Melbury Abbas unstable slopes route shut for survey

Metal rods measuring up to 12 metres (39ft) could be driven into the banks to secure them

A road route through a Dorset village with unstable slopes is being shut for a study ahead of works to make it safe.

Major works are planned for the C13 at Dinah's Hollow, which links Blandford to Shaftesbury, amid concerns its steep-sided banks could collapse.

Dorset County Council said the slopes, which are at an angle of more than 60 degrees in places, could engulf a car if a slip occurred

The road was expected to be closed between 09:00 and 16:00 BST.

Drivers will have to use a two-mile (3km) diversion route, via the A350 Blandford to Shaftesbury road.

The county council said the slopes at either side of the road were "sufficient to engulf a small vehicle"

A council spokesman said: "Due to the narrow passage through the hollow, we need to close the road to carry out the site visit safely.

"We're sorry for the disruption the closure will cause."

Long-term repairs are expected to be completed next year.