THE ?temporary? traffic lights on Okehampton?s New Road could be gone soon. The lights have been in place almost two years because of safety fears due to a subsidence problem with a wall on the high bank bordering the road. But the concerns of residents and the frustration of motorists could be lifted early in the new year as work has now begun on repairing the damaged wall that has been the root of the problem. Work on repairing the garden wall of a property above the road on Prospect Hill has been beset by problems from the outset. Initially, there were disputes over who had responsibility for the repair bill. This was eventually resolved with insurance company Norwich Union agreeing that it was its responsibility. However, further delay was caused when work was split between different contractors and by the sheer technical difficulties the job presented. The repairs requires specialist builders. The traffic lights, however, have caused an array of problems for residents on New Road. Justine Spargo, a New Road resident, said: ?Cars continually go through red lights. There is constantly a backlog and sometimes it is impossible just to get out of the drive. ?More and more cars are speeding up so they don?t get stuck at the lights. It?s been a nightmare and it?s amazing that no-one has been injured or hurt. ?Work was originally meant to be complete by the summer of 2006 and it is now the winter of 2007. There have been generators running day and night for two years as well as pollution from the cars who are waiting at the lights ? isn?t Devon meant to be green?? Norwich Union, the insurance company which is paying for the work and the traffic lights, has said that the work is subject to stringent health and safety regulations, and that the safety of the residents and the building was a major consideration. The cost of the contractors is estimated to be £360,000 and Norwich Union added that it wants the work done properly and is hopeful it will be completed by spring 2008. Okehampton mayor, Tony Leech, said: ?This is a deadly serious issue. For the people concerned it is imperative that the property is safeguarded no matter how long the engineering takes. ?The traffic lights have caused all sorts of general problems for commuters. ?When there have been accidents on the A30 the town has been brought to a dead standstill. Show days and holidays have also added to the problem. ?It will be good for the town, good for the residents of New Road and good for the owner of the property when all this is done and dusted.? A resident, who has lived in one of the properties above the road for six years, spoke of her huge sense of relief now the work had finally started. She said: ?It has taken such a long time and I can see why, but I?m relieved that the work has started at last. They say it will take 12 weeks. ?I haven?t been able to use the garden path for the last two years. It hasn?t been a bundle of fun but at least the work has now begun.?