A TEMPORARY seven-day road closure on the A377, between Crediton and Newton St Cyres, which was announced by Devon County Council to enable South West Highways to carry out essential drainage works has been postponed.

It was anticipated that the work from Smallbook Cross to Five Elms Cross, Newton St Cyres, would take place from Wednesday, January 18 until Tuesday, January 24 (both dates inclusive) but due to the short notice South West Highways was able to give, and because of concerns raised, the works will probably now take place in March.

The scheduled work, to help prevent flooding, is due to involve digging up a field, accessed through a hedge and installing a new drain across the road. As this type of work cannot be done at night, it was announced that the road would need to be closed throughout the day to ensure the safety of the workers.

During the closure, however, it was intended that service and school buses could have been permitted to go through whilst the works took place.

Diversions for all other traffic were announced.

South West Highways customer liaison officer Joanna Cole says she will announce the new dates for the road closure when they have been confirmed.

Alan Quick