FOREST of Dean motorists and pedestrians are being warned of a series of temporary road and footpath closures across the region later this month and into December.

The closures are to allow drainage, highway, utility and maintenance works to take place. Gloucestershire County Council, acting as the traffic authority, has issued a number of temporary traffic regulation orders affecting roads in Newland, Cinderford, Lydney and West Dean, as well as a public footpath in Lydbrook.

The authority says the closures are required to enable essential works to be carried out safely. The most significant closure will affect the C357 road between Swanpool Wood and the junction with Almhouse Road in Newland. A section running from outside The Vicarage to Spout Cottage, covering approximately 180 metres, will be closed to allow drainage improvements to be undertaken.

The road is expected to be shut from Monday, November 16 until Thursday, November 19. However, the order allows the closure to remain in force for up to 18 months if the works overrun, although it is expected to be lifted once the project is completed. No stopping or waiting will be permitted during the works.

In Cinderford, a 50-metre section of Hillberry Road between properties numbered 17 and 10 will be closed on Friday, November 13 from 9am to 5pm for the replacement of lighting poles. Pedestrian and emergency access will be maintained throughout the works.

Meanwhile, drivers in Lydney face disruption on Sunday, November 15, when part of Newerne Street will be closed between 8am and 4pm to allow work on manhole covers. The affected section extends approximately 30 metres between numbers 33-39 and number 45.

A temporary closure is also planned for Public Footpath RLY4 in Lydbrook. The route outside The Cottage will be closed from Monday, November 30 8am until Tuesday, December 1 5pm while works are carried out by Network Plus. Emergency service access and pedestrian access to adjoining premises will be maintained.

The final restriction affects Tylers Way in West Dean, where works on behalf of Severn Trent Water are scheduled. The road will close from Thursday, December 3 8am until Friday, December 4 6pm near Holly Lodge.

Find out about planning applications that affect you by visiting the Public Notice Portal.

The county council said signed diversion routes will be in place where necessary and advised road users to plan journeys accordingly. Further information is available through Gloucestershire Highways