THE village of Wellington Heath is living proof that it takes far more than an unfortunate road closure to stop a Scarecrow Trail.

The village near Ledbury, is currently hosting a family of some 30 scarecrows until August 2, and they are keen to welcome more visitors; especially because the main link road between Wellington Heath and Ledbury is currently closed for internet broadband improvements.

A Wellington Parish Council spokesman said: "Gigaclear are getting around to laying the long-awaited cabling along our roads and across various patches of land in our parish, so that we can benefit from superfast broadband.

"The good news is that not all roads will be closed – some sections of the works around the village will have one form of traffic control, or the other – allowing some measured access."

But the main link road from the Ledbury Road/Beggar's Ash junction is shut and will remain shut for the duration of the Scarecrow Trail.

Despite this, the Trail remains very much open and visitors are still flocking in, via the side lanes.

Wellington Heath's village correspondent, Peter Constantine said: "Are we Marooned!! Well not quite, but the other routes are all single track lanes with passing places so this year's traffic chaos continues. Despite the difficulty of access, the Scarecrow Trail is expected to continue to attract interest. It started this last weekend with the Trail very busy, as was the refreshment stop in the Parish Church. The organisers are pleased with the fundraising to date, which is in aid of St Michael's Hospice.

"All scarecrows will be easily visible when walking the village lanes. Parking is available at the village hall, and in the road near the church.

"There are prizes for guessing who each character represents. Entry is by a ‘Guess the Scarecrow’ question sheet which is available at a cost of £2, along with a trail map, from the Ledbury Hospice Charity Shop on the Homend, the shop at St Michael’s in Bartestree."

Mr Constantine added: "The theme is mainly fictional characters and everyone taking part can guess the identity of the scarecrows to help raise funds for the hospice."

Further details about Wellington Heath's scarecrow trail: whscarecrow@gmail.com or phone 01531 632350 or 01531 248472.