CREDITON could be running out of time in hoping to get more information, especially from English Heritage, about aspects around link roads proposed between the A377 and Lords Meadow.

At this week's Crediton Town Council general purposes committee meeting, the council was urged to "fight for the right of residents" for a public consultation to include all three routes - the western, hillside and the valley.

Mid Devon District and Devon County Council member, Nick Way, said people "needed to think about whether they were governed by their hearts or their heads."

Bill Dixon, chairman Crediton Traffic Action Group, requested the town council to debate the issue at the next meeting and ask for the three-route consultation. He said the situation had been "confused for many residents by the addition of the western route".

He said CTAG had been "shocked by the bias" shown in favour of the hillside route at the public exhibition of the proposed routes last September (of which the western route was not a part).

He also pointed out that the western route would bring heavy lorries close to the oldest part of Crediton, to the oldest brick-built house in the town and that pollution would be increased for people living at Tolleys, Downeshead Lane and Exeter Road.

"The health and welfare of Crediton residents demands more," he said.

He recalled that among the reasons which had been put forward for supporting the western route was that English Heritage and Downes preferred it.

If Tesco can build on a flood plain...

He went on: "Crediton has paid some £3 million in council tax and waited 36 years for a bypass and 30 years for a single-site school. It is time some money was spent in Crediton."

Mr Dixon said English Heritage was spending "millions of pounds on other work," yet at Crediton was "concerned about a field and a fence", which seemed out of proportion.

"If Tesco can build in a flood plain, then so can an amended valley route," maintained Mr Dixon, adding that it would "give a far better link into Lords Meadow."

Cllr Way said he had "made representation" to county officers to include the valley route but, so far, they were being "somewhat negative" Petitioning for its inclusion "could be an excellent idea."

He explained that the town council was waiting until all the studies into the routes was done before choosing a preferred route.