A STRETCH of road through Drybrook will be closed for 11 days as work is done to fix the problem of an overhanging rock and falling debris.

Due to the nature of the work needed to chisel back the large rock, a full road closure will have to be in place throughout the project.

The stretch of Hawthorns Road from the right hand bend after Silverstone Farm, north to the old railway bridge will be fully closed from Monday, February 19 until Friday, March 2.

Once the works have finished and the area is safe, the road will fully reopen without the current temporary traffic lights and single lane closure.

The bank on the opposite side of the road has already been stabilised and there were concerns that some bats had made it their home.

However following an ecological survey, it’s been confirmed that these works and won’t cause any disruption to the bats. 

Cllr Vernon Smith, (Con, Tewkesbury), Cabinet member for highways, said, “Its great news that these safety works are starting.

“This type of work can be fairly dangerous but once finished, the road will be fully open and totally safe to use. I’d like to thank people in the area for their patience.”

Cllr Terry Hale, (Con Drybrook and Lydbrook), said, “I’m pleased to hear that work to fix Hawthorn’s Road is happening.

“It is important to maintain links between rural communities and, although the closure will be inconvenient, it will be wonderful to have the road fully open in the long run.”