AFTER a wait of more than five months, work is finally scheduled to start on Monday to stabilise Hannafore Road in West Looe.

On December 22, after torrential rain, a massive landslip occurred beneath the property known as The Roundhouse.

An estimated 50 tonnes of soil, vegetation and stones crashed down onto the road beneath.

The landslip more or less marooned the inhabitants of 200 properties, hotels and guest houses at Hannafore, the road being the only access route to the area.

The road remained closed from the Saturday through to the Sunday afternoon, while Cormac workers and volunteers toiled to clear away enough of the debris to open up one lane, and re-direct the sudden emergence of a spring.

The landslip was followed by calls for a long overdue alternative route to Hannafore, led at the time by Cornwall councillor Armand Toms who said it would cost in the region of £25m.

Work to stabilise this stretch of road involves supporting the underside of the existing dry stone wall at the top of the slope, with associated meshing and bolting.

Cornwall councillor for West Looe Edwina Hannaford said: 'I am delighted that work is finally commencing.

'This has been a very stressful time for both residents and businesses in Hannafore.

'The pile of earth caused by the landslip has not only been unsightly, but has also raised safety worries which we can now put to bed.'

The works are expected to take between three to four weeks with contractors working seven days a week to enable the scheme to be completed as quickly as possible.

There will be traffic lights and the road is expected to be fully opened by the main tourist season.