Barnstaple residents brace for months of roadworks carnage

Residents are bracing for months of gridlock carnage as the first of months of road closures for gas works appeared at Bickington in Barnstaple yesterday (Monday, June 15).

The B3233 through Bickington was closed at 11am yesterday to offset the need for students to get to school and college GCSE and A-level exams, and today at least the traffic issues do not seem to have been too bad, but it is feared the worst is to come.

It is due to the essential replacement of nine kilometres of gas pipes through the area by Wales & West Utilities, which no one has disagreed with, but many have voiced their objections to how it has been organised.

So far yesterday, issues have included the unexpected closure of Ellerslie Road following a safety inspection which deemed it unsafe to workers and the public if the road remained open. It will be closed until appropriate measures can be put in place.

This afternoon the 903 Pilton Community College bus did not turn up on time, leaving pupils waiting for an hour and a quarter until it did eventually arrive, with traffic issues blamed, according to local social media.

After the North Devon Gazette asked people for their experiences of the ‘first day’, several people said the Old Bideford Road was proving far busier than normal, with drivers not used to the route not giving way at the chicanes and difficulties along the at times single track route.

The current closure means there is no through route between Fremington and Bickington for vehicles, although there is still pedestrian and cycle access.

Access to Bickington, always a notorious traffic spot at the best of times, is from the Cedars Roundabout end only.

A dedicated shuttle bus service is running between Combrew Lane and Bideford, while passengers can connect with the Stagecoach 21/21A service to Barnstaple. Passengers will only pay the normal fare.

The Roundswell bus lane will be temporarily suspended, subject to signs being installed.

The Old Torrington Road bus gate will remain closed to general traffic and the Old Bideford Road bus gate remains under review.

Local businesses such as the Old Barn in Bickington and The Fox in Fremington as well as shops, cafes and takeaways remain open, with people urged to continue to support them as much as possible.

Posting on Facebook this morning, Councillor Frank Biederman, the county councillor for Fremington Rural, said: “I appreciate many residents remain concerned about the impact these works will have on daily life.

“I have continued to raise residents' concerns with Devon County Council, Wales & West Utilities and other agencies, and will continue to do so throughout the project.

“My focus now, alongside fellow councillors and community organisations, is ensuring residents are supported through the coming months, particularly vulnerable residents, carers and local businesses.

“Whilst the next few months will undoubtedly be challenging, I am confident that our communities will continue to support one another as they always do.”

Anyone with specific questions about the project, access concerns or individual circumstances should contact Wales & West Utilities by calling customer services on 0800 912 2999, email [email protected] or visit the https://www.wwutilities.co.uk/gas-pipe-upgrade-projects/bickington/18-million-investment-to-upgrade-gas-network-across-bickington For any gas emergencies, call 0800 111 999.