A 12-week road closure has been announced today while essential repairs are made to a historic bridge.

Gloucestershire County Council said work would start on the 200-year-old Stanley Mills Bridge on Ryeford Road South near King's Stanley on 19 June.

The changes are designed to meet the demands of heavier vehicles and increased traffic.

A traffic priority scheme is being added to improve safety for vehicles passing on the narrow section of road across the bridge.

The bridge upgrade is a complex structural engineering project, so the road must remain closed for 12 weeks while the work is carried out.

Cllr Vernon Smith, cabinet member for highways and flood, said: "It's a priority for us to keep the county's highways well maintained, in particular ensuring that bridges remain safe into the long-term future.

"I'd like to thank residents in advance for their patience while this important and complex structural project is carried out."

The official diversion route will be signposted via Stanley Downton and Bridgend, with an alternative route to the A419 and Stroud available via Selsley.

Traffic currently travelling via Ryeford Road South may use these diversion routes.

Access to businesses in the village, and primary schools, can be made via Bridgend or Selsley.

There will be diversions in place for buses.