HAVING read the article on the West Devon Drive project (Times, January 14), I should like to make residents aware of another facet of the scheme, if they have not already considered it.

Our house has been on the market since November and, having lost two potential purchasers a while back for personal reasons, we finally found a committed buyer.

We had almost decided on a house in Tavistock which we like a great deal, when the above article was printed. Our purchaser dropped out immediately on reading it, and the reason was stated in writing.

A potential increase in the level of traffic as a result of the West Devon Drive, which some people are obviously assuming will become a reality, appears to have a downside whether it turns out to be a real problem or not.

I hope the reality of the project turns out to be a general benefit to the area and not just a reduction in the value of properties through the traffic situation, whether real or imaged.

Actually, an increase in the levels of traffic, provided not excessive, could conceivably cause road speeds to decrease, which wouldn't be a bad thing. Ironic in this age of road protesters that a bypass should be the cause of too little traffic.

However, despite our personal loss, I am glad that there are driving forces in the local community whose intentions are to try to improve the way we live.

Michael Long

Manworthy

Lobb Hill

Lewdown