Axmouth Parish Council, residents and Cllr Ian Thomas were pleased to welcome our MP Neil Parish to Axmouth recently. Ian had asked Neil to visit Axmouth to see for himself the threat to the village, its residents and properties from the increase in traffic, particularly HGV, as a result of the regeneration of Seaton.

The group walked the full length of the village and as a result Neil has written to Phil Norrey, Chief Executive of Devon County Council describing what he saw 'on the ground'.

Neil wrote - "I support the view of Cllr Ian Thomas, Axmouth Parish Council and residents that a 7.5tonne gvw Environmental Weight Limit, between Boshill Cross and Axe Bridge on the B3172, should be confirmed without delay. This is essential to the proper protection of historic Axmouth, its residents and visitors"

"I would further ask the County Council to review the overall local road network, with specific reference to access for HGV, and general increased traffic volumes to the Seaton Regeneration site"

"I envisage such a review will recognise the need for investment in the lower Axe estuary transport infrastructure. This must produce the transport network essential to support the economic regeneration of Seaton, yet duly cognisant of the pressures on, and need to properly protect, our unique historic local villages."

Cllr Ian Thomas agreed -  "I think Neil has suggested a sensible way forward which has my full support. We agree that Axmouth needs immediate protection through a 7.5tonne weight limit. I trust that previous indications will be confirmed by the East Devon HATOC on Monday 28th March, at the Knowle, Sidmouth."

"We should also recognise that the transport infrastructure of the lower Axe Estuary is 'mediocre' at best. It is essential that the position of all the Estuary is reviewed as an integrated solution. I look forward to working with other local villages and parishes toward this objective."

"There will, in my view, need to be investment. We cannot simply bury our heads in the sand and ignore this. In the interim I will continue my work with Axmouth Parish Council and villagers, to ensure that the 'inconvenient' yet irreplaceable village of Axmouth is not sacrificed on the altar of Seaton regeneration"

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