1. Further to the road closure on Wolborough Street that commenced 23rd July 2024, please provide sustainability plans and report following the 3 week road closure.
The closure of Wolborough Street is for regulatory utility company Wales & West Utility (WWU) and commenced on Monday 22 July 2024. Devon County Council does not hold a ‘sustainability plan’ as one is not required for a closure and one was not provided by WWU in their road closure application. A signed diversion route is required and is in place.
2. Has Devon County Council performed efficiency analysis on the diversion route?
It is a requirement for a diversion route to be along roads of the same standard (or of a higher standard) as the road which is closed, and this is met in this case. A signed diversion route is not mandatory for all traffic to use on every occasion. Other available local roads may be used by the driver of a vehicle if it is legal to do so.
3. Has Devon County Council considered the financial cost to residents of the planned diversion route as well as the environmental impacts?
These works are a regulatory requirement of the statutory undertaker (WWU) to replace legacy iron gas mains with new pipes of a sustainable and safer material. Any public financial costs are not the County Council’s responsibility. The environmental impacts are an unfortunate unavoidable corollary for a limited period.
4. What plans have Devon County Council made to ensure the health and well-being of the elderly during the road closure?
The health and well being of the elderly, as any other members of society, is considered and a signed diversion route along roads of the same standard is advertised and in place.
5. What plans does Devon County Council have in place to ensure that the elderly residents living in Ogwell village have access to supermarkets, given that the travel time from Asda has increased from 5 to 45-60 minutes?
There are a number of different supermarkets in the wider surrounding area which may be accessed if challenges are experienced by anyone in accessing those which may normally be used.