A VEHICLE fire has broken out on a key route to the Glastonbury Festival site.

The A371 in Prestleigh, near Shepton Mallet, is currently closed in both directions as a result of a tractor which caught fire.

Emergency services are at the scene and the road has been closed between the junction with the A37 and the entrance to the Bath & West Showground.

Travel Somerset and Avon and Somerset Police have advised motorists to avoid the area.

The incident poses significant disruption for those heading to Glastonbury Festival, particularly those from across the nation arriving by rail at Castle Cary station.

Those arriving at the station, located 7.9 miles from the site in Pilton, have been directed along the A371 in order to reach Worthy Farm.

The closure between the junction with the A37 and the entrance to the Bath & West Showground will make getting to Cannard's Grave roundabout difficult for taxi drivers, and heavy delays are already present, according to Google Maps.

A spokesperson for the police said: “We were called shortly after 12.30pm following reports of a tractor on fire on the A371 near Prestleigh.

“Officers attended, alongside the fire service, and have closed the road between the junction with the A37 and the entrance to the Bath & West Showground.

“Emergency services remain at the scene and we would encourage motorists to avoid the area if possible.”

A spokesperson for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service added: "We received multiple calls at 12:35pm today reporting that a tractor and trailer near Cannards Grave Roundabout on the A37 near Shepton Mallet was on fire.

"Three appliances were initially dispatched from Wells, Street and Wincanton fire stations, in addition to a water bowser from Yeovil.

"On arrival the vehicle was well alight, and crews used a hose reel jet, attack jet and a compressed air foam system to extinguish the fire.

"The incident has now been handed over to police to coordinate vehicle recovery and the reopening of the road."