THE full complement of nine councillors were present at the October meeting of Newton St Cyres Parish Council.

They were joined by Cllr Margaret Squires (Devon County Council) for the first part of the meeting and Cllr Peter Hare Scott (Mid Devon District Council) who stayed for the full meeting. Three members of the public also attended.

DEVON AIR AMBULANCE TRUST

The meeting started with an input from Toby Russell from DAAT who thanked the council for its support of the remote switching gear which had been installed at the Recreation Ground and which would enable night flying and landing by an Air Ambulance.

Toby explained that training would take place with the paramedics during the next three weeks so they would be familiar with the site and the facilities there.

He also asked that advance warning could be transmitted to DAAT of any events at the Recreation Ground which may impede the landing of the helicopter, such as a large marquee in the centre of the field etc!

Jock Campbell was warmly thanked for his involvement in getting the site approved and for liaising with DAAT over the details.

PLANNING

Cllr Enright reported on the recent MDDC Planning meeting where approval had been given for the variation of condition 10 of the planning permission for the new school and associated housing.

Cllrs Enright, Squires and Hare-Scott were thanked for their input at the planning meeting. Cllr Enright also reported that the land at the entrance to Station Road had been purchased and was now in DCC ownership.

VICE CHAIRMAN

Cllr Enright was proposed and seconded as vice chairman and was unanimously voted into this position.

DEFIBRILLATORS

The council agreed to maintain the defibrillator presently situated on the wall of the Crown and Sceptre and to take on responsibility for the maintenance of the next defibrillator which would be purchased out of the money in the defunct Community Support Group account for the Recreation Ground.

It had been agreed by the CSG that any money left in the account should be donated to the Parish Hall.

CHRISTMAS NEWSLETTER

Articles and ideas for the next parish council newsletter were invited and a new distribution list is being put together.

The newsletters will be delivered to all households during November.

A Housing Needs Survey will also be delivered to all households at the same time as the newsletter.

An article on Neighbourhood Watch was suggested and it was agreed to set up a “Facebook” page linked to the Parish Council’s “Facebook” page.

PARISH SURGERY

Concern had been expressed at the September surgery about parking on the bridge by the Beer Engine pub as this may cause a problem if emergency vehicles were required.

HIGHWAYS ISSUES

The problem of the blocks across the road from the Langford turning was discussed and it was agreed to write to DCC and request that the white lining be re-marked to allow for the narrowing of the carriageway by these blocks.

It was felt that the blocks may be in situ for some time as removal of tree stumps etc. may cause the bank to become unstable.

It was agreed that safety markings should be put on the blocks.

A sign will be placed at the Recreation Ground to indicate the DAAT landing site and this will be paid for out of Locality funds by Cllr Squires.

The next meeting of the Parish Council will be held on Thursday, November 3 at 7.30pm in the Clubroom of the Parish Hall.

The November Surgery will be held at the Village Market on Saturday, November 26.

Please come along to either or both of these events and air your views, ask questions etc. You will always be welcome.

Cllr Jill Baker

Press Officer