THE main route to Exeter for those living in and around Moretonhampstead will remain closed until late May, it can be confirmed.

The closure of the B3212 for repair work began in January and had been due to finish in late April.

However, Moretonhampstead Parish Council have received confirmation from the contractor that the new finish date is May 22.

The extension is due to several factors, including the need to work around extensive scaffolding on the edge of the embankment, delays to the piling caused by bad weather earlier in the year and the bedrock being significantly harder than anticipated.

At the same time, Devon County Council is also taking the opportunity to improve drainage along this stretch and complete an additional length of resurfacing.

Throughout the work, through journeys on Country Bus service 359, between Exeter and Moretonhampstead, will be diverted via the A30.

Devon County Council has organised a shuttle service which will operate three times a day in each direction between Dunsford and Exeter, via Longdown.