HUNDREDS of motorists were given the runaround when a mini-sinkhole suddenly appeared on the main route in and out of a Teignbridge village this week, writes Paul James.

Commuters and visitors to Hennock had their way blocked for 48 hours after the discovery of a sinister hole in the road leading towards Bovey Tracey and Chudleigh Knighton.

Drivers reported the discrepancy late on Monday morning, prompting highway chiefs to close a mile-long section of the road.

A repair gang was drafted in on Wednesday to plug the gap about a mile outside the village.

Closer inspection of the problem revealed a hole some 12ins across and of similar depth.

One of many inconvenienced motorists living in the village said: ‘I had to take a detour which added another ten minutes on my journey to and from work. It wasn’t helped by the fact everyone else was taking the same diversion and causing some congestion.’

Cllr Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways Management, told the Mid-Devon Advertiser on Tuesday: ‘A hole in the side road leading to Hennock village was reported to us late on Monday.

‘We closed the road in the interests of public safety. Contractors are investigating the extent of the void underneath and repair work will begin tomorrow, Wednesday.

‘It is anticipated that the road should be reopened by the end of the day.’