Gareth Derrick, of Ermington Road, Ivybridge, writes:

The article last week on the Ivybridge traders ‘fuming’ at the new ‘out-of-town’ scheme proposals by Endsleigh Garden Centre has prompted many of us to think long and hard about the state of Ivybridge town ­centre.

Through speaking with local residents and traders, I am ­convinced that any further approved retail expansion and diversification at the supposed ‘garden centre’ will harm the town’s ambition to improve the range and quality of the retail offering in the centre.

That is why I have started a petition to oppose the planning appeal under way, by which the owners of Endsleigh hope to overturn the recommendations of the town and district Councils, which would stop a variation of the planning restrictions in place.

The petition is live online and can be found easily through a Google search for ‘petition Save Ivybridge Town’, or through my Facebook page.

In less than 24 hours I have collected well over 200 signatures and a range of comments, which I will use to make a ­formal representation against the appeal on behalf of the ­signatories on October 21.

An excellent response so far, but I hope to gain many more signatures, so please do sign up and share the petition with others if you are concerned about protecting Ivybridge’s future.

There is, of course, a bigger picture, and I am also certain that the lack of a vibrant town centre, with a reducing footfall from inside and outside the town, is not simply about the presence of Endsleigh or the nearby Tesco.

Expensive parking is clearly a factor and is something in South Hams Council’s remit to help resolve.

The high rents and service charges at Glanvilles Mill are also critical, but are something that the owners seem reluctant to address – even while units remain unoccupied.

And while there is clear ­evidence that people do travel into Ivybridge to shop from quite a distance, our own residents sometimes do not bother to use the town or are unaware of what it has to offer.

The town council has a range of objectives aimed at these challenges, including selective redevelopment and better ­marketing, but it remains to be seen whether the plans can be put into effect.

Many broader issues are also damaging the very fabric and vitality of Ivybridge and the surrounding areas.

The South Hams is acknowledged as one the best places to live in the UK and is obviously attractive to people who can afford to relocate or have ­second homes here.

The downside is the ­shamefully difficult access to affordable, decent housing for locals, and young people in ­particular.

The near impossibility of young families raising a deposit to secure their own home while often working on zero-hours contracts and ­minimum wages contrasts appallingly with what they deserve within our ­community and wider society. Consigned to low incomes and renting expensive but often ­poorly maintained houses, or staying with parents, there is ­little ­wonder that our town lacks the ‘super-charge’ effect that young people and families can bring.

As a local community we can at least try to address these challenges. If we do not bother, then the prospects of Ivybridge realising its potential as an attractive town offering healthy, creative and sustainable lifestyles may remain just a pipe-dream.