PARISHES in North Dorset are calling for a main route to be reopened as soon as possible.

The C13 at Dinah's Hollow, Melbury Abbas, was closed in April 2014 due to worries about the stability of the slopes. An independent geotechnical report concluded that there was a strong possibility of the slopes collapsing into the road.

Parishes along the A350 including Stourpaine, Hillsfort and Iwerne Minster, are concerned the road may not be opened until August 2017.

They have written an open letter to Dorset County Council asking them to look at possibly opening the road by Easter.

Concerns have been raised that not only the road congestion is impacting on local businesses, but that the A350 and other roads around the closure are being worn down by the extra use they are getting.

The letter reads: “The current situation is unacceptable, as the pressure upon the surrounding road infrastructure is causing major traffic congestion, an increase in accidents, particularly on the A350, high levels of pollution, substantial damage to the already overused and fragile roads, verges and properties, together with a serious level of concern for the safety and general quality of life of the communities on, or close to the A350, the C13, the A357 and the B3091.

“A number of local businesses are already reporting that the road congestion has impacted their business and there is grave concern that if the roads remain as hazardous for a further summer, there may be lasting damage to North Dorset’s reputation as a tourism destination.”

Stourpaine Parish Councillor Scott Norman said they wanted a long-term solution that would benefit all the communities along the C13 and A350.

He said it was a complex issue but he said the aim of the letter was to highlight concerns, adding: “Really we are saying we want the voice of the people on the A350 to be heard.”

Andrew Martin, Dorset County Council's head of highways, said: "A design to remove the risk of landslips through Dinah`s Hollow has been received by the county council from our consultants Parsons Brinckerhoff (PB).

“Following local concerns about the extent of the works and the effect they may have on the vegetation and trees in the Hollow, we have instructed PB to revisit their original proposals to examine if an alternate design can be produced, this work is expected to be completed by the end of March.

"Work is being carried out to examine the on-going risk of maintaining the C13 road closure. Collision data is being examined together with the on-going effects being experienced by the alternative routes and communities in the area. An update report will be presented to the county council's Cabinet in May."