunton train station and Musgrove Hospital. It's going to take longer."

All sliproads at junction 26, the roundabout and the A38 link road from the motorway to the Chelston roundabout are closed for at least 14 weeks. However, access to the Foxmoor Business Park will be maintained.

Chris Penk owns House of Cake in Wellington and is concerned this will have an impact on trade.

"We won't have the through traffic from people dropping off the motorway into Wellington, people may choose to stay at home rather than risk hitting the traffic," he said.

House of Cake owner Chris Penk thinks it will have an impact on local businesses

Dr Mark Hunt, the owner and director of Home Instead care, has carers working in Taunton and Wellington.

"We have had to put contingency plans in place with people now going to have to travel further which is a cost to carers.

"Our clients can be quite vulnerable and frail, they can be taking time-critical medication so if we're late it can have an adverse impact on health," he added.

Councillor Richard Wilkins says the road needs replacing as it was built in the 1970s

The official diversion will take motorists off at either junction 25 (Taunton) or junction 27 (Tiverton) and along the A38.

Council chiefs are urging motorists to leave extra time for their journeys.

Councillor Richard Wilkins, lead member for transport, said: "The road is over 50 years old and it's come to the end of its life. This is a huge job, we're basically relaying a complete road."