THERE is some good news in Copplestone.

The lower part of Bewsley Hill, which has been closed for many months due to the works to take down the dangerous property, the former public house, The Cross Hotel, has reopened.

The demolition of former pub took place from early February, in what Mid Devon District Council said was “hopefully” the final stage in a “lengthy process”.

Traffic disruption around the building was completed with no further road closures along the A377 but Bewsley Hill remained closed.

MDDC cabinet member Councillor Steve Keable (Lib Dem, Taw Vale) said in January: “We appreciate the patience of residents and local businesses and would like to reassure people that the district and county councils will continue to work closely with the property owners and contractors to ensure the final work is completed safely and responsibly.”

The Cross Hotel saga began in August 2024 when part of the pub's front wall began to bulge, prompting an emergency three-week closure of the A377 to put up scaffolding.

Owners Olivia and Matthew Ambrose had permission to refurbish the pub and convert its outbuildings into three homes, and planning documents show they were working towards doing so before the bulge appeared.

The pub’s south gable end and a section of the wall facing the road was removed in September 2024, and the following month an architect working on behalf of the owners recommended knocking the rest of it down.

North and Mid Devon Building Control agreed it should be demolished and told the owners to apply for a demolition notice, which they did in November 2024.

NMD Building Control then commissioned a structural survey in March 2025, and an emergency road closure was put in place again on the A377 in early April. Demolition work began after two and a half months.

The closure was finally lifted in August after the pub’s outside walls were demolished and hoarding erected. The bottom of Bewsley Hill has remained closed for some months and reopened fully on Thursday, March 5.