A MAJOR road through a village will be closed to enable Network Rail to carry out work on a rail crossing from next week.

The works will be carried out at the crossing for Station Road at Gobowen train station, starting on Wednesday, January 12 and running through to January 17, with a partial road closure for a further day.

A spokesman for Shropshire Council confirmed the closure and says it is for the installation and upgrading of crossing equipment.

They said: "Network Rail will be carrying out a programme of works at Gobowen Level Crossing starting on January 12.

"Work will include the installation of new level crossing operating equipment, and supply of new cabling to the signal box.

"For safety purposes it has been agreed that the works will be completed using a full road closure and two-way temporary traffic signals.

"Station Road will be closed continuously from January 12-17, with temporary traffic signals in use from January 18-19 subject to scheme progress.

"While the road is closed traffic will be diverted via a signed diversion route and access will be maintained to properties at all times either side of the closure.

"Work will be carried by Kier on behalf of Network Rail."

Meanwhile, Shropshire Council has also confirmed that energy company Scottish Power will be closing Old Whittington Road, Gobowen, continuously from January 24 to February 4.

They added: "Affected residents and businesses will be notified and advance warning signs will be erected on site two weeks prior to the works starting."