Now that the spectre of ASDA has been removed (and, of course, East Devon District Council claiming they were responsible), perhaps those who are paid and/or voted into positions to represent us could actually do just that. Instead of coming up with gran

Now that the spectre of ASDA has been removed (and, of course, East Devon District Council claiming they were responsible), perhaps those who are paid and/or voted into positions to represent us could actually do just that. Instead of coming up with grandiose schemes that will cost vast amounts of money (including spending taxpayers' money fighting for their jobs!), it is high time their policy became one of getting back to basics. How many of them actually go around Exmouth and identify problem areas that could be easily addressed? I'm sure local councillors do - but anyone at EDDC? Just take at look at the pavements, with their many lifting slabs. Have a look at the Magnolia Centre (which was built to the detriment of Exmouth): paving slabs removed and the holes filled in with black tarmac; look up at the windows above the shops - many filthy; look at the gutters - full to overflowing with weeds and grass. Have a wander around the streets and note the rubbish and dog mess.Has anyone at EDDC carried out a survey of the small businesses that are closing down, to see if there is a common denominator (eg business rates too high)?Get the basics right before branching out further.I note MP Hugo Swire finally showed his true colours and revealed he was all for ASDA coming. He certainly carried out a U-turn!Howard Samuel,9 Lawn Road, Exmouth.