A CAMPAIGN to scrap the 'Rural Gateway' between Whitchurch and Grenofen has been renewed by angry residents.

The road has been branded 'extremely dangerous and unsightly' and a 'complete waste of money'.

West Devon/Devon County Council Partnership Committee are set to review the rural gateway route in December.

Ian Kilpatrick from Whitchurch and Bill Smyly of Grenofen have appealed for opponents of the road to write to or e-mail them.

They hope to collect 1,000 letters or e-mails pressing for its removal.

The campaigners say that the alterations — made to the stretch of road 18 months ago — were a waste of money and have made travelling on the road a 'dangerous and risky business, especially at night.'

'This state of affairs cannot be allowed to continue,' the two men warn in a joint letter.

'The reasons for the construction were the reduction of traffic volume and speeds within the village of Whitchurch from the Methodist chapel to the centre of Tavistock.

The volume was reduced for a while but is now back to its former level.

'We are sure that if something is not done during this review to remove this blot on the landscape there will be a tragic accident,' write Mr Kilpatrick and Mr Smyly.

'I am all in favour of traffic calming but this is stupid,' Mr Kilpatrick told the Times.

He said that the rural gateway narrows without due warning to motorists, has poor visibility and had been introduced with little consultation of local people.

Opponents of the rural gateway say there have been several dangerous incidents on the road during the summer, most recently the accident involving a motorcyclist by the Halfway House at Grenofen, when traffic was diverted through the narrow stretch causing 'a chaotic traffic jam'.

The campaigners say they are also prepared to produce and hand out leaflets to strengthen opposition ahead of the review.

The partnership committee's review of the Whitchurch to Grenofen road was postponed at this week's committee meeting until December, because one of the participating authorities was unable to complete its brief.

Mike Parnell, Devon County Council's local services officer, said a report is being compiled, assessing whether the aim of reducing the speed and volume of traffic on the road had been achieved.

He said this report would be presented at the next meeting of the partnership committee on December 17.

Mr Parnell said any views on the scheme expressed by people would be made known to, and considered by, the committee.

Critics of the road can contact Mr Kilpatrick or Mr Smyly and they will pass on letters or e-mails to councillors on the partnership committee.

For further information, telephone 01822 616385 or e-mail: [email protected]">[email protected].