THE emergency closure of the A377 at Copplestone has been causing a tremendous inconvenience to so many, but now there are fears it is could be causing a risk to life.

The road was closed from April 3 from Bassets Bridge to Bewsley Hill, Copplestone to all users, including pedestrians, and including part of Bewsley Hill, by Devon County Council (DCC) due to an unsafe building, namely the former pub The Cross Hotel.

Temporary traffic lights on the A377 northbound at Copplestone
Temporary traffic lights on the A377 northbound at Copplestone (Will Goddard, Crediton Courier)

The pub has been falling into disrepair for many years and is now unsafe for vehicles and pedestrians to pass.

The one way system on the north bound section of the A377 was revoked and temporary traffic lights have been installed.

These have resulted in very long queues of traffic at peak times, motorists advised to expect delays and allow extra time for journeys.

Sunday, April 6 saw what one local resident Stu Penny described: “An example of the risk to life imposed by the road closures.

“First Responder left his vehicle and ran through the cones to get to his patient.”

This incident took place during the early evening and Stu took a photograph of the Community First Response Vehicle parked near the former pub.

At other times, motorists have reported emergency vehicles having difficulty making their way through the long queues of traffic.

Fracture in The Cross Hotel wall in Copplestone
Fracture in The Cross Hotel wall in Copplestone, photographed in September 2024 when the road was last closed due to the unsafe structure. (Will Goddard, Crediton Courier)

Just the day before, Copplestone Parish Council issued a statement which read: “A group of councillors from the parish council met with the owners of The Cross Hotel four weeks ago, during which it was discussed the items that could be salvaged and donated to the village, it was thought at the time that these could be reused for the new Village Hall, at this time we do not know if this is going to be possible.

“What we know so far.

“The owners of The Cross Hotel have been issued with a Section 77 notice. The road closures happened very quickly due to building control unable to confirm the structural stability of the building and in light of this Devon County Council informed Devon County Highways to enforce a ‘hard’ road closure for the safety of everyone.

“We are unclear as to what the owners are planning to do, we believe they have been given some options and hope to keep you all informed as much as possible.

“Unfortunately the road closures cannot be helped and as a Parish Council we completely understand the upset and huge disruption that this has caused to the whole village, wider community and beyond, it also affects us as councillors who are trying their best with very little options.

“Next week fixed fencing will be erected to prevent traffic cones and barriers from being removed on Bewsley Hill this is being done for the safety of everyone and so work can progress it is thought the building will need shoring up on both sides and this would mean more scaffolding.

“In light of the recent road closures around the Cross Hotel.

“Please can we all try and support the local businesses as much as possible.

“The impact this will have on them is worrying. The local shop/Post Office is open for business and desperately needs our support during this time.

“Thank you.

“Copplestone Parish Council.”

The DCC Traffic Order states that the closure will operate for a maximum of 21 days from April 4 until September 5.

It is expected that the permanent road barriers will be put in place today, Monday, April 7 to prevent the temporary cones closing the roads being removed.

• Have you been affected by the Copplestone road closure? • What should be done to resolve the situation?

Let us know your thoughts at the Crediton Courier.