MULTIPLE bus services are experiencing delays today due to a road closure outside Poole Hospital.

Longfleet Road has been shut off to allow contractors to remove the huge crane which has been in situ on the hospital site for several months.

Diversion routes are in place and will remain so throughout the closure, which is expected to be lifted at 6am on Monday, September 19.

Traffic is being forced to take the longer route via Longfleet Road, Fernside Road, Park Road, Sandbanks Road and Parkstone Road.

Morebus has reported long delays “all around Poole” due to the crane operation closure.

The issues have affected the m1, m2, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 60 and X6 services.

The 50-metre tower crane was used in the construction of the hospital's new theatres complex.

A University Hospitals Dorset spokesperson said:"The closure has been coordinated with BCP Council’s highways department with access for ambulances and pedestrians maintained.

"We apologise for any disruption caused by this project and are doing everything we can to make sure that any inconvenience is kept to a minimum."