Somerset Council has supported Wessex Water and Wales & West Utilities to co-ordinate and complete two vital infrastructure schemes in Chard.
Investments of more than £1.7 million in projects to help to alleviate sewer flooding and upgrade gas pipes have been taking place near the centre of Chard since January.
These essential schemes, on Victoria Avenue, Furnham Road and Glynswood, were part of a collaborative project between Somerset Council, Wessex Water and Wales and West Utilities to work at the same time and keep disruption to a minimum as much as possible.
Construction teams have been working in Victoria Avenue, Furnham Road (A358) and Glynswood within phased closures to through traffic between January and September 2025.
Thanks to the hard work of the respective teams, this work has now been completed within its scheduled timeframe. Glynswood has now been reopened to through traffic and the road surface reinstated, with the final pieces of equipment being demobilised.
Councillor Richard Wilkins, Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Transport and Waste Services said:
These are two vital schemes for Chard – it’s fantastic news for residents who have suffered from flooding in the immediate area, and people across the town are now benefiting from a major upgrade of their gas mains, which will be fit for purpose for decades to come.
We fully recognise that these works have caused significant disruption to daily life and local businesses, and we don’t underestimate the impact this has had. That’s why we’re incredibly grateful for the patience, resilience and support shown by the community throughout this challenging period.
Wessex Water Project Manager Mike Horton said:
This was a complex but vital investment to tackle issues with sewer flooding during heavy rain in Chard and, thanks to the hard work of our teams, we’re delighted to have been able to successfully complete it to schedule.
We have worked closely with many customers and businesses throughout this project and we would like to thank them for their support and patience while we completed our work alongside Wales & West’s project to help minimise longer-term inconvenience.
Wales & West Utilities Programme Controller, Roxanne Whittaker added:
We’d like to thank for local community for bearing with us while we completed this essential work which will ensure the gas network is fit for a greener future.
Contact Wales & West Utilities Customer Service Team on 0800 912 2999 or by enquiries@wwutilities.co.uk.
Contact Wessex Water Customer Service Team on Contact us | Wessex Water
