I HAVE been reading the air pollution statistics for Crediton on the official Mid Devon District Council website and am appalled.

The figures clearly show, Crediton, and in particular the Exeter Road area, suffers the worst air pollution in the South West. Pollution has sometimes been six and a half times that of the recommended maximum level for particulates. (This is a European-wide limit). This information is freely available to all. 

And while, as recent press coverage tells us, that while local councillors have obtained £3 million for a new library for Cullompton and £2 million for Newton Abbot on road improvements, here in Crediton nothing has been done about the worst air pollution in the South West.

What are our councillors doing? Whatever they may think they are doing, it is not good enough.

Clearly Devon County Council does not seem to worry about us because it prioritises town improvements for other parts of Devon rather than deal with the truly appalling pollution in Crediton. Why aren't our local councillors shouting about this? This is really important.

The currently favoured "plan" is to build a road behind the most affected Exeter Road area and to trap Exeter Road residents in a neat "V"  of pollution. The "Western Route" will not solve Crediton's traffic problems.   It certainly will not enhance the ancient bridalway that it will cut across and, most importantly, it will further damage people's heath.

Robert Nicholls

27 Downshead Lane

Crediton

EX17 1HH