Urgent attempts to tackle gas leaks will result in a month-long road closure and drivers forced to use a 30-mile diversion.

Gas company SGN will begin work on replacing a main pipeline on the A350 in Dorset on November 18.

There will be no direct vehicle access in either direction on the road past Sturminster Marshall until December 16.

SGN apologized for the inconvenience and said a signed diversion route would be in place.

The company explained that this was due to the complexity of the engineering works required, with the gas pipe running through the center of the road and the need to use large machinery on site.

The A350 will be closed from the A31 at Roundhouse roundabout to the north side of the junction with Dullar Lane and Station Road.

Bus routes confirmed by SGN in the area will be maintained, as will access for pedestrians and cyclists.

He said the improvements would reduce the risk of gas leaks in the future.