by Sue Read

NEWS of a new train service was welcomed while news that Crediton Hospital could cease to exist as it is currently was announced at Tuesday’s meeting of Crediton Town Council.

Member Cllr Nick Way, also Devon County Councillor, reported that, after years of campaigning, there was to be a new early morning train for Crediton into Exeter.

At present the first morning train into Exeter is at 7.55am. Starting in January, the new service would run at 7.07am.

Reporting on a meeting of Crediton Hospital Steering Group the previous week, council chairman, Cllr Frank Letch, said it had possibly been the next to last meeting of the group because there would no longer be a hospital in the town.

The group had been told that of 49 bids for funding, the only one in Devon to be accepted was for a new health hub at Crediton.

“It is intended it would include research and training because one of the problems now is retaining staff. There would be diagnostic services and the R D and E would link with local care services in a Mid Devon Care Federation,” he said.

ROAD WORKS

Cllr Way reported that there would be a period of “potential disruption” on the A377 at Castlands near Newton St Cyres because a Grade II listed cob house needs to be renovated.

Saying there would be traffic lights, Cllr Way had asked Devon Highways to make sure the builders “really understood” these needed to be manned at peak travel times. “I have been assured by Highways this will be done,” he said.

As much as possible work would be between 10am and 3.30pm but while the thatch was being worked on, times could be different. He added that the householder had avoided having the work done for a long time because of the disruption it would cause to traffic.

CAN’T GET THROUGH

Cllr Letch reported having received complaints of vehicles parking on roads such as Waresfoot Drive making it difficult for emergency vehicles or refuse lorries to get through.

It was thought the fire crews could push a vehicle out of the way if there was time. The town council would talk to County Highways about potential solutions.

Cllr Letch also reported receipt of complaints from the public about hedges hanging over pavements in parts of the town.

“With this being a time when gardeners are out with their shears, perhaps we should be checking anti-social hedges,” he said.

Cllr Bob Wright added that there was the: www.fixmystreet.com website for reporting potholes, hedges, and such.

LANDING SITE

Members supported helping fund the installation of a lighting column at The Rec for a Devon Air Ambulance night time landing site.

The land is owned by the QE Education Foundation, currently rented by Crediton Rugby Club, which was strongly behind the plan.

It was reported that the total cost for the lighting would be £9,160 and that DAAT could provide a £5,000 grant with the rest being found by the community.

Planning permission would be needed and there could be legal costs. It was understood the Rugby Club would be prepared to pay for the electricity used by the lights which would be automatically switched on when needed.

It was pointed out that The Rec was a primary site and in the future could be sold. The QE Foundation would need an agreement that the lighting column would be removed elsewhere.

PLAY AREAS

Councillors agreed to take over the leases for play areas at Fulda Crescent, Spinningpath Gardens and Greenway.

Cllr Wright queried if this “was not a very good way to spend public money” but was told that the Fulda Crescent play area did not have maintenance costs.

Cllr Dan Webb added that there had been “a lot on "Facebook" about these with people not wanting them to be sold for building.

The town council would be issuing a questionnaire to see how people want these play areas used.

Cllr Mike Szabo said there was a possibility grants could be available in the future to help.

It was agreed that the Churches Housing Action Team could connect to the town council’s WiFi when holding its weekly drop-in sessions at the Market Street council offices.

REMEMBRANCE

Looking towards November, the Town Clerk, Mrs Clare Dalley, said she had met with representatives of Crediton branch Royal British Legion to talk about ways to improve this year’s Remembrance Parade and laying of wreaths at the War Memorial on Union Road.

She said there had been problems such as people standing where the dignitaries needed to stand and times when the parade had backed up. It was suggested there should be a briefing in October with a small committee formed.

Cllr Andi Wyer reported the annual meeting of the Newcombes Meadow group when it had been suggested a Friends of Newcombes Meadow was created.

He said Mid Devon District Council, which owns the Meadow, had put forward ideas that included a “water park” . There is to be a six month period to see what can be done in the park. Cllr Letch said three district councillors would be meeting at the end of the week.

Cllr H Zorlu reported that at the Mayor’s “surgery” at the Market, “a couple of people” had remarked to her about dog walkers not clearing up after their dogs.

She added that she had seen someone pick up the faeces and then throw the bag over a hedge. “People would like more dog poo bins or notices to say waste bins can be used for bagged dog waste.” she said.

The Town Clerk said she would check having posters to that effect.

Cllr Zorlu also asked whether it would be possible to put up notices asking people not to smoke in children’s play areas.

Cllr Letch announced there would be a Mayor’s “surgery” at every Crediton Farmers’ Market instead of alternate markets.

PLANNING

Approval was recommended for a planning application to build two homes at Fairpark on Exeter Road with alterations to the access including re-alignment of the entrance wall and rebuilding a missing gate pier plus Listed Building consent for the same.

Approval was recommended for an application for change of use from osteopathic clinic to dwelling at 2 Coxs Close, High Street.

Approval was recommended for an application for change of use of the ground floor of 32 East Street from veterinary surgery to dwelling.

Approval was recommended for a notice to fell two cypress and one leylandii tree and reduce one holly tree in the Conservation Area at Glebeside, Union Road, so long as the district council tree officer felt the work was necessary.

It was the same recommendation for an application to crown lift a western red cedar by approximately 9.5 metres at Southfield, Southfield Drive. The tree has a TPO.

There was no objection to an application for a two-storey extension and enlargement of the existing rear dormer window at 1 Wynfrith Mews, Landscore. Use of opaque glass was recommended for the second storey windows that could overlook neighbouring property.

There was no objection to an application for an overall reduction of a beech tree by up to eight metres at The Beeches, Old Tiverton Road so long as the district council tree officer felt the work was necessary. The tree is protected by a TPO.

There was no objection to an application for Listed Building Consent to replace a first floor window at 16 Exeter Road.

Planning applications are determined by the district council.