Somerset: Flooding causes closure of A358 between Ilminster and Chard

The A358 between Ilminster and Chard remains closed because of flooding

A major A-road in Somerset remains closed because of flooding after heavy rainfall overnight.

The A358, which is the main road between Ilminster and Chard, is closed at Donyatt Hill.

Four flood warnings have been issued by the Environment Agency - for Winsham, the Chard Reservoir area, Ilminster and around South Perrott.

Forde Abbey and Gardens near Chard has also shut for the day after its car park was flooded.

A statement on its Facebook page said: "We have been monitoring the river levels and it has now burst its banks and flooded our car park.

"For the safety of our visitors we have decided to close today. We apologise for the inconvenience."

Rural roads around south Somerset like this one in Winsham have been closed

Somerset Council is asking drivers to seek alternative routes where there is serious flooding, especially on rural routes.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said they had been called out to a a couple of cars caught in floodwater.

The A358 is also partially shut at Combe Florey due to flooding under the railway bridge.

The council said temporary traffic lights are in place to allow some emergency drainage clearance to take place.

The B3162 at Winsham has also been closed due to flooding.

The stretch of the A358 at Donyatt in south Somerset often floods after heavy rainfall

Donyatt resident Ann Higham told BBC Radio Somerset: "We get flooding quite regularly by the village hall and today there's a car stuck in the flood water.

"Big lorries seem to be attempting to get through but it is very dangerous for road users to attempt it.

"We did get flooded out once but the flood water usually drains out within a few hours."