I NOTICE in your recent issue, a letter from Roger Clements regarding a cycle route between Crediton and Exeter.

While entirely agreeing with the sentiments within the letter, it would be helpful for your readers to know that Upton Pyne, Crediton Hamlets and Newton St Cyres Parish Councils have been part of a joint A377 Action Group looking at all the problems regarding the A377.

The Action Group has met twice a year for the last four years together with County and District Councillors, the Police and Officers of Devon County Council to work out ways in which the A377 between Crediton and Exeter can be made safer for residents, motorists, cyclists and pedestrians. This work is also being supported by our local MP.

A number of initiatives are being considered which include safe passage between Crediton and Exeter for cyclists and pedestrians.

The problem is not straight forward as the requirement of those cyclists wishing to travel to work is not the same as those wishing to use cycle routes for leisure pursuits, therefore the outcome takes longer to achieve.

Ideas are currently being worked on by Devon County Council to overcome the problems but the massive restriction on funding to local authorities does not help the situation.

In Newton St Cyres and Cowley a Community Speed Watch initiative has been running for four years which, when the teams are out, dramatically reduces the speed on the A377.

They are consistently looking for more volunteers to help so they are active more often thus reducing the speed on the A377 more frequently.

The Crediton group has virtually folded due to lack of support. Anyone interested in joining the volunteer group should contact Tom Clague on 01392 851639 for more details.

A number of measures are also being investigated to ensure that the A377 is a safer road for those residents living by it and using it.

The notes from all A377 Action Group meetings are reported to the respective Parish Councils at their meetings and the public have every right to attend these meetings.

Hopefully before too long some concrete solutions will be found.

David Baker

Chairman

A377 Action Group and Newton St Cyres Parish Council