PLANNED repairs to a route between Blandford and Shaftesbury may be put on hold when civic chiefs meet next week.

Major stabilisation works had been planned for the C13 at Dinah's Hollow following reports that showed the slopes through the hollow were unstable.

The road was temporarily opened in July under traffic management plans in order to protect road users.

But next week's cabinet meeting may see the works delayed following an investigative economic study.

The survey looked at routes from Poole and Portland ports to the M4, with Bath and North East Somerset Council and Wiltshire Council.

Cllr Peter Finney, the council’s cabinet member for environment, said: “We need to look at the longer term plan and if this means delaying the remedial work in Melbury Abbas to ensure future economic benefits for the county, then we have to consider it.

“By looking at the larger picture we will be able to lobby Government to consider the economic benefit of having better connections and their inclusion into the Highways England programme.

“Currently the studies have shown that rural bypasses, although needed by local residents, fail to demonstrate the potential that will lead to economic growth.”

Should cabinet members vote to delay the works, at their meeting on December 2, the current traffic management in Melbury Abbas will be amended and a regular inspection regime will be put in place to check equipment and signs of slope movement.