Work on planned £1,500 of improvements set to begin

Work to improve access for people with limited mobility in a central Sidmouth street is set to begin next week, thanks to pressure from residents.

A dropped kerb will be installed in the Station Road pavement opposite Abbeyfield Court after people living in the sheltered housing raised awareness of daily struggles faced by many trying to get on and off the busy pathway.

Devon County Council highways boss Councillor Stuart Hughes said he was able to respond to the plea quickly and fast-track the £1,500 improvements by providing money through a special Investing in Devon fund.

Councillor Hughes said: “I am delighted that I’ve been able to arrange for some of my funding to provide this dropped crossing point in Station Road, which will help improve the quality of life for both local residents and visitors - especially those who have impaired mobility in crossing the road.”

He added that the measures would otherwise have had to be included on a future programme of work that could have taken years to come to fruition.

Alan Darrant, chairman of Abbeyfield Court house committee, previously told the Herald: “A lowered kerb would certainly be a benefit for residents of Abbeyfield Court, but also many other people – including young parents with pushchairs. There is a car park and bus terminal very near by, so quite heavy traffic.”

Work is due to commence tomorrow (Saturday, November 12) and should be completed by Wednesday, November 16.