A SOMERSET councillor has branded recent lengthy M5 closures near Bridgwater 'totally unacceptable'.

At a full council meeting on Wednesday, July 17, Cllr Alan Bradford voiced his  concerns about frequent closures of the M5, which have caused disruption in the area in recent weeks.

"The inconvenience it’s caused locally and to all the surrounding areas, the damage it does to the country lanes, especially when wet, is totally unacceptable," he said.

He added that many drivers unfamiliar with countryside driving have struggled to navigate the proposed diversion routes, only worsening the issues.

Cllr Bradford pointed to recent incidents which saw the motorway completely closed for hours at a time, which he feels negatively impacted local businesses.

"In this day and age, surely it can't carry on this way," he continued.

"The frustration and the money it's costing for that road closure are significant."

In July so far, the M5 near Bridgwater has been closed twice due to concern for welfare incidents, and once again after a lorry carrying a fairground ride caught fire.

Councillor Bradford called for immediate action, suggesting that Somerset Council should leverage its influence to bring relevant authorities to the table.

"We need someone down here to ask a few questions because this situation can't continue," he said, adding that similar issues were raised in a debate four years ago, with no notable progress since.

Responding to Councillor Bradford’s concerns, Councillor Richard Wilkins, lead member for transport and digital, acknowledged the frustrations and challenges posed by the M5 closures.

"The M5 does become a huge problem," he said.

"It's not directly in our jurisdiction, and when an issue involving the police arises, we are very much in the hands of the police."

He assured that conversations would be initiated to address the matter, though he noted the complexities involved.