Link road construction disrupts local business

The ongoing construction on the North Devon Link Road A361 has sparked considerable concern among local businesses, with owners citing significant disruptions to their operations. 

Among them is Carl Robinson, proprietor of Riverton Lakes and Holiday Cottages, situated adjacent to the link road in Riverton near Swimbridge.

Mr Robinson described how the closures of the A361 have taken a toll on his business, which features holiday cottages and fishing lakes in close proximity to the road. 

ABOVE: Riverton Lakes and Holiday Cottages. Image: Google Earth

The expansion project, particularly the addition of another lane, has led to frequent closures, causing disturbances that have severely impacted his establishment. 

The most pressing issue, according to Mr Robinson, is the constant noise during night time closures.

He said: “We have holiday cottages and fishing lakes right next to the A361 on a stretch of the road where they are putting another lane in. The main thing for us is the noise at night when the closures are in force, and there are a lot of closures that seem never-ending.”

Mr Robinson detailed instances of disruptive night time activities, including contractors operating chainsaws at 1.30am in the morning and generators running all night to power equipment. 

Such disturbances have led to guest complaints and subsequent demands for refunds due to the excessive noise levels. 

Moreover, many day ticket fishermen have abandoned the lakes, citing the intolerable conditions caused by the construction noise.

Despite numerous complaints to local authorities, Mr Robinson expressed frustration at the lack of meaningful response. 

He said: “We have complained to the local authorities on numerous occasions with very limited response back. Sometimes no one even replies to our emails.”

Furthermore, Mr Robinson has said that communication regarding road closures and nighttime construction activities has been inadequate, with him claiming that these aspects were not initially disclosed in the project plans.

In a bid to recoup lost revenue, Mr Robinson expressed the desire for compensation but lamented the apparent reluctance of authorities to address the issue.

He said: “We would have liked some compensation to make up for lost revenue which has been caused by this, but it is looking like we need to engage with a solicitor to try and facilitate this.”

Griffiths who is conducting the work on the link road, was contacted by the Gazette but has not replied.