VICKY Jay of Okefield Road, Crediton has written the following open letter to Crediton Town Council regarding the plan for a proposed Lidl store off Commercial Road, Crediton.

Vicky writes: “I found it very exciting and inspiring to watch the English ‘Lionesses’ win the Women’s European Football Cup in the final recently.

“As reported in your (“Courier”) article on August 11, many young girls have since been inspired to take up football which is fantastic news both for their health and well-being and their future aspirations.

“The Football Association is saying that more playing fields are needed all over the country, to accommodate the increasing appetite for football.

“What a shame then that Mid Devon District Council (MDDC) planners have given Lidl the go-ahead to deprive Crediton of a large part of the recreational field alongside Commercial Road.

“Crediton Town Council’s Neighbourhood Plan states: ‘Crediton people care a lot about the town environment … the rural setting of the town, the parks, open spaces and seasonal planning around the town.’

“It also acknowledges: ‘…the effects of heavy traffic in the town centre – noise, smell and air pollution.’

“It goes on to acknowledge the adverse impact this has on health. It seems ironic then that MDDC propose to implement something which not only removes a green space which also provides healthy activity, but also increases traffic in the town.

“If the majority of local people vote in favour of the Neighbourhood Plan in September’s referendum, it will have to be adopted by MDDC which will, hopefully, then withdraw its agreement to building this supermarket on the recreational ground.

“I understand that there were letters of support for the proposed Lidl building but I haven’t seen any in the ‘Crediton Courier’.

“I agree with Kevin Hunt’s letter, published last week, that if the proposed Lidl goes ahead it would be better located on the edge of Crediton where Tesco and Mole Avon are already situated.

“At least this would avoid further traffic disruption in the town.”

Vicky Jay

Okefield Road

Crediton