ROY PHILLIPS, of Carlton Place, Teignmouth, writes:

In recent weeks, there have been numerous letters in your newspaper regarding the so-called cycleway between Teignmouth and Newton Abbot. I believe readers and a number of present-day councillors need to remember the very long history behind a proposed cycle and pedestrian path alongside the Teign from Teignmouth to Newton Abbot.

This was already a long-held proposal when I first went on Teignmouth Town Council in l979. In l982, in response to the then Teignbridge Dann Plan for the regeneration of Teignmouth, Bob Pope and I submitted to Teignbridge Council, on behalf of the Teignmouth Liberal Party, our proposals which included (1) a cycleway and footpath running alongside the Teign to Newton Abbot; (2) that at some two or three abutments of land on the Teign to build cafe/restrooms for both visitors and residents alike, and (3) that there be additional hides for fishermen along the Teign.

The thinking behind this part of our joint proposals was for a safe and pleasant walkway for residents and cyclists, away from all the traffic noise and pollution, so attractive during the autumn/winter for walking groups, anglers and visitors, and a safe walk for residents young and old. We mentioned then that such facilities were already available on the continent, the loire river being one place in particular.

For the next 24 years all we have heard has been a continual stream of excuses. Excuses from the management of both Devon county and Teignbridge councils. First it was 'too expensive', then 'we haven't got the money', then 'it's too difficult', then the old chestnut 'we cannot get the land'.

Yet throughout these many years they have both had the option of compulsory purchase and the price of construction then would have been but a small fraction of what it would cost now.

It again needs to be emphasised that during all these many years, both Devon county and Teignbrige district councils have extracted many, many millions of pounds from this area in council tax alone, quite apart from the many millions both councils have gained in selling off what were Teignmouth's long-held and treasured assets.

As with the proposed cycle and pedestrian walkway, so too with the endless debates, consultations etc etc with regard to our Carlton Theatre.

When wonderful people like Audrey Saint took over the Carlton, it was losing over £30,000 per year – what thanks did they get?

Nearly 40 years later and still yet another proposal for the site, at the cheapest option for a rebuild and answering too few needs for such an important location.MORE LETTERS IN OUR DIGITAL EDITION