THE owners of a crumbling former pub in Copplestone are working to demolish it, but it is “not possible” right now to say how long the A377 through the village will stay closed, Mid Devon District Council has said.

Part of the one-way system from Bassetts Bridge to Bewsley Hill, along with part of Bewsley Hill itself, has been shut to all vehicles and pedestrians since Friday, April 4, due to fears what remains of The Cross Hotel could fall down. Temporary traffic lights on the northbound section 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.

Six weeks have since passed and although the road is still closed, the council has assured the public that progress is being made.

“Mid Devon District Council’s building control and legal teams are continuing work to secure demolition of the Cross Hotel, and allow the A377 in Copplestone to reopen, while giving the owners of the property further time to make the site safe,” a spokesperson said.

“In April the council issued a letter to the building’s owners, under Section 77 of the Building Act 1984, requiring them to take action to demolish the building and make the site safe. The owners of the building also applied for a demolition notice themselves.

“The action taken by the council followed a structural survey of the property which found the building to be defective and unsafe and required an emergency road and footpath closure to be put in place to ensure the safety of drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.

“While the initial six-week period for demolition work to begin has lapsed, the owners have shown a clear intent to make the site safe and have consulted a number of professionals to support the demolition work, including completing some preparatory internal works.

“If the owners fail to undertake the next necessary steps, the council is committed to progressing [to] court action, but at this stage must allow the owners full opportunity to complete the works themselves.

“The impact of the road closure on Copplestone and surrounding communities is not underestimated and, whilst it is not possible to say how long the road closure will need to stay in effect at this time, the council will continue to work with Devon County Council to lift the road closure as soon as it is safe to do so.”

Mid Devon District Council added that businesses affected by the situation should contact its 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.