THE A377 through Copplestone could reopen at the beginning of August after the walls of former pub The Cross Hotel are knocked down, according to Mid Devon District Council.

The reopening would mark four months since the road was shut to all vehicles and pedestrians on Friday, April 4 due to safety concerns.

“Soft” demolition works are now complete, and scaffolders are currently on site finalising internal propping to allow outside demolition work to go ahead, the council said.

Knocking down the walls is expected to take until Thursday, July 31. Hoarding will then be put up around the site.

“It is hoped that these works will enable the reopening of the A377 during the week commencing Monday, August 4,” a Mid Devon District Council spokesperson said.

“In response to community concerns about drainage and potential flood risk, the property owners have now instructed a specialist contractor to attend site to clear drainage in the car park area.

“Further drain clearance for the road-side section will follow completion of demolition works.”

The road closure, which is from Bassetts Bridge to Bewsley Hill and includes part of Bewsley Hill itself, has been inconvenient for many and temporary traffic lights on the open section of the A377 have been causing long delays for motorists.

Initial demolition work began on Monday, June 23. It was put on hold a week later for engineers to assess the building, and more scaffolding began to be erected on Monday, July 7.

The demolition had been scheduled to restart on Monday, July 14, but was delayed until Thursday, July 17.

Much of the roof has been taken off at the time of writing, and large amounts of timber removed.

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