ALL hands are on deck as preparations for Bridgwater’s Guy Fawkes carnival ramp up ahead of it going ahead on Saturday, November 2.

Road improvements taking place on the Celebration Mile, part of the Bridgwater Town Deal to create an accessible walking and cycling route across the town, will not affect the carnival route.

Work on the Town Bridge by BT Openreach, which is necessitating four-way traffic signals, are due to be completed by the end of the month.

Teams working on other projects have also adjusted their plans as a result of the carnival. Work on upgrading Dunball roundabout near Bridgwater will not be due to start until November 11, after carnivals also taking place in Burnham-on-Sea and North Petherton.

Contractors working for Agratas to supply electricity to its planned facility on the Gravity site in Puriton will restore two way traffic flows on the A39 Bath Road and Bower Lane from October 30 to November 4.

Roads will be closed at 4pm on the day of the carnival, before processions get underway at 6pm.

Cllr Mike Rigby, executive lead member for economic development, planning and assets said “Bridgwater Carnival is hugely important not just to the town, but to Somerset and the South West.

“I am pleased that I can reassure carnival fans, local businesses and residents that there will be no restriction on carnival activities, due to the Celebration Mile works.

“Bridgwater Town Deal is unlocking multi-million pound investments in Bridgwater through the 11 projects that include Celebration Mile and supporting the carnival by providing modern sheds for carnival clubs to build their carts.”

Contractor for the Celebration Mile Taylor Woodrow is sponsoring a money collection cart at the festival, where proceeds will be shared out to good causes in the local area.