BUSINESSES who can prove they have been negatively affected financially by the upcoming roadworks on Bridgwater's 'Golden Triangle' should be compensated by EDF, town councillors say.

EDF representatives gave a presentation at Thursday's town council meeting regarding the proposed one way system that will be in place while roadworks to widen, resurface and install new traffic lights are carried out on the Wylds Road and Bristol Road junctions that meet The Drove.

EDF representative David Eccles assured the town council that thorough consultation was underway, with discussions held at the Somerset County Council transport forum, Sedgemoor District Council, Bridgwater Town Council and Bridgwater Chamber of Commerce.

He also said the team had talked with businesses on Wylds Road and that feedback has been initially positive, with most traders saying the one-way system 'made sense'.

However Cllr Leigh Redman said: “When I first saw these proposals I was instantly struck by the obvious ignorance EDF feel towards our Bridgwater communities.

"If there was one thing that they should have learnt following the appalling stress the Taunton road Broadway junction works had on our community, it should have taught them how their work will negatively impact businesses and members of the public.

The town council unanimously supported Cllr Redman's motion which proposed EDF put in place an extensive consultation process with businesses and residents, with constant updates for the duration of the project, and that EDF should put in place a process that allows businesses to be compensated if they can demonstrate adverse financial effects during the proposed works.

Mr Eccles said that whenever major roadworks takes place there is inevitably disruption.

He added that they cannot make payments to businesses as compensation, but that there are pots of money available which can be applied for.

"For example a group of Watchet businesses managed to get money to promote that 'Watchet is still open for business' during construction of the Washford Cross roundabout in West Somerset," he said.

Deputy chairman of Bridgwater Town Council, Graham Granter, said: "There are lots of people in the town who are upset with the cards we have been dealt."

"The position of this council has been for many years and remains that a bypass would have been better option than to tinker with junctions."