CREDITON Hamlets Parish Council met on Monday, November 7 at the Council Chamber in Crediton. There were no members of the public present.

The council discussed the Play Area at Yeoford View and the request from the Yeoford Community Association that the council would take over responsibility for the Play Area.

The council resolved that it would take the lease of the land subject to terms to be agreed by the council at a future meeting.

Cllrs Leigh, Brook and Mortimer agreed to meet with Yeoford Community Association to discuss the choice of replacement play equipment.

The council went on to discuss the precept request for 2017/18.

The clerk had provided budget papers that had been considered by the Finance committee in advance.

The Finance committee had recommended an increase of £350 to cover the costs of known expenditure.

The council then took account of its decision to increase expenditure by another £500 per annum to maintain and insure the Yeoford Play Area. The council resolved to increase the Precept request by £750 for 2017/18.

The council awarded £150 each to Holy Trinity Church, Yeoford, St Luke’s at Posbury and Yeoford Gospel Hall to assist with the maintenance of their grounds.

The council also paid a grant of £150 to Crediton Town Council towards the cost of maintaining the War Memorial.

The council heard that Yeoford Youth Club and Yeoford Yarns had been successful in their applications for grants from the Tap Fund.

The council heard again about Devon County Council’s Road Warden Scheme and the monies now available to communities to carry out minor repairs.

The council would be keen to hear of anyone in the parish that might be interested in becoming the Road Warden for the parish.

Cllr Nick Way (Devon County Councillor) reported on the successful Highways Surgeries being run at Crediton Town Council.

If anyone in the parish is concerned about roads in the parish this is an excellent way of getting your concerns heard. Telephone Crediton Town Council to book an appointment.

Cllr Wholey reported on the Crediton Hamlets “Facebook” page which is active and carries up-to-date information useful to parishioners. Everyone who uses “Facebook” is encouraged to check it out.

Cllr Way referred to the free Fire Checks being provided by the Fire Service. All parishioners can request a visit for this purpose.

The council agreed to invite the Fire Authority to provide a presentation to the council on February 6 at Yeoford Community Hall.

The council heard about the Community Pay Back Opportunities and Cllr Way was about to report that there had been some recent excellent examples in the Crediton Area. Councillors could not think of any opportunities within the Parish but the council would be very pleased to hear from parishioners who have any ideas for work that needs doing in the parish.

Cllr Heal reported on the ongoing work being done at MDDC to take some Syrian Refugees. Cllr Coren reported on the highly successful Mid Devon District Council recycling scheme.

The next meeting of the council is on December 5 at Yeoford Community Hall at 7.30pm.

The draft minutes of Crediton Hamlets Parish Council are available on three noticeboards within the parish: Hookway, Westernlea and Yeoford. The minutes and other information about the Council is available on the Crediton Hamlets Parish Council website: http://www.creditonhamlets.org.uk/ .

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

DS