THE A49 near Bishops Castle has reopened following a serious collision on Saturday evening (May 15).

The road, near Church Stretton, was closed at around 8.30pm last night following the incident, which closed the road in both directions. The Shropshire Operational Patrol Unit tweeted: “CLOSED A49 Serious collision on A49 nr Church Stretton, closed between All Stretton turn & cross roads in Church Stretton. Follow local diversions.”

Highways England added: “The #A49 in both directions #ChurchStretton (#B4371) to #AllStretton (#B5477) is currently CLOSED due to a serious collision. @WMerciaPolice are currently at the scene.”

They were advising motorists to follow diversion routes along the B4371, B5477, B4371 and A458.

The road was closed for several hours before Highways England provided an update, saying the road was reopen around 1.30am.