Exclusive by Alan Quick

BUSINESSES along the A377 in Crediton High Street fear they could be in for a tough time after they were informed Crediton High Street and part of Union Road will be closed to traffic for up to four weeks in January and February.

South West Water will be carrying out major works to replace more collapsing sewage pipes in the High Street from January 25.

The work on the old Victorian pipes is said to be urgent and the pipes said to be at such a depth that the works would not be possible without a full road closure around the works.

Previously the works were scheduled for a 14-week programme but thanks to Devon County Council, the works have been condensed to four weeks from January 25 and two preceding Sundays.

Becky Moran, spokesperson for SWW, told the "Courier": “Our customer liaison officers have been visiting businesses to make them aware of the anticipated works and we thank them for their co-operation when the works take place.

“Thanks to Devon County Council allowing us the two preceding Sundays we have been able to compact the works into just four weeks.

“We will not require road closures on each of the Sundays.”

Becky apologised for any inconvenience which may occur to both businesses and motorists who will have to find alternative routes.

A full diversion will be in operation, very similar to the recent diversion put in place for the Christmas in Crediton celebrations.

One area where the diversion may have a problem is when the Whiddon Down to de Bathe Cross road at North Tawton is closed to enable works to take place for the new link road at Whiddon Down and for the Den Brook Wind Farm.

The works in Crediton are likely to involve some “sleeving” where pipework can be replaced by machines without having to dig up the entire lengths which need replacing.

• Will you be adversely affected by the four-week closure of Crediton High Street?

If you have a view, why not share it with fellow “Courier” readers?

Send a letter, suitable for publication, to the Editorial Manager, “Crediton Courier”, 102 High Street, Crediton EX17 3LF or email: [email protected] .