The Gazette first reported about the stirling efforts to bring a skate and bmx park for the young people of Ottery and surrounding area in October 2005. After much effort in the meantime, the skate park was opened informally on Good Friday, 6th April, which enabled the youngsters to enjoy this facility during the Easter holidays.

In last month`s Gazette I wrote about the threat of a massive sand and gravel quarry at Straitgate Farm, high above Ottery creating a massive eyesore that would be seen from the town, and from Chineway and East Hill Strips, and  which would create considerable problems for our community.

In the four weeks since I wrote that article, a great deal has happened.  Hundreds of people objected to the proposal as part of Devon County Council`s consultation which ran until 30 April.  In addition there have been objections from Ottery St Mary Town Council (OSMTC), Aylesbeare Parish Council, West Hill Residents Association, Hugo Swire, MP, and the Kings School Governors.

The venue for the April meeting had to be changed to the Football Club in Ottery St Mary as it was anticipated that many of you would wish to attend.  In fact about 130 of you attended to hear the presentation from the Minerals and Waste Planning Officer from Devon County Council who spoke regarding its new Mineral Plan.  One of the quarry sites suggested is the western part of Straitgate Farm and following the presentation there were many public contributions made outlining objections.  The Council resolved to respond to the consultation by objecting to the proposed Straitgate Farm site and will also attend the County Council’s Development Management Committee meeting to repeat this.

I consider myself very lucky to live in this part of East Devon. In Ottery we are surrounded by lovely peaceful countryside, with a tremendous network of public rights of way, and the majestic River Otter (joined by the Tale at Cadhay Bridge) running through our town. Ottery itself is a unique town full of charm, character and heritage. Our quality of life is pretty good. Of course there are things that we try to improve.