Bat survey closes road ahead of landslip works

Previous landslips have blocked the road between Melbury Abbas and Cann Common

Ecological bat surveys are being carried out on a stretch of road affected by landslips as part of an £8m stabilisation project.

The C13 at Dinah's Hollow, near Shaftesbury will be shut between 09:00 and 15:00 BST for five days starting on Monday, with drivers diverted via the nearby A350.

Previous landslips have completely blocked the road and concrete safety barriers are in place to mitigate any further collapse.

Dorset Council previously said there was a risk of a fatality at Dinah's Hollow unless tree felling and stabilisation works went ahead.

The C13 is a key north-south route for Dorset.

Two further three-day closures for the same restricted hours are planned in the coming months.

A council spokesperson said: "These are to enable ecological surveys to take place in relation to Dinah's Hollow stabilisation project.

"We apologise for any inconvenience caused."