Exclusive by Alan Quick

RESIDENTS of Lennard Road in Crediton are calling for the removal of a town cycle path because it is being abused by cyclists and pedestrians.

The residents, who overlook the cycle path along part of Belle Parade which was installed less than two years ago, say that “Eight out of 10” cyclists using the path do not adhere to the instruction at the end of the cycle path to cycle through Newcombes Meadow park.

Talking exclusively to the “Courier” one local resident explained: “They just cycle straight through into the face of oncoming traffic.

“Sometimes they cycle along the footpath until they are past Crediton Library but this forces pedestrians to walk in the road.

“It is an accident waiting to happen.

“In addition, many members of the public are just using the cycle path as a footpath and face the danger of being run over by traffic using the road.

“The cycle path should be removed because it is just not working.”

The residents of many of the properties in Lennard Road are elderly and said that they watch the cyclists flouting the rules and have had to face the cyclists on the pavements, forcing them into the road.

The resident added: “I can’t understand why the council do not monitor it.

“They need to take the cycle path away because it is a living nightmare.

“It really was the worst thing the council could have done.

“All the residents here are extremely concerned.”

DOGS OFF LEADS

Another resident commented on the danger many Crediton dog owners were putting on children using Newcombes Meadow park.

She said that most dog owners using the park allow their dogs to “run riot” in the park, off their leads and against the park rules.

She said that there were signs clearly stating “Dogs must be kept on a lead” but said there was no enforcement.

“The health of the children using the park is at risk and it is up to the council and the dog owners.

“Why is there not an enforcement officer who will ensure dogs are kept on a lead and that children are behaving in the park?

“Recently we have had children using Nitrous Oxide in the park.”

PLAY AREA

A neighbour said: “Yesterday evening one of my neighbours had her fence deliberately broken by teenagers from QE School.

“We have seen the older children sitting on top of the young children’s play house and deliberately trying to break it.

“They have also been trying to break the new climbing frame by swinging it backwards and forwards with force.

“We have had footballs hit our windows and we bravely went and spoke to the teenagers.

“Often the older youths are in the toddler’s section and the toddler’s cannot use it.

“There should be signs.

“It just seems there is no respect for the equipment.

“I am also unhappy that none of the residents were consulted by the Newcombes Play Equipment committee before all the new equipment was installed.

“It would have been better if some of the equipment was moved further away from all of our homes.

“All the residents along here are elderly, some in their 80s and 90s.

“They do not want to be disturbed.

“Recently we have had children playing music loudly two evenings a week, until 10.30pm, while sat in the park. It isn’t good enough.

“Recently we had a football hit the windscreen of a car, causing a screech of brakes and a near-accident. We see it all here.”

The residents, many in Newcombes Housing Association homes, said they have contacted some local schools about the issues.

Another resident said she had seen mum’s with toddlers walking up and down the cycle path, using it as a footpath.

She called on Crediton Town Council, Mid Devon District Council and Devon County Council to take action over the issues.

• What do you think of the situation involving the cycle way and dogs off leads in Newcombes Meadow?

If you have a view, why not share it with fellow “Courier” readers?

Send a letter, suitable for publication, to the Editorial Manager, “Crediton Courier”, 102 High Street, Crediton EX17 3LF or email: [email protected] .