Travel Alert: Serious delays after pub fire

THERE are reports of serious congestion on one for the main routes out of Birmingham city centre following a serious fire.

The A41 Soho Road in Handsworth is blocked and there are long delays in both directions between the Nineveh Road junction and the B4124 Hamstead Road.

Diversions are in operation via Hamstead Road, left on to Villa Road to rejoin the A41.

However, the fire has caused major disruption and drivers have been advised to avoid the area if possible.

The fire began earlier this afternoon in a derelcit pub and at its height, five fire engines were used to tackle the blaze.

The fire is now under control but fire crews are still damping down.