Okehampton road set for closure just before Christmas

Residents in Okehampton have received a letter notifying them of changes to planned roadworks on Fore Street and East Street.

South West Water previously applied for a road closure to carry out utility works from outside the Town Hall to outside 29 East Street. 

The closure will now take place on 14 December 2025 for one day, replacing the original schedule of 14-18 December 2025. 

The date is subject to approval by Devon Highways and may change; residents will be notified if that happens.

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Parking bays and loading bays along the whole of Fore Street will also be suspended during the works. 

South West Water said it will make every effort to maintain access to properties and minimise disruption for residents and businesses.

This work is part of a broader programme of infrastructure upgrades in Okehampton. 

Earlier this year, Wales & West Utilities began a £305,000 gas mains replacement project, which includes road closures on Victoria Street and Wonnacotts Road, with a planned closure on East Street in January 2026. 

Local residents have taken to social media to show their disappointment with the timing of the works, with one explaining: “No, not even one day in the week before Christmas is not good enough, this will still affect our businesses. You have already allowed our trade to be ruined over summer, allow us at least a pain free run up to Christmas. As they have reduced it to one day then do it in January when no one comes into town anyway.”

For more information, residents are advised to call the South West Water helpline on 0344 346 2020.