MOTORISTS have been slammed for putting other road users in danger by driving the wrong way down a busy Bridgwater street last week.

Wessex Water shut North Street and Wembdon Road to traffic from the Minehead direction, while it continued its £10million Operation Clean and Clear scheme to improve the town's water network.

The work has now finished, but last week, some motorists ignored numerous road closure signs and travelled on the wrong side of the carriageway along Wembdon Road, in a doomed attempt to access the town centre, and were confronted by oncoming traffic.

Even some lorry drivers tried their luck, but were forced into lengthy u-turns.

There were no reports of any collisions but Wessex Water extended the road closure further up Wembdon Road “to reduce the risk of a serious collision.”

Project manager Davin Eversett said: “Unfortunately a number of motorists chose to ignore seven 'road ahead closed' signs, two narrowed lanes and three sets of bollards as they approached our road closure.

“They then drove around two 'road closed signs' and a 'no entry sign' before going onto the wrong side of the road and found themselves approaching on-coming traffic.”

Wessex Water also said there were several incidents last week of motorists being “extremely rude” to workers carrying out the project.

A spokesman said: “We are endeavouring to complete our programme of essential water main improvement work on time, but it is frustrating when our workers are having to deal with people who are verbally abusive.”

TRADERS in North Street had mixed feelings about the work.

Nick Pike, of Acland's Radio and TV, said customers were avoiding the area “like the plague”.

He said: “It has definitely affected our business 100%.

“The signs up say it's business as usual down here but there is nowhere for passing drivers to park.

“They told us what they were going to do before the work started but they will not give us compensation for lost business - there's nothing we can do about it.”

But Sarah Hill, of Chris and Co hair salon, said customers had been able to attend their appointments as usual.

She said: “It has been fine. They have been really helpful and we have had no problems at all.”

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