The A4 Derry Hill between Chippenham and Calne will reopen later today, three days ahead of schedule.

The A4 Derry Hill will reopen today from 7pm after the Wiltshire Council said it had made ‘good progress’ clearing around 400 diseased trees.

The road was shut on October 22 as Bowood Estate and the council carried out the urgent works – which it estimated would take 11 days.

The council also said the opportunity was also taken to do other highways maintenance including footpath repairs, cleansing the highway drainage system and replacing the cat's eyes and lines.

Cllr Bridget Wayman, cabinet member for highways said: “I’m delighted that such good progress on these works has been made and that we’re able to reopen the road earlier than expected.

“I would like to apologise to anyone that has been inconvenienced by these essential works.”

Some mature ash trees had to be removed to maintain road safety, however, Bowood Estate will be replanting native trees away from the highway.