IT is my personal opinion that the removal of the Rural Gateway should not be an option.

Its removal would lead to the return of speeding vehicles through this section of the roadway and past the first group of houses in Whitchurch Road and result in worsening traffic conditions in the area of Whitchurch Primary School.

It should be remembered that it was an Ofsted report that raised the question of road safety around the school and that the Rural Gateway was part of the overall scheme to address that issue.

I like others was disappointed when the monitoring report issued 12 months after the Rural Gateway was put in, did not recommend any changes.

My concerns at that time were based upon personally using the scheme both during the day and at night, together with listening to other users and local people.

Since the Partnership meeting in December last year I have been working with Officers of Devon County Council and Ian Kilpatrick who was acting as a representative for many people who had similar concerns.

During subsequent meetings officers' attention was drawn to those areas that continued to be an issue. These centred mainly on visibility through the scheme and inadequate passing places.

As a result the latest changes to the scheme have included the removal of the high bank to the left-hand side as you travel out of Tavistock.

The removal of that bank now provides much better visibility. The increase of area for the vehicle passing places not only allows better positioning of vehicles but also gives a clearer indication as to right of way.

I recognise along with others that there still remain traffic issues in Whitchurch Road as with other areas of Tavistock, but to resolve these there needs to be dialogue not confrontation, without that dialogue and consensus at local level nothing will be achieved.

In discussions concerning the Rural Gateway I have endeavoured at all times to seek an agreement that secures a traffic-calming scheme which makes a contribution to ensuring maximum road safety in the immediate area and which has the confidence of those that use it.

Roy Connelly

Tavistock Town and County Councillor