A696 near Otterburn reopens following turbine fall

Graffiti was sprayed on to the structure as it lay on the roadside

A main route through Northumberland has reopened five days after it was blocked when a wind turbine stem fell off a lorry.

The 147ft (45m) shaft was left in the A696 near Otterburn on Monday and diversions set up.

Cranes were brought in to remove it on Thursday and the road was reopened at about 17:00 BST following road repairs.

Traders in the town said the closure had been "devastating" with no passing trade.

Northumberland County Council said it had made reopening the road its top priority.

The recovery operation involved building two large stone platforms to support the cranes to lift the stem.

Parish councillor and pub landlord Clive Emmerson said the effect of the closure had been devastating and he was relieved the road was reopening.