River bank to be tested following slippage concerns

The River Stour borders the A357 in Sturminster Newton

A river bank's stability is to be tested, several months after work was carried out to prevent it from slipping into the water.

About 500 large nails were put in to the bank of the River Stour in Sturminster Newton, Dorset, in January.

These soil nails will now be tested at random to ensure they are securing the bank.

Starting on Monday, the resistance checks are expected to last for three weeks.

Experts will use handheld equipment to test the nails

Dorset Council carried out the works to stop any further movement, and protect the busy A357 road nearby.

The nails, which are between 8m (26ft) and 12m (39ft) long, pin steel mesh to the embankment.

Testing should have taken place once the stabilisation work was originally completed, the council said.

But continued heavy rainfall meant the ground was too wet for the specialist testing equipment to gain the required traction.

No impact is expected on vehicle traffic, with all work taking place away from the carriageway.