Flood cleanup and Devon County Show likely to cause traffic chaos in East Devon

Devon County Council is warning motorists to expect "particularly long delays" in East Devon, as the clean-up operation after flash-flooding coincides with the Devon County Show this week.

The villages of Tipton St John and Newton Poppleford were hardest hit by the torrential downpours last Tuesday (May 9).

The local authority has alerted users of the A3052 to the potential chaos as "tractors, road sweepers, diggers and lorries" clear up silt, mud and debris left behind.

A Devon County Council spokesperson said: "Motorists travelling to and from the Devon County Show or using the A3052 in East Devon are being warned to expect very long delays as the clear-up continues following recent flooding.

The flooding left mud and debris behind (DCC)

"Temporary traffic lights are in place on two sections of the A3052 at either end of Newton Poppleford.

"These are on Four Elms Hill, due to a collapse of the road, and on Exeter Road, Newton Poppleford, due to edge subsidence and a dangerous private wall.

"During busier periods the traffic lights in Newton Poppleford will be manually controlled, while the signals at the Sandygate Roundabout will be monitored from Devon County Council's Control Centre and controlled as in previous years."

The Devon County Show is taking place at the Westpoint Arena from Thursday, May 18 to Saturday, May 20.