Councillor apologizes for deteriorating road causing anger

The leader of Devon County Council, Julian Brazil, has publicly apologized after facing criticism for suggesting that the storm-damaged A379 Slapton Line road may not be repaired. His comments sparked widespread anger among local residents, who are concerned about the resulting disruption to transport and potential safety hazards. The damage occurred when sections of the road, located near Torcross, were washed away during a recent storm, leading to fears that the area would be left inaccessible for an extended period.

Extent of Damage and Road Closure

The A379 Slapton Line, a picturesque coastal route that runs between a freshwater lake and the sea, experienced substantial damage after being battered by the storm. On Monday, large sections of the road were washed into the sea, and the cost of the repairs has been estimated at tens of millions of pounds. Following this, local authorities warned that the road would likely remain closed for a prolonged period. The council leader, Julian Brazil, stated that it is unlikely that government funding will be allocated for repairs, due to concerns over the road's vulnerability to future storm damage. As a result, he proposed that the area could potentially be repurposed as a tourist destination rather than immediately rebuilding the road.

Council Leader's Apology

Julian Brazil addressed the public's concerns during a council meeting, acknowledging the frustration caused by his earlier remarks. He stated: "In retrospect, maybe it wasn't the right time... there are people who are suffering right here and now, and we need to sort them out and that's absolutely right. I apologize about that, but I think in the end those are the kind of pragmatic decisions we've got to take." Brazil also emphasized the importance of developing an adaptation plan in the event that the road is not rebuilt, stating: "If we're not going to mend the road, and that could well be the case, then we've got to try to get as much positive things out of it as possible."

Safety Measures and Sea Defences

In response to the damage, additional safety measures have been implemented, including the placement of extra boulders along Slapton Beach to act as sea defences. These steps aim to protect the remaining sections of the A379 Slapton Line, which runs along the shingle bar and is highly susceptible to further storm erosion.

Impact on Residents and Local Services

The road closure has caused significant concerns among local residents, particularly in terms of emergency access and daily commuting. Steve Kilpatrick, a resident of Torcross, voiced his concerns, stating: "If you have a heart attack in Torcross, now I fear you are going to die because the ambulance can't get through the lanes. If you catch fire, you're in trouble. It's really serious." Patrick Meaney also expressed frustration with the council's approach, saying: "The county council seem to immediately want to revert to Plan B, which is to ignore the fact that we and the area desperately need that road to be reinstated."

Economic and Educational Disruptions

Local businesses are also facing challenges as a result of the road closure. Peter Osborne, a volunteer at a shop in Slapton, highlighted the logistical difficulties businesses now face: "The very narrow, very windy roads now had to be used. The big lorries that would have normally come along Slapton Line aren't able to do so. They're having to rejig deliveries in smaller trucks and vans - they'll probably have to put their costs up which goes straight off our bottom line." Families are also struggling with transportation issues for children attending school. Shirley Sullock, a resident of Slapton, shared: "The buses aren't just meeting up like they should. The children have been hanging around in places and not getting home on time, so it is a nightmare."

Future Considerations

The Devon County Council is currently evaluating whether repairing the road is a viable option, given the extensive damage and potential for further erosion. Alternatively, officials are exploring other measures to ensure continued access to the region. Residents are calling for a clear plan to address the ongoing disruption and to ensure that safety and accessibility are maintained in the long term. The council is also strengthening sea defences in an effort to prevent additional damage to the remaining sections of the road. As the A379 Slapton Line serves as a critical route connecting Torcross with Dartmouth, the council faces the challenge of balancing financial feasibility, public safety, and the needs of the local community as they decide the future of the road.