DRIVERS near Chard are facing a diversion of nearly 13 miles while drainage works take place near the A303.

Castlemain, next to the Eagle Tavern, will remain closed until August 5 while drainage works are completed.

For people travelling south on Castlemain, the council are suggesting people drive back to Blackwater, on past the Staple Hill car park, and south down the B3170 before joining the A303 south of Marsh and travelling north to the junction with Castlemain.

The closure started earlier this week and is place for the whole of the duration of the works.

A County Council spokesman said: "We are currently carrying out drainage improvements at Castlemain near Buckland St Mary to stop water running onto the highway.

"Due to the nature of the works, a full road closure is required and a suggested diversion route is signposted."

In the road closure notice, chief executive of Somerset County Council, Patrick Flaherty, said: “…the County Council of Somerset have made an Order prohibiting all traffic from proceeding along Castlemain from 10m north of the junction with Tower Lane, southwards for a distance of 225 metres.

“This order will enable Somerset Highways to carry out drainage works in this road. The Order becomes effective on July 25 and will remain in force for eighteen months.

“The works are expected to last for 12 days. While the closure is in operation an alternative route will be signed on site.”