UPDATE: The road remains closed. A new statement issued by Travel Somerset reads: "Just a reminder this road is currently closed - we expect it to reopen after 4pm today."

A KEY road which connects a town in Somerset to the A38 is currently closed due to a 'dangerous tree'.

Mantle Street in Wellington is closed from Trinity Close to Champford Lane so that emergency work can be done to remove a damaged and unstable tree.

"Road Ahead Closed" signs have been placed at Exeter Road roundabout and the junction between South Road and Fore Street to warn drivers of closure.

Travel Somerset say the road will remain closed this morning, although it could remain closed until 5pm today (Friday, May 10).

The emergency works are being carried out on a tree located between the Hilly Head area and the entrance to Wellington Medical Centre on Mantle Street.

The road was shut at 4pm on Thursday, May 9 when the issue was first brought to the local authority's attention.

A spokesperson for Travel Somerset said: "Mantle Street in Wellington is closed from Trinity Close to Champford Lane so emergency work can be done to remove a damaged and unstable tree."