THERE are numerous rumours current about the various routes for Crediton Link Road. Many centre on the attitudes and behaviour of the principals involved - landowners, planners and quangos.  It is very difficult for local residents to determine the truth.

HOWEVER, on October 1 2008 the civil engineer with Devon County Council preparing plans for routes for the Crediton Link Road sent an e-mail to a representative of Peter Brett Associates, who were retained by agents for The Downes Estate. 

Referring to a proposed "up and over route" the civil engineer said:  "It may be prudent at this stage not to show the roundabout option as this would clearly indicate other motive. 

Alternatively a "2leg" r'bout could be regarded as a "traffic calming feature" which was incorporated to also reduce landtake, earthworks and thus costs........it may be the case that this area is "approved for development" by the end of the year. 

"That being the case, the roundabout option could then be proposed."   This appears to me clear evidence of planned deception by DCC's civil engineer and collusion between the parties involved.

The  attitude of the above civil engineer to the people of Crediton is revealed in another of his e-mails to Peter Brett Associates about the September 2008 consultation: "There is always one who considers that if you work for the council you are a cheating, lying piece of low life and I had to rescue...".

IN ADDITION, I have been trying to obtain information from English Heritage about their involvement.  They have refused to give me relevant correspondence between them and DCC/Downes Estate because it would not be in the public interest!  

EH's representative did send me a copy of ONE letter after nine weeks and said "a copy which I understand DCC may have already provided to you." 

This seems very much like collusion between DCC and English Heritage to keep information from Crediton residents.  

Is there anyone we can trust?

Bob Batchelor

By email