FAMILIES and commuters in two Sedgemoor villages have had to find alternative routes around a severely flooded road which has been closed for weeks.

Ward Lane near Chedzoy and Stawell, near Bridgwater, has been closed after water overflowed onto the road from saturated fields.

Water levels had been rising in the rhynes surrounding the fields, which are next to the King's Sedgemoor Drain, before finally overflowing onto the road.

Andy Nelms, a Stawell resident, said: "All three main routes out of the village were flooded on Saturday night during heavy rain, but some of the water had receded by morning."

Meanwhile, police have warned motorists to take extra care on the roads following heavy rain.Roads which were particularly affected over the weekend included the A39 around Cannington, Nether Stowey and Keenthorne and the A38.

A police spokesman said: “The roads are affected by standing water as well as water running off surrounding fields.

“If you are intending to travel in these areas please consider delaying your journey until the morning or otherwise use alternative routes and be cautious of standing water.

“Please avoid driving through flooded roads as vehicles are likely to get stuck and thus will cause additional problems for other road users and the emergency services.”