Storm-hit road to stay shut as trees to be felled

About 40 further trees are to be felled on private land in Gloucestershire after high winds knocked down 70 trees onto a road during Storm Darragh.

The A436 has been closed between Notgrove and the A429 at Whiteshoots Hill since the private trees were brought down by the storm on the weekend of 7 and 8 December.

The road has been closed while the trees have been cleared but residents are now able to access their properties.

Gloucestershire County Council said the road would remain closed for "longer than anticipated" as more trees need to be cut down.

Gloucestershire was largely under a yellow wind warning during Storm Darragh, which saw a red wind warning issued for coastal Wales and Somerset, including the nearby Bristol Channel.

A man was injured on the A436 while out walking with his wife during the storm. They were on holiday in the area at the time.

The county council said: "Following a safety check and in discussion with the landowner, it is clear that there are around 40 other trees alongside the road that will need to be felled to ensure the safety of road users and residents."

Access to the road will be maintained for residents and is expected to reopen fully before Christmas, with the county council due to provide another update next week.

In the meantime, non-residential traffic is being diverted via the A40 and A429.

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