The picturesque A379 Slapton Line in Devon has suffered a catastrophic collapse, with parts of the road and an adjoining car park disappearing into the sea after relentless storms battered the region. The damage, which occurred overnight, has left local residents and businesses in shock as they grapple with the aftermath of nature’s fury.
A Coastal Community in Crisis
The A379, a vital route connecting the coastal villages of Torcross and Slapton, experienced significant damage following the destruction of sea defences in recent storms. According to Devon County Council, a crucial 200-metre segment of the road has been lost, with one lane now completely gone. The stormy weather has wreaked havoc not only on the infrastructure but also on the local community, with properties in Torcross showing signs of damage.
Images circulating on social media depict the dramatic scene, illustrating how the road, which runs parallel to the coastline and a serene lake, has been claimed by the waves. The owners of The Start Bay Inn, a beloved local pub, expressed their heartbreak on Facebook, stating, “It’s a mess, like a bomb has gone off. The road to the pub on the Leyside is filled with debris and not drivable.”
Local Leaders Respond
Devon South MP Caroline Voaden described the situation as “devastating,” sharing her concern for the safety of the area. “The pictures coming out of the A379 Slapton Line are absolutely devastating,” she remarked, with one of her team members on-site noting the sheer force of the waves shaking the remaining sections of the road.
In response to the crisis, Voaden has organised a meeting with the Department for Transport to discuss urgent measures. “Work is underway at Torcross to move some of the boulders and the sheet piling after the devastation last night,” she added, highlighting the collaborative efforts of Devon County Council, South Hams District Council, and the Environment Agency as they assess the extensive damage.
Ongoing Efforts and Future Concerns
Councillor Dan Thomas, responsible for highways at Devon County Council, acknowledged the relentless efforts to protect this vital stretch of road since the onset of Storm Ingrid. “Sadly, the ongoing challenging weather conditions have taken their toll,” he stated. Crews are currently on site, working with emergency services to determine the next steps and seek governmental assistance.
Previously, local authorities had implemented a traffic diversion through the car park as a temporary solution, but the severity of the damage has rendered that option unviable. Further investigations are planned to gauge the impact on the road extending to Strete Gate, as the community braces for the repercussions of this calamity.
The UK has faced a series of storms—Goretti, Ingrid, and Chandra—this January, bringing heavy rainfall and widespread disruption, particularly in the South West. The last significant collapse of the A379 occurred during Storm Emma in March 2018, but extensive repairs allowed it to reopen later that same year.
Why it Matters
This incident underscores the urgent need for robust infrastructure to withstand the increasing severity of weather events linked to climate change. The loss of the A379 not only affects local transport and commerce but also threatens the livelihoods of those who call this coastal paradise home. As communities like Torcross recover from this devastation, it highlights the importance of proactive measures to safeguard vulnerable areas against future storms, ensuring that both residents and visitors can continue to enjoy the natural beauty of Devon.
