THE owners of The Cross Hotel in Copplestone have been given six weeks to demolish the crumbling former pub, make the area safe and allow nearby roads to reopen.

The southbound side of the one-way system on the A377 from Bassetts Bridge to Bewsley Hill, along with part of Bewsley Hill itself, has been closed to all vehicles and pedestrians since Friday, April 4, due to fears what is left of The Cross Hotel could fall down.

Temporary traffic lights are in operation on the northbound section through the village, and have been causing long delays for motorists.

But the end is now in sight as the owners of the former pub have applied for a demolition notice, according to Mid Devon District Council, which issued them a letter under section 77 of the Building Act 1984 requiring them to take action to demolish the building and make the site safe.

“All parties are now hopeful the building will be demolished within the next six weeks and the road will be able to reopen,” a Mid Devon District Council spokesperson said.

“NMD Building Control... will continue to work closely with the owners of the building to monitor progress in relation to the demolition and ensure all the necessary steps are taken to ensure compliance within the six-week period.”

The council added it could seek a court order to enforce the demolition if the owners delay or default on the demolition process.

It is the second time in less than a year the former pub has forced an emergency road closure. The first was in August when one of its walls began to buckle.

The Cross Hotel had recently been put up for auction with a guide price of more than £100,000, with bidding set to begin at the end of April. Its listing has since been removed.