'Dangerous' lightning-hit tree shuts Beaminster tunnel

Safety fears over a large oak tree in Dorset which was split in two by lightning have led to the closure of a road and tunnel below.

A decision has been taken to fell the tree as both halves could fall and damage Beaminster Tunnel.

Dorset County Council said the dangerous tree on the northern slope must be removed as soon as possible.

The A3066 has been closed while the tree is felled, with work expected to last until 17:00 BST on Wednesday.

The council's arboriculture manager, Steve Maros, said: "As the two halves move in the wind the split is extending further down towards the base of trunk.

"Eventually both halves will fall onto the top of the tunnel. This would damage the tunnel's restraining mesh and the tunnel itself."

In 2012 a couple were killed when their car was engulfed by a wall of mud during a landslide in the tunnel.

Rosemary Snell, 67, and Michael Rolfe, 72, both from Somerset, died on 7 July when their car became buried.

The road was closed for more than a year after the landslide to allow a £2.1m repair and stabilisation programme to be carried out. It reopened in July 2013.