A key Wiltshire road is set to shut on Monday (March 20) and motorists will be forced to seek alternative routes for ten days.

The A420, between Giddeahall and Ford, will shut on Monday, March 20 from 9.30am to 7pm, and will remain closed during these times for ten days, until March 31.

Wiltshire Council announced the closure this week.

They explained that the work is necessary in order to bring down around 90 trees that have become infected with ash dieback.

The disease means the trees are at risk of falling into the road or shedding branches, posing a risk to motorists.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: Tree felling work in Wiltshire.Tree felling work in Wiltshire. (Image: Wiltshire Council)

Cllr Caroline Thomas, cabinet member for transport, said: “We apologise for any inconvenience caused by this essential safety work.

“With over 100,000 ash trees growing beside Wiltshire’s highways and a further 240,000 alongside public rights of way, the scale of the challenge is immense and work must be carried out as a priority, especially alongside busy high speed roads such as the A420.”

The council added signage will be put in place clearly indicating the diversion routes and the fact that businesses will remain open during the closure.

They will be planting a new native tree in the place of each one that is felled.