Blackbird Bends dredging begins to prevent A38 flooding

Dredging work is being carried out to help prevent future flooding of the A38 near Wellington in Somerset.

Trees will be cleared and water redirected near Blackbird Bends where water frequently sits on the road.

"The problem is caused by two streams converging head-on and then having to turn 90 degrees to drain away," said Harvey Siggs, Somerset County Council.

"The streams and drains will be able to handle much more water afterwards, reducing the risk of flooding."

The road is one of Taunton Deane's busiest and is used as a diversion route for the M5.

The council will remove silt, re-align the streams and lower rocks into the streambed to funnel water away from Willowbrook Garden Centre and out towards the River Tone.

Previously vegetation has been cleared from the streams flowing around the garden centre to allow them to channel the rainwater away.

The A38 will remain open throughout the work, which is scheduled to take two weeks.