SOUTH West Water has confirmed work has now started on a ‘nightmare’ Dawlish road.

Residents and motorists were furious after a one-way system came into force a week before it appeared any work had begun.

Now, a spokesman for SWW said: ‘As we continue vital improvements to our wastewater network across Dawlish, there is a one-way system on Elm Grove Road while we carry out the work safely.

‘We have now started the main works here and expect to complete the work and remove the traffic restrictions by late March.’

But the one-way system, combined with other work on the A379 Exeter Road being carried out by Wales and West Utilities, has caused what has become known as the ‘Nightmare on Elm Grove’.

Drivers are facing long delays to complete short journeys, particularly during peak times and school drop off and pick up.