THERE is good news in Crediton this evening, Friday, July 21: a set of temporary traffic lights to enable repair works to two properties in Crediton High Street have been removed.

The traffic lights were put in place to enable builders to repair an unsafe structure, walls in the former Age Concern charity shop at 50 High Street and the adjoining Italian pizza shop next door.

The traffic lights have been in place for several weeks and have caused long tailbacks in both directions along the stretch of the A377.

Builders have been busy in the properties re-instating the walls and scaffolding was required to re-inforce the frontages of the shopfronts to prevent their collapse.

While the scaffolding is still in place, it is believed that the risk of collapse has been diminished.

Two months ago the fire brigade were called to the property to assist with assessment of the properties and because of the risk of their collapse into the pavement and street.

Fencing was placed around the buildings to prevent harm to passing pedestrians and motorists.

The scaffolding, fencing and barriers around the buildings are still in place and a narrow pathway for pedestrians is possible.

A section of this does jut out into the highway and motorists are advised to pass with care and also pay consideration for pedestrians and motorists travelling in the other direction.