THE construction of the long awaited roundabout at the Hillhead junction has been causing major disruption recently with the implementation of a three-way traffic light system, resulting in extremely long, slow moving queues — but it will not affect those taking exams at Budehaven Community School says headteacher David Barton.

As many residents in the area have been made aware, the construction works at the Hillhead junction have been split into three stages.

First, the setting back and construction of a new Cornish hedge — which has now been completed, and then, secondly, the diversion of the services such as BT and electric.

This is what is on site at the moment and was proceeded by a period of detailed surveys to establish the exact location of each of the statutory undertakers’ services and confirmation of that the design of the revised layout does not compromise the continued operation of the services.

The final stage will be the construction of the roundabout, which is expected to take place after the busy summer period.

The three-way traffic lights were in place the weekend before last in order to ensure that suitable pedestrian access was provided around part of the works.

In some cases it is possible to cover areas which are not being worked on and to reopen areas to the public but, in this case, the area in question was too long to cover in such a way.

Cornwall Council and their contractor Cormac are mindful to complete the scheme as soon as possible but also understand the importance of the routes into Bude during the holiday periods and works will be programmed in such a way to avoid disruption during school holiday periods until September 13.

One of the biggest concerns over the hold up the three-way traffic lights were causing was the time it was taking for students of Budehaven Community School to get to the building, especially when the school is approaching exam season.

With that in mind, Mr Barton contacted Cornwall Council to see what could be done.

He said: “After contacting Cornwall Council, Cormac have agreed to delay switching on the three-way traffic light system on the A39 in Stratton until 9.30am. Starting on Friday, May 13; this has been agreed to facilitate the smooth running of school transport for the forthcoming examination period.”