W A SANDERS, of Broadway Avenue, Kingsteignton, writes:
As a resident of Kingsteignton for most of my life I suggest to the cycling fraternity that a velodrome at Exeter would be a much healthier location.
Many have witnessed the white foliage alongside the clay pit roads but few think anything of it. Yet here is the only visible sight of a possible danger of a velodrome in the immediate vicinity. Ball clay is much finer than the Cornish china clay. It has three main components, one of which is quartz commonly known as sand. It is also fine enough to be breathed into our lungs.
Ball clay is wet when removed from the ground. At this stage there is little risk attached to it. However, when it dries the health risks multiply.
When Sibelco eventually reroute the B3193 Chudleigh Road they will be able to access valuable clays under the existing road. a 'super pit' is planned from White Pit and John Acres Pit down to the River Teign. Site traffic will inevitably spread clay dust.
Various websites warn of possible dangers. If you visit them you may then change your mind.
It is for health reasons alone that I believe there should be no development of this side of Kingsteignton until clay extraction has ceased.