THE Sluggett family have farmed in Honiton for over 100 years. When John Sluggett, now 78, took over Town Farm, off High Street, he had a dream to one day see a walkway created alongside the River Gissage, with seats to encourage people to pause and tak
THE Sluggett family have farmed in Honiton for over 100 years.When John Sluggett, now 78, took over Town Farm, off High Street, he had a dream - to one day see a walkway created alongside the River Gissage, with seats to encourage people to pause and take in the view.In the mid 1970s, he attempted to make his dream come true by offering East Devon District Council land for the scheme.However, it was scuppered when councillors said they were minded to ask Mr Sluggett to contribute towards the maintenance of the walkway.He later sold his field, between High Street and Dowell Street to Devon County Council for an ambitious but ill-fated multi-storey car park scheme.Honiton's allotments, which were adjacent to the site and in different ownership, were sold to developers.Eventually, the two sites were combined to make way for Oaklea.Disappointed Mr Sluggett has kept clippings of every newspaper story about the walkway.As Honiton Town Council doggedly pursues the walkway plan, even hoping to produce a walk guide, Mr Sluggett is hopeful his long-held dream will become a reality."I'd like to see it completed, with seats where possible," he told the Herald.
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