STABILISATION works to prevent landslips above a Dorset road are set to cost £4m.

The road on the C13 at Dinah's Hollow in Melbury Abbas, near Shaftesbury, has been closed while experts carry out investigations. A report presented to Dorset County Council's cabinet at County Hall in Dorchester stated that the consequences of a landslip could be 'very serious'.

Stabilisation works to the Dinah's Hollow slope are expected to cost £3.56m and further works to the Melbury Abbas Church slope, where a number of large soft rocks have fallen from the rock face, will cost a further £85,000. Road restoration costs will cost £350,000.

Chairing the meeting, Cllr Robert Gould, leader of the county council, said: “The closure of this road has caused great disruption and inconvenience to residents and the wider economy. It is an extremely important route.”

Cllr Peter Finney, cabinet member for environment and the economy, said money has been ‘set aside’ for the work.

“That amount of money may well be revised and if savings can be made we will certainly try to do that.”