TRAFFIC arrangements have been announced as Powderham Castle prepares to host thousands of people to four consecutive concerts.

Organisers of TK Maxx presents Live At Powderham is urging concertgoers to plan their travel ahead for the four nights from June 25 to 28 featuring headline shows from vocal powerhouse Teddy Swims, seven-time GRAMMY winner Alanis Morissette and global superstar Lewis Capaldi.

But there has been a backlash from local residents who face lengthy detours for four days running.

County councillor Rosie Dawson explained a lot of work has gone into planning travel arrangements.

She said: ‘Undoubtedly there will be an impact.’

The A379 will be open each day but only until 2pm.

After 2pm, Dawlish residents will have to follow a diversion route which will be via the A380.

Stagecoach 2 bus will run normally each day until 9pm.

Great Western Railway has schedule additional trains before and after the shows from Starcross station, a 15 minute walk from the castle, to Exeter St Davids and Newton Abbot.

From 9pm some lanes around Starcross and Kenton will become one way in order to get concert traffic out.

It is estimated 26,000 people will be attending the Teddy Swims concert alone.

But there have been complaints from local taxi firms that just one firm has been selected as a ‘taxi partner’.

Organisers say pick up and drop off locations for private cars and the taxi partner are at Exeter Racecourse and Exeter Science Park, with shuttle buses running from each site to the festival costing £10 per person.

But residents living nearby are unhappy about the road closure particularly as at previous concerts the road remained open.

One said there would be ‘huge disruption’ to Kenton village as the events are getting larger.

Another said: ‘The volume of traffic is ridiculously disruptive to people living here, including those attending.’

One added: ‘Why there is not a taxi drop off point from the Teignmouth area is ridiculous, and also expensive on top of the tickets. This needs looking at for future events.’

Many complained it is ‘going to be chaos’ and unfair on drivers to have such a long detour, particularly with the increase cost of fuel.

One said: ‘I just feel the decisions have been made without thought for any of the residents in Cockwood, Eastdon and the Warren.

‘We simply do not have the infrastructure to support these events.’

Promoters Cuffe and Taylor say they have set up a range of travel options allowing fans to choose the best route for their journey – with the aim being for the majority of people attending the live concerts to use pre-booked public transport.

Cllr Dawson added that some lanes surrounding Starcross and Kenton will be one way and there is access only for residents after 2pm.

Shuttle buses are running return trips from Exeter city centre to Powderham; a park and ride will operate in partnership with Stagecoach from Exeter Racecourse and gold car parks, located a 10 minute walk from the arena, are sold out for Saturday and Sunday but there are some tickets left for Thursday and Friday.

All car parks have to be booked in advance.

More information about transport and travel options can be found at liveatpowderham.com and fans are advised to follow Live At Powderham’s social media channels for all updates.