VILLAGERS living on opposing banks of the River Wye face long detours after the bridge connecting the two communities was closed.

The decision to stop vehicles using the road linking Kings Caple and Hoarwithy is due to a 12 inch-wide hole on the eastern approach to the bridge.

The gap was first spotted last Friday and signs were placed advising drivers of the road closure. But with many motorists ignoring the signs, Herefordshire Council placed concrete barriers down on the Kings Caple side of the Wye.

Those living in Hoarwithy and wishing to travel east towards Brockhampton and Fownhope are also facing longer trips and higher fuel bills.

Herefordshire councillor Barry Durkin said, as a Hoarwithy resident, he is fully aware of the inconvenience caused by the closure, but said the safety of road users was his primary concern.

“We don’t close a road willy nilly and we are working hard with Amey to find a solution," he said.