Last week, I felt compelled to write to you concerning the curious decisions by councillors in East Devon, who seemingly tend to favour Tesco stores, often against the wishes of the residents.

Last week, I felt compelled to write to you concerning the curious decisions by councillors in East Devon, who seemingly tend to favour Tesco stores, often against the wishes of the residents. You very kindly printed my letter.

Councillors, for a change, why not give us a 'Poundland Saver' store? That would help revive our town centre.

In your edition of September 24 2009, I was appalled to read that, after all the hard work of our MP Hugo Swire, Cllr Jill Elson, the principal of the community college and many, many people in the town, that the Rolle College purchase has fallen at the last hurdle.

This Government and a cabal of councillors at Devon County Council have caused this disaster.

Cllr Hart, and his Cabinet at Devon County Council, are prepared to squander millions in a recession, on an ill-designed format for the Strand Gardens, but cannot fund the purchase of Rolle College: a real investment for the future. Shame on you all!

Now we know Cllr Hart thinks the education of children in Exmouth and East Devon is a 'White Elephant'. What arrogance. Can he not see they are our future?

In one fell swoop, they have destroyed the life chances of generations of children, who could well have helped to create wealth and develop the town, through their innovation and skills.

Well done, Devon County councillors. However, do not get too comfortable in your cosy positions up in Exeter.

For, come the next elections, when we see the few, sitting drinking their cups of tea, around Strand Gardens, we will be thinking of the many families in Exmouth and East Devon, who have been destroyed on the altar of short-sightedness.

You must think again before it is too late.

We need more education and training, leading, subsequently, to jobs in the area, not fancy gardens.

Trees and flowers do not pay the rent or mortgage and certainly do not reduce poverty.

We will not forget.

This time I am disgusted.

Aureol Mitchell,

Exmouth.