THE May meeting of Sandford Parish Council was held in the open air on the playing field outside the Sandford Sports Pavilion.

As the weather deteriorated during the evening some members (six) headed into the Pavilion whilst others braved the elements under umbrellas.

OPEN FORUM – Anita Petherick asked why the proposed meeting between the Parish Council, Sandford AFC, and residents had not taken place to discuss the proposed nets?

She was also disappointed that the suggested gate into the adjoining field, or the suggested stile, had not materialised which might alleviate the need for the proposed nets.?The chairman advised that a meeting was still planned and no final decisions had been made.

PARKING IN THE SQUARE – This was once again becoming a problem. It was noted that a Parishioner in the Square had put out illegal cones to stop people parking outside his property.

ERECTION OF PARKING SIGNS – The chairman agreed to arrange for the erection of the previously purchased parking signs in and around the Square.

POLICE MATTERS – The Clerk had made enquiries as to who would be replacing PCSO Dave Waring only to be told he would not be replaced and Sandford would be covered by the “Crediton Team”.

The clerk had expressed his disappointment that he had no-one specifically to contact and was told he would need to use the Crediton Police general email address: [email protected] .

Mike Davies (Crediton Boniface Rotary Club President) had sent a letter of thanks for the £100 donation towards the New Buildings defibrillator.

South West Water had responded to the latest comments and questions on Sandford sewage, including the current capacity. It was agreed to attach the full report to the minutes of the meeting.

Final arrangements were made for the Creedy View 2 Exhibition and Public Meeting.

Sandford Millennium Green had asked if the Parish Council would be able to make a donation towards the cost (£1,300) for putting on the production of the “Tuck Inn” on August 28, 2021. A donation of £100 was agreed.

Sandford Tennis Club had sent a request for a spare key for use of the toilets at the Sports Pavilion, which was agreed subject to sharing any expenses with Sandford AFC.

Margaret Phillips had asked “Why does Sandford not have a flag pole?”

It was agreed to discuss this matter at the next meeting.

The clerk presented the accounts for the year ended March 31, 2021 showing a balance of £13,517.27 (Balance March 31, 2020, £4,443.12).

There was one unpresented cheque for £100 to Mid Devon Mobility who had not responded to several emails from the clerk asking them for an update on its presentation? The accounts were formally adopted by the meeting.

ROADS AND FOOTPATHS – No new matters were raised although it had been asked why Diversion signs were left in place so long after they were needed? The clerk had passed these comments on to Devon County Councillor Mrs M Squires and Steve Tucker (DCC Highways).

The date of the next meeting was set for June 3 (Venue to be agreed).

MJV