WELLINGTON business owners expect to lose “thousands of pounds” when junction 26 for the M5 closes this summer - with 350 people signing a petition calling for the road to stay open.
Somerset Council announced plans to close junction 26 for three months this summer as part of a major Government-funded Highways scheme on Wednesday, April 23.
The work, which will be undertaken by contractor Heidelberg Materials, will include replacing junction 26 and the A38 Chelston link road, which is known locally as “the concrete carriageway.”
Wellington Landscaping and Garden Building owner, Jack Cripps, launched a petition to keep junction 26 open for access for Wellington businesses, describing it as a “crucial artery”.
Jack, whose business is based on Foxmoor Business Park, said: “The potential economic impact on local companies like mine could be devastating, as our customers and staff would face tremendous challenges in reaching us if access is cut off.
“Currently, junction 26 serves as a crucial artery, not just for businesses but also for the residents of Wellington who travel to and from work daily.
“The local infrastructure is already strained, and an additional burden could lead to extensive delays and increased travel times.”
Foxmoor Business Park, an industrial estate situated off Chelston Link Road, relies on its proximity to the motorway for many of its services. Business park director, Gideon Sumption, says the closures will be a “nightmare” for the business community of Wellington.
Somerset Council has said that access will be maintained to Foxmoor Business Park from Chelston Roundabout under traffic management but with some overnight/weekend closures.
Owners of the Foxmoor-based P D Warren Scaffolding Services, Patrick and Carol Warren, have written to Somerset Council to express their concern over the welfare of local businesses.
In their letter, Patrick and Carol said: “The local infrastructure is already under so much pressure, and this decision impacts local businesses, as well as the residents of Wellington.
“There has been no consultation with local businesses to even discuss the impact.
“The potential economic impact on local companies, like mine, could be devastating. We have calculated the financial impact upon us as a business would be approximately £14,000 over the three months you propose to close the junction. This is a modest and considered calculation, based on adding one hour of travel time per day during this period.
“Are you going to compensate us for this loss or are you happy to see more local companies forced to close due to financial ruin?”
Somerset Council’s lead member for transport Councillor Richard Wilkins, said: “This is a major scheme which will see the complete renewal of the old link road and motorway roundabout.
“Everyone who uses this route will be well aware of the state of the road. That’s why we are grabbing this opportunity with both hands, having successfully secured funding from Government. It has not been easy to find a suitable window to get this done due to its proximity to the M5.”
Visit www.somerset.gov.uk and search J26 for more information.