A MAJOR road in Beaminster town centre is due to close for potentially up to five days as the National Grid undertakes work there. 

The A3066 Hogshill Street will be shut from Wednesday, February 15 so engineers can complete the removal of unsafe electricity supplies and to renew the service. 

This closure could be in force for up to five days but it is anticipated that the works will be completed by Friday, February 17, Dorset Council said.

The road will be shut to traffic from its junction with Fleet Street to the junction with Francis Mews during the duration of the works, a distance of about 40 metres. 

This route is the main road through Beaminster town centre and will mean drivers face a lengthy diversion along the A3066, A356 and Whitcombe Road, which will be signposted for motorists. 

The road is also home to the town's Post Office and pharmacy, along with several food and drink businesses.

The National Grid said that it hoped to get the work done 'sooner rather than later' and apologised for the inconvenience caused.

Access to nearby businesses will be maintained and people are welcome to come and say hello to engineers to ask about the project, it added.

"We have done it in between term times to try and limit the disruption," the electricity company said.

Dorset Council said: "The notice is needed in order to comply with health and safety regulations which require the provision of safe working areas and to minimise likelihood of danger to highway users.

"It will come into operation on February 15, 2023 and remain in force for five days, however it is anticipated that the works will be completed by February 17, 2023.

"National Grid will publicise the road closure in a number of ways: they will place information boards on the road in this area to inform the travelling public of the works; they will carry out a letter drop to local residents directly affected by the works; and they will sign a vehicular diversion route using the local road network."

For more information about the work being undertaken, email the council's traffic team at trafficteam@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk or visit dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/roadworks-events