VILLAGERS in Clayhidon are being told Somerset County Council has had to look at its priorities for road signs.

As reported last week, Somerset Highways told Clayhidon Parish Council it had no budget to replace an old iron signpost at a dangerous junction flattened in a serious accident 18 months ago.

Clayhidon parish councillor Alison Weekes said anyone reaching the top of Ford Street from Wellington was faced with a crossroads on the fast ridge road which did not have a sign.

A spokesman for Somerset County Council said: “As our funding from Government continues to fall, we are having to look closely at all areas of spending and that means prioritising our small budget for highways signs towards mandatory hazard and safety signs.

“However, we continue to value the importance of fingerposts as part of our county’s heritage and are currently working with our Heritage colleagues to develop a guidance document that will include the surveying, restoration and maintenance of fingerposts.

“We will be actively seeking the support of local community groups later in the year and publishing details of how they can get involved.

Mrs Weekes also said that Somerset Highways never grits the roads and cuts the verges far too late.

A council spokesman added: “We grit several roads through the Blackdown Hills, including the Blackdown Hills Spine Road whenever road surface temperatures are predicted to drop below freezing.

“To check our gritting network, please visit www.travelsomerset.

co.uk/gritting.

“The highway verges on the Blackdown Hills Spine Road are cut once a year, usually in late summer. If there is a visibility problem at a junction please phone 0300 123 2224 and we will carry out a reactive inspection and cutting if necessary.”