In an open letter submitted to Devon County Council, South Hams Chamber have claimed the culvert repairs in Kingsbridge could take another 20 weeks.

The initial works on Fore Street were due to be completed by February 6, but the discovery of a large hole beneath the road, red tape, and subsequent bad weather delayed the repairs.

Devon County Council had extended the road closure until April 20, but that deadline is likely to be extended further.

South Hams Chamber say the management of the project has been “unacceptable” and accuse Devon County Council of failing to communicate clearly, plan effectively, or demonstrate any meaningful urgency in addressing the problem.

In the strongly worded letter addressed to Councillor Julian Brazil, Chairman of the Chamber, Samantha Dennis writes that while residents and businesses have shown “remarkable patience”, that patience has now “all but run out”.

The letter states that the ongoing disruption has left businesses and residents “frustrated, disrupted, and increasingly angry”, with parts of the town continuing to be affected by closures, diversions, and restricted access.

Particular concern has been raised over the diversion route along Mill Street, which the Chamber describes as unsafe due to the absence of proper pedestrian crossings. The letter also criticises signage around the works, describing it as inadequate from the beginning of the project.

In the letter, Ms Dennis writes that Kingsbridge is now widely being described as “chaotic”, warning that the situation is damaging the town’s reputation and placing real strain on the local economy.

The Chamber is calling on Councillor Brazil, who represents Kingsbridge at the county level and is Leader of Devon County Council, to intervene directly and impose greater oversight on the project to ensure the work is hastened.

The South Hams Gazette has contacted Devon County Council for comment and clarification on the projected timeline for the repairs.

This is a developing story, and updates will be published as information becomes available.