A ROAD diversion through a small hamlet has been stopped after residents raised concerns about "dangerous" lorries thundering through narrow roads.

The diversion through Crockers Ash, near Whitchurch, started on the evening of May 21 from 8pm to 6am, after traffic was diverted off the A40.

Surfacing works are taking place between Whitchurch and Monmouth in a £134,342 scheme, with work expected to finish on June 19.

While work took place on the A40 between Whitchurch and Ganarew westbound a diversion was planned through Crockers Ash, and again when work came to that stretch on the eastbound carriageway.

But following complaints from residents about the size of the lorries which were directed through the hamlet's narrow roads, the diversion route has now been amended and will no longer go through Crockers Ash.

Spokesman for Herefordshire Council, Michelle Morgan, said: “Balfour Beatty Living Places (BBLP), on behalf of Herefordshire Council, wishes to acknowledge the inconvenience that the original diversion route has had for the residents of Crockers Ash.

"The route was operational for one night only but following feedback from local residents we have ensured that an alternative (albeit) longer route for diverted traffic has been implemented by Highways England."

The 32-mile diversion which was going to be in place after the roadworks had passed Ganarew will now be in place for the duration of the scheme.

The diversion takes drivers from Monmouth on the A4136 through Mitcheldean and ends at the Ross-on-Wye A40/ A449 roundabout between 8pm and 6am.

Ms Morgan added: "BBLP works closely with other organisations and utility companies to coordinate road closures for essential maintenance works across the county.

"We appreciate there is often some inconvenience for the travelling public whilst works are in progress and on occasions, work is programmed to take place during night time hours to reduce the disruption to road users."