THE long-awaited demolition of a crumbling former pub in Copplestone has begun.

Initial work to knock down The Cross Hotel started on Monday morning, June 23.

“Officers from North and Mid Devon Building Control will be monitoring progress on the site and working with all parties to ensure work progresses to make the site safe, allowing for the reopening of the A377 as soon as possible,” a Mid Devon District Council spokesperson said.

Part of the A377, which works on a one-way system through the village, has been shut since to all vehicles and pedestrians since Friday, April 4 due to fears what is left of the former pub 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 remaining side 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 it, 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 now the end seems to be in sight, with the demolition underway.

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 an emergency road closure of the A377 through Copplestone last August, which lasted for around three weeks.

The pub had been up for auction with a guide price of more than £100,000, with bidding set to begin at the end of April.