ROADWORKS on a main road in west Dorset will now take place overnight following a public backlash – costing the council an additional £50,000.

Dorset County Council had planned to carry out the daytime resurfacing work on the A3066 between Beaminster and Melplash from August 1 to August 19. But following complaints from residents and businesses, the work will take place between 10pm and 7am.

The shift to overnight working will also mean the road surface will be less durable and will need further treatment in the future.

A council spokesman said: “This will minimise disruption to the local community, residents and businesses.

“Last year, the council surveyed its highway network and found that the section of the A3066 from Melplash to Beaminster needed to be resurfaced because of low skid resistance.

“The scheme was originally programmed to be delivered under a day-time road closure in June and July. However, this conflicted with the school exam period and the shuttle bus that runs between Bridport and Beaminster. As a result, the county council postponed the works until the school holiday period.”

Louise Chidgey, director of Brassica restaurant in Beaminster, had raised concerns the roadworks would have “essentially cut us off from either passing trade or direct access into the town”.

She added: “For small rural business owners in an area which relies on tourism, this was a major blow to us.

“In order to survive the quieter months, both the restaurant and shop rely heavily on the upturn in trade during August - so much so that the boost in cashflow allows us to keep trading altogether.”

Beaminster town councillor Robin Cheeseman also raised concerns.

He said: “Although we all know that the local roads need maintenance and repair, it is totally unreasonable at the peak of the holiday season.

“During and after the collapse of the Beaminster Tunnel, a huge amount of time, effort and money was invested by DCC and WDDC in not only repairing the Tunnel but also in helping local businesses and the tourist trade to recover.

“It is totally inconceivable how this avoidable proposed closure can go ahead without a major long term affect on the local economy.”

The council had initially planned to carry out the work overnight because of safety issues due to the narrow width of the road, with the type of machinery and method used requiring staff to work next to moving machinery.

A council spokesman added: “Carrying out the works at night is now possible using an alternative material and different method of construction.

“However, this will increase the cost of the works by £50,000 and mean that the surface material is less durable and will need to be treated again in the future.”

Cllr Rebecca Knox, who represents Beaminster on Dorset County Council, praised the council’s “positive efforts to help local communities”.