VILLAGERS in Starcross have reacted with relief that a trial pavement widening scheme in the village is not planned to go ahead.

Devon County Council highways put in place a temporary measure to widen a pavement in the village in May for several weeks in a bid to improve pedestrian safety.

But the scheme led to an increase in traffic along that stretch of the A379 which is renowned for being a bottleneck.

The trial scheme ended in June but Starcross Parish Council says it has been told by Devon County Council highways the widening plan has been ‘dropped’ and won’t be going ahead.

The temporary scheme was put in place to widen the pavement along parts of The Strand in three sections near the Galleon Inn, Starcross Garage and the former Westbank Charity shop.

Since it was announced the scheme would not be going ahead, villagers have taken to social media to say the idea was bound to fail.

► TRAFFIC LIGHTS

County councillor for the village Cllr Alan Connett said: ‘No easy answer for traffic in Starcross but traffic lights are the better answer in my view.’

Starcross Parish Council says it continues to ‘dispute this decision as it does not take into account any provision for pedestrian safety on The Strand.’

Reaction to the news the scheme won’t be permanent has been overwhelmingly positive.

On social media one said ‘common sense’ had prevailed.

Others have suggested Starcross needs a bypass, including from one person who is a local resident and a commuter.

Another said: ‘Surprise...a plan we all said wouldn’t work.’

Others have added their support for a traffic light scheme, such as exists at Powderham.

Comments included: ‘Didn’t need a rocket scientist to see that would cause a hassle in traffic flow.

‘At least we didn’t have to endure it for too long.’

It was also suggested that drivers themselves with ‘common sense and manners’ were all that was needed.

The Devon County Council scheme had aimed to address issues with this part of the A379.

The trial was approved by Teignbridge District Council’s Highways and Traffic Orders Committee last year.