RESIDENTS and road users are being asked for their ideas to name the South Devon Link Road.

Devon County Council and Torbay Council, along with Galliford Try - the contractors responsible for constructing the road – have launched the competition which is asking for suggestions for the official name of the new road.

The completed road will be a 5.5km dual carriageway from Newton Abbot to Torquay and is due to be completed in December 2015.

Mayor of Torbay, Gordon Oliver said: "We are looking for names that are simple and imaginative. The name will be used on signposts, maps and the Internet - it will become the authorised, formal name we use when describing the road. We'd like to encourage people to enter and we look forward to receiving their ideas".

Councillor Andrew Leadbetter, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Economy and Growth, said: "We are entering the final year of the project and whilst the road has been referred to as the A380 South Devon Link Road during construction, it is now time to choose an official name for the new route.”

Cllr Jeremy Christophers, Leader of Teignbridge District Council said: “There’s a great opportunity here for people to make their own bit of history with naming this new road. We’d encourage as many people to take part as possible.”

Chris Hastings, Project Director at Galliford Try, said: "This is an exciting time for the project. We welcome the opportunity for the community have their chance to be involved."

All ideas will be considered and the winner will be selected by a panel comprising of representatives including Devon County Council, Torbay Council, Newton Abbot Town Council, Teignbridge Council and Kingskerswell Parish Council. There are two rules: the road may not be named after anyone who is alive and there must be no duplication of other road names in the area.

The closing date for entries is Friday 27th February and the winner will be invited to attend the formal opening of the new road.

Entrants are asked to submit their suggestions by visiting www.southdevonlinkroad.co.uk/roadname or by emailing A380.SDLR@gallifordtry.co.uk along with name, address and phone number.

Entries can also be submitted by post to Galliford Try Infrastructure, Site Office, Old Newton Road, Kingskerswell, Newton Abbot, TQ12 5LB.