SEVEN councillors attended the November meeting of Newton St Cyres Parish Council and were joined by six members of the public. Cllr Margaret Squires (Devon County Council) attended the first part of the meeting.

During the public session at the start of the meeting, a representative from the Motor Bikers Rally which had held an event at the Recreation Ground in September thanked the Parish Council and the residents of Newton St Cyres for their support and understanding.

He reported that it had been a very successful event and they had raised a great deal of money for their chosen charities. The group hoped to return again next year for a similar weekend.

DCC Highways issues. The concrete blocks opposite the entrance to Langford Road had been referred to the Bridges and Structures Department for a decision on their future.

Notices will be put up requesting that excess advertising signs be removed.

The resurfacing of School Hill was now in the budget for some time next year.

The problem being encountered by the School Lollipop person while gas works are being carried out has been referred to Highways and a manual handling of the traffic lights when the school children are crossing is being suggested. Other issues regarding flashing lights at the new school etc, are under review.

It was reported that Average Speed Cameras may be installed in the village within the next 12 to 18 months.

Funding issues. The application made by the Arboretum for funding to replace the entrance gate with a disabled friendly gate was approved, subject to the agreement of the landowner and the council also agreed to award a donation to Citizens Advice in response to a request.

Council vacancy. The vacancy for a councillor would be advertised locally and in the meantime Cllr David Baker was elected as Vice Chairman.

Community Matters. Discussion on the papers put before the council took place and the following were agreed:

The proposed Community Fair would be advertised in the Winter Newsletter and it was hoped that this would bring groups and potential helpers together; the idea of including the Parish Council’s newsletter in the “Newton Wonder” and delivering this to all households free-of-charge as an encouragement for more subscribers was discussed and it was agreed to look into the figures and logistics more thoroughly as a possible exercise in 2019; the idea of a Community Support organisation would also be discussed in the coming year.

Councillors’ Reports. Allotments – Cllr Paul Taylor will be the contact person for allotment queries until the end of the present session in April next year. The Village Green will need treatment for the weeds growing there.

Cllr Steve Parker will oversee the planting of the flower baskets in Pump Street next year.

Cllr Jill Baker reported on a recent meeting of the Raddon Hills group of Parish Councils and asked that an item on rural mental health issues be put on the agenda for the next meeting and a representative from Newton St Cyres be allocated to attend a meeting of the parishes to discuss this problem and possible ways forward.

Policies. The council agreed the contents of the Press/Media Communications policy and the Digital and Social Media policy and these will become standard guidelines for all councillors to follow.

Parish Surgeries. The following dates for the Parish Surgeries were suggested: January 5 (Church Coffee Morning) – Cllr Jim Enright; February 2 (Arboretum Coffee Morning) – Cllrs David and Jill Baker; March 2 (Church Coffee Morning) – Cllr Steve Parker; April 6 (Twinning Coffee Morning) – Cllr Paul Taylor; May 4 (Church Coffee Morning) – Cllr Jim Enright.

The next meeting of the Parish Council will be held on Thursday, December 6 at 7.30pm in the Clubroom of the Parish Hall and this will be its budget meeting. The council always welcome members of the public to its meetings.

The next Parish Surgery will be held on Saturday, December 1 in conjunction with the Gardening Club Coffee Morning. We look forward to meeting parishioners at this social and friendly event.

Cllr Jill Baker

Press Officer