Protestors have staged a demonstration in Shaftesbury over the way that heavy lorries are being ‘instructed’ to go through nearby Melbury Abbas – dubbed the ‘Valley of the Jammed’ because of its traffic problems.

The demonstration on Monday 15 May took place on Christy’s Lane after a sign appeared on that road instructing HGVs heading south towards Poole to take the B3081 on to the C13 through Dinah’s Hollow and Melbury Abbas rather than use the A350.

Among those taking part were William Kenealy, the chairman of the Melbury Abbas and Cann parish council, and the mayor of Shaftesbury John Lewer.

Dorset County Council and its highway authority are being blamed for the move.

Shaftesbury councillor Lester Taylor made a video of the event, which can be seen below.