THE A466 will be closed for at least seven weeks to carry out repair works due to rock falls and unstable ground.

Two sets of traffic lights have been in place for the last few months on the A466 between St Arvans and Tintern due to rock falls and unstable ground.

One set has been installed at the Wyndcliffe near St Arvans.

A spokesman for Monmouthshire County Council (MCC) said: "We have investigated a number of options for repair but of those available, regrading of the rock face to a safe slope would seem to be the most reliable approach."

The proposed works will require a full road closure but MCC are unlikely to do this until October due to consideration for the tourism industry and sensitive nature of the Wye Valley.

The second set of lights will be installed south of the old Livox Quarry entrance.

A spokesman for MCC said: "We have obtained the necessary ecology data and protected species licences to carry out the repairs.

"We are currently awaiting for the necessary consent from NRW but works are planned for February 19 and involve a full road closure."

Seven weeks have been allowed due to the uncertainty of the work, although MCC said it is possible the work will be finished before then.