Motorists travelling near Wincanton will have to add up to 17 miles to their jouney during the summer holidays to allow important repairs to take place.

Somerset County Council will be closing the A371 north of the Holbrook roundabout for five weeks in order replace "badly deteriorated" drainage channels and gullies.

The work is designed to protect this key route, which connects the A303 to Castle Cary and Shepton Mallet, from flooding and ice during the winter months.

The road will be closed continually between July 25 and August 26, which motorists being diverted all the way back to Sparkford – adding up to 17 miles to an individual journey.

Councillor Mike Rigby, portfolio holder for transport and digital, said: "It's vital we get this work done before the winter when there's the ever-present danger of surface water and ice.

"We do understand there will be disruption and our team will do everything they can to minimise this.

"Carrying out the work under a closure during the summer holidays when traffic is significantly lighter is the best option.

"Our team will be in touch with residents and businesses in the immediate area to ensure they have all the information they need.

"Please do check the details on the diversion and plan ahead if you use this route regularly."

Motorists wishing to reach Wincanton from the north-west will be diverted back up the A371 and then west onto the A359 Galhampton Hill.

They will then follow the A359 through the centre of Sparkford and join the A303 eastbound at the Sparkford roundabout – where work to dual the A303 towards Yeovil is currently underway.

They will then follow the A303 to Wincanton, rejoining the A371 at Lawrence Hill near the town's McDonald's restaurant.

Those wishing to access Castle Cary and Shepton Mallet from Wincanton must follow the same diversion in reverse – a diversion which will add at least 20 minutes to a standard journey.

Smaller vehicles wishing to access Wincanton town centre will be able to use West Hill and the B3081 Southgate Road – though this does not form part of the official diversion, and will therefore not be signposted.

For more information on this and other roadworks taking place over the summer holidays, visit www.travelsomerset.co.uk/roadworks.