Sidmouth road improvements delay

PLANNED work to carry out slab stabilisation and resurfacing in All Saints Road, Sidmouth, has been delayed until 2010 because Wales and the West Utilities need to undertake mains rehabilitation work.

PLANNED work to carry out slab stabilisation and resurfacing in All Saints Road, Sidmouth, has been delayed until 2010 because Wales and the West Utilities need to undertake mains rehabilitation work.

Sidmouth Devon County Councillor Stuart Hughes said: "I know this news won't be welcomed by either residents or those who drive or cycle along this road.

"However it would be a complete waste of council taxpayers' money to go in now, carry out the works, then see them being dug up again a few months later."

Hearing the utilities work was planned for between next April and June, Mr Hughes has instructed officers to seek an earlier start date to avoid impacting Sidmouth's tourism season.

"Commencing their works earlier would then allow our contractors to follow on behind and get the job done, otherwise we would have to wait until next October," he said.

Mr Hughes, who is also DCC cabinet member for Highways and Transportation, said potholes and defects in the road would be temporarily repaired until the resurfacing/slab stabilisation work is carried out.