UNACCEPTABLE reinstatement work across Dawlish has been criticised by town councillors.

Dawlish Town Council has issued a strongly worded letter to utility companies complaining about the condition of the town’s roads.

At a meeting of the full council, members agreed to write to the companies following a raft of complaints from members of the public.

Poor surface finishing and abandoned equipment have regularly been reported across the town.

County, district and town councillor Rosie Dawson has been responding to complaints.

A burst sandbag which had been left on a main road all through the summer.

Cllr Dawson said: ‘I can be patient, but a burst sandbag from a contractor has been there all summer not in use.

‘I requested that it gets cleared away but now it's September so I've done it myself.

‘It's been there so long that the contractor will have to come and chisel the rest off and pressure wash the area.

‘I have also been out collecting abandoned road signage left by other utility companies and their contractors/traffic management.

‘It's fine that you need to do the work but Dawlish is not a dumping ground.’

The letter to utilities companies including Wales and West Utilities which has been replacing gas pipes throughout the town and South West Water which recently completed a multi-million pound improvement scheme expresses the town council’s ‘disappointment and growing concern regarding the condition in which roads are being left following utility works’.

The letter continues: ‘While the council recognises the necessity of work carried out by utility companies and appreciates the importance of maintaining essential infrastructure, there is increasing frustration among both members and residents at the standard of reinstatement being achieved in a number of locations.

‘In particular, the council wishes to highlight Elm Grove Road by SWW, Exeter Road verges by Wales and West Utilities and West Cliff Road by SWW as examples where the road surface and overall condition, including the abandonment of equipment, following utility work has given rise to concern.’

Cllr Dawson has reported all the concerns to both companies previously.

The letter continues: ‘The council would be grateful if Devon County Council, as the highway authority, together with SWW and Wales and West Utilities could review the situation and ensure that reinstatement works are completed to the required standards and are subject to appropriate inspection and enforcement where necessary.

‘The council believes that a coordinated approach between the highways authority and utility providers is essential to maintain public confidence and ensuring the roads are left in a safe and satisfactory condition following works.’

The council says it welcomes comments on the complaints and has asked for information regarding any measures being taken to improve the quality and monitoring of highway reinstatements in the town.