STABILISATION work at the A382 road closure near Wray Barton has reached a significant milestone, with Devon County Council confirming that work at the northern end of the site has now been completed.

In an update issued on Friday, August 7, the council said a new concrete retaining wall has been installed to protect the road, while a replacement timber fence has been erected above it, replacing the previous deteriorated structure.

Attention has now shifted to the southern end of the site, where excavation work is continuing in preparation for the next sections of the new retaining wall.

Separate drainage improvements have also been completed, reducing the number of workers and vehicles required on site.

Despite the progress, the council has raised concerns over some motorists continuing to ignore the road closure.

Contractors have reported repeated incidents of people, particularly motorcyclists, moving barriers to gain access through the works or attempting to use the Wray Valley Trail as a shortcut.

The Ashburton and Chudleigh Neighbourhood Policing Team said it had received reports of motorcycles illegally passing through the closure.

A police spokesperson said: ‘We realise the diversion is quite long, but this does not mean it is okay for any motorists to move barriers and go through the closure or to use the Wray Valley Cycle Trail to pass the closure’.

Police have confirmed that CCTV is now operating at the site, with motorists who ignore the closure liable to receive notices of intended prosecution.

Officers also warned that drivers involved in collisions while unlawfully travelling through the closed section of road could find that their insurance does not cover any damage.

Devon County Council said it expects to issue a further progress update in around a week's time, while Moretonhampstead Parish Council will continue to share the latest information with local residents as it becomes available.