SIX councillors were present at the September meeting of Newton St Cyres Parish Council and were joined by seven members of the public including three candidates for the vacant position on the council.

Both Councillor Peter Hare-Scott (Mid Devon District Council) and Cllr Margaret Squires (Devon County Council) apologised for their absence.

Police Report. July Incidents: Bull in road; Large branch in road (Langford); Road Traffic Collision – damage only; Harassment; Gunshots heard; four x reports of dangerous driving. July Crimes: one Burglary with intent to steal (unsuccessful attempt to steal quad bike); one Assault causing Actual Bodily Harm.

August Incidents: Insecure vehicle; Missing person; Suspicious circumstances (building entered); Suspicious vehicle abandoned; Suspicious call/scam on elderly resident; information on driver under the influence of alcohol; Branch in road; Abandoned call; Vehicle driving with children not in seat belts; one domestic incident; one vehicle road traffic collision (head injuries); three vehicle road traffic collisions; Concern for welfare; Domestic harassment; Car driven erratically. August Crimes: one x person/owner in charge of dog dangerously out of control; one x harassment.

Input from Simon Trafford (MDDC Planning) and Ian Sorenson (DCC).

Simon and Ian had been invited to listen to concerns about the increase in housing being planned for Crediton and Copplestone and the subsequent extra traffic which would use the A377 through the village bringing with it the extra noise and pollution and safety concerns.

Both Simon and Ian took on board the concerns raised and agreed to respond with answers.

The council agreed to invite both Simon and Ian to the Annual Parish Meeting on Thursday, May 3, 2018 where parishioners would be able to hear their input and ask further questions.

Co-option of Councillor. The Parish Council’s Co-option Policy was agreed. The three candidates were invited to make a five-minute presentation and then the councillors present were handed voting papers on which to vote. The result was that Graeme Barnell was co-opted to the council with immediate effect.

Planning. The council viewed the plans submitted for the erection of two garages and partial demolition of a shed at 5 Creedy View (17/01253/HOUSE). The council agreed to object to the plans as submitted.

Village Flag Pole and Flag. As very little response had been received it was agreed to raise this idea again at the Annual Parish Meeting on May 3, 2018 when parishioners could air their views.

Councillors’ responsibilities. The bus stop by the notice board in the village needs bolting down before the winter winds and Cllr S Parker agreed to look at this. Quotes for next year’s grass cutting contract would be sought from interested parties and a decision made on a new contractor.

Some of the sites used by the Community Speed Watch have been changed and this is making it more difficult for the volunteers. An explanation will be sought. The councillors had all been allocated a footpath to walk and check and the results had been fed to Cllr S Parker in his role as Footpath Officer for action.

The councillors expressed their thanks and appreciation to all the parishioners who voluntarily took on various tasks around the parish and which ensured the area is always so neat and tidy. Special thanks were expressed to the Recreation Ground Club for the excellent state of the grounds this year.

Churchyard. It was noted that the transfer of land for the new churchyard had taken place and it was agreed to meet on site to discuss the fencing required.

A plaque would be purchased noting that the land had been donated by John Quicke of Quickes Estates.

The next meeting of the Parish Council will be held on Thursday, October 5, starting at 7.30pm in the Clubroom of the Parish Hall. The next Parish Surgery will be held in conjunction with the Coffee Morning on Saturday, October 7, in the Parish Hall.

Please come along and meet your councillors with any questions or queries you may have. Everyone is most welcome to come to the meetings and/or meet the councillor on duty at the Surgery.

Cllr Jill Baker

Press Officer