English Nature decision on Slapton Road condemned.

Mike Treleaven, Totnes Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesperson, today condemned the decision by English Nature to withdraw support for continued repairs to the road at Slapton Line. English Nature, who have the final say in any work undertaken in the area, would like nature to take its course and for the road to eventually be washed away. Commenting on the decision Mike Treleaven said:

' This would be an economic and social disaster for the area. Thousands of tourists use this road and many businesses depend on access via this road for their livelihood. Add to this the effects on closure to the hundreds of residents and you have a major problem. It is not long ago that 10,000 people signed a petition to save this road, a petition that English Nature seemed to have totally ignored. There is also the problem of access for the emergency services who might have to come from Dartmouth to the Kingsbridge side of Slapton and vice-versa.'

He continued:

' It is not as if this will help conserve the special nature of the beach and the lea. If nature is allowed to take its' course we will end up with a salt water lake and the unique nature of Slapton Lea will be gone for ever. This is a decision that must be reversed and an acceptable solution found that ensures the future of the road and the freshwater lea.'