A LORRY got stuck in a village this morning, blocking the road for four hours.

The driver was given a fixed penalty notice for ignoring the 7.5 tonne weight restrictions in place as he tried to navigate through Lower Bemerton.

He became stuck at about 8am and was not able to free the lorry until noon.

The cab had to separate from the trailer and drive all the way around via Quidhampton to be rejoined to the body.

City councillor Margaret Willmot said heavy goods vehicles were "a continual issue" in Lower Bemerton, despite being banned from cutting through the village,.

She said lorry drivers often illegally used the route to get to or from Churchfields Industrial Estate.

Cllr Willmot added: "A number of residents have expressed their concerns to me that the signs with the weight limit at the top of Church Lane and the junction with Cherry Orchard Lane too small and difficult to see.

"However Wiltshire Council do not have the funding available to spend on further signage currently, and the signs in place are all that is required by law.

"This latest incident, which caused major disruption particularly for pupils trying to get to Bemerton St John school, demonstrates how problematic these large lorries can be in totally unsuitable streets.

"There is a very real risk of serious damage to the historic buildings in Bemerton, such as the Old Rectory, when such vehicles come through, as well as safety concerns for pedestrians and cyclists.

"I hope there can now be a rethink on steps which can be taken to make sure HGVs do not try and come this way."