MADE aware of David Nation's comments, Cllr Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council cabinet member for highways and transportation told the Courier:

"I really can't understand why David Nation feels that he Conservative administration is delaying this scheme.

"I understand that Liberal Democrat Councillor Nick Way met the Council's Interim Director for Environment Economy and Culture before the Scrutiny Committee meeting, at which Cllr Way proposed that the timing of the scheme be brought forward and he was made very aware that the timescale set out by the previous administration was rather ambitious, as no matter what scheme was agreed, there could well be the possibility of a public inquiry.

"Even Cllr Way's Liberal Democrat members of that Committee voted against his proposed amendment.

"Cllr Way should also remember that the delay to the scheme is partly a result of the decision in spring 2009, under the previous County Council administration, to adopt a different route for the link road.

This gave rise to the need for the further consultation, which was held recently.

"I have made it quite clear that Devon County Council is committed to pursuing the creation of a link road for Crediton between the A377 and the Lords Meadow Industrial Estate.

"We want to deliver a scheme that supports development in the area, improves air quality, and addresses the issue of present and future traffic growth."