A LANDSLIP in North Dorset saw tonnes of earth crash onto barriers, closing the road.

The C13 through Dinah's Hollow near Melbury Abbas remains blocked after 20-30 tonnes of earth slipped, pushing the concrete barriers out on Wednesday morning.

A spokesperson for Dorset County Council said it could take two or three days to clear.

A team from the council were on the scene to assess the situation this morning, with teams being organised to clear the site.

Motorists are being advised to use the A350 as an alternative route, with Dinah's Hollow closed both ways between the B3081 Cann Common and Spread Eagle Hill.

Last year, Dorset County Council closed the road at Dinah's Hollow after a number of landslips.

An independent report was ordered into the stability of the steep slopes, and concluded that there was a strong possibility of the slopes collapsing into the road.

A report on the council's website said the volume of rock and soil that could slip was sufficient enough to engulf a small vehicle.

Planned work on the slopes was postponed in December 2015 after the council's cabinet decided to continue talks with neighbouring counties over the possibility of building better transport links from Poole and Portland ports up to the M4 motorway.

As a result of this, a regular inspection regime was due to be put in place to check equipment and for signs of slips.

In January this year, new concrete barriers were installed on the road.

North Dorset MP, Simon Hoare tweeted: "Dinah's Hollow closed again by further landslip.

"We now must crack on to deliver a permanent solution. Local residents and firms deserve better."