BY 2026 a new school is to be built on the Lords Meadow recreation ground. I was amazed to learn that the Crediton Rugby Club could be evicted from the site they own on Exhibition Road, so that the authorities can use it to build a facility for senior pupils attending the school.
In addition, I understand that the Lords Meadow Leisure Centre could be requisitioned, together with other facilities, and land totalling 5.3 hectares, for the purpose of complementing the new buildings planned.
The Rugby Club, having outgrown its present site, has been looking for another site for some time. When a suitable site was found, it was suddenly allocated by the authorities for the purpose of housing and industrial development. This meant that the club no longer had the opportunity to obtain it.
That site was Pedlarspool.
Recently, (as was published in the last issue of the Courier), the status of the Club's Exhibition Road site, was changed. The authorities have now reallocated its future function from that of housing to the use of building the new school, with the possibility of a compulsory purchase order being imposed when the site is required.
This means that, because the site has been devalued due to its limited use, the possibility of the club being able to re-locate, has again been jeopardised by the authorities.
Why is it that the planners are so out of touch with the Communities they are meant to serve?
There is a strong feeling of injustice among the people of Crediton, relating to the reprehensible manner in which the Club has been treated.
The contribution to the community the club members have made, in a variety of ways, has been hugely significant.
I am convinced, that this will lead to an enormous amount of support for the club, as its principal members find their way through their current dilemma.
We wish them well.
Graham Pearcey
Bewsley Farm
Copplestone