This story relates to a letter from reader Bill Dixon which appeared in the Courier issue 980 on Friday, May 9. Several points were raised in Bill's letter including the information explaining that the only people to gain will be Tesco, the owners of the land, the builders and Mid Devon District Council. He refers to the proposal to build 185 homes in Crediton at Wellparks. The police station at Crediton has already been closed to the public and we have seen proposals threatening to close Crediton Hospital, Crediton Library, the Youth Centre, Crediton Children's Centre, St Lawrence Residential Home and the public toilets at the Green. There are many concerns from local people about the extra pollution from an estimated 277 more cars, as well as the worry of a lack of school places, and problems getting doctors' appointments. It is also feared that many move into the may area, where there is already a shortage of full time, permanent jobs and new residents would most likely have to find work elsewhere. Would these people shop in Crediton High Street or could Crediton become a "commuter town" and lose its community spirit? What do you think? Please let me know. Contact me at 102 High Street, Crediton or email [email protected]">[email protected]. Readers are also invited to take part in the poll on the Courier website http://www.creditoncouriernewspaper.co.uk">www.creditoncouriernewspaper.co.uk.

What you told us ..........

I have lived in Crediton since February and think it's a good little town. I think it is already becoming a commuter town. It is difficult for a small market community – its progression and change, which no one likes. Housing is desperately needed, but it needs to be cheap affordable housing. Young people will travel to jobs – they should be able to do that. It gives people choice and they will make their own minds up. I don't think Crediton will lose its community spirit, it's a thriving little community. Leiah Thomas, Crediton

My main concern is how the schools and doctors surgeries will cope, they are already struggling. How will the sewerage system cope? More traffic will mean more pollution. I don't think it will help the High Street because people will go to Exeter. Jean May, Crediton

A total of 185 houses - that's a lot of houses. It will spoil the town. People will work in Exeter. It's doesn't take long to get there so people will drive to Exeter to shop. Brian Setter, Crediton

I have not yet seen the consultation, and need to see it first. The blend of social housing is needed. If it is handled cleverly it could be an advantage to the town. We will have to wait to see what the developers are proposing. Cllr Anne Hughes, Crediton

Online Poll

The Crediton Children's Centre could be closed to outsource services more "creatively".? We asked our readers: (A) Do you think the services are better centralised in a building?? (B) Or should services be outsourced?

At the time of going to press the results showed that 67 % of our readers preferred the services offered by Crediton Children's Centre to be centralised in a building. 33 % felt that the services should be outsourced.