Hot weather holds up town's road resurfacing plans

The current spell of hot weather is delaying road resurfacing work in southern Scotland as newly-laid asphalt is taking longer to harden than anticipated.

A series of summer improvements are taking place across Dumfries with the latest on the town's Edinburgh Road this week.

It had been hoped they would be finished by 17:00 on Wednesday and Thursday, but on both days that has been extended until about 20:00 as temperatures hit about 25C (77F).

Dumfries and Galloway Council said the situation could also mean a delay to the overall programme of the work which was meant to finish on Friday but might now need to be completed on Monday.

"We appreciate this may cause inconvenience and would like to thank residents, businesses and road users for their continued patience while these essential works are completed safely and to the required standard," it said.

"Please continue to follow signed diversions and allow extra time for your journey if travelling in the area this evening.

"Thank you for your understanding."

Road closures have become a familiar site across the town this summer with a series of planned - and unplanned - work.

Annan Road should open at the end of the week after the discovery of a sinkhole at the end of May.