Work due to start next week on road repairs near Ottery St Mary

Repairs to a collapsed retaining wall and edge of a road on the outskirts of Ottery St Mary in East Devon are expected to get underway shortly.

An emergency closure was put in place on Chineway Road in mid-January for the safety of the public after a full investigation of the site revealed the extent of the retaining wall collapse and 5ft-deep scour hole near a culvert at the foot of Chineway Hill.

Devon County Council has had all necessary approvals granted and a contractor is due to start work next Wednesday (12 February).

Barriers, and then traffic lights, were installed on the road after initial assessments of the wall collapse and scour damage at the site.

Having gained permission from owners of the land next to the road, vegetation was cleared from the site in December to enable a full assessment of the area to be carried out in mid-January. This inspection revealed the full extent of the retaining wall collapse and scour hole affecting the stability of the edge of the road.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highway Management, said: “This is a key route into Ottery St Mary so we’re mindful of the impact this closure is having on the local community, and we’re keen to get the road open a soon as possible. However, our priority is keeping the public safe. Designs have been drawn up, land drainage consent agreed and discussions have been held with landowners next to the road, so contractors will be on site next week to start repairs.”

Councillor Jess Bailey, County Councillor for Otter Valley, said: "The road closure is causing huge disruption to residents and businesses. I'm pleased that works are due to start next week and I hope they can be completed as a matter of urgency. I will be liaising closely with the officers at DCC to monitor progress."