ON May 1 I wrote to English Heritage requesting information about their communications with Devon County Council about the Crediton Link Road. They have REFUSED to supply any details to me within the statutory 20 working days as they "need more time to consider any party's commercial interests"!
Who has a commercial interest in where the road is built? The Downes Estate? English Heritage clearly have no interest in the heritage of the ancient Saxon burh of Kirton, the Saxon road now called Downes Head Lane and the 16th-18th century houses in Buller Square.
I have been trying to get more information under the terms of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act 2005 from all the agencies and councils involved in the planning of the Crediton link Road. My other inquiries have produced similar contemptuous responses:
Mid-Devon District Council state that it is not their affair and that they do not have to supply the information under the FOI rules (have they been learning from MP's and their expenses?). They have refused all further communication on the matter. No wonder we feel that Mid Devon Council ignores us in Crediton!
Devon County Council said "you will receive a response to your request by June 3 2009." It is now June 8 and I received no response in spite of several reminders! They even have contempt for the law!
The Environment Agency sent me numerous e-mails and a copy of one four year-old letter sent to Devon CC!
The Downes Estate have not even acknowledged receipt of my wife's letter, let alone any response to her request for information.
It is quite clear that all of these public bodies and the Downes Estate are witholding information about their plans from the residents of East Crediton, whose lives may be blighted by the construction of the western route.
Bob Batchelor
Marsh View
Tolleys
Crediton