DETAILS of how evidence produced by Crediton Chamber of Commerce was used by The House of Lords Merits Committee for inclusion in a report published concerning the proposal by the then Labour Government's unitary status for Exeter and Norwich, was revealed at a meeting of Crediton Chamber of Commerce.

Chamber members were told that the report was published on March 4.

Demitri Coryton, on behalf of Crediton Chamber of Commerce, presented a detailed submission.

The detailed evidence in support of the Committee's view was that the Government had not made the case for a unitary Exeter. A chamber spokesperson said: "The report is a damning indictment of the Labour Government's proposed move.

"The Merits Committee does not openly take a view of the intrinsic value of a proposal.

"It judges whether the proposal will do what the Government claims."

The new Coalition Government now intends to halt the move to unitary status.

Providing hanging baskets for the town was discussed and it was agreed that because Tom Connell was unfortunately unable to undertake the organisation this year, that Jenni Pitts and Sue Preece would organise with the assistance of Sandra O'Connor and clerk, Sue Megson.

Crediton Police Sgt Gareth Twigg reported on law and order in Crediton and the surrounding area.

He said that the town was generally under control, although he admitted that "sometimes a small group of potentially unruly young people have caused problems."

He asked that members of the public let the police know immediately if they had any issues to raise.

He advised on the community messaging system for traders.

He said Crediton was a safe place to live and work, with low levels of crime.

Work had been conducted by officers in plain clothes to target any spate of shoplifting when it had arisen.

"There were youth drinking problems about three years ago but there had been a big improvement," he said.

He continued: "The under age drinking project that these partners had put together has been deemed to be good practice beyond Crediton with visits from other forces and a wider Youth Service to see what we do."

He explained the involvement of LAG (Local Action Group), was a multi agency meeting with himself chairman of this group.

There was discussion on speeding in the area. Speed guns were in operation and were helping in the reduction of speeding through the town.

Officers for 2011/12 are: Chris Nicholl and Demitri Coryton, -joint-chairmen; Paul Brown - vice-chairman; Sue Preece - treasurer.

Demitri Coryton then advised the meeting of the role of Crediton Area Marketing and Management (CAMM), its operational procedures and how it worked well with the chamber.

A discussion followed on the role of the Lords Meadow Business Forum – how it was made up, the cost and was it really necessary to have a separate Forum? It was agreed that Paul Brown would report back to the next meeting.

It was also agreed to form a working group to report back to chamber on the Crediton Link Road route.

It was also agreed to hold the next meeting of the chamber on the industrial estate on Tuesday, June 15.