VICE-Chairman Jim Stephens presided for the June meeting of Sandford Parish Council and proposed a vote of thanks to Brian Fyfe for his tenure as Parish Council Chairman.

Shop Accounts – Shelly Phillips (Chair) advised that these can be viewed at: https://mutuals.fca.org.uk/Documents/Download/910962 . She was not aware of any obligation for these to be presented at the Annual Parish Meeting. A paper copy will be placed in the shop.

Matters reported to the Clerk included noisy rooks. Also, disposal of refuse at the entrance to Mill Lane. Mid Devon District Council has been asked to replace the current refuse bin at the entrance to Mill Lane which currently is lying on the ground and has no lid.

Sandford Relief in Need – John Crooke and Chris Theedom were re-elected as Trustees for Sandford Relief in Need. John Crooke then answered questions on how the charity functioned, and explained the need to identify parishioners with “needs”.

Sandford Congregational Church – No further news was reported on the sale.

Weavers Way  - It was confirmed that the “gifting”/conveyancing of the land to Sandford Parish Council should proceed.

It was envisaged that the land would  be “managed" on behalf of Sandford Parish Council by Sandford Millennium Green.

Discussion took place over the legal work needed for the conveyancing. It was agreed that far more details/information on the land "to be gifted" needed to be obtained before making contact with any solicitors for quotations.

At the same time questions arose over as to exactly what parts of the estate the Weavers Way Management Team would take over?

It was agreed that this information was also needed for legal purposes.

Finance -  S106/Crediton Clean Air Fund - Despite further communication sent to MDDC (S106), and Adrian Devereaux (Planning Officer), the previously requested updates on “Weavers Way”  financial matters remained outstanding bearing in mind that the homes were to be occupied from October 2023.

Grass verge at Meadowside - A Parishioner had made the annual request for the grass verge in front of the bungalows to be cut.

The Clerk had been in touch with Steve McCulloch who had submitted a quote to carry out this work and this was accepted by the Parish Council.

The ongoing issue as to whom (Devon County Council or Mid Devon District Council) owned the grass verge and was responsible for this grass cutting, remained unresolved.

It was agreed when the legal paper work for the Conveyancing/Gifting of the land at “Weavers Way” was dealt with Land Registry records could be examined to establish ownership of the grass verge at Meadowside.

Litter bin at Creedy View – It was agreed that (Percy Penguin) should be removed. A suggestion was made for a trial period to erect a notice to ask Parishioners to “Please take your rubbish home”.

20's Plenty signs – Cllr Paul Sandys had ordered these and locations agreed were at the entrance to the village from Crediton, West Sandford, Kennerleigh and Fanny’s Lane, the final locations to be agreed with the landowners.

The next meeting of the Council will take place on July 6 at 7.30pm at Sandford Community Sports Pavilion.

At the meeting it is hoped parishioners will have an opportunity to meet the two new Sandford District Councillors, Helen Tuffin and Mark Anthony Simmons Jenkins.

MJV