THE end is now well and truly in sight for one of Okehampton's longest running traffic sagas.
Since early December 2005 'temporary' traffic lights and scaffolding have been in place on New Road in Okehampton. Now, more than two and a half years later, the lights and scaffolding are finally coming down — just in time for Okehampton Show next week.
The damaged garden wall of Carclaze, the property on Prospect Hill above New Road, has been the root of the problem and repair work has been constantly besieged from the outset by an array of different issues.
A subsidence problem with the wall was causing stones to fall down onto New Road, which led to the side of the road by the wall being closed in December 2005.
Initially, there were disputes over who had responsibility for the repair bill. This was eventually resolved with insurance company Norwich Union agreeing it was their responsibility.
However, further delays were caused as the works were split up between different contractors and by the sheer technical difficulties the job presented.
The problem lay not only with the wall but with the bedrock on which the wall and house are built. Specialist builders were brought in from Plymouth to ensure the long term viability of the properties on Prospect Hill.
But after long delays, spiralling costs and an overwhelming sense of frustration a spokesman for Norwich Union confirmed New Road will once again be fully open and the damaged wall has been repaired to all the exacting standards required.
Okehampton Town Councillor Tony Leech has been in close contact with the insurers while working hard towards a suitable conclusion to the works.
Cllr Leech said: 'This is very good news for the owners of the property, if the work is now complete and the wall has been secured.
'It's also good news for Okehampton that the scaffolding is finally coming down.'
Okehampton mayor Kay Bickley added: 'They have been there ages and it's particularly good news for us with Okehampton Show around the corner.
'It has been a huge inconvenience and I think all the people that use New Road and the people that live up there will be delighted.'
New Road was shut yesterday (Wednesday) and will be closed today and tomorrow (Friday) to allow the scaffolding to be taken down and repairs made to the surface of the road.
Okehampton County Councillor Christine Marsh said: 'I'm delighted by the news —it's long overdue and there is a sense of relief that they (Norwich Union) have kept their promises to have the scaffolding down in time for the show.
'Closing the road for three days makes it easier to get the work done all in one go as they will be doing some work in clearing up the road at the same time.
'Last time it worked very well and went very smoothly.'
Carclaze resident Pam Stewart spoke of her relief that the work has finally finished — although she has still been left without a patio, fence and proper access to her flat.
She said: 'If I've got a fence by the time the scaffolding comes down I'm going to hang a huge sign on it saying "Hurray!"'
Meanwhile, Alan Flack, who owns a garage on New Road that has been plagued by access issues for the past two and a half years, added: 'I'll say I'm relieved! The main thing is, thank goodness it's in time for the Okehampton Show.
'It's been so difficult getting our cars in and out of the garage — it's been hell really, but I suppose the residents down there have had a much tougher time than me.'