Kingsbridge residents, officials and visitors joined Mayor Cllr Julia Wingate for the re-opening of the bottom of Fore Street which had been closed since January 19.

Originally due to re-open on February 6, a gigantic hole was found the day after work began.

Flooding and repeated heatwaves had contributed to the delays.

Part of what is thought could be the original ‘King’s Bridge’ was found in February and on February 12 the completion date was extended to April 20.

On April 20 Cllr Dan Thomas referred to the works as a ‘Pandora’s box of problems.’

A problematic three-way traffic light system was replaced with a one-way system on May 2.

On May 12 it was announced that the works would be completed on September 7.

The Prince of Wales Road was closed on May 28

On August 14 the road reopened earlier than expected with the work now completed.

Mayor Cllr Julia Wingate was delighted to be carrying out the reopening using a pair of of scissors which originally opened Cookworthy Road 40 years ago and were owned by Site Manager Bro Potter’s father.

Cllr Wingate said: “Today's a glorious day of re-opening the original access to Fore Street, which makes the town complete.

“And we're very pleased to have a mended and fast-flowing culvert to help with the rainwater that comes down through town.”

Cllr Wingate is also a local trader who owns The Trading Post and said they have had to make the best of things during the closure: “I think the businesses and the customers of Kingsbridge have adapted really well to the extended one-way system and the tight corner to get into Fore Street and everyone can't wait for it just to be easier to get back into town for everybody.”

The re-opening ceremony began with Town Crier Les Ellis ringing his bell then proclaiming: “Today after what seems an eternity, we welcome the re-opening of our lovely Fore Street.

“The workforce have done us proud.

“They toiled all day , in blistering heat, working round pipes and utilities deep but caring for locals at night, not disturbing their sleep.”

This was followed by a prayer and the official opening from Mayor Cllr Wingate.

The first vehicles to drive up the newly re-opened road were from HM Coastguard, the police and then a variety of classic cars and vehicles.

The first ‘ordinary’ member of the public to ascend the street was a cyclist.

Complimentary cakes and refreshments were supplied at the Town Bandstand by Kingsbridge in Bloom.

The South Hams District Council car parks at the Quay and Fore Street will remain free of charge every afternoon from 2pm to 8am until August 31.

Online comments included one from Amanda Edmonds who posted: “Why I love Kingsbridge being our town, after six months of the road being partially closed due to essential repairs on a historical culvert, the road is opened by the Mayor, emergency services & classic cars.

Kingsbridge knows how to give joy to any occasion.”