Six week closure of B3230 between Ilfracombe and Muddiford 'absolutely mental'
A BUS company boss has described a six week road closure between Ilfracombe and Muddiford as “absolutely mental”.
Roy Filer, managing director of Filers Travel, said the closure of the B3230 was ridiculous and would affect his company’s vital service between Ilfracombe and North Devon District Hospital (NDDH).
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The B3230 is set to be closed between Ilfracombe and Muddiford for up to six weeks
Yesterday Devon County Council told the Journal it would be closing the road for up to six weeks to stabilise a collapsing road edge and retaining wall.
Councillor Stuart Hughes, cabinet member for highways and transportation, said: “We will be informing local people and consulting with the emergency services as soon as possible about the closure.
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“Diversions will be put in place as well as extra signage on all routes in the area explaining the road is closed.”
The council said no start date for the work has yet been set but it was expected to commence in the next two weeks.
But Mr Filer, whose company runs hourly buses between Ilfracombe and NDDH said he has heard nothing about the closure.
He said: “I’m amazed we haven’t been notified about this, we would have expected to be told by now.
“Shutting the road for six weeks is ridiculous.
“Our routes and pick ups are very strictly licensed.
“We have to apply to the traffic commissioner to change our routes 56 days in advance which we can’t do now.
“There is no alternative route for us and we won’t be able to pick up passengers in Milltown or Muddiford. A lot of people from these places use our service.
“Closing the road will also force a lot of traffic onto the Braunton Road, it will be absolutely mental.”
Bus firm Stagecoach said the road closure would not affect any of its routes.
Comments
by Muddiford Inn
Monday, January 21 2013, 1:11PM
“We are The Muddiford Inn and Restaurant situated on the B3230 between Ilfracombe and Barnstaple. We have had no notification regarding this proposed B3230 closure for six weeks. It is absolutely deplorable. Running a Restaurant/Inn is hard enough in today's economic climate - this will crucify us without a doubt. The last time the road was affected only one lane was closed which was bad enough. We cannot be cut off completely, no customers, no food or Brewery supplies, no post, no waste collection and totally confined to Muddiford. Has no one given this proposal any real thought or consideration ?”