January 2026. Once again into the breach we see the A379 closed due to gale force winds and heavy rain cause significant damage that has closed this vital infrastructure between Dartmouth and Kingsbridge. OK, we haven't lost the road yet like the picture above of the 2018 breach but we might if there is another similar storm. The move to adaptation of the inland roads is recognised and needed to provide a realistic approach for communities in the area to go about their daily lives. There has been talk about adaptation since November 2023 and still nothing has happened. It's procrastination at its worst. £1 million was left over from the £2.5m 2018 government award to re-open the A379 road and in the autumn of 2023 £6.5m was awarded to Devon following the closure of HS2. Where has this money been spent? Representatives of Parish Councils in the area have the support of the majority of the electorate to 'GET IT DONE'. Regrettably Parish Councils have been accused of 'head in sand' syndrome by those who consistently claim policy change and additional funding will never happen. What's happening now - because of the level of damage - approaches are being made to the government for more support funding to carry out repairs. Meanwhile, those residents who need to use the A379 road across Slapton Line to go about their daily lives have to make a 50 minute 20 mile journey to Torcross via Kingsbridge instead of 10 minute 3 miles drive or risk road congestion by using pothole ridden single lanes with limited passing bays. We deserve better from our MP, Local Authorities as well as the Environment Agency, Natural England and South West National Landscape.

Many of you may recall this view on the A379 Slapton Line after Storm Emma in 2018. The chaos and disruption that followed throughout the summer season was horrendous for residents and businesses going about their daily routine. The sea breaching the A379 Slapton Line and merging with Slapton Ley is a major concern to everyone living, working and visiting the area. A petition has been set up to call upon the government to provide adequate funding to protect the A379 road across Slapton Line. We cannot wait for another breach to occur, for more chaos to ensue while budgetary issues are deliberated. We must insist on proactive measures to protect the means of connection for residents and businesses throughout the area, South Hams and beyond. It provides access for 10s of thousands who visit the area annually as well as the thousands of day trippers, enthusiasts, hobbyists, schools and universities. We urge the government to show us that the lives of everyone who depend on this route and the critical importance of the A379 Slapton Line is recognized. It's not only a road, but it's also everyone's livelihood.
Please, sign this petition to call upon the government to commit to protecting the A379 road across Slapton Line and Adaptation of main inland roads by providing adequate funding and resources as a matter of priority.

https://chng.it/qqWnzgVbZx Click on this link to sign the petition.

Thank you

Storm damage on 23 & 24/01/2026 caused the A379 Slapton Line to be closed. Please see the two videos below.
Devon Highways have the task to clear the debris to make it roadworthy again. 
The next task is restore the rock armour to its previous position before the storm to ensure the A379 road is retained for as long as possible.
All the local parishes have been warning the authorities that if nothing is done to address this issue the road will be lost and the effect to everyone between Dartmouth and Kingsbridge will be life changing.
There's been too much said and not enough done. 
All the talk has been about adaptation of the inland routes. A few extra passing bays is not enough. We need a proper alternative.
The two north/south routes (3-mile and 5-mile lanes) need re-constructing and widening to be an effective alternative.

//strete.org.uk/rw_common/plugins/stacks/armadillo/media/SlaptonLine240126_2.mp4
//strete.org.uk/rw_common/plugins/stacks/armadillo/media/SlaptonLine224012026.mp4