AT the February meeting of Sandford Parish Council, the council accepted the resignation of Matt Escott as a parish councillor due to family commitments. The vacant seat will be advertised in due course.

A response had been received from Simon Gamlin to “Open Points” at Creedy View and it was reported that the legal transfer of the new car park and play area to the parish council was proceeding.

It was agreed to carry out some research to locate any Sandford Boundary stones following a suggestion from Cllr Elizabeth Dalton that Sandford Beat the Bounds.

It was felt that a good starting point would be the Devon Archive Office in Exeter. Mike Brett had established, from the new O.S. data, that the Sandford Boundary ran to 25 miles. The possibility of Beating the Bonds over two days was suggested.

The Parish Council were pleased to hear of the intention, by Sandford Heritage Group, to repair the finger signpost at “Red Hill Cross” at Pedlarspool.

The following highway issues are to be reported - Potholes in the road between Cross Barton Farm and Meadow End cottages, also a very large one needing very urgent attention just outside Meadow End cottages.

Also, the deteriorating road surface through New Buildings; Ford at Copper Oak East Village - Road surface washed away; Potholes - Jacks Backs to West Sandford, West Pidsley to East Pidsley also East Village Crossroads heading north to Downhayne Hill to Spiltwell Cross.

Also reported to Devon Highways was a blocked water drain in the road at Doggetsbear Bridge (Thelbridge).

Sport for England had sent an acknowledgement of the grant application for the Sandford Community and Sports Pavilion. A decision would be made in April.

Councillor Andrew Webb agreed to formulate a proposition for the March Parish Council Meeting setting out the “way ahead” and the next steps to be taken.

St Swithun’s Parochial Church Council advised that it had prepared a temporary parking sign which had been placed on the top Church Gate.

The PCC felt that following this, and with the use of parking cones on Service days, no further action was needed at the present time over the problem of vehicles parking next to the Church gates, and causing problems, for those attending Church services and needing to use this entrance.

“Clean for the Queen” posters had been printed, and were distributed, for this event to take place. Those who would like to take part to meet at Sandford Playing Field on March 5 at 10am. The next planning meeting to discuss the June parish events to celebrate the 90th Birthday of the Queen will take place on March 2.

The Annual Parish Meeting will take place at 7.30pm on Thursday, March 17.

The Parish Council and Sandford AFC will give a joint presentation on the feasibility study and the grant application submitted to Sport for England in connection, with the proposed Sandford Community Sports Pavilion. It was also agreed to invite parish organisations to attend with a format similar to previous years.

The next Parish Council Meeting will take place on March 3, commencing at the earlier time of 7pm, when the speaker will be Mr Martin Parkes from the Devon Association of Local Councils, who will give a presentation on Neighbourhood Plans.

MJV