An estate agent is calling for a one-way system to be trialled during the partial closure of one of Sidmouth’s major arteries – and says it could become a permanent fixture.

Bradleys director Mike Dibble thinks traffic will move more freely if it moves towards Station Road only in Winslade Road and Peaslands Road, and only towards Woolbrook Road in Alexandria Road.

Temple Street will be closed for five weeks, from January 18, between Ascerton Road and Sid Park Road, for resurfacing works and to replace pipes and gullies.

“It’s going to be carnage without Temple Street open,” said Mike.

“Peaslands Road will become a rat run – why not make it one-way? And if it works, why not keep it?”

The Connaught Road resident said he always tries to find the ‘alternative view’ to problems so decided to use his experience of the roads to offer a solution - but acknowledged that traffic might go faster down the residential streets if it were flowing more freely.

A spokeswoman for Sidmouth Chamber of Commerce said it was already discussing with Devon County Council (DCC) about how best to redirect traffic during the closure.

She said: “This is one of the ideas that we are pursuing. The county council is being very cooperative and helpful – it is anxious to try to minimise disruption.

“We are pleased that the work is being carried out in January, hopefully causing less inconvenience.

“Last year, the chamber proposed a similar one-way scheme when Newton Poppleford’s High Street was closed.

“Our suggestion was taken up and worked extremely well.”

Councillor Stuart Hughes, DCC’s highways chief, said: “Our highways team has looked carefully at the diversion options to accommodate all vehicles, including HGVs and buses, and the official diversion will be via All Saints Road, Station Rd and the A3052. Light traffic is likely to use local roads.”