Devon County Council

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From Adrian Lane, Exeter 383262, November 26, 2008

THE proposed hillside route for the Crediton Industrial Link Road was yesterday (25 November) supported by Devon County Council's Executive.

Councillors agreed to approve the Hillside Route for the submission of a planning application. It follows widespread support at a public consultation in Crediton in September which put forward two route options.

Out of more than five hundred responses from residents and businesses in the town, 60% supported the Hillside Route and only 36% favoured the alternative Valley Route. The Town Council, Environment Agency, English Heritage and Downes House also all expressed their support for the Hillside Route.

The Hillside Route proposes to leave the A377 between Station Cross and Downes Lodge and joins Commonmarsh Lane opposite its junction with Marsh Lane. This route could link to the new roundabout to be provided on the A377 as part of the planned Tesco development.

Councillor Margaret Rogers, Devon County Council Executive Member for Environment, said: "I think we have to pay tribute to the patient and determined persuasion of Councillor Nick Way. This is a well deserved reward for his hard work. I believe that the proposed scheme would meet many of the concerns of the people of Crediton."

Councillor Nick Way, Devon County Councillor for Crediton Rural, said: "On behalf of people in Crediton, I would like to say how pleased we all are that Crediton has a traffic relief scheme that is reaching the planning stage. Although some people would prefer a bypass, that has proven to be very difficult to deliver for the area. The exhibition was very well received and this is a very welcome project. Residents in the area around Exeter Road and East Street in particular have suffered quite a lot over the years from high traffic volumes and the link road will help to reduce these levels."

The Hillside Route option was found to provide greater benefits on removing traffic, and in particular taking HGVs from Exeter Road, than the Valley Route. This would improve air quality and the quality of life for residents. It would also reduce journey times for hauliers heading from the East of Crediton between the A377 to the Lords Meadow Industrial Estate.

The Executive also agreed to consider a variation of the Hillside option proposed by the Downes Estate, and to carry out a further study into the traffic impact on surrounding roads.

Notes for Editors:

Councillor Margaret Rogers, 01297 680384.

Councillor Nick Way, 01363 777903.

• Leader of the Council - Cllr Brian Greenslade
• Chief Executive -- Phil Norrey

• Budget £800 million
• Key investments include:
• Schools £349 million
• Adult and Community Services £164 million
• Environment, Economy and Culture £106 million
• Children and Young People £101 million

• Other important County Council support includes:
• Building programme: £185 million for new schools, roads, care services, libraries and recycling centres

• Political make-up:
• County Council seats: 62
• 33 Liberal Democrat
• 23 Conservative
• 4 Labour
• 2 Independent
• Next County Council elections: May 7, 2009

• Key stats:
• Population: 741,000
• Schools: 365
• Pupils: 96,200
• Children looked after: 584
• Adults helped to live at home: 17,622
• Residential and nursing care: 4,212 adults
• Libraries and Mobile Libraries: 61
• Roads: 12,831 kms (7,973 miles)
• Bridges: 3,500
• Public Rights of Way: 4,960 kms (3,200 miles)
• Streetlights: 71,000
• Illuminated road signs: 10,917
• Recycling Centres: 20
• Recycling rate: 49.21%

Figures may be subject to change

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