08/09/2026
Bickington Road – Gas & Drainage Works Update
Dear Residents,
I wanted to provide an update on the planned gas and drainage works on Bickington Road, following the significant disruption experienced at the end of August.
Wales & West Utilities – Phase 2
The Phase 2 Wales & West Utilities works, which were aborted around ten days ago, remain on hold.
However, Wales & West Utilities have now submitted a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) to bring forward Phase 3(Fremington Quay through Fremington), as shown on the original works diagram. This is outside of the Drainage Works in Sticklepath and will only start, if those works are complete.
I will continue to monitor this closely and keep residents updated as further information becomes available.
It is my understanding that Phase 2 will not now take place until next year. Given what happened at the end of August, I believe there must be proper planning, communication and mitigation measures in place before these works are allowed to proceed again. We cannot afford a repeat of the disruption and traffic problems experienced previously.
DCC Drainage Works
Separately, Devon County Council has planned essential drainage repairs on Bickington Road.
These works are needed because of repeated localised flooding in the area, which has affected residents, motorists and pedestrians, including children walking to the nearby schools.
Bickington Road is also part of the Council's Primary Salting Network, so the repairs need to be completed before the winter service period begins on 15 October. Leaving the problem unresolved could create an increased risk of flooding and, during colder weather, dangerous ice on the road.
Councillor Leaver and I have been working with Council officers to ensure that these works are carried out outside the main peak traffic periods wherever possible, recognising the impact they will inevitably have.
The current arrangements are:
Two-way temporary traffic lights on Bickington Road between 9.15am and 3.15pm on weekdays.
Works are currently scheduled from Monday 21 September to Friday 9 October.
Outside those hours, both lanes will be kept clear to allow traffic to flow during the morning and afternoon peaks, including school drop-off and collection times.
The temporary lights will be manually controlled, allowing timings to be adjusted to reflect actual traffic conditions.
Access to and from Woodville will be managed to minimise the impact on the adjacent primary school.
There will be a 24-hour footway closure on one side of the road, with arrangements made to maintain pedestrian access.
These works will cause some disruption — there is no pretending otherwise.
However, the drainage problem needs addressing. A flooded road, or an untreated road becoming hazardous through freezing conditions, would create its own significant risks for residents, pedestrians and motorists.
Importantly, the traffic management arrangements for these drainage works are different from those used during the recent Wales & West Utilities works. The intention is to keep traffic moving during the busiest periods and minimise the impact on local residents, schools and the wider community.
The Council has also advised that relevant stakeholders, including schools, emergency services and public transport operators, will be contacted.
I appreciate that residents will understandably be concerned following the experience at the end of August. I will continue to press for proper coordination and mitigation of the Wales & West works and will keep you updated as the situation develops.
Thank you for your patience and understanding.
