WORK to prevent a river bank – and a major road – slipping into the River Stour at Sturminster Newton is set to take place in the autumn.

The bank of the river bordering the A357, between the bridge and the turning to Sturminster Newton Mill, is subsiding into the river.

Now, work costing around £1.3 million to stop the slip has been announced by Dorset Council, getting underway in September and lasting until November.

Some planning work needs to take place in July, the council said, with soil nails then being drilled through the bank to secure it into the bedrock.

During the work, the eastbound lane of the A357 be closed, with traffic lights in place in a bid to minimise disruption. However, drivers are being warned to allow extra time for journeys.

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Council officers have been working with the town council, those directly affected by the works and local ward councillors, Cllr Carole Jones and Cllr Pauline Batstone, to ensure the stabilisation and the traffic management goes smoothly.

Cllr Ray Bryan, portfolio holder for highways, travel and environment, said: “We have listened to feedback from the town council, local groups and the Dorset Councillors for the area when planning this important stabilisation work, and we are grateful for their support.

“Our team will work hard to keep disruption to a minimum, and we thank everyone for their patience while a safer area is created for all.”

Drivers are being warned to expect delays on the A357 during the work. Picture: Google

The timetable for work is as follows:

From 24 July for one week: An eastbound stretch of the road will be closed with traffic management in place, to enable the removal of willow trees on the bank slope in preparation for the soil nailing.

If left, the trees’ roots would interfere with the soil nails.

An equal number of trees is being offered to the town council for planting elsewhere.

All trees will be surveyed and if birds are found to be nesting, removal will be delayed.

At the same time, gabions – baskets of stones along the edge of the riverbank that prevent erosion – will be repaired and maintained.

From 11 September 2023 until late November: Drilling of some 327 soil nails, between 8 and 12 metres long, will take place.

During the work, the eastbound stretch of the A357 bordering the river will be closed, with temporary three-way signals in place.

Once the work is complete, the bank will be seeded with wildflowers.