WILTON Road in Ross-on-Wye will close for nearly eight weeks as long-awaited work begins to tackle the risk of falling rocks from the cliff above.

Herefordshire Council has confirmed that engineering and safety improvements at Wilton rock face will start on Monday, October 19, and are scheduled to continue until Friday, December 11.

The road will be completely closed between its two junctions with Wye Street throughout the scheme, with nearby Royal Parade also shut during the works. Signed diversions and advance warning signs will be put in place, although pedestrian access will be maintained wherever possible.

The project follows years of concern about the stability of the rock face. A fall in 2019 forced the road to close, with temporary protective barriers installed before traffic was allowed to return. Further rockfalls have since been contained by those barriers.

The council has now appointed a contractor to deliver what it describes as a long-term solution, with measures intended to intercept falling material and make the location safer.

Work will involve clearing vegetation from the foot of the cliff, installing new drainage, building a rock trap and constructing a concrete block wall finished with stone facing. The stone finish is intended to help the new structure blend into the surrounding landscape.

The council acknowledged that a lasting solution had been a priority for Ross Town Council and local residents.

It said the timing had been chosen to avoid sensitive periods for nesting birds and bats, while work crews would need the road space to carry out the improvements safely.

Households and businesses closest to the site are being contacted ahead of the closure. Traders have been advised to arrange deliveries around the restrictions where necessary.

Drivers have been urged to plan ahead, follow signed diversion routes and allow extra time for journeys during the disruption.

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