‘Covid-like’ response launched in North Devon to tackle months of gridlock during £1.8m gasworks

Residents in the Bickington area are facing “a difficult few months” as essential gasworks are set to cause mayhem for people getting to work, school and appointments.

Wales & West Utilities £1.8 million “intensive” programme of mains replacement works will see over nine kilometres of gas pipes upgraded across the area but it means traffic disruption until the end of the year.

North Devon councillors are setting up a “covid like” response to help elderly or vulnerable residents who will be cut off.

From next Monday (June 15) until August the B3233 through Bickington (the lower route connecting Bideford and Barnstaple) will be closed from Ceders to Combrew Lane, after that there will be one way routes set up and temporary lights to follow. Some elements of the scheme will continue into the spring of 2027.

Bideford to Barnstaple buses will be diverted along the A39 (North Devon Link Road) and a shuttle bus provided by the utility company will ferry affected residents from Bickington, Fremington, Yelland and Instow to connect with them.

It means people used to getting one bus at the end of their road to their main town will need to walk half a mile to the edge of the village to catch the shuttle and then change buses en route.

Cllr Frank Biederman (Lib Dem, Fremington) said he knew the work had to be done but there would be chaos and delays and he was pressing for all possible mitigation measures to be implemented. The item will be discussed at a North Devon highways and traffic orders committee meeting on Friday.

The councillor is one of a team who are delivering leaflets to the 5,000 people who will be impacted and volunteer drivers are being sought to get vulnerable and elderly people to important medical appointments or collect shopping for them.

“I managed to push back the start date from the middle of May to June 15 so it did not affect GCSE and A level exams,” said Cllr Biederman.

“This area is a problem corridor, it’s been overdeveloped for many years and we already see gridlock at peak times, it’s going to be a really tough few months.

“I am asking people to try and share lifts, or work from home if they can or cycle or walk, and look out for the elderly members of their community.

“As local councillors we are working together to support residents through this disruption, in a similar way to how we supported communities during covid. The travel times are going to be huge. It will have a significant impact on thousands of residents and the wider Devon economy.”

Wales & West said the upgrade would ensure a safe and reliable supply for around 1,000 customers for decades to come and that it was working closely with Devon County Council to carefully plan projects and manage any necessary traffic measures.

Programme manager Roxanne Whittaker said: “We understand our work can cause disruption, but it is essential to maintain a resilient network that people rely on every day.

“While much of the gas network is out of sight, it plays a vital role in daily life – from heating homes to cooking meals and we know how important it is that gas is there when people need it.

“This investment will not only maintain today’s supply but also prepare the network to transport greener gases in the future.”

For more information about work in your area, visit www.wwutilities.co.uk/gas-pipe-upgrade-projects/

As projects begin, customers can also find out what to expect from the work at www.wwutilities.co.uk/services/gas-pipe-upgrades/

Anyone in genuine or urgent need such as getting to a critical appointment, accessing essential supplies, supporting vulnerable situations or unable to get to bus pick up points should call

Fremington: Cllr Frank Biederman [email protected] 07595988704

Yelland: Cllr Jayne Mackie – [email protected]

Instow: Cllr Becky Coombs – [email protected]