RESIDENTS, staff, parents and children are facing more disruption as South West Water has announced it needs to carry out work in Elm Grove Road again.

The road, which is home to two schools and residential properties, will have to be disrupted for a The previous work was arranged to take place outside term time.

Now, both Dawlish College and Gatehouse Academy will be open during the work which is part of the wider multi-million pound scheme across Dawlish aimed at improving water quality.

County Councillor Rosie Dawson said the work had to be done because an ‘unmapped’ gas pipe had prevented the previous work during the summer holidays.

She explained: ‘SWW will be applying to do works by Dawlish College for a few weeks from later in October.

‘From starting the discussion at total road closure, myself and the school have pushed for an improved and fully manned plan including a one way system that would allow a slow but continuous flow of traffic at school times and continued essential deliveries.

‘If SWW stick to the proposal, it will involve their personnel at several points in the scheme during those busy periods to ensure the movement of traffic and the safety of children.

'If they aren’t granted this time it will result in a delay in the whole scheme completion which nobody wants.’

In a letter sent to parents by Dawlish College head teacher Sam Banks, parents were told SWW is inviting all ‘stakeholders’ to a meeting to be held at the college.

The letter stated: ‘The school and Ivy Education Trust have been consulted on the disruption and we have been engaging to try to secure the ‘least worst’ situation for our staff, students, families and other residents.

‘However, we are not responsible for or closely involved in the planning of the works so concerns and complaints must be taken direct to SWW.’

SWW says the road will have to close between October 20 and November 2.

In a letter to residents, SWW said: ‘We will do all we can to minimise any disruption.

'However, on street parking will be restricted and some properties may not have vehicular access to their driveway during this time.’

SWW has also warned that further works in the area are planned from December to March.