MP's concern for Barnstaple Long Bridge road surface

PUBLIC concerns over the state of the road surface on Barnstaple Long Bridge have been highlighted by North Devon MP Nick Harvey. He says there are fears that it could be a potential safety hazard for the forthcoming Tour of Britain cycle

PUBLIC concerns over the state of the road surface on Barnstaple Long Bridge have been highlighted by North Devon MP Nick Harvey.

He says there are fears that it could be a potential safety hazard for the forthcoming Tour of Britain cycle race.

The cyclists are due to ride over the bridge on September 17 on their way to a stage finish on Bideford Quay.

"This is a prestigious event for North Devon and it is vital that the local authorities come up with adequate funding to ensure the safe passage of these world class cyclists," he said.

Mr Harvey passed on the concerns to Edward Chorlton, Devon County Council's deputy chief executive, who told him there was not a problem.

Mr Chorlton said: "The integrity of the carriage surface on the Long Bridge is considered to be sound and there are no proposals to carry out an extensive resurfacing scheme in advance of the arrival of the Tour of Britain."

But Mr Harvey responded: "Despite these reassurances, I would hope remedial work is carried out. Recent inspection of the Seven Brethren end showed a sizeable part of the surface was non-existent, other areas had subsided and cracked, drain covers were exposed and road markings faded. The visual evidence speaks for itself."

Mr Chorlton told the MP the bridge was inspected on a monthly basis, but further inspections of the route would be carried out in advance of the race taking place.