CREDITON Hamlets Parish Council met on March 14 and had further discussions about the Play Area in Yeoford.

The chairman read out a letter to Cllrs Peter Heal and Derek Coren from Yeoford Community Association proposing that Mid Devon District Council pays for the removal and disposal of the existing equipment as part of a programme of refurbishment which is agreed with the Community Association.

YCA ask that MDDC continue to provide an adequate regime of inspection and maintenance of the refurbished park and equipment until the equipment needs to be replaced.

Lastly, YCA proposed that MDDC support the YCA in their efforts to raise funds for the refurbishment of the playground by supporting the use of Section 106 funding available in the parish for the refurbishment.

The council noted that the letter enclosed a petition set up and run by the children of Yeoford, with more than 100 signatures, demonstrating the importance of the playground.

Cllrs Heal and Coren said they would do all they could to support Yeoford and Cllr Heal proposed that the next step should be a meeting with MDDC, representatives from YCA and the parish council. The parish council resolved to fully support the efforts of the YCA.

DOWNES SOLAR PLAN

The council heard that the chairman had been approached by Savilles to arrange a meeting as the Downes Estate was considering reactivating its solar farm application.

The chairman had invited the agents to the parish council meeting or, if there was to be a separate meeting, he wished the local residents to be involved.

The council heard that its new website should be operational from April 1 and residents would be able to access agendas and minutes and a range of council information on this new site.

Cllr Stevens reported that he had met with Devon Air Ambulance Trust to identify a suitable site in the parish for a Community Helipad.

A site by the Recreation Ground was considered most suitable and DAAT would now conduct a site survey.

Cllr Stevens reported that he had also been in talks with Colebrooke Parish Council about the poor level of broadband services within both parishes. The two parishes working together may provide a stronger voice.

The council considered grants available for Flood Resiliance and Community Resiliance but did not think these were applicable within the parish.

The council heard about the new Wiser Money Project, designed to help and support people, especially in rural areas, with a free money and debt advisory service.

Any resident requiring help should ring 01823 461099 or 01272 371499.

The council expressed continuing concern about the state of roads in some parts of the parish, most notably the repairs required at Uton, which the council had been trying to secure for nearly two years.

The council resolved to write to the leader of the county council about this matter.

The draft minutes of Crediton Hamlets Parish Council are available on three noticeboards within the parish: Hookway, Westernlea and Yeoford.

If you have any comments or queries, the Clerk, Diane Shepherd can be contacted on 01363 85051 or email: [email protected] .

DS