A SECTION of the A66 trans-Pennine route will remain closed today.

The road, between Bowes, in County Durham, and Brough, in Cumbria, has been shut for five days, and while many areas have been experiencing a thaw, the A66 has been closed since January 9.

Despite efforts by Highways Agency workers to clear the road, the freezing temperatures have rendered grit useless and snow has drifted across the carriageway.

Inspector Ed Turner said: “The A66 is so exposed that the weather here is even more extreme than in other parts of the county.

“It is obviously a main arterial route and keeping it closed may inconvenience people, but the road is very dangerous.”

Peter Raine, from Coach and Horse Farm, said the feed for his 1,400 sheep will run out today. He said: “Nothing can get along the road to deliver the feed, so we are a little bit worried.

“I can’t blame them for shutting the road, but it needs salt and there just isn’t any.”

Insp Turner said residents or farmers who have problems should contact the police, who may be able to help.

Police have also urged drivers not to use minor roads as an alternative, because they may be worse.