DURING August members of the Independents for Crediton group, including town councillor Rachel Backhouse, have been clearing weeds, over-grown shrubs and general dirt and debris from Crediton Station's Park and Ride car park. 

The car park, with its 50 or so parking spaces is well used by commuters using the train service to Barnstaple, Exeter and Okehampton.

Parking is free in the car park to encourage the use of the rail service.

However, the car park has not been well looked-after in recent years and the parking bays, verges, pavements and pathways have become badly overgrown.

Independents for Crediton members responded to a suggestion from local residents to clean and tidy the area, removing a good deal of litter that has accumulated over some time.

The volunteers have spent around 20 hours on the task so far, using hand-tools to scrape weeds and brush pavements etc, and large sacks to remove weeds and debris. 

While undertaking the work, volunteers discovered a variety of car engine parts partly hidden in undergrowth, along with some other evidence of casual fly-tipping.

There was also a large plastic bowl full of old engine oil, which should have been disposed of professionally.  Devon County Council has been informed.

Spokesman for IfC Paul Vincent said: "It is not surprising that the car park has been subject to abuse and litter, since it has looked neglected for quite some time now.

“Hopefully after a good clean-up its users will want to help keep the area clean and tidy.

“The car park is popular with hundreds of users and should be properly looked-after as it is a useful element contributing to local sustainable travel.

“Using the park and ride facility saves many people the cost of parking in Exeter, and also cuts congestion into and out of the city.

“This car-park can also encourage Exeter residents to venture out to visit Crediton by train - so we should try and make this point of arrival as welcoming as we can.”