HEAVY rainfall in Chudleigh Knighton forced police to close a road for more than an hour. The B3344 was shut to traffic after the deluge led to the road being under at least a foot of water and almost flooding a nearby property.

One vehicle had to be pulled out of the water by other motorists and due to the waves caused by vehicles passing through, officers made the decision to close the road.

A fire officer attended the scene to assess the threat however it was the hard work from local residents unblocked the drains causing the water level to drop.

PCSO Paul Wilson praised the efforts of those who fought the torrent on Friday and drivers who had to use a diversion until the water subsided.

He said: ‘On the whole most drivers understood the need to close the road and were happy to take the diversion.’

However, he added that he had seen first hand drivers ignoring the road closed signs only to have to be turned around further along the road. He added: ‘Can I ask motorists not to ignore police road closed signs placed on the highway.

‘The police do not take lightly the decision to close any road, it is always done to protect evidence, prevent injury or protect property.

‘Roads are always open as soon as it is safe to do so.’