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'Blown sand makes road a danger' - residents

BBC A large amount of sand has covered a pavement with a set of four benches on it, which are difficult to sit on due to the sand. Yellow cones have been put on the benches. A white yacht is moored up on the opposite side of a wall by the benches.BBC
Large amounts of sand blown from dunes and a beach have been causing issues on Marine Parade

Residents have formed a group demanding action to tackle problems with sand blowing from a beach and dunes on to a road.

The Instow Sand and Flood Action Group has been set up in the North Devon village following issues with sand along Marine Parade, which forms part of the Taw Torridge Estuary Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Members of the group said the large amounts of sand made the pavement impassable and had caused flooding when drains became blocked on the road.

Devon County Council (DCC) said it was talking to partners about how to manage the situation.

'Walk without danger'

Jacqui Pool, a member of the group, said the problems had been going on for "some time" and were made worse during severe weather events like Storm Darragh in December.

She added it appeared to be a "complex situation" with various agencies including the county council, North Devon Council, the Environment Agency and Natural England involved.

Ms Pool said she believed one of the main problems was a "lack of communication".

"We don't know what's happening," she added.

"What we want is for the highways and particularly the pavements to be cleared so we, the residents and the visitors, can freely walk without danger."

Jacqui Pool Flooding on Marine Parade in Instow on a rainy day. Sand dunes are in the background along with a bus stop shelter and red post box.Jacqui Pool
The action group said sand blocking drains had led to flooding on the road

Frank Biederman, independent councillor for Fremington at North Devon Council, said the issue had not been managed properly.

He said: "It builds up all the time and now and then, the tide will sort it out.

"But generally the dunes are moving and nature's doing its thing and what we really need is to be able to manage it."

'Discussions with partners'

A DCC spokesperson said concerns had been raised about the issue of sand from a private beach blowing on to roads in Instow.

They added the issue had been particularly highlighted during winter months and it was impacting DCC controlled roads.

"We are in discussions with partners, including Natural England and North Devon Council, on the best way to effectively manage this," the spokesperson said.

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