THE subject of future Superfast Broadband in Crediton Hamlets and Yeoford was discussed at the November meeting of Crediton Hamlets Parish Council.

The clerk reported that Mel Stride MP had sent a copy of a letter received from the chief executive at Devon County Council, Mr Phil Norrey.

In the letter Mr Norrey advised: "I am pleased to tell you that premises within the Crediton Hamlets area are scheduled to receive Superfast/improved connectivity by March 2014 and are therefore within the first phase of our deployment.

"Yeoford should start to see deployment in the middle of 2014 with further build up by Autumn 2014".

Councillors pointed out that Crediton Hamlets Parish covered several exchanges eg Crediton, Moretonhampstead, Copplestone, Cheriton Bishop etc.

It was agreed to ask for clarification whether the "other exchanges" would be updated at the same time?

MOBILE LIBRARY CUT

Devon Library Service gave details of a reduction, due to lack of use, in the number of stops by the Mobile Library to two locations in Yeoford.

From March 31, 2014 no stops would be made at Yeo View and the Mare and Foal. However, County Cllr Nick Way advised that the stop outside Yeoford School would continue.

It was agreed to support a Town and Parish Fund (TAP) application to Mid Devon District Council by Crediton Charitable Community Fund to create a (non profit making) Pannier Style Market in the old Costcutters Store on Crediton High Street. It was understood that Crediton Town Council had agreed to contribute £3,000 to the scheme.

LEVEL CROSSING

Cllr Mortimer had obtained a copy of a letter sent by Network Rail to residents of Salmonhutch giving details of improvement works to the level crossing at Salmonhutch.

Relaying works would be carried out in October, November and December including the closure of the crossing from December 24 to January 6.

No explanation had been given in the letter as to why these works were being carried out and there was concern, once again, as to the future of the Crossing?

County Cllr Nick Way advised that he had been informed that work was being carried out to upgrade the rail line to allow trains to travel along this stretch at higher speeds.

It was agreed the Parish Council would write to Network Rail expressing the concern of residents requesting confirmation of what was planned and the future for the crossing.

The Parish Council were annoyed that the matter of Speeding signs and the need to re-paint the roads signs at Venny Tedburn still remained outstanding.

County Cllr Nick Way confirmed that these matters had been agreed and the works were awaited.

It was agreed to write to the Highway Authority to record complaints from parishioners and request an update as to when the work was likely to be carried out so this information could be shared with those concerned.

At the meeting it was agreed, despite the loss of the Annual Churchyard Grant from Mid Devon District Council, to make Churchyard Grants of £150 to Yeoford Gospel Hall, St Luke's Posbury and Holy Trinity Yeoford.

Cllr John Berry (Chairman of MDDC) will attend the next meeting of the council to take place at the Council Chambers, Market Street, Crediton on Monday, December 2, at 7.30pm. Parishioners are welcome to attend and raise local issues needing attention.

MJV