"A KICK IN THE TEETH" and "A double whammy for Exeter Road" is how a Crediton resident has described two recent decisions by Devon County Council.
Joan Farley, who has lived in Exeter Road for 68 years, said she is "disgusted" that Devon Council Council has approved plans to move the Crediton link road from the A377 to the Lords Meadow Industrial Estate nearer Exeter Road and Downshead Lane homes.
The other decision was to approve road restrictions on Exeter Road which, she says, will see traffic tailbacks queuing outside her home.
Exeter Road residents are blighted by poor air quality and traffic noise and vibration and Mrs Farley says these two decisions will "make matters worse".
On February 25 it approved a temporary 30 mph speed limit in Exeter Road to allow highway works to take place on the A377 from Station Cross, going east 545 metres, to the Downes entrance, as part of preparations for the Tesco store, pub, fuel station, housing, industrial units and other works.
Mrs Farley says the work will cause "massive tailbacks from Newton St Cyres to the top of the High Street" and cause further air pollution as traffic idles outside her home.
She said the work will "cause chaos" for the Crediton Festival in May and June and said it will be a "great welcome to Crediton for the visitors".
She also said she was "stunned" that the work is scheduled to take so long.
A Devon County Council spokesman said: "The temporary 30mph limit is being introduced for the safety of the workforce throughout the works from March 12 to August 12.
"Manually controlled lights will be used while resurfacing is carried out and some overnight road closures will be necessary."
He added that the provision of street light as part of the works during the temporary order will become a permanent feature for the future.
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