MP starts petition after coastal road collapse

Thousands have signed a petition calling for more government support for those affected by storm damage to a coastal road.

Caroline Voaden, Liberal Democrat MP for South Devon, set up the petition following the partial collapse of the A379 Slapton Line near Torcross, which has caused disruption in the area.

As of 09:30 GMT on Saturday, more than 9,500 people had signed the petition, which calls for help for "communities affected by coastal erosion in Start Bay".

The government said it was aware the storm damage was a "big shock" to residents and that it was working with the county council to determine its "next steps".

A government spokesperson said: "We are providing over £443m for roads maintenance in the area over the next four years, along with £667m across the UK into protecting communities from the sea."

The road is set to remain shut for an extended period after an estimated tens of millions of pounds of damage was caused.

County council leader Julian Brazil apologised after he suggested the road might not be repaired, which sparked angry comments from residents.

Voaden said the response to the petition showed the "strength of feeling about the crisis" and how worried people in the community were.

"Communities affected by coastal erosion at Start Bay are the canary in the coalmine in our fight against climate change," she added.

"The government must treat this issue with the seriousness and urgency it deserves."

Voaden added she had been selected to ask a question during Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday.

On the same day, she said she would meet the Roads Minister Simon Lightwood to discuss the issues with the A379.

A fourth public meeting about coastal erosion in Start Bay is due to be held at Stoke Fleming Village Hall on 15 February.

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