THE January meeting of Sandford Parish Council was attended by Andy Busby and Steve Densham (Mid Devon District Council) to talk about cuts in services, and funding, provided by the District Council. 

Two of the play areas in the parish belong to MDDC, the one at Linhay Park and also the one at New Buildings.

Mid Devon Council is offering these two play areas to Sandford, either freehold or on a 25 year lease.

The offer, if taken up, would see the Parish Council taking on the responsibility for maintenance, grass cutting, insurance etc.

It was noted that the New Buildings play area equipment was now more than 20 years old and would soon be in need of replacing.

The Parish Council was unsure of the benefits to be gained from this suggestion.

It was felt that any change would just see funding coming from the Parish Precept rather than the MDDC Council Tax.

It was agreed to consult the residents of New Buildings as to the use of their play area and also a suggestion to turn this into a Green Area.

CAROLS IN THE SQUARE

This event had been taken on by St Swithun's Church from the Parish Council in 2020.

It was suggested that the Church liaise with all those involved to set a date for 2023 at an early date to avoid a clash of events on the same evening.

If approached, the Parish Council agreed that it would be prepared to supply a tree again as in previous years.

OPEN FORUM

Three parishioners were present and items discussed the pull-in at the entrance to Beacon Church, and a New Buildings planning application.

WEAVERS WAY

Following the site meeting at Weavers Way concerning the revised planning application, comments from the Parish Council were being finalised for submission to MDDC Planning. A copy of the comments will be placed on the Parish Council website.

ROAD SAFETY REVIEW

As no formal response had been received from DCC, the Clerk had accessed the DCC website for an update to the Mid Devon Highways and Traffic Orders Committee (HATOC) review of road safety issues in Sandford. 

The following minute was noted: “SANDFORD: No Waiting At Any Time on specified lengths of Back Lane, Road from West Lodge Cross to Rose and Crown Hill Cross and The Square”.

Devon County Councillor Mrs Margaret Squires confirmed this scheme would be implemented, in accordance with the published maps, that were issued as part of the Review later in the year.

ROADS AND FOOTPATHS

A letter was read from residents at West Sandford concerning the state of the road between West Sandford and Crediton (potholes and mud on roads). 

Whilst no new matters were reported, disappointment was noted over the  “modest” recent pothole patching between Ruxford Barton and Shute Cottage.

Due to a lack of time it was agreed that: Requests for Donations, Boundary Stones / Boundary Walk and the Annual Parish Meeting will be discussed at the next meeting.

CORONATION CELEBRATIONS

Also at the next meeting, discussion will take place on parish celebrations for the 2023 Coronation of HM King Charles III.

It was noted that he had suggested only modest celebration and no National Beacons on this occasion. Whilst the Parish Council was happy to facilitate any celebrations, and make a financial contribution, it was felt that this year's celebrations will depend on pledges of support from parishioners and parish organisations.

One suggestion was to finalise the celebrations at the 2023 Annual Parish Parish Meeting.

The next meeting of the Parish Council will take place on Wednesday, February 1 at 7.30pm at Sandford Scout Hut.

MJV