CENTRAL Devon MP Sir Mel Stride has written to Mid Devon District Council asking when the A377 through Copplestone will reopen.

The main road through the village has been partly shut since Friday, April 4, over fears what is left of former pub The Cross Hotel could fall down.

The one-way system from Bassetts Bridge to Bewsley Hill, along with part of Bewsley Hill itself, is closed to all vehicles and pedestrians. Temporary traffic lights on the northbound section of the A377 have been causing long delays.

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

The local authority also said it could seek a court order to enforce the demolition if the owners delayed or defaulted on the demolition process.

But six weeks have passed, and the road remains closed, prompting Sir Mel to write to the council.

“I continue to receive correspondence from concerned constituents and understand that there is no immediate solution to this situation," the Conservative MP and Shadow Chancellor wrote to the council's chief executive.

“I was especially disappointed to learn that the road closure has been seen to impact emergency services, and their access to Copplestone.

“Apart from a great deal of inconvenience for residents and those who rely upon the use of the A377; I have been told that traffic accidents have taken place on unsuitable roads that have been used to avoid delays, children have been late to school, and constituents have not been able to access the public transport connections or the village's shop.

“Given the impact of the closure on constituents and the degree of inconvenience it has already caused, I would be grateful for an update on the council's recent actions.”

He also asked for an estimated reopening date for the A377 through the village.

The owners of the former pub have applied for a demolition notice, Mid Devon District Council said in April.

They are also currently seeking planning permission to knock the main building down.

Mid Devon District Council has been approached for comment on the situation.

The former pub also forced an emergency road closure of the A377 through Copplestone last August, which lasted for around three weeks.