Author: Lesley Webb

We can now confirm that these works have been scheduled to start during the week commencing 5th January 2026.

The delay in programming the repairs was due to detailed ground investigations, which showed that sheet piling would not be suitable for reinstating the verge edge and fencing. Instead, a stronger and more reliable solution using king pin concrete anchors with a concrete beam will be installed to ensure the long-term stability of the road.

To carry out these essential works safely, A396 Cutcombe Hill will need to be fully closed for approximately three weeks, from 5th January through to 23rd January. This will be a 24-hour closure throughout the period. We appreciate that this may cause inconvenience, and we want to assure you that these dates represent the worst-case scenario—we are hopeful that the works can be completed sooner.

During the closure, public service vehicles will follow diversion routes. For school transport, plans are being considered to shuttle pupils through the site to minimise disruption for families.

We understand how important this route is to the community and thank you for your patience and cooperation while we complete these vital repairs. If you have any questions or need further information, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Yours faithfully,

Kali Martin
Assistant Highway Service Manager

Somerset Council Area – West

Join the Priority Services Register

Joining their Priority Services Register means you’ll be able to get a range of extra help when you need it. This could be all the time, or for a short period due to something that’s happened in your life.

Some of the help you can get includes:

• priority support in an emergency
• wherever possible, advanced notice of scheduled power cuts
• the ability to nominate someone to receive communications and bills from your supplier, for example a family member, carer or someone you trust
• the chance to move your prepayment meter if you can’t safely get to it to top up
• account info and bills in large print or braille

Who can join

You can ask to join your supplier or network operator’s Priority Services Register if you:

• have reached state pension age
• are pregnant, or have young children
• struggle with speaking or reading English

You can also join if you’re living with a disability or a long-term medical condition, including:

• mental health conditions
• conditions affecting your sight, hearing or sense of smell
• conditions that mean you need to use medical equipment that requires a power supply

Help is also available if your circumstances have recently changed, for example if you:

• are recovering from an injury, or need support after a stay in hospital
• have been bereaved
• have lost your job

How to join

Sign up for the register at:

https://customer.nationalgrid.co.uk/advice-and-guidance/priority-services?utm_source=thepsr&utm_medium=web

Don’t forget the gardening club social and AGM Monday at 7.30pm, open to all. The AGM will  be very short and then we can enjoy nibbles, mulled wine and a quiz. There will also be a raffle. No entrance fee (so you can buy extra raffle tickets, good value at 50p a strip) and no competition, but we will find out who has won the best flower over the year. We look forward to seeing you.

Elisabeth