THE county council has denied reported access issues to a Wellington business park after occupiers said they were “refused entry”.

In May, Somerset Council confirmed that 24-hour access to Foxmoor Business Park would be maintained amid three-month-long works to the M5 Junction 26 roundabout and connecting link road.

Since the works began on June 15, site occupants have reportedly been refused access on a number of occasions, three of which were shared with the park’s management.

Director of Foxmoor Business Park, Gideon Sumption said the council’s promises have “proved empty” and that the issue has been “extremely vexing”.

He said: “There have been several reported occasions when access has been denied to both occupiers and visitors despite promises and reassurances that 24/7 access will be provided, as is the legal right of every occupier and visitor.

“[The council’s] promises and written assurances have proved empty.”

A business park occupant, Olly Watt, director of Direct Utility Solutions (DUS Ltd), said: “One of my drivers was refused access to the Business park on Sunday (July 27) morning. We were assured it would be 24/7 access.

“This has had a massive detrimental effect on getting a important job finished for a client.”

A spokesperson for Somerset Council said: “The project team working on the refurbishment of J26 and the Chelston Link Road liaises closely with affected businesses to address any concerns.

“The team confirms that access has not, at any time, been denied to Foxmoor Business Park, Wellington.

“Access is available 24/7 during the works from the A38 Chelston Roundabout.

“At times (off peak / overnight / weekends) traffic management will be in place to facilitate single lane access - this will be in the form of temporary traffic lights / convoy working, but access will be available via the A38 Chelston Roundabout to Foxmoor Business Park 24/7 throughout the course of the works.”