SOME residents of the Bridgerule area have hit out over the recent diversion routes that were put in place during the closure of the A3072, but Devon Highways say it is the public’s responsibility to follow the pre-laid diversions.

Diversion routes were put in place whilst resurfacing work stretching along the A3072 from Tamarstone Bridge in Pancrasweek to Weekstone Cross was carried out from January 18 to February 1.

However, concerns were raised after the closure led to an influx of vehicles in Bridgerule village.

The diversion route along the B3254 would see motorists travel from Red Post, down to Launceston before returning along the A388 to Holsworthy — in some cases doubling the journey time for motorists.

However, during the closure some drivers used ‘local knowledge’ opting for the shorter route, which saw motorists cut through the village of Bridgerule, using the ‘back lanes’. This led to an increased volume of traffic thorough the small village, causing issues for parents dropping their children off at Bridgerule Primary School.

Karen Pinchess, from Bridgerule, whose children attend the local primary school, raised her concerns through social media about the increase in traffic. She said: “I contacted Devon Highways two days ago [January 23], they were not interested and said it was not their duty to help make the situation safe for us in Bridgerule.

“The children are at risk here with the lack of pavements and the lack of parking for the school, now all made worse by the increase in traffic showing little concern for the children in the middle of the road.”

Others raised concerns over the increase in HGV’s seen on these narrow, often unsuitable back lanes.

However, in response to the issue, a spokesman for Devon County Council explained that although it is their duty to put in place safe diversions, they are not responsible if drivers chose to ignore these routes. They said: “HGVs must use the official signed diversion along the A388 and B3254 via Launceston.

“If other road users choose to find alternative routes away from the official diversion that is their responsibility.”