DRIVERS in Dawlish are encountering more roadwork hell as two utility companies carry out work.

While South West Water’s ongoing multi-million pound scheme to improve water quality is affecting residential roads around the town, now Wales and West Utilities has started its own scheme as well.

Motorists are reporting long queues have been building all day due to three way traffic lights in operation on Exeter Road by Sandy Lane.

This has led to traffic tailing back to Langdon to get into Dawlish.

One driver reported taking 40 minutes to get from Sainsbury’s supermarket to Eastcliff.

County councillor Rosie Dawson has been in contact with the county’s highways officers today who are said to be checking on the A379 lights management.

She said: ‘They will be looking to see if it can be improved.

‘It is 110m of very old gas pipe coming out of Exeter Road which is needed but my gosh, mayhem has ensued.’

Meanwhile, in the town centre, SWW work has meant the closure of Brunswick Place.

One resident joked: ‘With all the road closures around Dawlish, I’m glad I went and bought a month’s supply of toilet paper.’