CONCERNING the proposed move of C-far to Highampton, Mr Phillips in his letter (June 28) seems to have missed my main point (Letters, June 21) about being armed with the facts.

In his letter he chooses several choice statistics then completely misrepresents them.

For example he states that several crimes have been committed by ex-centre users in the Tiverton and Exeter area, and uses it to back up his claims that he and his neighbours are in the front line.

Complete nonsense! Let me remind Mr Phillips again that the local police have said that only one incident has occurred during the centre's time in Okehampton. He will be at no more risk if this scheme goes ahead than he already is.

The fact that many trainees do not complete the course does not hide the fact that former trainees are much less likely to re-offend than those leaving penal institutions. C-far works.

Mr Phillips also says that I should be prepared to move to Highampton before being able to have a say. To that I can only say that despite working full-time, in a well paid job for this area, there isn't a chance I could afford a house in Highampton, unless of course the siting of C-far in the village causes prices to fall to a third of their current value. If only, as I'd love to have Mr Phillips as a neighbour!

In reply, how dare Mr Phillips belittle the attempt of these young people to break the cycle of their offending without being willing to listen to and understand the facts. These trainees are human beings, not monsters.

Dave Goodwin

2 Cleave Cottage

Sticklepath