A BUS travelling through Dawlish came to an abrupt halt when the driver came up against a road closed sign.

The Number 2 Stagecoach bus, which was travelling from Exeter to Newton Abbot, was left stranded on Teignmouth Hill yesterday evening.

Other drivers were left stuck, claiming they were unaware the road was completely closed.

A spokesman for Stagecoach said: ‘There was an emergency road closure in Dawlish yesterday as a result of a collapsed man-hole cover.

‘This meant it was necessary for Service 2 to divert, however, one vehicle needed to turn around at the road closure point, which resulted in a delay of less than 10 minutes to the journey.

‘We apologise to anyone who was inconvenienced by this minor delay.’

One motorist said: ‘I was coming the other way and diverted through Coronation Avenue and West cliff Park Drive way only to find that road closed too.

‘I then turned around and went down over Third and First Avenue - good job I know the roads well!!

‘I’m usually pretty lenient but the ridiculousness of road works in this poor town at the moment must be killing the traders.’

Another called it an ‘absolute nightmare.

‘I was unaware of the road closure and had to walk down past to get in to Dawlish for someone to pick me up as there were no buses running.’

South West Water has been asked for a comment.