Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has defended his Liberal Democrat colleagues who signed a letter slamming spending cuts

He voiced his opinions during his visit to Teignbridge on Friday after a letter was published in The Times, signed by 188 Lib Dem council figures across the country, warning that the cuts would have a major impact on the economy, particularly hitting the vulnerable.

One of the signatories was Cllr Alan Connett, leader of Teignbridge Council, who lives in Kenton.

'I don't think writing megaphone letters in the national newspapers is necessarily the best way of conducting this type of debate,' said Mr Clegg.

'It's worth remembering what we're up against. We as a country are spending £120 million every single day, that's taxpayers' money, paying off the interest of Labour's debts.

'Yes savings have to be made and yes it's controversial.' He said that he was in constant contact with his colleagues about the cuts and the best way forward.

'They realise it's difficult and they support what the coilition government is doing and I am keen to continue the dialogue with them face to face so we can work together during this difficult task,' said Mr Clegg.

He made the comments while visiting Cross Park Nursery, Newton Abbot.

The facility houses The Make Amends Project, a youth offenders' rehabilitation scheme.

He praised the initiative, saying it would prevent 'the troublemakers of today' from becoming 'the hardened criminals of tomorrow'.

'It's an absolutely brilliant project. for years I campaigned for this kind of approach,' said Mr Clegg.

'This is a classic example of what you can do with youngsters before they get into serious trouble so they can make amends and see the errors of their ways and change their behaviour so they don't end up in and out of prison later on in life.'

One of the aims of the visit was to find out about how the partnership is tackling anti-social behaviour.

He met police, council and fire service representatives, along with residents helped by the work of the South Devon and Dartmoor Community Safety Partnership.

Police Supt Sarah Sharpe and Acting Supt Jim Meakin, along with Teignbridge Council chairman Cllr Stephen Purser, accompanied Mr Clegg as he found out more about a safer-driving initiative and met people whose lives were improved by CSP work to tackle individual offenders.

'Teignbridge is a clear example of an area where the authorities are working well together and with the community to tackle an issue which is important to local people,' said Mr Clegg.

'Today I have seen first-hand the enthusiasm and drive that helps make the partnership so successful, and it should be commended for its work.'

Teignbridge councillor Marie Jenkins spearheaded the visit and was delighted to welcome Mr Clegg to the district and show him first hand the work the partnership does.

She said: 'Teignbridge, and indeed the entire south Devon and Dartmoor area, has a really strong approach to tackling crime and anti-social behaviour. We value education and early intervention as well as taking tougher action where necessary, making a real difference to local lives. 

'By working together with the police, fire service, county council and other partners we're ensuring a joined-up approach which gets results, and it was great to be able to demonstrate this best practice to the deputy prime minister.'

Helen Hulme, area manager of the South Devon Youth Offending Service, said that The Make Amends Project was a great success 'not only because of the end results but because it offers young people the opportunity to have a pride in their community and to contribute to it, learning new skills in the process'.