GLOUCESTERSHIRE Highways is reminding drivers to take care travelling around the site of a recent landslip near Stroud.

Heavy rain caused the landslip and has led to a temporary road closure on the B4058 Nailsworth to Horsley Road, Stroud.

Gloucestershire Highways crews are currently investigating the site and a diversion is in place.

Local residents are concerned that some drivers are not following the official diversion route, which is a safer way around the closure.

If drivers choose to use the smaller narrow lanes for a local diversion they are reminded to keep to the speed limit for their own safety and the safety of others.

The site, which has already been the subject of some corrective work this year, was affected by significant rainfall that caused further movement on the hillside.  The road has been temporarily closed while further investigations are carried out.

Highways crews have relieved pressure on the landslip and sandbags have been placed on the road to divert water away from the slip area helping to reduce the risk of further movement and protecting the properties below.

Structural engineers are visiting the site daily to monitor the situation.

Depending on investigations it is still hoped that the full repair scheme can take place over the next few months.

Cllr Vernon Smith, cabinet member for floods, said: "I would like to remind drivers to take care travelling around the landslip. The official diversion route (using the A4135 and Calcot crossroads) is the safest way around. Downend and the adjoining hamlets are not a suitable way through, and should not be used to access the recycling centre.

“Local residents will know other ways to get around the closure, but these are via narrow residential lanes so I would like to remind drivers to be extra cautious and to, of course, stick to the speed limit.”