DRIVING in the Yeoford area will soon be much safer after a number of large potholes were filled in by three volunteers from Hittisleigh Parish. 

Work began identifying the worst potholes on Thursday, March 26, preparing and marking them.

The following day, Friday, March 27, the filling and repairing got underway from Road Down Cross to Yeoford and Yeoford to Crediton, including the monster hole that has had a barrel marking the crater to warn traffic for months. 

There were many more to do including the mighty holes that were making the route to the Punchbowl Recycling Centre almost impassible. 

The Hittisleigh Road Warden commented: “These holes are huge and are not only very dangerous to motorists and cyclists in good conditions but when filled with water are impossible to see. 

“They were big enough to puncture tyres, break chassis and cause serious injury.  We thought we would take advantage of the drop in traffic and great weather to start the sizeable job.

“Most people were very grateful and patient or took other routes, However one grumpy fellow was moaning he had to go to Barnstaple to collect something and was in a rush. 

“He was told that the item was in no hurry and was asked to wait patiently like everyone else as this job was of great importance to the community! 

“Apologies are extended for any short delays or inconvenience and the works will be completed ASAP.  Any comments on the work should be sent to Hittisleigh Parish Council.

“We really don’t want ambulances and emergency services who will unlikely be familiar with our roads and certainly not aware of the dangers awaiting, to break or damage their vehicles or cause harm to the occupants. It is just not a risk worth taking it is a very obvious risk and worse still at night or when it has been raining.”