WORK is due to start at last on a £10 million project to move a mile-long stretch of road which will protect Teignbridge's historic mining industry for decades.

Plans by clay company Sibelco to realign the B3193 road from Abbrook to Rixey Park on the outskirts of Kingsteignton were first given permission 35 years ago but progress was held up by environmental issues and concerns the alternative route, east of the existing road, was too close to homes.

Now the project has got the green light after alterations to the alignment of the new road further away from properties and a raft of measures to protect wildlife.