THERE may be many "clone towns" in Britain but Crediton is certainly not one of them.

It has been placed fifth in the league table of towns in which to live.

The findings of a special survey by leading "think tank" experts, New Economics Foundation (NEF) - credits Crediton with having what it describes as "a near-idyllic lifestyle - good community spirit", set in glorious Devon countryside and great shopping, instancing an independent butcher, two bakers, two delicatessens and a family-owned general store, in addition to a monthly Farmers' Market.

The survey, the widest yet made, says that 41 per cent of UK towns are currently clone towns (where more than half the stores are part of a chain group) whilst a further 23 per cent "are on the verge of becoming clone towns".

The survey said that only 36 per cent of the high streets surveyed retain their distinctive character, with more than two thirds of the shops being independents.

'HEAD AND SHOULDERS' ABOVE OTHERS

Crediton was placed "head and shoulders" above others after achieving a rating from volunteer pollsters working on NEF's 100 point scale positions.

The poll showed that there was a diversity of shop types, with the high street boasting 19 different types of outlets out of a maximum possible of 26.

The report goes on to say that Crediton was "the perfect spot to open a superstore" explaining that Tesco already had a small store in the town and in September 2008 gained planning permission for a grocery barn, in-store cafe, petrol station and car park, altogether covering 5,500 square metres - the average size of a football ground - to be created on low-lying ground to the south of the town.

The survey commented: "At the end of 2009 the new store opened its doors, the eighth supermarket within a radius of 15 miles. A total of 450 car (parking) places are provided, testifying to Tesco's own estimates during initial submissions, that the store would push 30 per cent more traffic along Crediton high street at peak times.

A planning condition requires the store to offer two hours' free parking, in theory allowing shoppers to visit the high street. Yet that is more than 800 metres distant."