Devon resident fumes at 'earthquake' road with giant 10ft potholes

A Devon resident has branded the pothole-ridden road outside his home a "disgrace". Justin O'Neill, from Compton near Paignton, says it looks as if Widdicombe Lane has been "hit by an earthquake".

Large sections of the crumbling road have been crashing into his house as rainfall causes the surface to fall apart. The debris is blocking drains and damage is being caused to parked vehicles.

He has called for urgent action to repair the length of the road and stop its further disintegration. Devon County Council has promised temporary repair but say he will have to wait a year before something more permanent can be done.

Justin says: "The state of Widdecombe Lane is quite frankly a disgrace. It literally looks like an earthquake has struck the entire length of the road.

"Large sections of the road literally crash into our house on route to the bottom of Widdecombe Lane with every heavy rainfall. The weight of numerous farm vehicles also accelerates the break up of the road.

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"The debris that congregates onto Farmyard Corner is astonishing and priority has to be given to closing this road and resurfacing the entire road. If not, further damage to property (including my own) and vehicles parked at the bottom will continue."

He says residents should not have to put up with the damage. One particular hole has developed into a deep crater about 10 ft long feet long and 18 inches deep. Temporary measures to patch up the holes have not worked and something more permanent is needed, he says.

"The constant flow of stones and tarmac continues to block all drains and storm drains including the one adjacent to my drive," Justin said.

A Devon County Council spokesperson said: “We're aware of the condition of this road and temporary repairs are due to be undertaken in the next couple of weeks, with plans for a permanent repair scheme scheduled for next financial year (25/26), subject to available resources.”