Residents demand action over road closed since Goretti

Residents are demanding action to repair and reopen a road that has been closed for nearly nine months.

Little Polgooth road near St Austell was shut following Storm Goretti in January when an embankment collapsed and a tree fell on to a lane.

Julie Cunningham, the Reform UK councillor for St Mewan and Grampound, said it had caused "upheaval" with locals tired of the "endless gridlock".

Cornwall Council said the damage had led to a complex repair job, which they have "prioritised" this year - and they are now "progressing the final design".

Cunningham said: "Due to endless gridlock, residents must navigate frustratingly long workarounds instead of taking a direct, properly maintained road.

"They have had enough which most would understand, especially when the work still hasn't been started."

A spokesperson for Cornwall Council said it understands the closure is causing frustration for residents and disrupting local journeys, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

It said reopening the road safely "requires a complex repair, including piling works and the diversion of underground utility services".

"Recent investigations have helped us identify the location of underground services so we can move the scheme forward," the council said.

"We expect to complete the design in the coming weeks and will then meet with the local community to discuss the project in more detail.

"Our focus is on delivering a safe, long-term solution, and we thank residents for their patience while we complete the necessary planning and preparation work."

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