Fownhope's 'diversion from hell' 'shambles'

Traders in the Herefordshire village say the ten days of roadworks have left them furious. The B4224 is shut in both directions for up to nine hours a day, with a 21 mile detour.

Our reporter Tom Edwards went for a drive to experience the detour for himself, and speak to Jess Prosser from JP's Pet Parlour, Gemma Perks from The Greenman and Thomas Williams at Wye Leisure, who are affected by the Balfour Beatty resurfacing work.

The businesses were promised that customers trying to reach them would be allowed through the roadworks, but contractors at the site have been turning drivers away and asking them to follow the diversion.

Herefordshire Council said in a statement that access "will be maintained for residents and businesses, although there may be a delay whilst machinery and equipment is moved off the road," to allow vehicles to pass.