Overview
- About 200 metres of the A379 were washed into the sea by 12ft waves and 60mph winds, with coastal scientists reporting the beach dropped roughly 6.6ft in the storm.
- Residents face 45‑minute detours for routine trips and a temporary school‑bus workaround, with worries over access to doctors, pharmacies and emergency services.
- Promenade properties and businesses were hit, including the Start Bay Inn, where the landlady warns turnover could fall by up to 50%.
- Devon County Council estimates repairs at around £18m, beyond its budget; DEFRA cites long‑term national investment and reprioritised maintenance but no site‑specific allocation.
- MP Caroline Voaden has raised the case in Parliament and backed a local petition, while officials warn the closure could last at least a year and some reports suggest completion may slip to 2027.