AFTER long debates on whether responsibility for repairs to Well Park, Holsworthy lie with Devon County Council or Torridge District Council, the road has received a temporary repair.

Patch repairs have now been carried out on the road leading into Well Park.

The approximately five-metre stretch of road has been left without repair due to a dispute between Devon County and Torridge District Councils as to who was responsible for it.

In the summer of 2015 the car park adjoining this stretch of road was resurfaced. The Well Park road was left untouched as it does not form part of the public highway, this meant that Devon County Council, as the Highway Authority, should not be responsible for the repairs.

However this did not resolve whose responsibility for maintenance the road lay with.

A Devon County Council spokesman said: “The road in question does not form part of the public highway so Devon County Council as the Highway Authority would not be responsible for the repair of defects in the road.

“The ownership and maintenance liability for the road is indeed in question and Devon County Council are currently undertaking some investigations in order to prepare a ‘report on title’ for the road.

“It is hoped that, once complete, this will clarify future responsibilities in respect of this road.”

Since initial discussion was held, the council has been able to establish who is responsible for contributions to the cost of repairs.

They have been in contact with those parties responsible for the Well Park road, and have informed them of their responsibilities.

The council explained that in the interests of reaching a speedy short-term solution, they have carried our repairs in order to make the road safe.

A spokesman for the council said: “We’ve carried out a temporary fix to make the road safe for the short term.

“We’re also in discussion with the other parties to agree long term plans for the maintenance of the road.”

Although these repairs are only temporary ones, with an estimated life span of 6-12 months, the councils are looking into liasing with the parties who have responsibility for Well Park to ensure that a long-term solution is reached in the future.