Highways bosses say there is ‘no scope’ to alter the layout of a road that concerned residents have dubbed ‘the most dangerous part of Sidmouth’.

The message from Devon County Council (DCC) over Stowford Rise comes after a site meeting was held to examine traffic issues in the area.

Nearby householders and town councillors have spoken of their fears that pedestrians are ‘taking their lives in their own hands’ by using a zebra crossing sandwiched between two bus stops.

DCC has been told how some motorists are illegally travelling on the wrong side of keep-left bollards - often at speed - to pass stationary busses buses.

Highways officers and county councillor Stuart Hughes met at the location with partners, including the police and Stagecoach.

It was agreed by all partners that there was ‘no scope’ for removing or relocating either the bus stops or zebra crossing, according to DCC.

Cllr Hughes, the authority’s cabinet member for highway management, said: “The bus stops and zebra crossing are where they need to be, and they and the crossing serve the supermarket, and will be used by people using the health centre development.

“We would urge motorists to be patient enough to give the bus time to pick up and drop off passengers. Motorists that pass on the wrong side of the bollards are endangering other road users and people using the crossing.”

DCC has agreed to commission a video survey and police will be observing driver behaviour at the site in an attempt to identify the extent of misuse.

The council will also review the safety audit of the location and investigate possible improvements.

Cllr Hughes explained to his town council colleagues in August that a solution to the issue, by altering verges, would cost as much as £50,000.

Police Sergeant Andy Squires had told the same meeting: “We’re dealing with the symptoms and not the cause.”