Repairs to a section of the Exe Estuary Trail near Lympstone will be completed as early as possible in the new year, according to Devon County Council.

The timber structural beams and deck planks on all 72 wooden spans of Courtlands Boardwalk between Lympstone and Exmouth have deteriorated and become unsafe, so they are being replaced with a more durable fibre-reinforced material.

A delay to the production and delivery of this material at the start of the project hampered progress early on, but good progress is now being made.

The work is currently ongoing and has now passed the half-way stage.

Courtlands Boardwalk will remain closed until the scheme is completed, which is expected to be by the end of January.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highway Management, said: “Our team has been liaising closely with the contractor and their installers are working longer days to try and catch up on the time that has been lost. Every effort will be made to minimise the delay and get the boardwalk open as soon as possible.”

Councillor Richard Scott, County Councillor for Exmouth, said: “We look forward to the trail re-opening in the New Year and the improvements to this fantastic facility we are fortunate to have and use for many years to come."

Councillor Jeff Trail BEM, County Councillor for Exmouth, said: “It’s unfortunate that there have been delays but this work has to be done. We apologise for any inconvenience.”

The signed diversion route will remain in place until work is completed, which adds around one mile to a normal journey along the trail. Pedestrians are diverted onto the footpath on Exeter Road. A temporary crossing is located next to the petrol station on Exeter Road to provide an additional safe crossing for this route.

Work is being undertaken by Bridge Civil Engineering Ltd on behalf of the County Council