ADVANCE works to prepare for the rebuilding of a collapsed retaining wall in Shaldon are due to start next week.

Openreach will start diverting its cables on November 9 as part of preparations to rebuild the wall between Torquay Road and Ringmore Road, which collapsed in February 2024.

The cable diversion is expected to take around two weeks and will allow the services to be moved clear of the site before the main reconstruction work can begin.

Temporary traffic management arrangements will be changed to accommodate the work, with the existing traffic lights replaced by a three-way system. Parking will also be temporarily suspended on Ringmore Road in a bid to reduce queuing, Devon County Council says.

Restrictions on parking and turning will also be introduced between Ringmore Road and Torquay Road.

The Openreach work is one of several advance operations required before the wall can be rebuilt.

A National Grid cable also needs to be diverted, while repairs are required to highway drainage damaged during previous utility works. Dates for these additional works are expected to be confirmed for the New Year.

The three-way traffic lights will remain in place throughout the Openreach operation, with the various restrictions intended to ensure the work can be completed safely and with sufficient space for contractors.

The aim is for the permanent repair of the retaining wall to begin once all the necessary utility diversions and associated works have been completed.

Councillor Heather Horner, local member for Ipplepen and The Kerswells, said: ‘I know people in Shaldon are keen to see the wall rebuilt and the temporary lights removed.

‘I am pleased that these advance works are getting underway and that progress is being made towards the permanent repair’.