From Adrian Lane, Exeter 383262, January 26, 2007

THE traffic management plan in Branscombe which is helping the salvage operation off the East Devon coast is working well according to residents and businesses.

The temporary traffic order has been in place in the village since Monday after consultation with Devon and Cornwall Police. The order is fully enforceable by the Police and officers can take action against drivers who ignore the regulations.

A Devon County Council spokesman said: "The priority is to ensure the safety of everyone travelling in and out of Branscombe.

"The one way system is regrettable but unavoidable at the present time. It's the only viable route that the recovery vehicles can use and the best way to control traffic flows around the village.

"There are no plans to change what is in place until it is safe to do so. As the recovery plan continues the traffic management plan will be reviewed in conjunction with Devon and Cornwall Police."

Branscombe resident and Devon County Council's Executive Member for Environment Councillor Margaret Rogers said: "The traffic management plan is working well. I'm sure that villagers would like to get back to normality as soon as possible.

"But this is helping to provide safe access for residents and school children to get in and out of the village in difficult circumstances. That's also allowing the salvage operation to proceed smoothly and efficiently."

Parish Council Chairman Councillor John Bass said: "If any more containers are washed up we don't want another influx of people. The barriers should be kept in place in case the need arises so the traffic plan is there for everyone's safekeeping.

"Over the next few weeks it's a small price to pay while things settle down and the contractors are allowed to do their work."

Access to Branscombe is via the Donkey Sanctuary turn off from the A3052 and at Branscombe Cross from the B3174. There is a one-way system in operation on the C67 (main village road) from Coxe's Farm through the village with outbound traffic leaving by way of Locksey's Lane, next to the village hall, and via Seller's Wood Hill, next to the Mason's Arms.

A clearway order is also in place to prevent obstructive parking on the C364 road from the Hollyhead Road (B3174) junction through to the C67, down into the village square, and all the way through to the beach.

This is to allow unobstructed access for salvage vehicles and buses. There will be exemptions on these roads to permit residential access.

Richard Slaney, Hotel manager at the Masons Arms, said: "The one way system is working perfectly fine. We are open for business as usual, as are other businesses in Branscombe, and it's only really the beach you can't get to. As long as our customers know they can come into the village if they wish to visit us that's OK."

Note to News Editors:

The temporary traffic management notice is enforced under section 14 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. The notice runs from January 22 to February 11. This notice will be followed by a temporary order for 18 months commencing on February 12. The Police have powers to enforce the temporary traffic regulations under section 67 of the Act.

For further information please contact Devon County Council's Media Public Relations Service on 01392 380101 or 383262.