EIGHT councillors attended the March meeting of Newton St Cyres Parish Council and were joined by Cllr Peter Hare-Scott (Mid Devon District Council) for part of the meeting. Three members of the public also were in attendance.

Police report - Again no report had been received from the local Police. As other Parishes in neighbouring areas were receiving regular reports it was agreed to make contact again with our local Police to see if regular updates could be sent to the Parish Council.

Mid Devon District Council - Cllr Peter Hare-Scott reported that the Budget had been approved and a small rise in Council Tax agreed.

The chairman expressed the Parish Council’s thanks to Cllr Hare-Scott for his support during his term of office and for his regular attendance at our meetings. Cllr Hare-Scott is moving from the area and will therefore not be standing for Mid Devon District Council in the forthcoming elections. Cllr David Baker added his appreciation to Cllr Hare-Scott and thanked him for his support and regular answers to the Parish Councils queries.

Councillors areas of responsibility - The following updates were noted:

• Speed Watch. Cllr Parker reported that Devon County Council had appointed a new Road Enforcement Officer who had checked the present sites and had recommended many changes. The NSC group was not happy with the recommendations and has taken the matter up with Crediton Police.

• Footpaths. Cllr Parker reported that work was in-hand. It was suggested that the Ramblers Group may be able to report back on any of the P3 registered footpaths as they used them on their walks.

• Notice Boards. Cllr Baker reported that the notice board at Smallbrook was in need of repair and the doors on the main notice board on the Village Green were binding. It was agreed to get the work done on these boards.

• New churchyard. Cllr Baker reported that Ron Nethercott was happy to cut the grass in this area when the Parish Council wished.

• Parish Hall. Cllr Gina Quicke reported that repairs are ongoing and fundraising planned.

• Recreation Ground. Cllr Southcott reported that the Rec had approached the Church Commissioners concerning the purchase of the land but had been informed that it was not for sale. There is to be a joint meeting to discuss play equipment for the Rec on March 24. The defibrillator at the Rec needed new pads and it was agreed to keep both of the defibrillators up-to-date with batteries and pads etc.

• Raddon Hills meeting. Cllr Baker reported on the recent meeting of the Raddon Hills Group and explained that other parishes in the group were receiving reports from the Police on a regular basis. Discussion had taken place on the lack of communication and action from DCC Highways and it had been suggested that Parish Councils should write to DCC Highways with urgent matters and suggest that they undertake the work themselves and invoice DCC for the costs incurred! The Chairman thanked Cllr Baker for his work with the Raddon Hills Group since its inception.

• Parish Surgery. It had been reported that a plastic bag full of brochures had been thrown into the stream in West Town. Cllr Reeves agreed to pass this on to the flood group. There was a report that the hedge on School Hill was getting overgrown and it was noted that this is listed in the schedule of work for the Handyman.

Annual Parish Meeting - It was agreed to hold this prior to the next Parish Council meeting on Thursday, April 4. The draft plans for the proposed pedestrian crossing in the village will be on show at this meeting and residents are invited to come along and raise questions and comments.

Highways matters - No responses had been received to the list of issues relating to highways matters and some of these were becoming urgent. It was suggested that the Parish Council Chairman, Cllr Enright, should write to request an interview with the Head of DCC Highways to emphasise the urgency and seriousness of the issues. It was agreed that a sign for the new School should be in place in Station Road. There appeared to be some damage occurring in the wall outside Newton Lodge and it was agreed to point this out to Newton House Management Committee.

The next meeting of the Parish Council will be held on Thursday, April 4, commencing at 6.30pm with the Annual Parish Meeting. Parishioners are invited to attend this important meeting where the report of the past year and the accounts are available, the plans for the pedestrian crossing will be on display and DCC Highways will be there to explain the plans.

The next Parish Surgery will be held on Saturday, April 6, in conjunction with the Coffee Morning. Please come along and meet the Councillor on duty.

Cllr Jill Baker

Press Officer.