BEFORE presenting his second annual report to members of Hamlets Parish Council, chairman councillor Peregrine Leigh paid a warm tribute to the late Dave Pullen, who had been both a district councillor and a member of the parish council.

He said: "Dave worked tirelessly on behalf of this council and was never afraid to take on causes those in Tiverton sought to avoid. He certainly helped the District Council in their belief that members of this parish council take their responsibilities very seriously."

Councillor Leigh reported that the district vacancy had been filled by Derek Coren and the parish council seat by Peter Turner. The vacancy caused by the resignation of Mark Goodman had been filled by Dr Richard Scrivener.

Ruth Preater-Gillard has now been with the council for the full year and had taken up the challenge of being clerk.

Said the chairman: "I am also most grateful to Rene Jarvis for her continued support as vice-chairman and to George Mortimer who has chaired the planning sub-committee, arranging site visits and submitting the reports on such visits.

PLANNING COMMITTEE

"This met on 11 occasions and, where necessary, made site inspections. Approximately 40 applications were considered during the year. The council continues to be frustrated by certain aspects of development in the parish. On several occasions the assistance of the enforcement officer was sought and the district council's head of planning and regeneration attended a meeting to explain planning policies and respond directly to issues raised.

"I believe everyone learnt much from the discussion but most importantly he was able to see for himself this council's depth of feeling."

HIGHWAYS

Whilst the condition of the parish roads were a cause of anxiety before the winter, the snow and icy conditions (which were worse than the previous year) took an even greater toll as ice cracked and tore apart surfaces already in a bad condition after many years of poor maintenance.

Major improvements have now been undertaken to the road to Cheriton Bishop, whilst the vigilance of members make sure that almost all potholes are reported.

NETWORK RAIL/FIRST GREAT WESTERN

Several members had quoted instances where revenues had not been collected from passengers using the service. The council's concern was that the failure to gather a comprehensive and true record of the line's use would prejudice the rail operator's position when negotiating for improved rolling stock.

YEOFORD

In spite of the best efforts of parish, district and county councillors, the footpath in front of Milldale was not completed. An undertaking has been given to complete the path this year.

The parish council sought to resolve the issue of the "No Parking" lines outside of the school, but now awaited direction from the governors before taking the matter any further.

VENNY TEDBURN

Concerns were raised at the speed of a number of vehicles through the hamlet. Support has been given by the local police to a preliminary speed check but they have advised that few vehicles are actually breaking the existing speed limit. A limit of 20mph has been suggested as appropriate but would be unenforceable.

POLICE

Representatives of the police now regularly attended or provided reports to the council which continue to show the parish was in the low levels of reported crime. The great majority of incidents related to traffic on the A377.

"Much of what this council has achieved has been through the good offices of the district and county councillors, who regularly attend meetings and who are then able to take away the strength of feeling which often is shown. On behalf of this council I would like to express our appreciation for what all our councillors do and will continue to do on our behalf.

"I am pleased to report that our accounts for the year show we kept in budget and that reserves established have enabled the council to leave the precept unaltered for the coming year though it has dropped marginally on a property by property basis."

Cllr Eddie Parr thanked Cllr Leigh for the comprehensive report and for all of the time and effort he devoted to the parish council.

In the elections for office, Cllr Peregrine Leigh was re-elected chairman and Cllr Rene Jarvis as vice chairman. Cllr George Mortimer was re-elected chairman of the planning committee.

At the parish council meeting which followed it was agreed that the parish council would write to Yeoford Primary School to express support for the school on pursuing the extension of the zig-zag lines on the road to the south of the school.

The chairman of governors of the school had written to the council regarding the zig zag lines, outlining the schools position regarding the road safety.

Continuing with roads, the clerk was asked to re-submit a comprehensive list to Devon Highways, listing the potholes and poor road conditions within the parish.

BROADBAND

A parish councillor raised the issue of the broadband coverage in rural areas and how the signal seems to be diminishing over time.

The parish council decided to liaise with BT, requesting an upgrade on the areas that are affected by poor signal.

• Crediton Hamlets Parish Council includes Yeoford, Woodland Head, Gunstone, Neopardy, Westwood, parts of Westernlea, Uton, Hookway, Venny Tedburn, Posbury and Binneford and all the areas in between.

It meets on the first Monday of each month at 7.30pm at the Council Chamber, Mid Devon District Council offices, Market Street, Crediton.