20/08/2026
This is very likely to put more pressure on the link road. Please plan journeys carefully 😁
🚧 Gas Works – Phase 2 starts next Monday 24 August.
A quick update for residents who travel through Sticklepath into Barnstaple, as Phase 2 of the Wales & West Utilities gas replacement works starts on Monday 24 August.
Although the works are outside my ward, I know they will affect many of my residents who travel through Sticklepath to Barnstaple, so I wanted to share the latest information.
🚗 Travelling by car
The road closure/diversion will mean that traffic travelling towards Barnstaple will be able to continue as normal, but vehicles returning from Barnstaple will need to follow the diversion via Barnhenge, the A39 and Cedars Roundabout, before rejoining the route through Bickington.
Please allow extra time for journeys, particularly at peak times.
🚶♀️ Walking & 🚲 cycling
I have asked for further clarification from Wales & West Utilities/DCC about whether pedestrians and cyclists will be able to pass through the works area.
I don't yet have a definitive answer on whether you will be able to walk or cycle through the entire works area, but Westfield Avenue should provide an alternative route for pedestrians and cyclists.
I will update this post once I have confirmation about the arrangements.
🚌 Bus services
5B, 71, 72, 85, 319 & 372: Towards Barnstaple, services will operate normally. Leaving Barnstaple, buses will serve the Rail Station before joining the bypass towards Bideford. Roundswell stops will not be served.
Service 19: Towards Barnstaple, normal route. Returning, buses will divert via Barnhenge, the A39 and Cedars Roundabout, before continuing through Bickington. Barnstaple Rail Station will not be served towards Roundswell.
21/21A: After Barnstaple Rail Station, buses will divert and rejoin the normal route at Cedars Roundabout.
62A/62C: Revised timetable. There will be no service via Woodville. All journeys will operate as service 62C between Barnstaple Bus Station and Roundswell Sainsbury's.
Park & Pilton School services: Morning journeys are unaffected. Afternoon journeys will follow the normal route from Cedars Roundabout.
North Devon College students: Those who normally board outside the college for their journey home will need to use the stops at Barnstaple Rail Station.
Beards Road, Fremington
There will also be gas replacement works on Beards Road next week.
Access to homes and the doctors will remain available throughout. As the works progress, there may be periods when access is via Redlands Road, with signage in place.
There may be occasions when individual driveways are temporarily blocked. Wales & West Utilities have advised that they will speak to affected residents individually and provide advance warning.
If you have questions about the works, please contact Wales & West Utilities in the first instance (link under pinned post). I will also be keeping an eye on the situation locally and will update residents as further information becomes available.
Please share this with anyone who travels through Sticklepath or lives around Beards Road.
