SEVEN councillors attended the March meeting of Newton St Cyres Parish Council and were joined by Councillor Peter Hare-Scott (Mid Devon District Council). Thirteen members of the public were also in attendance.

Police Report: 01/01/18 – 07/03/18. Incidents reported: Concern for female walking on A377 in darkness; road traffic collision (damage only); domestic incident; 2 x missing persons; 2 x concerns for welfare; possible drunk in charge of a vehicle; concern for driver; complaint against the Police. Crimes recorded: Vehicle interference (car parked on Langford Road was accessed and steering column tampered with).

Public Participation: Residents from Half Moon area had submitted a letter expressing their concerns about the recent ticketing of the parked cars in Half Moon lay-by. Several residents added their concerns to the ones already expressed and the chairman explained the background and the recorded minutes of a meeting held in 2005.

Mid Devon District Council: Cllr Peter Hare-Scott reported that the Council Tax would have to be raised by three per cent but that MDDC was managing to stay on budget. The Local Plan consultation period was drawing to a close and results could then be published.

The council had no comment to make on the planning applications for the closing off of the drive at Plot 22 at the new homes in Station Road or to the retention of four static caravans for staff living accommodation at Langford Park Nursing Home.

Chairmanship of Parish Council: Cllr D Baker explained that he would not accept any nomination to be Chairman of Newton St Cyres Parish Council at the AGM in May as he had completed nine years in the chair and felt it was the right time for a change.

Areas of Councillors Responsibilities: It was agreed that the notice boards in the parish should be repainted and repaired, the bus shelters should be cleaned and the seats varnished once the better weather arrives. It was noted that the new kitchen in the Hall was being installed and the Arboretum were in receipt of Lottery funding.

Section 106 Funding: Groups and organisations are invited to let the clerk know of any projects they may have involving open spaces which would fit the criteria for S106 Funding. Once these projects are deemed to fit the criteria they will be required to produce a business plan and costs. Please contact the clerk, Jane Hole on 01392 851148 for more details.

Half Moon parking concern: The council debated the concerns raised by the residents of Half Moon and explained the background to the problems being experienced there. The outcome of the debate was a decision to request a site meeting between the residents, Devon County Council Highways, Mid Devon District Council, Stagecoach, Devon County Council and representatives from NSC Parish Council. This meeting to be convened by Cllr Margaret Squires (Devon County Council).

General Matters: The council agreed not to proceed with the idea of an electric charging point for cars in the car park.

The legal position regarding the use of drones was clarified.

It was agreed to check whether the work carried out with the drains at the entrance to Sand Down Lane had been successful.

The date for the official opening of the new school had been fixed as Friday, June 22 at 11am.

The next meeting of the Parish Council will be held on Thursday, April 5, at 7.30pm in the Clubroom of the Parish Hall. Everyone is most welcome to come along.

The next Parish Surgery will be held in conjunction with the Hall Coffee Morning on Saturday, April 7. Please come along and meet your councillors with your questions and queries and enjoy the company at the coffee morning.

Jill Baker

Press Officer

THANK YOU

The Parish Council wish to thank all the residents, members of the Snow Warden Team and the Neighbourhood Watch Team for all their support for their neighbours during the recent snow storm. Your help with clearing snow, gritting and salting paths and pavements, checking on neighbours and collecting shopping was invaluable and shows tremendous community spirit. Thank you everyone who helped in any way - you were there when you were needed and your efforts are appreciated.