DEVON County Council contractors began work to widen a stretch of Higher Road, between Barnstaple Cross (off the A377) and the Homeleigh Garden Centre on Monday, July 31.

The widening is for a few hundred yards from the Barnstaple Cross direction and along Higher Road.

Works appear to be proceeding well and is expected to be completed and the road re-opened on August 25.

The road is closed until that time from Barnstaple Cross but Devon County Council has said that access to Jonathan Wood Veterinary Surgery, located within the road closure area, will be maintained but only from the direction of the Jockey Hill end of Crediton.

The public is asked to allow more travel time to reach the destination.

Devon County Council says that emergency access will be maintained at all times.

Access to A and S Paving and Homeleigh Garden Centre will be possible.

The stretch of road that is being widened includes some areas where it is difficult for two vehicles to pass each other.

The route is often used as an alternative to driving through Crediton.

The Devon County Council reference for the road closure is: DG997LICS278MD488.