THE June meeting of Sandford Parish Council was once again held remotely.

Items raised during the month included complaints over early morning and late evening shooting in the village. As reported in the "Crossing" this had been carried out, on Munday family land, due to rabbits devouring their crops.

Theft of wheelie bin in Church Street – This had been reported to Mid Devon District Council and a replacement was awaited.

Dogs had attacked and killed sheep at Upton Hellions. Also at West Sandford where, as the dog was on his land, the farmer had shot the dog involved. A dog had also attacked some chickens in the village.

Sandford bus – From June 15, the Sandford 369 bus would only be allowed to carry 20 per cent of its passengers to conform with Coronavirus rules. This would mean only six of the usual 30 passengers would be able to travel.

Concern had been expressed that as the bus started from Morchard Bishop it would be “full” by the time it arrived in Sandford.

If this was so Dartline had told the Clerk that it would just drive on by. Passengers on the bus would be expected to wear face masks.

An update as to how Sandford Pulls Together was functioning during the Coronavirus was confirmed and things were working well.

A volunteer had even delivered fish and chips to an elderly lady craving for them at East Village.

A suggestion had been made to recognise the efforts by the Community Store’s team, also their volunteers, and to the Sandford Pulls Together volunteers.

Cllr Steve Haley also praised Rachael Vowles for her entertaining Remote Parish Hall Quiz every Monday evening and it was agreed this also needed to be recognised.

DEFIBRILLATOR

Nick Unstead offered to investigate the possibility of installing a defibrillator in the BT call box at New Buildings (likely cost approximately £1,800).

Enquiries would be made locally to see whether any grants could be claimed and Devon County Councillor, Mrs Margaret Squires offered to contribute £250 from her DCC Locality Fund.

Chairman Jim Stephens proposed that the Best Gardens and Tubs contest be run again in 2020 and this was agreed. Regrettably the 2020 Sandford Flower Show had been cancelled due to Coronavirus and there would be no contest this year to find the Best Kept Allotment.

An invitation had been received from the local Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner appealing for Councillors to join the Councillor Advocate Scheme. It currently had 150 nominated advocates and it was agreed to nominate Cllr Steve Haley.

ROAD SAFETY

Much of the meeting was spent discussing the road safety issues on the approach road from Kennerleigh, outside the school front entrance, and 15 emails had been received from concerned parishioners.

Cllr Squires had submitted a report on this issue and suggestions for improvements.

The following action was agreed - Speeding Concerns - Press for the hand-held Speeding survey suggested by Cllr Squires.

Road Markings – These were badly in need of attention and re-painting. Also formally request a 20 mph speed restriction and in the mean time purchase some "20s Plenty” signs.

Rumble Strips - These were now worn down and needed to be reinstated?

When they had been installed, more than 20 years ago, they had the desired effect.

Speed Compliance Action Review Forum – It was agreed to request that the Sandford road safety issues be added to this process. Flashing Sign at the entrance to Orchard Close. This has been out of action for more than 18 months despite being repeatedly reported by a resident from Orchard Close.

School Road Signage - The School Sign from the Kennerleigh direction was now overgrown and was not visible. A request was made for the hedge, belonging to Sandford School, be trimmed.

At the same time it was felt that the School Sign on Fanny’s Lane was very close to the School. It was agreed to ask for a School sign to be erected further back on the approach road?

The Clerk was asked to pass the matters identified on to Steve Tucker (DCC Highways). Also to copy in DCC Cllr Stuart Hughes (Chairman of the DCC Highway Cabinet) and send him copies of the emails received.

BEATING OF THE BOUNDS

The location of the eight Sandford Boundary Stones (B.S.) had been located on the OS Map, thanks to Mike Brett.

The locations had been identified, and photographed, though no Boundary stones had been found.

A generous offer had been received from Parishioner Ben Huggins to make a Sandford Boundary Stone mould that could be filled locally with pre cast concrete, possibly at the same time as creating a new one at Pedlarspool?

He had also suggested suggested the possibility of having QR codes on the stones that could be used as part of a local history trail.

It was unanimously agreed to replace the missing stones, on their OS Locations, and to place a new Boundary Stone at Pedlarspool.

A donation of £125 had already been received. Parish organisations to be asked if they would like to cover the cost of a Boundary Stone and also adjoining parishes to be asked if they would be interested in sharing the cost of a replacement BS?

This would mean that the first ever Sandford "Beating of the Bounds" could take place later in 2020 when the Lockdown had been lifted, as part of the suggested “Sandford Festival Celebrations”.

The actual route still needed to be confirmed and it was felt this would need to take place over two days. Further discussions on the proposals would take place at the July meetings once costs were known.

Date of next Meeting – July 2. Details would appear on the agenda nearer the time as to whether this would be a remote meeting.

MJV