RESIDENTS who live in one of Crediton's busiest roads have written to their local county councillor regarding traffic issues, air pollution, the Tesco development and Crediton Link Road proposals.

A meeting of the Exeter Road Residents' Association was held at the Council Chamber, Market Street, Crediton.

Crediton Town Councillor, Ann Hughes, the link between the council and the association, chaired the meeting.

She extended the apologies of County Councillor Nick Way (Crediton Rural) who was unable to attend and collected letters from residents with their concerns on a wide range of subjects which she was going to present to Cllr Way.

One letter was also submitted on behalf of the association.

In it concern was expressed that yet another "route" (The Western Route) has been added to the equation in regard to the proposed Crediton Link Road.

The letter continued: "The new suggested 'fourth option' cannot possibly be considered as a viable route, as the effects on the residents of Exeter Road and surrounding area will make their lives even more difficult than it is already.

"It is argued that a Link Road would improve the lives of residents and of course this is a valid argument.

"However, if the Western Route is chosen, it will be moving the problem from the front door of residents and move it to their back doors. Thereby causing them to live in a traffic sandwich."

The letter said the views of a large group of residents whose lives are becoming "entenable" owing to the large volume and speed of traffic should be taken into account.

It continued: "Admittedly, lorries will be moved, however, during a local survey, only four out of every 10 lorries travelling into Crediton turned off for the Industrial Estate, the rest carried on into Crediton and beyond.

"What needs to happen is that the Valley Route should be re-instated into the September public consultation.

"It has been argued that this route would prove to be unworkable because of it being constructed on a flood plain. However, the Tesco development has been given the go-ahead, and that is being built on a flood plain, so that rather throws out this argument."

Cllr Way is asked to take the views of the association seriously and asked not to suggest that if the route is not accepted "that a Link Road will not be built and turn the blame back onto the people of Crediton."

"The letter continues: "A coalition of common-sense setting aside old political rivalries and resentments to work together for possibly the most important change for Crediton since the coming of the railway and its expansion in the industrial revolution."

It concludes: "Yes we want and need the traffic issue to be addressed, but it must be to the benefit of the majority.

"If this problem is to be tackled it must be for the long term, which the Western Route will not achieve.

"The residents of Crediton have waited so long for a by-pass; they should not be cheated out of a proper solution which would stand the test of history for future generations."

It was agreed to encourage Cllr Way to ask for a new Devon County Council traffic count survey to be completed.

Rubbish in and around Glendower Court was said to have improved but cigarette ends, bread and melon had recently been thrown from windows at the property. Noise issues had been reported to Devon County Council.

Black bags had recently split and nappies were strewn across the road said one local resident.

Dog litter bins were now being emptied on a regular basis again.

PC Luke Newman was reported as saying that he would be dealing with speeding vehicles, largely tractors in the roads.

Drainage problems had been reported to Devon County Council but it was noted that it was unlikely that this could be resolved without complete closure of the A377 in Exeter Road.

In the meantime, some residents still suffered from flooding issues particularly during bad weather.

Speeding traffic into and out of Park Street was discussed as was the state of the pavements in Exeter Road.

It was noted that the planters had never been planted with flowers and the the moss by the railings was dangerous for pedestrians.

Also, that the railings were very rusty and "looked terrible".

It was suggested that the Tesco offer of £5,000 for a town project could be put towards improving the railings and generally making the area more appealing.

There was concern that someone had suggested improving other areas of the town when this area was in a greater need of improvement.

One amusing suggestion was that the Tesco money should be used to buy every resident of Exeter Road a "gas mask" to help alleviate the increase in traffic pollution which would result because of the new Tesco store.

Another person suggested that the money should be given to the residents to help repair their properties which are bombarded by large volumes of passing traffic.

Pedestrian safety, and that of cyclists using Four Mills Lane was seriously debated.

It was suggested that this should be improved before the Tesco store is opened or, it was suggested, "someone could be killed" by the increase in traffic using the road.

Overgrown hedges in Four Mills Lane, street lighting, more signage to warn motorists of residents walking were also areas of concern.

A road crossing for the safety of pedestrians in Exeter Road near Four Mills Lane was also considered.

Some residents said there should be policing 24 hours a day at the Tesco site to prevent late night revellers and "boy racers" causing damage in Exeter Road and Four Mills Lane.

Similar problems were highlighted when the Shell petrol station was open 24 hours a day and residents said they did not want to return to the same problems.

The date of the next meeting was agreed as Monday, December 14.

Alan Quick