IN the absence of the chairman, the September meeting of Sandford Parish Council was chaired by the vice-chairman, Mike Snow.

Items directed to the clerk during the summer recess included:

a) Complaints over the number of road signs, diversion signs, and parking cones left around the village and this had been referred to Devon County Council Highways department.

b) Parking issues at Creedy View – The clerk had referred the matter on to DCC Highways who had advised that “As yet the road had not been Adopted”.

c) Re-surfacing Brady Close, Linhay Park and Orchard Close that had taken place during the summer recess and had given rise to a large number of complaints. On referring the matter to DCC Highways the parish council had been advised by Steve Wheeler at DCC: “I would mention that the works are not resurfacing but a surface treatment called micro asphalt.

“These sites in Sandford are not finished sites.

“Traffic is very important for micro asphalt as it helps the new surface to settle down and ‘bed in’.

“When it is first laid it looks like some areas are thicker than others due to the nature of the product and the process of applying the product.

“Typically this takes three to six months and as the mixture is durable it moves around and settles with time and traffic.

“I can understand the concerns and frustrations in Sandford but these sites were only treated a couple of days ago.

“I drove the sites yesterday and they look typical of newly laid micro asphalt sites.

“I will be visiting these sites a number of times with the contractor during the coming weeks to ensure that the site settles down as it should.

“These sites have not yet been signed off as complete and they will only be signed as complete if they meet a number of strict criteria.”

The Parish Comment Book included an entry: “A big thank you to our footpaths man Steve.

“I especially notice around stiles and gateways they are clearer. Proper Job!”

The clerk agreed to convey this message to Steve McCulloch, Sandford’s Footpath Warden.

The clerk had spoken to Steve McCulloch regarding the need for the area around the Joe Hole seat to be tidied up and this work has now been carried out on behalf of the parish council.

At the meeting the clerk reported that one “Expression of Interest” had been received to fill the current vacancy for a parish councillor and Gordon Griffin J.P., was duly co-opted to fill the vacancy.

Much of the meeting was spent discussing the play area meeting that had taken place the evening before, and attended by grandparents and parents, offering their assistance to refurbish the play area and provide some new pieces of play equipment. The council presently has £7,000 in the play area fund.

Discussion had taken place over suggestions for obtaining further funding, including grants and fundraising in the parish.

The first estimate, and two suggested plans that had been received, could be funded over three years.

First payment required after delivery/installation with two following payments after 12 and 24 months.

It was agreed the possibility of being able to spread the cost of the payment of the new play area equipment would assist the parish council in refurbishing the play area sooner rather than awaiting sufficient funds to cover the costs.

It was agreed to obtain further quotations from other play area equipment suppliers.

After further discussion it was also agreed to accept proposals to:

a) Clear the site and remove the timber climbing frame and all surplus timber.

b) Obtain a quote to remove the old safety tiles.

c) Remove the old slide and netball hoop deposited on the field.

d) Send another newsletter to grandparents and parents via Sandford School informing them of the decisions made at the parish council meeting.

e) Replace the current play seats in need of refurbishment and to make enquires over replacing the swing chains.

f) It was also felt, as and when the play area refurbishment took place, to add some benches to the play area.

It was agreed that up to £1,000 of the parish council play area funds could be spent at the present time to carry out any refurbishment, removal of the wooden climbing frame, removal of the rubber safety tiles, replacement of the swing chains and swing seats, where needed, and materials (eg paint etc) for a proposed play area action day.

A further play area meeting was set for October 3, at 7.30pm, at Sandford Community Sports Pavilion. All grandparents, parents, and parishioners are welcome to attend.

Cllr Nick Unstead reported that a notice posted on the New Buildings notice board had been repeatedly removed. Discussions were taking place at New Buildings over the future use by the Community of Beacon Church and how parishioners would like it to be used?

Ross Stephens was attending to the damage caused by the BT van to the Sandford Sports Pavilion.

He had agreed once the cost of the paint had been covered, and the VAT paid, he would pass on the balance of the money received to Sandford AFC as a contribution towards their drainage works.

DCC (Mid Devon HATOC Committee) had given notice of “SANDFORD No Waiting At Any Time on specified lengths of Meadowside Road”.

The parish council unanimously agreed to support this proposal which would see yellow lines, on both sides of Meadowside Road, from its junction with Rose and Crown Hill extending as far as the entrance to “Snows”.

The clerk had spoken to the Rev Paul Fillery and a meeting is to be called, to include all interested parties, to discuss how Sandford remembers the 100th anniversary of the end of World War One.

It was agreed, in principle, that the parish council would contribute towards the printing of the order of service.

Sandford Christmas 2018 – The Sandford Congregational Church Christmas Tree Festival would be taking place once again.

It was agreed at the next meeting to discuss carol singing in the square and the possibility of a Christmas tree outside the Lamb Inn this year.

The next meeting of the Parish Council takes place on October 4, beginning at 7.30pm, at Sandford Congregational Church Hall.

MJV