CREDITON Traffic Action Group (CTAG) is stepping up the pressure in its campaign against Devon County Council's proposed Western route - pushing instead for a variation of the Valley route.

Judi Binks, acting secretary, said that CTAG is gathering evidence "to support our thrust for a variation of the Valley route".

She continued: "CTAG is going to conduct its own traffic census along Exeter Road and East Street to record the numbers and types of traffic diverting to the industrial estate or continuing through the High Street."

Mrs Binks explained that she has written to Devon County Council asking for their census figures but has, as yet, not received a response.

She emphasised: "We are not satisfied with having the options dictated to us by planners with little interest in Crediton - and even less understanding of our needs.

"It is time to seize the initiative and set forth our own proposals to be put on the table.

"If Devon County Council can continue to "vary" the options according to the interests of landowners and English Heritage, then surely we can ask for the environmental, air quality and cultural interests of the town to be considered again."

More than 35 people attended the last meeting of CTAG and the group was due to meet again last night, Thursday, to debate the issues further.

As previously stated in the Courier, the Western route, which emerged as a new option relatively recently, is cheaper, less steep, and less intrusive to the Downes estate than the previously favoured Hillside route.

FULL STORY IN ISSUE 824