BETTER facilities for cyclists and walkers and future development of the town were part of the issues at the October meeting of Crediton Town Council.

The district council's Local Development Framework exhibition was the same week as this meeting and councillors hoped the exhibition could be kept for the Farmers' Market on November 7 because it affected not only the town but also surrounding villages.

Cllr Walter Brown pointed out that the booklet and maps were also available at Crediton Library. Cllr David Nation reminded councillors that they had asked for the area of land to the south east of the town, between the railway line and Winswood and Barnfield, to be looked at.

He had found that the county council was willing for the land it owned in that area to be looked at for residential development, but it had been found that the access owned by county was not wide enough for more than 70 homes to be built.

He had now established that an owner of adjoining land would be willing to join with another to consider development. But they could change their minds.

Cllr Nation said this would be too late for the current Local Development Framework but information could go to its public inquiry, expected to be held next March or April. Although outside the settlement area, this was still within the town council boundary.

Council vacancy

Following the resignation earlier this year of Cllr Linda Scarbrough, the assistant town clerk, Mr Martin Ashley, reported that six information packs about becoming a councillor had been handed out. One had been returned and he hoped for at least two more candidates for co-option to fill the vacancy.

Chairman Cllr Frank Letch said candidates needed to be above the age of 18 years, to live or work in the town.

Newsletter

Copies of the town council's autumn newsletter were handed out. Free copies were already available at various outlets in the town, including the Crediton Courier office and would also be available at the November 7 Farmers' Market.

Cycle path to Exeter

Cllr Nick Way reported that the project for a cycle path between Crediton and Exeter was "progressing" with Sustrans saying it was "feasible".

He said the work being done now was mainly on the Exeter end, at Cowley Bridge, probably the most challenging part of the path and a crucial link with the Tiverton cycle path.

In a separate item, but still on cycling, Cllr Nation had put forward seven potential sites for new cycle parks in the town. He added that Crediton Climate Action Group had suggested it would be helpful to have the parking spots on both sides of the road.

Suggestions were: Landscore Stores/St Lawrence Green, close to bus stop; at The Book Shop/Record Shop; bottom of Searle Street (close to Phillips).

Adams in alleyway leading to Stanbury Court or Boots; Evans Newsagents/James Antiques/Tandoori/Video Shop/bottom of path to Barnfield; Triple C Cafe/bus stop on East Street; Newcombes Meadow.

He said that, at present, there were only the spaces at the town square and near Lloyds Bank. He would like to see secure cycle parking at the station, hoping this would encourage more people to travel by train.

In priority councillors chose: Landscore Stores, Triple C Cafe/bus stop, and Adams to ask for county council support.

Pelican crossing

Devon County Council's plans to upgrade part of the pavements on the High Street and North Street to the Pelican crossing as part of the Pelican's refurbishment were considered.

The plan was to use black tarmac, but councillors would prefer any other colour.

Four Mills Lane speed

Having been told by the county council that Four Mills Lane did not meet its criteria for a 20 mph speed limit, it was decided to check whether Tesco might help.

Previously, the town council had asked for Country Mile signs to show Four Mills Lane was shared with pedestrians. But it was told these were only for rural areas. So the town council had asked county for a lower speed limit instead.

Cllr Brown challenged the county council criteria comment, saying the road was used by walkers and vehicles and had no pavement.

Cllr Nation remembered that, as part of its planning approval, Tesco had made a commitment to improve pedestrian safety on Four Mills Lane.

He had written to the county council asking what plans were there for a new pedestrian and cycle route between the store and town centre, how would this be agreed, would town and other local councillors be involved, and what sort of time scale?

Soggy footpath

A complaint had been received about the surface of Footpath 24 near Willow Walk. This goes from Commercial Road between the houses and sports pitches to fields and Shobrooke Park.

It appeared to have been resurfaced with stones on top of the original tarmac, making it almost impossible to walk a pushchair there.

However, Cllr John Downes, a regular user, said the path was much improved. Previously it had been difficult to get through the gates leading into the fields, now you could do so.

As he seemed to be the only one who knew the path well, it was left for councillors to walk it before taking the complaint further.

Rail masts approved

Looking at the communications masts on the Tarka Line, such as that near Fordton, Cllr Nation suggested the council "noted with pleasure" that Railtrack had produced "a far better outcome" with masts now further away from houses, with communities not objecting as they had to earlier plans for taller masts.

Using Tesco gift

As part of its planning approval, Tesco had agreed to give the town council £5,000 towards a project.

Mr Ashley reported that Tesco was prepared to match the money with an offer of machinery or excavating etc.

Ideas put forward were: help refurbish the Scout Memorial Garden on Peoples Park, improving the floral planter by the town sign at the western end of town, or a youth shelter.

Mr Ashley understood that a suggestion for a cycle path improvement had more or less been written out because this could not be done for £5,000.

Crediton Community Transport was hoping to improve its resource and provide an information centre, but there was doubt this would fit the Tesco remit either.

Cllr Nation explained that a youth shelter would be specially designed so that, while it was a place the young people felt was theirs, would be open to some monitoring.

Cllr Hughes wondered if this could be put near the skate park on Lords Meadow. Cllr Nation's dream was for this to be eventually be covered so that it could be used in all weathers.

Newcombes Meadow, in the area of the public toilets, was suggested instead. It was agreed to consult with the police, Queen Elizabeth's Community College and the Youth Service. Cllr Way said there were already youth shelters at Copplestone and Bow.

Town square complaint

An event held on the town square on September 19 had brought a complaint. It was reported that the issue was the noise made between 3pm-11pm and it was said that this had been a private booking. The council had been told booking details were confidential.

Several councillors were not aware the square could be booked for a private event. Had criteria such as insurance all been met? More information was to be sought.

Too old for play area?

It was reported that more and more teenage school children were using the children's play area on Newcombes Meadow, discouraging mothers from using it with their young children.

It was also reported that graffiti needed removing from some of the play equipment. It was agreed to check with the Community Safety Partnership whether surveillance or supervision could be arranged.

Remembrance Day

Councillors were reminded of the Remembrance Service at the parish church on November 8, followed by the Parade to the War Memorial, and of the district council Remembrance at the War Memorial on Union Road at 11am on November 11.

Planning comments

Approval was recommended to the district council for the following applications:

Revised scheme for the formation of car park and change of use of double garage to bin/cycle store at St Andrews Court, Alexandra Road.

Advertisement and Listed Building consent for one illuminated fascia sign and one illuminated projecting sign at 128 High Street following removal of existing fascia and projecting signs.

There were no objections to the following:

An extension to 4 Okefield Avenue; erection of a dwelling following demolition of three garages at rear of 100 High Street on Waresfoot Drive. It was noted that although it would look like a bungalow from Waresfoot Drive, the roof of the two-storey house would be higher than that of the existing garages.

Building two commercial units with 12 flats above and formation of parking spaces on Market Street, adjacent to Francis Court.

Supporting the application, the council welcomed the manner in which the link with the council offices had been achieved.

It hoped that it would be possible to build on that site without the need to close Market Street at any time, and that any closure would be limited to the footpath and, perhaps, part of the road.

Nor were there objections to an application for a two-storey extension to 5A and 5B Courtis Gardens, nor for conversion of a garage at Larksbloom, Brays Close, into additional living accommodation and putting in windows.