Part of Exe Estuary Trail to close for three months for repairs

Part of the Exe Estuary Trail is due to close for three months for repairs on Monday (18 September).

It comes after an inspection found that timber elements of the Courtlands boardwalk structure between Lympstone and Exmouth are deteriorating.

In order for them to be replaced with a "more durable fibre-reinforced material," Devon County Council says the section will be out of use for around three months. A signed diversion route will be put in place.

Councillor Stuart Hughes (Conservative, Sidmouth) said: "This an extensive scheme as the full length of boardwalk has to be taken up and replaced to ensure it does not become unsafe for use.

"The fibre-reinforced material which is being installed is made from over 500,000 recycled bottles and has a much longer lifespan than wood, so hopefully it will mean that it won't need another major overhaul for many, many years."

The Exe Estuary Trail was completed by the council in 2014 and offers a 16-mile, virtually traffic-free route around the estuary from Dawlish to Exmouth.