RESIDENTS in Bovey Tracey and Heathfield have been urged to email their county councillor if they experience problems with the forthcoming two-year programme of roadworks on the A382.

An upgrade of the main thoroughfare between Bovey and Newton Abbot is due to start later this month and Devon County Council has insisted that its best option is to close the route entirely.

Initially a section at Whitehill will be shut for a year to allow construction of a new roundabout.

Once that is completed the stretch between Forches Cross and Stover will close while the road is widened and straightened.

Highways engineers have claimed that computer-controlled monitoring will provide motorists with real-time updates on the quickest diversions.

Community leaders and traders in Newton Abbot have stressed the town will remain open for business but expressed concern about the scheme’s potential impact.

Now Bovey Tracey Town Council has been told that members and residents can play their part in keeping disruption to a minimum.

Addressing a meeting of the Full Council on Monday, September 15, County Member Cllr Sally Morgan acknowledged people’s concerns but said: ‘I can’t tell people what they want to hear, It has to go ahead.

‘The next couple of years are going to be tough.’

Mayor Cllr Sheila Brook made a plea that other roadworks planned for the duration were managed to reduce further disruption.

‘Residents can be patient to a point but it is so frustrating to have these delays at every point on their journeys,’ she said.

Cllr Glen Kennedy asked if contractors would be working a 9-5 day, a question Cllr Morgan couldn’t answer.

Instead she offered information about the company, Milestone Infrastructure, and told members she would try to help if they had concerns once construction started.

‘Motorists are being encouraged to email Milestone if they encounter problems with the roadworks and I’d repeat that message,’ she said.

‘What’s more copy me in, I want to know what’s happening and help keep the contractors on their toes.’

Milestone’s email address is [email protected].

Cllr Sally Morgan can be emailed via [email protected]