ROAD improvement works taking place around Bridgwater “will not affect the carnival route”.

The works, part of the Celebration Mile - the Bridgwater Town Deal project to create an accessible walking and cycling backbone across the town - will not affect the carnival route on November 2, the Bridgwater Town Deal Board has said.

BT Openreach works on the Town Bridge, necessitating four-way traffic signals, are due to be completed before the end of this month and before the Carnival.

On the day of the carnival roads around the town will close at 4pm before the procession starts at 6pm.

Cllr Mike Rigby, Somerset's executive lead member for economic development, planning and assets, said: “Bridgwater Carnival is hugely important not just to the town, but to Somerset and the South West.

“I am pleased that I can reassure carnival fans, local businesses and residents that there will be no restriction on carnival activities, due to the Celebration Mile works.

“Bridgwater Town Deal is unlocking multi-million pound investments in Bridgwater through the 11 projects that include Celebration Mile and supporting the Carnival by providing modern sheds for Carnival Clubs to build their carts.”

Taylor Woodrow, contractor for the Celebration Mile works, is sponsoring a money collection cart at the carnival with proceeds shared by local good causes.

Teams working on two other major schemes in the Bridgwater area have also adjusted schedules to factor in the Carnival.

Work on upgrading the Dunball roundabout, near Bridgwater, is not due to start until 11 November, after Bridgwater, Burnham-on-Sea and North Petherton Carnivals, while the contractor working for Agratas to supply electricity to its planned battery facility on the Gravity site in Puriton will be restoring two way traffic flows on the A39 Bath Road and Bower Lane from October 30 to November 4.