ROAD drains blocked and overflowing leading to flooding hidden potholes and, more recently, ice have been causing problems at New Buildings near Sandford.

A resident explained that last July a Devon County Council crew cleared drains along the main road through the village but did not do any on the side road to Copplestone, leaving at least five drains doing nothing.

When residents asked why these were left, they were told there was too much muck in the drains to do then and a green cable tie was put on one to show it needed attention.

Since then nothing has happened except that the Copplestone road has deteriorated, growing potholes that could do damage to a vehicle and water that turns to ice on some days.

As well as the Copplestone road, there is a lane leading to several properties and on down to the A377 with the drains at New Buildings either blocked or rainwater missing them completely.

Residents spoke to their Devon County Council member, Mrs Margaret Squires, about the lack of drain clearing in August.

They were puzzled this year when a crew turned up at the beginning of January, cleared the drains in the village but, again, nothing was done about those on the side roads. Two are opposite each other so the potholes are difficult to avoid.

Sandford Parish Council, which covers New Buildings, discussed potholes this month, reporting those at New Buildings and has now added the blocked drains as well as the badly deteriorating roads.

Mrs Squires told the "Courier" that she had reported the potholes, yet again, and they were due to be assessed on Thursday, January 14. 

The drains she had reported are due for assessment on February 1.