OTTERY ST Mary is safe, has a great sense of community and people care about each other. That is the message from those who live and work in the town. The comments came in a public meeting and survey of 400 homes carried out by East Devon District Council

OTTERY ST Mary is safe, has a great sense of community and people care about each other.That is the message from those who live and work in the town.The comments came in a public meeting and survey of 400 homes carried out by East Devon District Council in partnership with Ottery Police.However, it also highlighted concerns about illegal parking, anti-social behaviour and dog mess.A report by EDDC following a neighbourhood assessment carried out in November said: "A large proportion of the residents said how much they enjoyed living in Ottery. Many confirmed they would not change anything about the town."An EDDC spokesman said tghe concerns raised had been investigated by staff from the Environmental Health Service or other relevant agencies.Top of the list was illegal parking causing obstruction to lorries, emergency services and pedestrians.Police say they are aware of the situation and are taking positive action in Jesu Street by issuing persistent offenders with tickets.Anti-social behaviour in the Land of Caanan was highlighted with reports of under age drinking and vandalism.Ottery Police say they mounted a successful operation last summer at known hotspots in town and as the weather improves they will be re-launching the operation in the spring.The ongoing dog fouling problem was raised, with Yonder Street, Paternoster Road and Caanan Park identified as the worst afflicted areas.An EDDC spokesman said a plain clothes enforcement officer had visited the area.Discarded litter from customers of takeaways in the town was also highlighted.Environmental officers have spoken to takeaway owners and agreed they would clean around their shops and dispose of packaging before it became a nuisance.The amount of cigarette butts on the streets, particularly around the Lamb and Flag pub, following the smoking ban, caused concern.However, according to EDDC, the landlord has agreed to install window boxes filled with sand outside the pub.A newsletter detailing action taken has been sent to all homes visited.