THE owners of an idyllic Wye Valley hotel, standing alongside the River Wye, are this week counting the cost of yet another closure of the busy main road which runs past their premises. Earlier this year, Kathy and Dennis Redwood, who own the Florence Hotel, situated between Redbrook and Llandogo, suffered the misery of seeing their premises virtually cut off following a landslide which blocked the main A466 road. The Beacon highlighted the massive losses suffered by the couple as a result of the closure. We also reported promises to carry out works to ensure the road was clear. However, the road has yet again been closed after a tree came down, blocking the highway. The new problem has also highlighted the fact that the main has never been properly cleared following the earlier problems, in February and March of this year. Kathy Redwood said she had written to various bodies, including the Gloucestershire County Council, seeking financial compensation for the losses she and husband Dennis had suffered following the road blockage in the Spring. "As a result of the closure, we encountered numerous cancellations and a huge decrease in bookings as people coming from St Briavels and Chepstow did not want to make the long diversion round to us" she said in a letter to the Gloucestershire County Council. "Our passing trade was non existent, although I still had to pay my staff during this time" she said. Mrs Redwood said she understood the authority was in dispute with the Woodland Trust as to who was responsible for the road closure, adding "I am looking to you for compensation for my losses as it was your decision to close the road. I am looking for compensation for £2,100". Mrs Redwood said that, at the time of the incident, they had been extensively advertising their £5 hot hearty lunches, which had been very successful with locals, together with their three Valentine gala dinner nights. "Sunday lunches are also a highlight for us in the winter months, but all were adversely affected by the road closure". She added that she remained concerned that nobody appeared to be taking steps to strengthen the bank, with traffic still controlled by traffic lights using one lane. The traffic was breaking up and pot holes were appearing. "I am concerned that, if you have to re-tarmac the road, this will have a further detrimental effect on my business". In a letter, the County Council said "Whilst acknowledging the distress, inconvenience and financial losses suffered as a result of the road closure, I regret that Gloucestershire County Council cannot compensate businesses for loss of trade and employees salaries, etc". As for the problems along the road, the officer commented: "The hillsides adjacent to the A466 in the Wye Valey are extremely steep in places, and due to geology and groundwater, are inherently unstable and prone to landslides. "It is simply not possible to predict the severity of individual landslips and landownership issues, together with AONB and SSS status, limits the choice of engineering solutions". The Beacon contacted the County Council on Monday and the following statement was issued:  "A  large oak fell and was blocking the A466  on Monday  and Gloucestershire Highways acted as quickly as we could to clear it . The tree is the property of the Woodland Trust.  "A  member of the public  kindly got in touch with Gloucestershire Highways  to let us know about the blockage and our verge maintenance team, two gangs and good equipment arrived to move it.  "The road was all clear and re-opened by 12pm today  (Monday)". The Woodland Trust, who own the woods, said: "We sympathise with all those affected by the temporary closure of the A466 that occurred on Monday morning. "We were made aware early that morning that a tree above the landslipped area had fallen onto the road. "A contractor was despatched immediately to cut up and remove the tree and the road was able to be re-opened by Gloucestershire County Council within three hours. "We are continuing to work collaboratively with Gloucestershire County Council on the reinstatement of the landslipped area". The road was re-opened to traffic on Monday lunch time, but was still partially closed and will remain so until the works are done.