Kingsbridge

An alternative route to that of the Slapton coast road has been agreed between the local community and the Slapton Line Partnership (SLP).

The north and south routes have been devised for the next time the coast road is temporarily shut due to storm damage.

A study by an independent engineer predicted that as a result of natural coastal erosion the road would suffer increasingly and was likely to have to close altogether in the next 30 years.

Local people led the final decision on the alternative routes, in particular the parish councils working together as the Coleridge Association. The route is being signposted immediately with circle symbols for travellers heading north and diamonds for those heading south.

Chairman of the SLP, Alan Robinson, said: "Thanks to the time and efforts of the local community, in particular the parish council representatives, and Devon County Council's Highways Department working as part of the SLP, many of the difficulties suffered by users of the coast road can be avoided at the next closure.

"These routes have been carefully planned and provide a good alternative for regular coast road users. Now residents and business can effectively plan for the changes that will come to their everyday lives and business futures."

Representing the Coleridge Association, Stokenham Parish Councillor, Richard Foss, added: "These routes come as a great reassurance to the people who use the coast road. I would urge everyone to look out for the circles and diamonds so they know where to go when the road next closes."

When the next road closure occurs, Devon County Council's Highways Department will erect signs at Dartmouth, Kingsbridge, Churchstow and Halwell to notify travellers of the road closure. This emergency signage will encourage drivers to use the A381 and A3122 in order to avoid congestion on the alternative routes.

The alternative routes run north (circles) from Stokenham to Strete bi-passing Sherford and south (diamonds) from Strete to Stokenham via Slapton. Over coming years the SLP will create additional passing places at locations recommended by the Coleridge Association.

Funding for the work came predominantly from Devon County Council with support also from the Slapton Line Partnership’s Living with a Changing Coast project, funded by Defra.

The SLP brings together the county, district and parish councils, English Nature and other interested parties including local businesses and landowners.

The map of the alternative routes is available at www.southhams.gov.uk/slapton/map.pdf. More information is available on www.slaptonlinepartnership.co.uk.

If you're concerned with how you’re going to manage the road loss when it happens, contact the SLP.