FEWER than one in four East Devon residents believe they can influence local authority decisions in their area – an opinion poll has revealed. East Devon District Council (EDDC) was ranked 168th out of 201 authorities of its kind in a survey carried out b

FEWER than one in four East Devon residents believe they can influence local authority decisions in their area - an opinion poll has revealed.

East Devon District Council (EDDC) was ranked 168th out of 201 authorities of its kind in a survey carried out by the council on behalf of the Government.

The poll was sent to 2.476 selected households, and only 24.8 per cent of the 1,263 who responded felt they can influence decisions made in their area.

Ben Ingham, independent Woodbury and Lympstone councilor, said: "I think people are fed up with being consulted and then having their opinions ignored.

"This happened recently in Exmouth with the proposed new supermarket next to the estuary.

Fortunately the scheme fell through this time, but it will be back.

"I believe local authorities should consult the public much earlier in the process, thereby ensuring local support is secured for these projects.