The current large development on Dinan Way has unsurprisingly proved to be controversial.

And now it appears that the construction of the link road to the A376 is commencing.

Six years ago the road between Topsham and Countess Wear managed the traffic, even at peak times.

Since the housing developments along Topsham Rd., this road is at a standstill at peak times, and very slow at other times.

The same applies at the Devon Hotel and Alphington, where large housing developments have taken place.

It appears very little consideration was given to the impact on traffic flows.

Both these roads are not single lanes, unlike the A376.

The road from Exmouth to the George and Dragon is currently very slow at peak times.

And when there are roadworks, broken down vehicles, or an accident, this road comes to a standstill.

Can you imagine what it is going to be like when the link road is built from Dinan Way to the A376? Chaos, I suggest.

We are constantly told by governments that more housing is needed.

If that is correct, though I am not convinced, then development should only occur where the infrastructure can cope.

And Dinan Way and Exmouth will not cope with this huge increase in the volume of traffic, which is inevitable.

I fail to understand how the local authorities in this area continue to ruin the character and environment of our local area.

We elect parties and individuals to represent us by defending and enhancing the local area, not by destroying it.

When this link road is up and running, the damage will have been done and will be irreversible.

Living in Exmouth will never be the same.

And visitors coming here will suffer traffic jams and much longer journeys, which will undoubtedly be off-putting.

It would be good if some of those who made the decision for these huge housing developments had a degree of guilt and contrition.

We can now look forward to a stop/start journey along the A376.

Too late now—such a mistake!

Clive Paul
Exmouth