A FALLEN tree has closed a Weymouth road in both directions.

Coombe Valley Road in Preston has been closed between the A353 Littlemoor Road and Allberry Gardens.

The road could remain closed for over two weeks due to a "danger to highway users."

Dorset Council has immediately closed the road and a diversion has been put in place.

In a statement, Dorset Council said the road closure "can remain in force for up to 21 days, however it is anticipated that the works will be completed by January 23."

Dorset Council's Highways Out of Hours officers dealt with the incident by getting an approved contractor to clear the tree and make the road safe.

Drivers were still passing through the road despite the closure this morning.

Weymouth Town Councillor Peter Dickenson said this was because someone moved the barriers on the road to pass through.

Cllr Dickenson said: "In the night a tree came down and blocked the road. The tree was removed by a contractor, but the tree next to it is also in a dodgy situation and could come down as well.

"Luckily nobody was injured and no damage was done.

"The road was closed but someone moved the barriers and people were driving through.

"Unfortunately, it is a big bill for the homeowner, they have been in contact with a company to get it taken down."

First Wessex has announced the number 4 route has been diverted due to the road closure.

The service will be diverted until January 23 and will divert via Chalbury Roundabout, Preston Road, Seven Acres Road, Brunel Drive and Stainer Road.

A spokesperson for First Wessex said: "We certainly apologise for the inconvenience caused."

A spokesperson for Dorset Council said: "Coombe Valley Road has been closed due to storm damage to a substantial tree on private property, which has the potential to fall into the adjacent highway.

"We are carrying out a further assessment today, and liaising with the property owner to ensure that they can make the remaining damaged tree safe within our standard 21-day emergency notice period.

"We will continue to work with the owner of the tree and reopen the road as quickly as possible, hopefully before January 23."