Sidmouth’s temporary Alma Bridge ‘requires urgent inspection and maintenance work’ and a five-day closure could start as early as next week.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council’s cabinet member with remit for bridges, said: “It is important that this work is carried out at the earliest opportunity and before the real storms arrive to ensure that the vital link for residents and coastpath walkers between the east of the river and Sidmouth is maintained, while we continue to work up the scheme for the new bridge and sea defence works with our partners which will then be submitted for funding.”