A MONTH-long closure of a Bridport road came into force this week as work began repairing sewers.

A 650 metre section of North Allington (B3162), between its junction with West Street and its junction with Hospital Lane, is closed to allow Wessex Water safe access to carry out 'sewer rehabilitation works'.

The closure came into force on Monday, February 8 and the road will be closed in both directions until Friday, March 12.

Simon Holland, owner of Washingpool Farm Shop and Café, which is situated just off North Allington, said he has already seen the 'negative impact' of the road closure on his shop.

Mr Holland, who runs the shop along with his wife Victoria, said: “It’s been very disruptive. We've already seen a serious knock on effect on takings over the past few days. It's also had an impact on my life as its been a real struggle to meet deliveries on time.

“The inconvenience is quite large but some of it will be down to the weather as well.

“If it carries on the same way it will have a very negative impact on business over the next four to five weeks.

"I don't want to complain too much as a lot of other businesses are much more restricted than us due to Covid regulations but it has been detrimental to business."

Bridport and Lyme Regis News: A diversion route is in place, taking drivers around the closureA diversion route is in place, taking drivers around the closure

A 15 mile diversion route is in place, above, which will take drivers approximately 30 minutes to follow.

Councillor Julian Jones, who represents Bridport North, said: "At the end of the day people need working sewers so they need to get them sorted out.

"I'm sure it will inconvenience some people but the works need to be carried out at some point and since we're in lockdown now is the ideal time. People should only be leaving their house for essential reasons so there should be fewer people driving anyway."

The closure will affect bus service 7.

Between Monday, February 8 to Wednesday, February 24, North Allington will not be served between the junctions with Parsonage Road and St Swithins Road. This service will divert by retracing the route to St Swithins Road. The timetable thereafter should not be greatly affected.

From Wednesday, February 24 until the road reopens on Friday, March 12, North Allington will not be served north of the junction with Parsonage Road, including Hospital Lane (for Bridport Hospital and Cherry Tree). This service will serve North Allington southbound from the junction with Parsonage Road as timetabled.

Washingpool Farm Shop is offering an order and collect service from Bridport Football Club car park on Skilling Hill Road for residents who are unable to access the shop due to the closure.

The farm shop will remain open for those who are able to get there, with the order and collect service also operating from the shop's car park.

The order and collect service is available from Tuesday to Friday. Residents can arrange a same day collection by ordering before 11am on the day, or can order in advance.
Collections are available from the football club car park between 2pm and 3.30pm.

To arrange a collection call the shop on 01308 459549 or send an email to info@washingpool.co.uk.