DRIVERS in Herefordshire will be breathing a sigh of relief this morning as a main road closed by flooding has been reopened.

The A438 was closed between Tarrington and Trumpet after flooding hit the county yet again last week.

It remained closed until last night, although many drivers had been ignoring the closure signs and driving through, prompting police to put out a warning yesterday (February 13).

Police warning

PC Jack Davies said the road was closed due to oil contamination causing environmental issues.

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"The more vehicles that ignore these closure the longer the road will be closed for until the issues are resolved," PC Davies said.

"Failing to comply with road closed signs, you could end with a fixed penalty notice."

Travel disruption

A signed diversion route was in place, with drivers sent to the A4103 Worcester Road to avoid the closure.

The closure also caused major disruption to bus services including the DRM 476 service, which was unable to serve Tarrington and Dormington and had to divert via Ashperton and Whitestone.

But Herefordshire Council has now confirmed that the road has reopened, under temporary traffic lights.