A Devon Count­y Council response to concerns about traffic through the Tiddybrook estate in Tavistock was described as 'verging on rude and completely inaccurate' at a meeting in the town last week.

The town council had written to the county in support of Tiddybrook residents, who say the area is now unsafe, following changes to the road layout.

The changes mean cars now travel along Buzzard Road through the estate between the main A386 and Whitchurch, instead of using Anderton Lane. Residents have asked for signs for a 20mph speed restriction and to discourage HGVs.

John Halliday, the county's neighbourhood highways manager, in his response to the town council, said Buzzard Road was not signed as a through route, and the alignment of the road was such that it would 'discourage through-traffic and engender low traffic speeds'.

He said: 'The estate road design, including the junction with Anderton Lane, has been subject to a road safety audit. That RSA concluded the alignment at this part of the road network should not be altered.'

Mr Halliday said it was not county council policy that estate roads should have 20mph speed limits applied.

Cllr David Rose, who acts as a spokesperson for the Tiddybrook residents' group, told the council's finance committee: 'I was appalled, and so were the residents, with the response, which was verging on rude and completely inaccurate.

'The county has tried to avoid answering the real questions and considering this has been going on for a year now, it's just not fair to the residents of Tiddybrook. It's rather stupid, for the sake of two signs, which is all that were required.'

Cllr Rose said the quality of life for many people living on Buzzard Road had been severely affected since the estate had been opened up on to Anderton Lane, and he believed the county council had little understanding of the real implications for people living there.

Cllr Sue Bailey suggested every resident on the estate should write an individual letter to the county council.

'They would have to take notice then,' she said.

Cllr Mandy Ewings said: 'I have to confess I totally agree regarding inaccuracy. I was on the planning committee when permission was agreed for it and some of the things stated by Mr Halliday are completely not true.'

Cllr Rose said Phil Redmond, a surveyor who lives on Tiddybrook and who was acting as joint spokesman for the residents, has replied to Mr Halliday.

Mr Redmond said: 'I believe Mr Halliday's letter to be an attempt to abrogate responsibility by the use of misleading, factually incorrect and nebulous statements. 

'This is typical of the treatment the residents have consistently suffered at the hands of Devon County Council's officers.  

'They have consistently failed to address the issues, have reneged on agreements, have ignored correspondence and have failed to respond to our invitations to meet.'

Devon County councillor for Tavistock Debo Sellis said she was continuing to work to resolve the problems at Tiddybrook and fully supported the residents.

Cllr Sellis said: 'I have tried to effect change from decisions which were passed way before I was a councillor.

'It is clear that once decisions are made, it is a Herculean task to effect change.'