Audrey Peters, of Fosterville, Newton Abbot, writes:

We were asked for comments on the above (MDA, October 30) so here goes, sadly in the Grumpy Old *** vein.

I am all for cycle routes, but they should be additional routes and not poached from those who wish to walk in ‘unimproved’ nature.

My main objection is that the majority of the original footpath from Ventiford to the main road has been eradicated by the Stover Superhighway and much of the small portion that remains has been levelled and gravelled, tidied and urbanised.

It is, of course, excellent for cyclists, wheelchair and pushchair users to have access to the countryside but this should not be at the expense of existing walkers.

I have used the path along the canal for decades, when it was a quiet bendy path through fields and trees, over roots, often around cattle; very few people, only countryside.

No true walker really enjoys a straight hard surface to walk on yet this is what we are now forced to do for much of the length, constantly looking over our shoulders to stand aside for other users. Even the short section of pre-existing path that does remain, runs adjacent to the Superhighway with a fence visually restricting the feeling of freedom.

The initial aim, to preserve the history of the canal, could have been effected much more sensitively and preserved the legacy its surroundings for future generations that no amount of surfaced straightened fenced pathways will replace.