The main road between Cheltenham and Winchcombe will be closed for more than three weeks from Monday as work to fix a collapsed drain system takes place.

There have been temporary traffic lights in operation on the B4632 over Cleeve Hill between Lye Lane and Gambles Lane since September after the initial collapse of the drain.

However, complex work needs to be undertaken to fix the drain system and that will result in the road being closed from 9.30am on Monday, February 3 through to February 28.

The 300metre section of the road between Lye Lane and Gambles Lane will be closed.

An official diversion route will be in place for all vehicles travelling between Winchcombe and Cheltenham and vice versa - but that comes in at a considerable 17.1miles.

The council have advised that "Road users should use the signposted diversion to avoid congestion on local lanes."

During the work, crews working for Gloucestershire County Council will be making deep excavations so the road cannot be reopened to traffic until the work is complete.

Cllr Vernon Smith, cabinet member for highways at Gloucestershire County Council, said, "Our investigations have found the poor condition of this stretch of road has been caused by a collapsed drain system which we must fix.

"I appreciate this urgent closure is inconvenient for both commuters and local residents however our crews will be working hard to get this road repaired as quickly as possible."

Residents and businesses within the closure area will have access to their properties and a letter with more details about the work will be delivered this week.