A PUBLIC meeting will take place in Newton Abbot next week to discuss roadworks amid ongoing frustration among residents and the intervention of one of the town's county councillors.

Having received ‘hundreds of messages and emails from residents describing how severely their lives are being affected’, Councillor Jacqueline Fry (Reform UK, Newton Abbot North) threw her full weight behind calls for a public meeting of businesses with representatives from Devon County Council (DCC), namely Cabinet Member for Highways, Councillor Dan Thomas, as well as officers.

The call came after the A383 went under traffic lights last week for a couple of days while South West Water tended to a manhole cover.

And though the disruption, which was compounded by emergency repair work on Newton Road, unfavourable conditions, namely flooding, and, of course, the ongoing closure of the A382, was relatively short-lived, it served as a taster for things to come.

Utility work to the A383, which is expected to take 30 weeks to complete, is due to get underway this month.

The ongoing disruption has solicited strong feeling among residents, with many having contacted the Mid-Devon Advertiser, as well as Cllr Fry, to air their frustrations, not to mention the numerous posts to social media.

‘I feel extremely passionate about the situation unfolding on the Newton Abbot highways’, Cllr Fry said.

‘Over recent weeks, I have received hundreds of messages and emails from residents describing how severely their lives are being affected - from struggling to reach hospital and doctors' appointments, to delays getting to work, school, and essential services.

‘Local businesses are suffering too.

‘We urgently require clear explanations and action from DCC Highways’.

‘My priority is, and always will be, the people of Newton Abbot.

As such, Cllr Fry supported the call for a public meeting in the town to discuss the issue.

‘This is our chance to get clarity, accountability, and action’, Cllr Fry said.

The meeting takes place at 6pm on Thursday, February 12 at Newton Abbot Rugby Club.

‘This is an open meeting for anyone affected by the current roadworks — whether you’re a business owner, resident, commuter, passing through, or anywhere in between’ Cllr Fry said.

‘If the roadworks are impacting your livelihood, daily life, travel, or access, please come along to share your concerns, listen to others, and help us come together peacefully to discuss a way forward’, Cllr Fry added.

The Mid-Devon Advertiser has approached Devon County Council for comment.

• A382 - Closed from September 2025 at the Whitehills junction for 11 months. Once the roundabout is complete, the work will move to Forches Cross where there will be a further closure for 12 months.

• A383 - Under traffic lights from February for around 30 weeks to install utility services to the Houghton Barton housing development.

• Torquay Road - Upgrades to traffic lights at junction with Brunel Industrial Estate due to start this month.