Molland Parish News

ROAD FROM BOMMERTOWN CROSS TO HIGHATON HEAD CROSS, EAST ANSTEY & ROAD FROM BOMMERTOWN CROSS TO WADHAM CROSS, MOLLAND

9th to 14th of November 2026

See attachment Bommerton Cross for more details and map of diversions.

ROAD FROM BOTTREAUX MILL CROSS TO BEERE CROSS, BOTTREAUX MILL

11th December 2026

See attachment BNottreaux Mill for more details and map of diversions.

ROAD FROM ABBOTS CROSS TO BOTTREAUX MILL CROSS, MOLLAND

14th December 2026

See attachment Abbots Cross for more details and map of diversions.

Dear Residents

I have recently been in contact with our County-level Highways Officer for an update on Touts Bridge, as has the Clerk for Bish Nym (Ute) to discuss from their side.

The current state of play is that officially the bridge is closed and will remain closed until the repairs have been carried out, which are “expected soon” (whatever that means). Anyone crossing the bridge, if caught by the Police, will receive a fine – whether or not the closure signs and blocks are in place, which currently they are not courtesy of persons unknown. The Police have been informed by County that someone has tampered with the closure and safety measures, and Highways are considering putting more permanent restrictions in place.

Molland Parish Council has been in regular contact with Highways and our County Councillor Richard Hopley, as well as discussing the issue with various other key people at County. Richard and I have impressed upon them that this bridge is a vital part of the transport network into and out of Molland and beyond, and that the closures should be for as short a time as possible. We have also provided them with a more appropriate diversionary route for large vehicles (thanks Kate), as the original one went under a low and narrow bridge. We are assured that Highways understand the concerns (mainly around emergency vehicles, contractor and farming equipment, school-runs etc) and are progressing as quickly as they can, given financial and expertise constraints.

Your Parish Council understands how frustrating all of this is, but has no control over the workings of Highways, and can only badger on a regular basis for the works to be carried out and completed. In the meantime, please be aware of what I said above regarding the illegality of driving across the bridge and that it has been deemed unsafe to cross by Highways.

Thanks, Ian Fisher, Parish Clerk

You will no doubt be aware that the bridge at the Black Cock Inn is now closed, blocked with legio bricks to ensure barriers are not removed.

Obviously the Parish Council knows how much disruption this will cause and the level of anger/upset in the community. The bridge had to be closed because it was no longer safe, which is understandable.  However, we are lobbying to have the work completed far sooner than stated (October 2026) and asking Highways to provide a second alternative route for very large vehicles so that the narrow bridge at Bottreaux Mill does not get blocked.

As residents, please can you help by making sure that any suppliers, hauliers etc know firstly that Touts Bridge is closed, and secondly that the railway bridge at Bottreaux is narrow and has a height restriction of 11'6".

Please also be aware that the defibrillator at the Black Cock Inn is on the other side of the bridge from Molland. There are defibrillators at both the Parish Hall in Molland and the Village Hall at Twitchen. 

If you have any further queries, please contact me (Ian Fisher, Parish Clerk, clerk@mollandparish.gov.uk) or one of your Councillors (on the website www.mollandparish.co.uk under Parish Council menu). 

TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF THROUGH TRAFFIC

DEVON COUNTY COUNCIL hereby give NOTICE that:

From THURSDAY 23 OCTOBER 2025 for a maximum of 21 days Until THURSDAY 30 OCTOBER 2025 (both dates inclusive) no person shall cause or permit any vehicle to proceed on the sections of Affected Roads.

Roads affected - ROAD FROM COMBSLAND CROSS TO BRIDGE END, MOLLAND

The alternative, signed, route for vehicles will be via – WADE HILL–ABBOTS CROSS-SEVEN ACRE-MIDDLE LEE-BOTTREAUX MILL- WADHAM CROSS-B3227 COMBSLAND NEW CROSS-STATION HOUSE

This temporary restriction is considered necessary to enable - REPAIR IMPACT DAMAGE For additional information contact: DEVON COUNTY COUNCIL Telephone: 0345 155 1004 Dated: THURSDAY 23 OCTOBER 2025 Meg Booth Director of Climate Change, Environment and Transport Devon Highways Devon County Council County Hall Exeter EX2 4QD Ref: TTRO2566346