A month-long road closure as part of nine months of works on gas mains in Sidbury has now been reduced.

It comes after feedback from local residents prompted energy company Wales & West Utilities to update its plans for the Cotford Road closure, which was originally planned to last just under one month.

The road closures are now shorter and more spread out, and are expected to be complete by the end of March.

The rest of the work has now begun in the area as of Monday 14 February and is expected to be complete by the end of November.

Road closures

The updated road closures are as follows:

• (14-23 February) Buckley Road will be closed at its junction with A375 Cotford Road and a diversion will be in place

• (28 February - 4 March) A375 Cotford Road will be closed from Cotford Bridge (over the River Sid) to Roncombe Lane – including the first 100m of Roncombe Lane. A diversion route will be clearly signposted. Barring any engineering difficulties, A375 Cotford Road will reopen on 4 March

• (7-4 March) The first 100m of Roncombe Lane will remain closed. Access to the A375 Cotford Road will be maintained for homes on Roncombe Lane

• (From 14 March) 3-way traffic lights will be in place on Cotford Road at Cotford Bridge (over the River Sid) and Buckley Lane. Barring engineering difficulties, these lights are expected to be in place for one week

'Clearly essential works'

East Devon District Councillor for Sidmouth Rural Ward, John Loudoun, said: "These are clearly essential works. I'm grateful to Wales & West Utilities for having reacted positively, and swiftly, to the concerns that I, and some residents, raised about the length of time and the impact on the flow of traffic along the A375, and through the village, that these works, as originally planned, would have had.

"Residents will be pleased that the disruption that these works will bring, has now been significantly reduced. I am pleased to have been able to work constructively with Wales & West Utilities on behalf of the village."

The company is inviting locals to get in touch if they have questions on 0800 912 2999, social media or at [email protected].

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