A FARMING couple reckon their cider sales have dried up due to a three-month road closure while flood prevention works are carried out.

Jim and Mary Lockyer and his wife say their normally busy passing trade has dropped off completely since work started in the A372 at Aller.

Essential culvert work is being undertaken to alleviate water flow on the Somerset Levels to avoid communities being cut off like they were during the heavy floods early last year.

But it means the link to Othery, Bridgwater and beyond has been blocked and the couple claim road closure signs in Langport give the incorrect impression that Aller is inaccessible from the south.

Mr Lockyer, whose family has owned Bere Farm since 1925, said many businesses are suffering.

He added: “We are very reliant on passing trade from drivers who see our cider barrel and sign from the road.

“This time of year is when we usually have a high volume of tourists who pass through, see the cider sign and call in. Since the road closed it has just stopped completely.

“We have some events planned during the summer, but it is the day-to-day trade that is essential to the viability of our business.”

Businesses have clubbed together to run a family prize quiz in an attempt to lure more visitors to the village – entry cards are available at Langport Information Centre, in Bow Street.

A spokesman for Somerset County Council said: “The current work at Bere Wall is the second phase of a major project to minimise the risk of future flooding.

“This should hopefully prevent the sort of disruption experienced during the severe winter floods of 2014 when the A372 was closed for many weeks.

“Unfortunately, due to the scale of these works, a road closure is the only option.

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused and will be working hard to finish the work as quickly as possible.”