IN the Sandford Parish Comment Book it was pointed out that although Sandford Square is in Sandford Conservation area, there was still a coffee sign on show and also a Satellite dish had been erected on one of the properties facing the Square, whereas other properties had their dishes at the rear of their properties.

It was agreed by councillors at the January meeting of Sandford Parish Council to take these matters up with the Mid Devon District Council Conservation Area Officer.

The book also noted disappointment over the lack of a Christmas tree in the Square outside The Lamb Inn together with comments on mince pies and soup. It was agreed to discuss these matters at the October meeting when making arrangements for the 2018 Christmas festivities.

Details of BTs intention to remove the New Buildings call box. As this was not one of the old red call boxes there was not an option for the Parish Council to adopt the box.

However if the box could be used for a suitable use like the installation of a defibrillator, consideration would be given to the Parish Council to acquire the box.

The Parish Council felt that this was a good suggestion, subject to financing the defibrillator, and it was agreed to speak with the parishioner on whose land the box was located for their agreement to the suggestion.

It was agreed to arrange a joint meeting with Sandford AFC to discuss matters relating to the new Community Sports Pavilion.

Items to be discussed are to include the fence between the Pavilion and the play area, parking posts, protocol for accepting bookings for the field/community room tables, chairs and heating. It was agreed to grant permission to Sandford AFC to erect a shed on the playing field (at the far end against Meadowside Road) to house the tractor used for grass cutting.

After discussion it was agreed to accept a proposal from the Finance Committee, following a meeting to discuss the budget for 2018/2019, to set the 2018/2019 Precept at £16,005 (2017/2018 £12,872).

The £16,005 will include an amount of £4,000 to cover the legal fees that the Parish Council have to meet (their own and the Gorwyn Trustees) to cover the acquisition of the Creedy View car park.

It was agreed to defer a proposal “To include an amount as an ongoing maintenance fund to the Sports Pavilion” until setting the Precept for 2019/2020.

Enquiries are being made over possible sources of grant funding for the refurbishment of the Play Area to include the possibility of a skate ramp.

Reports had been received of parking problems on Back Lane, including photographs of large vehicles having problems navigating the narrow road.

It was agreed that parking in this area was now becoming a problem.

The clerk advised that he had passed these details on to the Community Policeman, who had advised he was unable to assist.

A fallen tree on Snows footpath had been reported to the parish paths warden.

It was agreed to invite Cllr Peter Heal (Chairman of MDDC) to speak on the topic of “Future Housing Development in the Crediton area” at the Annual Parish Meeting on March 15.

The next meeting of the Parish Council will take place at 7.30pm on Thursday, February 1, in Sandford Congregational Church Hall.

MJV