DRIVERS are being urged to avoid the A556 this morning after a 'large' sinkhole appeared in the road.

The dual carriageway in Lostock Gralam has been closed on the westbound side since the defect emerged.

Cheshire Police, who were informed of sinkhole at 9.45pm Sunday, are advising motorists to take an alternate route via Manchester Road and the A530 Griffiths Road.

A police spokesman said: "The A556 is currently closed westbound due to a large sinkhole at Lostock Gralam.

"Diversions are in place via Manchester Road, but motorists are advised to avoid the area."

Police officers have been in attendance, but the incident is being passed to the highways team.

Traffic monitoring company Inrix reports that queuing traffic is building in the area due to the road closure. Congestion is backing up towards The Smoker pub.

A Cheshire West and Chester Council spokesman said: "The A556 Shurlach Road, Rudheath, is currently closed due to a suspected drain collapse in the carriageway.

"The council is currently investigating the cause of the collapse and traffic is diverted via the A559, A533 and A556."