EIGHT councillors were joined for part of the December meeting of Newton St Cyres Parish Council by Cllr Mrs Margaret Squires (Devon County Council) and six members of the public.

New Councillor. Two applicants presented their reasons for wishing to fill the vacancy on the council and the vote resulted in Liz Ouldridge being elected.

Cllr Ouldridge subsequently signed the declaration required and took her place with the councillors.

Devon County Council. Several highways matters were raised and the chairman agreed to write to Devon County Council listing the outstanding issues and requesting urgent answers and actions.

Among the outstanding issues are the blocks opposite the entrance to Langford Road, the amount of advertising signs that have appeared along the A377, resurfacing of School Hill, possible 20mph limit in Station Road around the new school and the move of the flashing signs from outside the old school to the new school site in Station Road.

Cllr Parker was thanked for his work to remove the ivy growing up the traffic sign on School Hill and promised to remove the Best Kept Village sign on the Green as it had fallen into disrepair.

Planning. The council agreed to make no comment on the proposed conversion of barn to two holiday units at Ford Farm or to the proposed construction of an on-farm anaerobic digestion plant at Lords Meadow Industrial Estate, Crediton.

Grants etc. It was confirmed that payments to the Recreation Ground, the Churchyard and the Wi-Fi in the Parish Hall are all obligations that the Parish Council had agreed historically and would be continued.

Other grant applications would be considered on their merits providing they met the criteria laid down by the council.

Budget. The proposed budget for the coming year was examined in detail and agreed.

Resilience Plan. The report on a recent meeting was accepted and it was agreed that basic information from the plan would be posted on the village notice boards.

Councillors’ Responsibilities. Cllr Ouldridge agreed to look after the allotments, keep check on the notice board and bus shelter at Half Moon and to take her share of delivering newsletters etc.

It was agreed that Cllr Jill Baker should send the templates of the newsletters and Annual Report to the clerk for safekeeping until another Press Officer is elected after the May elections.

It was also agreed that the council would undertake to put together a display for the vacant focus board in the Parish Hall. This display to be mounted by the chairman and the clerk and to be in situ for one month.

General Maintenance. Cllr Chris Southcott, Cllr Steve Parker and the clerk had checked round the parish for maintenance work that is required and had put together a comprehensive list of jobs to be done.

It was agreed to request that the handyman from Thorverton be asked to undertake this maintenance over the coming months.

Parish Council Elections. Next May sees elections for parish councillors and all nine places on the council will be available. The council would encourage anyone with an interest in the parish to seriously consider putting their name forward for election. It is a very rewarding role and a great deal of good can be achieved by the right people with the interests of the village at heart. More details can be obtained from the parish clerk, Jane Hole on 01392 851148.

The next parish council meeting will be held on Thursday, February 7 (there is no meeting in January unless an urgent planning application appears) at 7.30pm in the Clubroom of the Parish Hall. Everyone is most welcome to attend.

The February Surgery will be held in conjunction with the Coffee Morning on Saturday, February 2, in the Parish Hall. Please come and meet your present councillors with your questions and queries.

Cllr Jill Baker

Press Officer.