A WARNING has been issued ahead of an upcoming five-day road A417 closure.

The A417 London Road between Lechlade and Cirencester will be closed from Monday, January 8 until Friday, January 12 between the hours of 9.30am and 3.30pm so that ash dieback work can take place.

The work is due to be completed between Cherrytree Lane and Rosebud Cottages.

The following diversion route in blue - between the A361 from Lechlade, the A40 and the A429 towards Cirencester and vice versa - will be put in place.

Cotswold Journal: Red line indicates the extent of the road closure. Blue line indicates the proposed diversion route Red line indicates the extent of the road closure. Blue line indicates the proposed diversion route (Image: Gloucestershire Highways)

A spokesperson for Gloucestershire County Council said: "We will shortly be carrying out essential works at the above location to remove unsafe trees infected with ash dieback.

"Ash dieback disease causes ash trees to become unsafe.

"Trees could shed limbs or collapse on to the road causing harm and injury. 

"This work must take place for health and safety reasons, to protect road users and pedestrians, and make sure the carriageway remains clear of debris.

"Due to the type of activities required with tree felling and maintenance works, the road closure can cover an area greater than where work is taking place. 

"This is to allow safe movement and placement of machinery and material.

"We appreciate road closures are inconvenient, but it is necessary to keep you and the team working on the road safe.

"We have planned the work so we can be in and out as quickly as possible and have tried to do it at a time that will minimise any inconvenience."