Efforts to protect remaining sections of the A379 between Torcross and Slapton are continuing today, and people are being advised to stay away from damaged sections of the road and areas where work is taking place.
Stretches of the road and part of South Hams District Council’s Torcross “tank” car park were washed away overnight on Monday evening.
Although no additional damage was reported from last night, concerns have been raised that this evening’s high tide and forecast strong winds could cause problems.
Devon County Council’s highways teams are continuing their work to shore up the remaining section of road at Torcross to prevent further collapse this evening and to try and stop the Ley being breached at high tide.
With additional rock protection being brought to the area today and heavy machinery in constant use, the County Council is asking people to keep a safe distance from the site and from damaged sections of road.
Parking at Torcross and the public right of way along the road between Torcross and Slapton are being suspended by the County Council.
Councillor Dan Thomas, Cabinet Member for Highways and Leader of South Hams District Council, said:
“There will be a time to support the community in Torcross, but for now the most helpful thing people can do is give our teams space to make the area safe. It’s simply not safe for people to be near the site where our teams are working. There’s a lot of activity going on and they’re working hard to protect what’s left of the road and the car park.
“Even some of the sections of road which currently remain in place may have been undercut by the sea, so they may not be safe to walk on. I would urge everyone to please stay at a safe distance and let them get on with it. The barriers on the road are there for your safety.”
Councillor Julian Brazil, Devon County Council Leader and County Councillor for Kingsbridge, was in Westminster yesterday calling on Government for financial support for Devon to deal with the after effects of the winter storms.
Councillor Julian Brazil, Devon County Council Leader, said:
“We’re asking Government to help with the cost of the clean-up and also to help with making our infrastructure more resilient. As a county we can’t afford the amount of money we need to invest to protect our infrastructure. Whether it’s at Slapton, Dawlish, or branch lines to Barnstaple and Okehampton, we need government support and we’ve got to get our fair share.”
