REPAIRS to the infamous ‘temporary’ traffic lights in Shaldon may not happen before next year, it has been revealed.

The two way lights have been in operation since February 2024 following a landslip on an embankment between Ringmore Road and the A379.

The ongoing saga has been criticised by councillors and residents, angry over the length of time the lights have been in place.

Fed up parish councillors even staged a tongue-in-cheek ‘birthday’ party to mark two years since the lights were put in place.

But it now seems there could be some progress.

County councillor for Shaldon Heather Horner says a team of engineers from Devon County Council is currently in negotiations with utility companies over how to divert services.

This is required to enable the repairs to go ahead.

Cllr Horner said she is being kept informed of progress and when the repairs can take place.

But she said: ‘This is, however, now likely to be in early 2027.’

Shaldon Parish Council had hoped the work could have been started in September.

But they may now have to plan a third birthday party for the lights.

And who will be footing the bill for the cost of the repair work still remains a mystery.

A Freedom of Information request in November last year revealed the highways authority Devon County Council had already spent more than £43,000 on the set of lights to manage the wall collapse.

Cllr Horner has also pointed out that the repair work itself will mean further disruption.

Previously, Shaldon Parish Council had warned the repair work would cause disruption.

A spokesman said at that time: ‘The parish council continues to seek clarification of the expected duration of the work and of the traffic management which will be required during these repairs, mindful that minimising any impact on village businesses, residents and visitors should be a priority.’

In June, it was reported that the ongoing saga was proving even more complex than thought with unexpected issues with the existing utility infrastructure further complicating the situation.

A Devon County Council spokesperson said: ‘Work to rebuild the collapsed wall at Torquay Road, Shaldon, is progressing, but the programme is currently dependent on utility works and agreements with utility companies and a private landowner.

‘We are arranging for utility services within the excavation area to be moved. Some of this work may require a temporary road closure, subject to the necessary approvals being granted.

‘We are also working with utility companies to establish whether any further diversions are needed, while looking at ways to keep disruption and costs to a minimum.

‘The programme has also been affected by a water main issue in Torquay Road, which has damaged a surface water drain and will need to be repaired.

‘At present, we expect the current utility works to be completed before Christmas. If any additional work is required, it is likely to take place in early 2027.

‘Subject to these matters progressing as expected, our current aim is to begin rebuilding the wall in early 2027.’