THERE were many items on the agenda for the April meeting of Sandford Parish Council.

Weed Spraying – Discussion took place in the Open Forum over environmentally friendly weed spaying in the village using a vinegar based solution, as used at St Swithun’s Church, together with hand weeding.

Eight volunteers have come forward offering to help. It was agreed for 2022 to try  this method to see how it goes.

Cllr  Jim Stephens advised that Teignbridge District Council had started to get involved in installing electronic charging points in rural areas (e.g. Red Lion pub car park at Tedburn St Mary). He was currently in contact with Mid Devon District Council over this topic.

Police matters - The Parish Council was pleased to learn that the matter of Community Policing was to be addressed locally.

It was understood the Police were making visits in the area and looked forward to a visit to Sandford which no longer has a dedicated Police Officer, or PCSO, to contact.

Meeting with Devon County Council Road Safety Officer –  As the report was still outstanding, and in view of his previous assistance, the Clerk had written to Councillor Stuart Hughes (Cabinet Chairman of Highways, DCC) to seek his help to resolve this outstanding matter.

Boundary Stones - Cllr Jim Stephens reported that the first of the replacement missing eight boundary stones had been completed by Ben Huggins, and it was agreed to place it at Forches Cross.

The Morchard Bishop Parish Council Clerk had responded to say that the Parish Council had consulted with Parishioners over the 2022 Boundary Review, and the suggestion that properties close to the boundary joined Sandford.

After consultation it was found these residents preferred to remain as part of Morchard Bishop Parish.

Mid Devon District Councillor Elizabeth Lloyd reported on the District Council annual Debate of the District Meeting.

It had been reported that 75 people had attended.

Although it transpired that in fact 51 people had attended the event, 25 of whom were members of the public (the rest were officers and guest speakers).

She also reported on a forthcoming proposed meeting being arranged in May by District Cllr Graeme Barnell, to include local District, County and Parish and Town Councillors, to discuss forward planning of development in Crediton and its surrounding areas.

This meeting of the new “Crediton and District Joint Planning Group” would be Chaired by Cllr Liz Brookes-Hocking (Crediton Town Mayor).

The District Council was also discussing Environmental and Climate change issues.

Clean for the Queen – April 30 was suggested for this event and Sandford Cubs and Scouts to be invited to join in.

Village furniture – It was agreed the seat outside St Swithun’s, the bench on the Lynch, and the seat opposite the Lamb Inn needed re-painting. Also the plaque to the Diamond Jubilee tree post on the Millennium Green was in need of re-attaching.

Roads and footpaths -  It was reported that the stone wall on the Furlongs footpath, below Park House, was in need of repair in places to avoid any potential injuries to walkers.

Sandford Platinum Jubilee Celebrations – Plans are progressing well and a meeting is awaited with the Head at Sandford School to discuss its involvement.

The School has already provided art work for the Jubilee tea-towel and this will be on sale shortly in the village at £5, together with mugs £5 and pens for £1. The Programme of Events is in the process of being finalised.

The date of the next meeting will be May 5 at Sandford Community Sports Pavilion at 7.30pm.

MJV