FLOOD alleviation work was due to get underway in Bovey Tracey’s Station Road today.

A traffic lights system will cause some disruption for the duration of the county council and Environment Agency-funded project which is due for completion in mid-February.

The aim of the £40,000 exercise is to minimise the depth and duration of flooding on Station Road and reduce the flood risk to surrounding properties by improving the water flow-path through the car park.

Nearby public toilets will be demolished and ground levels modified to improve drainage and provide a better path for flood waters from Station Road to reach the River Bovey.

Removal of the toilet block will also give better visibility to the Station Road pedestrian crossing and provide a safer link between the car park and the Stover Trail and Wray Valley Trail.

Temporary toilet facilities will be provided until the new Bovey Tracey community building is built.

The scheme is a collaboration between the Environment Agency and Devon County Council, who are paying for the work, and Teignbridge District Council and Bovey Tracey Town Council.

Cllr Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highway Management and Flooding, said: ‘It is important that we work together to better protect our communities against the risk of flooding, so I am pleased that the work is underway.’

He added: ‘This scheme will tackle the risk of flooding on one of the main routes in and out of the town centre, so is vital for both local residents and businesses.

‘Although there will be some short-term disruption to traffic while the work is being carried out, I’m sure everyone will agree that the ongoing benefits against the more severe disruption of flooding makes it worthwhile.

Steve Moore, advisor for The Environment Agency, said: ‘We are delighted to be working with Devon, and the district and town councils, to deliver a scheme that will help reduce flooding risks in Station Road. 

‘This work forms part of our strategy of working in partnership with others to progressively deliver improvements that will reduce the risks of flooding in the town.’

Jeremy Christophers, Leader of Teignbridge, chipped in: ‘It’s great to see this scheme getting underway. I am sure Bovey residents will welcome it.

‘The removal of the outdated toilets and the enabling of a better more modern provision elsewhere gives the area a lift. It contributes to the overall enhancement of Station Road and makes it safer for people to enjoy the fantastic Stover and Wray Valley trails.

‘There will be a little short term pain with some disruption, but the gains long-term will be worth it.’

Bovey mayor Cllr Tony Allen said: ‘Any work to be done to alleviate the risks of flooding in Station Road is to be welcomed.

‘This work is the first to be carried out in preparation for building the new Town Community Centre, while giving the additional benefits of enhancing road safety at the zebra crossing, and completing a missing piece of the Wray Valley Trail through the town.’