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Flood prevention work has begun along a stretch of road in Somerset.

The three-week scheme, funded by Defra and the Highways Agency, is to improve drainage on the A39 at Bilbrook.

The area has been affected by flooding on several occasions in the past few years, according to Somerset County Council, with last winter's emergency closures causing "widespread problems".

Councillor Harvey Siggs apologised for the disruption but said it was a "key route" and the work was "essential".

The £60,000 scheme will involve repairing and adding extra culverts under the road and improving gullies, a council spokesman said.

Whilst the work is carried out, the road at Dragon Cross will be closed Monday to Friday between 09:00 and 15:00 GMT.

"We have done our best to keep disruption to a minimum," said Mr Siggs.

"But the A39 is a key route through west Somerset and the flooding last year caused a number of emergency closures which had a huge impact on the area.

"We cannot let that happen again."