THE Common Players had written to Sandford Parish Council offering an open air production, during the summer months (July or August), of “The Tuck Inn”.

It would be “An open air event of live music, food making and sharing, and workshops, with a professional theatre production that re-imagined Robin Hood at its heart.”

The Clerk had been in contact with the Millennium Green group which says it is happy to host this event.

The Parish Council, at its February meeting, agreed the use of the facilities, toilets etc at the Sandford Community Sports Pavilion for the occasion.

Matters reported to the Clerk

Dog mess – With the increase in the number of people walking (with their dogs) complaints had been received over the increase in “dog mess” around the village.

The Clerk had previously produced, and laminated, “Dog signs” but it was felt that something more permanent was needed.

It was agreed to research the cost of permanent “Dog signs” and also “Litter signs” on line.

Pavement in the Square

An elderly parishioner had tripped down a step in the Square. The Clerk had asked Devon County Council (Highways) whether some warning stripes could be placed on the footpaths above these steps?

Furlongs footpath

Due to the wet weather, and the increased number of walkers, this path was now becoming impassable due to mud and water.

The Chairman advised that he had walked this path recently and agreed there was a problem. The matter had been referred to the Footpath Officer and Public Rights of Way at Devon County Council for advice as to whether chippings could be used to ease the problem in the future?

It was agreed to enquire who owned the Footpath below Brady Close? (This was subsequently found to be Devon County Council).

Mid Devon District Council advised that following the latest consultation, Sandford ward boundary name would remain the same with the addition of Shobrooke parish. The suggested Newbrooke and Sandford ward had been thrown out.

Sandford AFC had responded to advise that the proposed netting boundary fence would be a permanent fixture. It was agreed to hold a site meeting to discuss this.

South West Water gave details of a “Water Saving Community Fund” and a suggestion that water from the roof of the Parish Hall be saved and used by Sandford allotments users.

Roads and Footpaths

Damaged drive at Summerhayes

It was agreed to request an update to the repairs given the busy location. The Clerk had been informed this was currently with the insurers. Collapsed wall at the entrance to the Furlongs footpath (top of Rose and Crown Hill) – It was noted that major repairs had taken place and had now been completed.

In view of the large number of road closures in March to install fibre broadband, a parishioner asked whether this would effect the power supply and also Wi-Fi?

The Clerk had contacted the contractors who advised “there should be no interruption”.

Proposed Electric Charging Points

Cllr Steve Haley gave an update on his enquiries on this topic together with estimated costings. There was no electricity supply at the Creedy View car park.

A suggestion was made that it might be better for the Charging Points to be installed in the Parish Hall car park where there was already access to an electricity supply?

The Clerk had also been making enquiries as to what progress was being made in other parishes.

Grass cutting quotes

The Clerk would obtain three quotes in the usual way. The question as to whether the Parish Council should carry out one cut during this time on the grass verge in front of the bungalows in Meadowside, on land owned by DCC, would need to be discussed.

A suggestion had been made to turn this into an area to plant wild flower seed.

The date of next meeting, by zoom, was agreed as Thursday, March 4 and full details will appear on the agenda.

MJV