ROAD closures and parking restrictions will be in place across Bridgwater next week as the annual funfair returns to the town.

The historic travelling funfair known as St Matthews Fair will open to the public on Wednesday September 27 and ends on Saturday September 30.

Thousands are expected to descend to the site at St Matthews Field, meaning several roads in the area will be closed or cordened off.

A spokesperson for Somerset Council said: "Road closures usually come into place at 9am on the last Tuesday of September, and are lifted the following Sunday after fair, at 10am.

"West Street, Milton Place, St Matthews Green, Westover Green and St Matthews Field are affected by road closures.

"Diversion routes will be in place."

Several streets will also be coned-off to prohibit parking during the fair, including Northfield, Durleigh Road (to the junction of Woodbury Road), Park Road and Albert Street.

These measures will be in place from 8pm on Monday September 25 until 10am on Sunday October 1.