THE final phase of work to build a new section of road and a support wall on a busy route to the coast started at the weekend.

The work on the A174 Loftus Bank follows last year's landslip that caused serious disruption to traffic. This phase will close Loftus Bank to traffic until late September, though a pedestrian route will be available.

Businesses in and around Loftus will be open as usual during the work, as will the Tom Leonard mining museum at nearby Skinningrove.

Diversions will be sign-posted but motorists making longer journeys are asked to avoid the area because local roads are not suitable for some vehicles.

Buses will operate a different timetable, which is available in shops and public buildings.