Efforts to speed up repairs as West Hill Road’s closure affects businesses and residents

Complaints pile up as giant hole keeps route blocked

West Hill Road remains closed because of a giant hole - Credit: Archant

Highways officers say they are doing all they can to speed-up repairs as West Hill Road’s closure is hitting businesses and affecting residents.

Councillor Claire Wright reported this week that the main route between the village and Ottery will remain closed until further notice and said that she has stressed the urgency of the situation as complaints mount-up.

The Herald reported last week that the owners of West Hill Garage have been left fearing for the future of their business as the block has killed passing trade and hit fuel sales by more than 50 per cent.

Cllr Wright said: “Residents of Toadpit Lane are also complaining to me that traffic is using the lane as a rat-run as it is the official diversion. “Toadpit Lane is a tiny, single, twisty country lane and there are reports of speeding and unsafe driving.

“I have been in touch with highways officers on a frequent basis asking for updates and letting them know of the increasing number of complaints I am receiving about the block, which is the result of a cavernous sinkhole under the tarmac, which extends further than the centre of the carriageway. I have also expressed concerns at the impact on West Hill Garage.”

She said an officer from Devon County Council’s highways department has told her approval for a design and estimate has been issued in principle by its flood risk management team. He told Cllr Wright he has stressed the urgency of the works and suggested that, if necessary, other programmed works be re-programmed to allow this repair to be expedited.