'They are craters' - Shoppers avoid major Devon supermarket over 'shocking' road

Drivers in Ivybridge and the surrounding South Hams area are warning that Beech Road, the only main access route to Tesco Lee Mill, has become increasingly hazardous due to a series of deep potholes.

The damage, concentrated at the supermarket exit and the nearby T-junction towards the A38, is reportedly affecting shoppers, commuters, and delivery vehicles alike. 

Residents from Lee Mill village, Ivybridge, Plymouth, and smaller surrounding communities rely on the road to reach the supermarket, making the issue a daily concern.

Magdalena Mrvova, a local resident, told The Moorlander: “They are literally craters there. Surely everyone in Devon knows this, including the council.”

Jane Alce added: “They are craters. Going to stop going there.”

Public sentiment on social media echoed these concerns. Ruth Graham noted that the deterioration isn't limited to a single spot.

"That road is shocking all the way down from Cornwood Road corner past the industrial estate, particularly bad around Tesco where you are unable to avoid potholes to the junction."

Debbie Jayne, who visits the area daily, shared her frustration: "I was only talking about this about an hour ago! I use that road most days either going to the supermarket or visiting my parents in Lee Mill village, and that patch of road is awful!"

Shane Kerswell warned of the physical danger the road now poses. "It's shocking! You can't avoid it at all. Plus it’s pretty deep in places. Accident waiting to happen," he said.

Sarah Bunczuk, who drives Beech Road daily to reach the A38 for work, added: “The road is awful. My poor car is always needing work due to the awful roads.”

Meg Hollomon, also from Ivybridge, highlighted the risk to two-wheeled commuters: “The road is shocking. Dangerous for bikes and motorbikes. Damaging to vehicles. Just go up there and see for yourself. I avoid going there now if I can.”

The Moorlander understands that the potholes lie outside Tesco’s property boundary and that the supermarket has reported the issue to Devon County Council.

Devon County Council told The Moorlander: “We are still working to get this carried out in March and we are working on dates. The work will also include a complete re-surfacing of the junction. The work is more extensive than just pothole repair and it takes longer to arrange the materials and plant equipment than just pothole repair, so that’s why we haven’t a firm date yet.”

The road’s heavy traffic, including delivery lorries and haulage vehicles from a nearby industrial estate, is believed to have worsened the problem over time.

With Tesco Lee Mill serving a wide catchment area, residents say urgent repairs are needed to prevent accidents and reduce vehicle damage.