THE demolition of The Cross Hotel in Copplestone has been paused for engineers to assess the crumbling former pub before any further progress is made.

Initial internal works began on Monday, June 23 and are now complete.

The engineers are expected to visit the site this week, Mid Devon District Council said on Monday, June 30.

“Safety remains the top priority, and all parties are proceeding with appropriate caution due to the complex nature of the structure,” said a spokesperson for the local authority.

“Once the necessary engineering input is received, demolition works are expected to recommence.

“We continue to work closely with contractors to support safe progress and enable the reopening of the A377 as soon as possible.”

The A377 is the main road through the village. Part of its one-way system has been shut to all vehicles and pedestrians since Friday, April 4 over fears The Cross Hotel could fall down.

The closure from Bassetts Bridge to Bewsley Hill, along with part of Bewsley Hill itself, has been an inconvenience to many, and temporary traffic lights on the open section of the A377 have been causing long delays for motorists.

On Wednesday, April 23, Mid Devon District Council announced the owners had been given six weeks to demolish the former pub, make the site safe and allow nearby roads to reopen.

Then, on Friday, June 13, the council said it had given the owners more time and that it was “not possible” to say how long the A377 would stay shut.

But just 10 days later, on Monday, June 23, it confirmed initial demolition work had begun.

Businesses affected by the situation can contact Mid Devon District Council’s business rates team by telephoning 01884 255255 or emailing [email protected].

The Cross Hotel also forced a three-week closure of the A377 through Copplestone last August.