COPPLESTONE Parish Council has written to Devon County Council (DCC) about the poor condition of the road network within the parish.
The letter states: “For some years, the condition of the A3072 at Beers Hill, near the traffic lights, has been of poor quality and has now deteriorated, the same is said of the A377 through the village and past the Farm Shop.
“These are two main roads that handle significant traffic including HGV’s and public transport.
“There is no dedicated means to cross any main roads through the village.
“The road network is unsightly and dangerous, posing a significant danger to highways users and pedestrians.
“The roads are littered with potholes and stretches of failed repairs that had been undertaken in the past causing drivers to avoid the potholes by moving into the path of oncoming traffic. This occurrence is at both locations above.
“It is also our understanding that many vehicles have suffered damage due to the defects, often costing DCC money as claims against you have been successful.
“Members of the Parish Council and the public diligently report these defects to DCC via the online reporting facility and often to County Cllr Frank Letch during meetings or at his monthly surgeries in the Parish.
“Members have seen issues reported online, yet no action is taken by Highways.
“With such reporting having taken place, why are roads not undergoing complete repair?
“The road surface is now of such a poor quality that members consider DCC Highways are failing in their duty to maintain the public highway main road network in a condition that is safe for users.
“It is felt that your funding priorities need to be directed to Copplestone as outlined above to fully repair the roads.
“We would now ask that Meg Booth attend the November meeting of the Parish Council to discuss the concerns and provide assurances as to when and where full repairs will be made? We look forward to your prompt response.”
The motion was proposed by Councillor Stuart Penny, Copplestone Parish Councillor and Mid Devon District Councillor (Upper Yeo and Taw Ward) and was approved by the parish council.
Copplestone Parish Council is to discuss the issue again at its meeting on Tuesday, October 3.