A LANE of the A556 Northwich-bound from Knutsford was closed overnight following a vehicle fire yesterday, Tuesday.

The westbound carriageway of the A556 was closed from 10.30am on November 20 following a trailer fire near the Northwich Road junction for Knutsford.

Firefighters tackled the fire for around four hours, having been called at 10.25am. Police officers were also called at 10.31am.

Traffic was stopped westbound after the Northwich Road junction for Knutsford, meaning Northwich-bound traffic was diverted through Knutsford.

The closure lifted around 5.30pm, but one of the two lanes remained closed overnight for emergency resurfacing work.

A Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: "Shortly before 10.30am firefighters were called reports of a vehicle fire on the A556, Chester Road in Tabley.

"Firefighters from Warrington and Birchwood attended the scene and found the trailer of a HGV was well alight. 

"The driver of the HGV had detached the tractor unit from the trailer.

"The  trailer was carrying approximately 19 pallets of non hazardous materials which weighed approximately 25,000kg.

"The team used two hose reel jets and two breathing apparatus to extinguish the fire.

"The Environment Agency have been made aware of the incident.

"As a result of the fire the A556 is currently closed southbound between the A5033 Northwich Road and the A559 Manchester Road."