CREDITON Town Councillor Rachel Backhouse has written to Tesco concerning the urgent need for the adoption of Joseph Locke Way by Devon County Council.

She writes: “I am writing in my capacity as a Crediton Town Councillor regarding serious and ongoing safety concerns on Joseph Locke Way, the access road running behind Crediton Tesco and in front of Redlands Medical Centre.

Despite recent icy conditions, the road has not been gritted. Tesco currently owns the road, yet responsibility for winter maintenance appears to be of no concern to them.

I raised this directly with the gritting team at the depot last night (Sunday, January 4); while sympathetic, they confirmed it is not currently their responsibility. As a result, the road remains untreated despite running only metres from the depot.

This is a key access route for elderly and vulnerable residents attending the doctors’ surgery, accessing food shopping, and using public transport.

The situation is worsened by the absence of a dropped kerb and hardstanding area, meaning people — including those with disabilities, prams, or limited mobility — are forced to cross and wait in unsafe conditions. This is a separate but also very urgent issue.

A double decker bus and a passenger who has just got off at Joseph Locke Way on Monday, January 5. AQ 1790
A double decker bus and a passenger who has just got off at Joseph Locke Way on Monday, January 5. AQ 1790 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

I understand the road is due to be adopted by Devon County Council later this year. However, until that happens there is a clear gap in accountability, and ownership carries responsibility where public safety is concerned.

I am therefore asking:

- Tesco to clarify who is currently responsible for gritting Joseph Locke Way and what immediate steps will be taken to ensure public safety

- What interim measures will be put in place to address both winter maintenance and pedestrian accessibility

- Councillor Jim Cairney, in his roles as Town, District and County Councillor — and particularly as Chair of the County Highways Committee — to set out what action he is taking BEHIND THE SCENES specifically to resolve this issue.

I shared a short video on social media this morning (Monday, January 5) showing the current conditions, as residents deserve transparency about why this situation persists.

Double decker buses should not be expected to drive on roads like this, or indeed any vehicles trying to access healthcare.

This is a real, daily risk affecting some of the most vulnerable people in our community. I hope all parties will act promptly before someone is injured or worse.”

Rachel Backhouse

Town Councillor, Crediton