RESIDENTS have voiced their anger at the length of time it will take highway workers to repair a damaged Exmouth street. Pothole-stricken Lime Grove has been shut for a number of weeks and will continue to be closed while essential maintenance work is car

RESIDENTS have voiced their anger at the length of time it will take highway workers to repair a damaged Exmouth street.

Pothole-stricken Lime Grove has been shut for a number of weeks and will continue to be closed while essential maintenance work is carried out.

It is believed it will take around 18 months to mend the uneven surface.

Piles of broken-up tarmac are strewn across the street, some the size of rough-edged bricks, causing problems to drivers as they try and manoeuvre around them as they leave and return to their homes.

A number of motorists also fear the size of the potholes and extent of damage could cause mechanical problems to their cars.

Camella Parry, 41, of Lime Grove, said: "I've been told it's going to be about 18 months before the council gets the money together to repair the road.

"It's terrible to drive on at the moment. You have to move at around 5mph to go up and down the street because it's just absolutely wrecking your car.

"When you think that Strand gardens is being revamped just to make it look pretty and yet the roads can't be repaired."

A popular bus service which runs along Lime Grove has been redirected because of the roadworks.

It means some elderly and infirm residents who live in the area have to embark on a long walk to the top or bottom of the street to catch a bus.

Mrs Lloyd, who lives in the area, branded the delay in maintenance works 'absolutely disgraceful' and a move which 'cannot be justified.'

She said: "What on earth are we paying council tax for? Surely something can be done a lot more quickly than this?"

Joy Foster, of Chesnut Close, which joins onto Lime Grove, said: "There won't be any road left at this rate."

Daniel Wood, 33, of Lime Grove, added: "The problem is clear to see, they just need to sort it out as quick as they can. It's a pain."

A spokesperson for Devon County Council said due its sudden deterioration, the road was closed to through traffic in the interests of safety for the travelling public and to prevent further problems.

"Residents still have access and are being asked to take extra care around the defects. This road will be one of our highest priorities for repair in the next financial year.