Council work on the Embankment has triggered more pressure to repair Warfleet Road

Warfleet Road, Dartmouth, has been closed for more than a year-and-a-half after a wall collapsed, and arguments over whether repairs are the responsibility of Devon County Council or a private landowner have only delayed works further. 

The Warfleet Warriors grew out of frustration at the delay in works and became a dedicated group of Dartmouth residents, are rallying for action to reopen Warfleet Road.

The group call it a "crucial route that has been closed since February 2024 following a significant wall collapse". This closure has disrupted direct access between the Warfleet area and Dartmouth town centre, affecting residents, businesses, and emergency services.

We contacted Devon County Council to ask for an update on the situation and a spokesperson said today, Friday, 29 August: “Devon County Council is responsible for the repair and maintenance of Warfleet Road, but not the wall.  

"The council has enforcement powers provided by Highways Act 1980. However, given that the landowner is now addressing the matter through their insurance company, the council is engaging proactively with the landowner and insurance company in order to resolve the matter. 

"Once confirmation of their contractor and the design proposal have been received, assurances on when the works will take place will be sought and communicated. If this approach fails, the council may rely on its enforcement powers and will consider pursuing legal action to ensure repairs take place.”

Councillor Simon Rake, local Devon County Councillor for Dartmouth and Marldon, added: "I am very conscious of how long this matter has been going on, and that the delay in large part has been down to whose responsibility it is to fix the wall.

"I’m relieved that the landowner is now addressing the matter through their insurance company, and that the county council is continuing to engage with the landowner to resolve the matter as quickly as possible.

“I understand the frustrations felt by residents affected by the road closure and I will endeavour to keep local residents informed of progress.”

(Main image credit Richard Thorne, South Hams Newspapers: Campaign launched almost a year after wall collapse, cutting off access to town | dartmouth-today.co.uk)