Plans for dealing with major storm damage to Slapton Line and the A379 will move a step forward when consultants hold a local two-day public consultation event, starting on 19 November at Torcross.

Consultants have completed the first phase of a major study on the Line, and will be holding a public exhibition of their work to date at Torcross Tavern on Friday 19th, from 10 am to 5pm on Friday, and on Saturday from 10am to 4pm.

The study was commissioned by the Slapton Line Partnership to provide all the information needed to tackle the reality of coastal change and make decisions on the future options for Slapton Line's management.

The future of the road that links Kingsbridge with Dartmouth, taking in villages like Strete, Stoke Fleming, Torcross, Chillington, Frogmore, Slapton and Stokenham, has been in doubt since part of it was washed away in storms four years ago.

It is considered to be the tourist lifeblood for up to a dozen village communities and had to be rebuilt slightly further inland. The study looks at the social, economic and environmental future of the whole of the coastline area, including how the road and Slapton Ley should be protected from the sea, or whether it should be protected at all.

The consultation event is open to everyone. Local residents and businesses can look at the study's findings to date and possible options for future actions. The aim is to seek the community's opinion on the various options put forward.

A questionnaire will be handed to all those who attend, as well as
local parish councils and other interested parties. It will also be available on the Partnership's website. There will be plenty of time to make a response - replies do not have to be in until 14 January, which gives everyone time to meet and discuss the options in depth.

The Slapton Line Partnership is made up of Devon County Council, South Hams District Council (SHDC) and English Nature, and is supported by other government agencies and landowners. It was created to take a co-ordinated approach in deciding how best to deal with potential future erosion of Slapton Line and its effect on the A379 road, the community and the environment.

Ruth Bagley, Chief Executive of SHDC, said: "The report will provide a thorough overview of all the issues that affect the community and give reasoned options for moving forward. I do urge everyone to take advantage of these consultation days to find out more and express their views."

The full consultants' report will be available in CD format after 18 November. Paper copies will be sent to local councils and libraries, and a copy will also be available at the South Hams District Council's reception desk at Follaton House, Totnes.

An executive summary of the report will be posted on the Slapton Line Partnership's website, along with maps and plans at the same time. Copies will go to local post offices and other community-based venues, after that date. Material cannot be made available in any form until 18 November.

For more information visit www.slaptonlinepartnership.co.uk or call 01803 861363.