ASEILERS will be seen again on the slopes of Beaminster Tunnel. But this time it’s to stop the spread of Himalayan Balsam.

The steep slopes of the entrance to the tunnels will have teams of qualified rope workers pulling out the offending plants. They will also cut back any hazel growth - helping to keep the slopes stable.

The B3081 that runs through the tunnel will remain open during this work, but one lane will be closed for the safety of road users. Temporary traffic lights will keep traffic flowing during this time.

Following a fatal landslip in July 2012 abseilers were used to embed soil nails into the slopes. The nails anchor a steel net that retains the soil. The slopes were hydro-seeded with native species of wild flowers which often take time to establish.

The teams will work for two days on 16 and 17 June and again in July and September, weather permitting. This work will continue for three years to eradicate the plant.

Cllr Rebecca Knox, county councillor for Beaminster said: “I’ve had many enquiries about controlling this plant in the local area. It is great that the county council will be sending in the specialist team to treat the tunnel’s slopes. Wild flowers and different grasses have been seeded on the slopes and we want them to flourish.

“Many of you have asked if you could get involved in clearing this weed and groups of volunteers are very welcome.”

The county council is organising teams of volunteers to work in the Beaminster area to help control the wider spread of Himalayan Balsam. Anyone interested in helping should contact Annabel King via email annabel.king@dorsetcc.gov.uk