THE drop-in public consultation for the proposed Crediton to Exeter all-purpose path was held by the Boniface Trail Association in the Club Room of the Newton St Cyres Parish Hall on Saturday, July 16.

The project proposes a dedicated path from Crediton to Exeter, suitable for cyclists, pedestrians and wheelchair and mobility scooter users.

More than 80 interested members of the public attended the consultation, a record of attendance showing that people came from Sandford, Newton St Cyres, Crediton, Copplestone and Exeter.

Paul Taylor, chairman of the association, said the event was also attended by members of various local councils (including Devon County Council).

He explained: “At the consultation, four members of the Boniface Trail Association were kept fully occupied for the whole four hours the meeting was open, outlining the work completed to-date and answering the many questions arising from visitors.

“Comment sheets were also circulated and completed.”

Mr Taylor added: “The outcome of the meeting was an overwhelming level of support and encouragement from both members of the public and members of local government.

“The campaign will now move onto the exciting next steps of planning and funding with the enthusiastic support of the public, demonstrated by the attendance and positive  feedback at this consultation.”

Mr Taylor said 36 people completed feedback comment sheets about the plan.

He added: “Comments received from the feedback sheet were very encouraging.

“The vast majority of comments reflected the need for, and welcomed, a safe place to walk and cycle, which would encourage children to use and exercise, and highlighted the lack of safety at present along the A377, and noted that this would also make the road much safer for motorists.

“Feedback was given from Crediton Access Group, who will be consulted at all times.

“A number of respondents said they would use the path for work travel.  It was suggested that sensible speed limits could be imposed.  Security and privacy of neighbours to the path is an essential consideration the Association during the course of its work.”

Devon County Councillor Andrew Leadbetter attended the consultation and expressed his very keen support for the scheme.

The association hope to arrange a meeting shortly with officers from Mid Devon District Council and Devon County Council, to establish how the scheme can be formally accredited in the appropriate strategic plans.

Mr Taylor said this would have intrinsic benefits for funding of the scheme in the short and long-term.

The Boniface Trail Association has now acquired status from the Charities Commission as a Registered Charity and has opened a Bank Account.

Members of the public can log on to the Boniface Trail Association’s website at:  https://sites.google.com/site/bonifacetrailcampaign/ , where they can complete the association’s online questionnaire.

Alan Quick