REDLANDS Primary Care - Crediton and Thorverton, the Crediton GP Practice based in Joseph Locke Way, Crediton, has announced that it has cancelled its Open Day.

It was due to take place tomorrow, Saturday, September 13, and on Wednesday said that with travellers arriving at the surgery site adjoining the Crediton Tesco store that it would have to operate a closed door surgery.

Some of the caravans and cars on the area of land behind Crediton Tesco superstore near the Redlands Surgery. AQ 2652
Some of the caravans and cars on the area of land behind Crediton Tesco superstore near the Redlands Surgery. AQ 2652 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

It said: “Tomorrow - Thursday, September 11, we will be operating a closed door surgery.

“Please ONLY attend the surgery if your matter is urgent or you have a prebooked appointment.

“Patients will gain access via the side door of the surgery (by the lift) where they will checked in by a member of our team.

“Please be kind to our team tomorrow as we work hard continue to provide a service to our patients.”

The closed door policy remains in place.

8 September 2025 Caravans in Active Crediton car park (Will Goddard, Crediton Courier)
Caravans in Active Crediton car park on September 8. (Will Goddard, Crediton Courier)

The travellers, in more than eight caravans, arrived at the Active Mid Devon (Lords Meadow Leisure Centre), Crediton overflow car park on Monday, September 8.

A spokesperson for Active Mid Devon (formerly Mid Devon Leisure) said at the time: “Active Crediton remains closed as we continue to assess the situation and prioritise the safety of our staff and customers.”

“Mid Devon District Council has begun the legal process to move the travellers on, and we’ll keep you updated.

“We understand this may cause inconvenience and appreciate your patience while we review the situation.”

Caravans on the area of land behind Crediton Tesco superstore off Joseph Locke Way. AQ 2644
Caravans on the area of land behind Crediton Tesco superstore off Joseph Locke Way. AQ 2644 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

The leisure centre closed temporarily on several occasions last year when travellers appeared in the overflow car park. Active Cullompton was shut in July following the arrival of a large number of travellers in a nearby field.

Active Mid Devon re-opened the Crediton leisure centre after a clean-up of the car park had taken place.

Today, Redlands Primary Care - Crediton and Thorverton, said: “Sadly we are going to have to cancel our open day.

“A new date will be published shortly!

“We are sorry to not be going ahead with a day our staff, PPG and League of Friends had work so hard to prepare for. We thank our patients and the community of Crediton for your understanding.”