WINDSOR Terrace in Lyme Regis was closed suddenly earlier today (Friday, January 24) after a stone wall collapsed resulting in a free falling over.

The road was closed by Dorset County Council after they issued Emergency Closure Order due to concerns about health and safety.

The recent bad weather has resulted in the collapse of a stone wall that supports the road, which then resulted in a tree to fall over.

A spokesperson for the Highways Agency said: “We've had to close Windsor Terrace because a ten metre length of a stone wall supporting the road has collapsed following the recent bad weather, which resulted in a tree falling over.

“As further erosion of the bank is likely, it would be inappropriate on safety grounds to allow vehicles to continue using the section of road concerned.

“A Structural Engineer will visit the location in the next couple of days to assess the situation and make recommendations for rebuilding the wall. We will then consult with various parties, including affected residents, on the timing of the works.”

The road will be closed to vehicles for a minimum of three weeks as the work is completed, but could last longer if erosion of the wall is worse than feared. Diversion signs are in place.

This is the latest casualty caused by the torrential rain and strong winds that have battered the South Coast over the past few months, and comes at the same time the Met Office issued another warning for heavy rain and strong winds for Dorset.

The ‘yellow’ warning, which is valid from 6am until 11.45pm on Sunday night, covers Dorset, Poole and Bournemouth. There is a risk of further flooding in some areas.

The chief forecaster at the Met Office said: "Another Atlantic frontal system is forecast to cross the UK during Sunday. Rainfall accumulations of over 20 mm are expected in many western parts, with the greatest risk of flooding in southwestern areas along with Northern Ireland.”