UPDATE: Progress on clearing Cotswold road after enormous trees made it impassable

Highways teams have been working hard alongside their contractor ever since to clear the debris and reopen the road as quickly as possible.  

Thanks to these efforts residents can now get out of their properties and are being provided with access while the road is closed to the wider public. However, due to the number of fallen trees and their size, it is expected to take at least a week before the road can be reopened. The A436 is closed between Notgrove and the A429 at Whiteshoots Hill with a diversion route in place using the A40 and A429. 

Jason Humm, Director of Highways and Transport for Gloucestershire County Council, said: "The situation on the A436 is unprecedented and anyone who has watched the drone footage can see that. We're working hard to clear the road as quickly as possible of the 50 or more trees that have come down.  

“These trees are enormous, so this process will take up to a week. Residents that have been impacted have been offered support and help with essentials. In terms of the long-term safety – we will be undertaking checks on the rest of the trees and will provide regular updates. These trees are in private ownership, but the landowner is working closely with us. We appreciate everyone’s patience whilst the road is closed.”  

Residents who are were trapped were offered support with essential supplies such as food and medication. For anyone that is worried about someone or who needs help can contact Cotswold District Council customer services - 01285 623000 from 9am to 2pm Monday to Friday or customer.services@cotswold.gov.uk 

Updates are also being made here on a dedicated web page. 

Progress will be reviewed on Monday 16 December and an update provided.