MOTORISTS continue to face lengthy detours due to the prolonged closure of a main route in and out of the conurbation.

The A350 Poole Road has been closed in both directions between Crumpets Drive and Castle Farm Road at Lytchett Matravers since Thursday, December 20 due to a gas leak. SGN engineers had been called in by Dorset County Council following the detection of a gas smell. Yesterday an SGN spokesperson said a team of engineers continue to carry out emergency repairs. No completion date was available, but SGN hopes to provide a further update on Friday. The spokesperson said the road was closed by Dorset County Council at their request.

A diversion route is in place while the work is going on which takes motorists via Bere Regis on the A31 and A35.