I WOULD like to comment on the article about the Boniface Trail in the Courier on November 13.

I agree with Councillor Vanstone that there needs to be a plan for maintenance and delivery of the Boniface Trail.

Ongoing maintenance should be the responsibility of a partnership between DCC and local voluntary groups as happens with other cycle paths and needs to be clearly set out.

(In this connection I would point out that millions of pounds are spent on road maintenance so we should campaign for adequate funding to be provided for cycle/pedestrian paths).

Support for the trail comes as much from motorists as cyclists.

They often complain about not being able to overtake cyclists on the A377.

The so called “Quiet roads” are not quiet at all since there can be tractors, vans and cars, sometimes travelling at high speeds, which deter inexperienced cyclists from travelling on them.

Since cycles are fairly light there would not be the same problem of potholes as there are on roads, and this would reduce maintenance costs.

The DCC cabinet meeting has now been postponed to January 14 giving people plenty of time to lobby councillors.

Gerald Conyngham

Crediton