THE ongoing problems of speeding vehicles and road safety was drawn to the attention of councillors at the September meeting of Crediton Hamlets Parish Council. In particular, attention focused on traffic entering and exiting Yeoford near "Cuckoobush". Whilst is was appreciated that the Parish Council was looking into the problem of speeding traffic, it was not felt that the use of a speed gun would be of much use. It was also felt that asking parishioners in this area to trim their hedges and bushes would only encourage drivers to travel faster and not more safely. One resident had erected two posts to stop contractors vehicles mounting the bank which had recently collapsed into the road. A "narrow restriction" was suggested to help resolve the problem. Discussion took place on the problem and ways to resolve the various issues. County Councillor Nick Way (Crediton Rural) agreed to convene a meeting with the Highways Authority, the Road Safety Officer and the resident who had spoken in the Public Forum part of the meeting on these matters. In addition, two other members of the public attended the open forum part of the meeting. Ongoing highway matters were also discussed. A reply had been received from Cllr John Hart (Leader of DCC) on these issues stating "Problems at "Rosedale", Hookway, relate to the clearing out of a channel opposite to the turning to Hookway", adding that this was currently programmed for the "Autumn Clean". In respect of Venny Tedburn, Cllr Hart advised: "The last speed check carried out showed a mean figure of 85 per cent travelling at less than 30mph." Because of this he said DCC could not justify signage for 30mph as most vehicles were "compliant". However, he added that if the parish council was prepared to fund a sign it would be possible to put "Please Drive Slowly" under the village name plate on the DCC sign. The clerk had thanked Cllr Hart for looking into these matters. MARE AND FOAL Tribunal Court HM Courts and Tribunals advised the parish council that an Appeal against the Listing of the Mare and Foal as an Asset of Community Value had been received. It also stipulated that a Hearing is due to take place in November or December. It was agreed that there was no further action for the parish council to take and that the comments on the original document should stand. It was agreed to request the subject of poor rural broadband coverage be placed for discussion on the September Raddons Hill Group meeting. "Voluntary Action in Mid Devon" had sent details of their operation and information on a Free Funding Event in Crediton on October 7. Details of changes were discussed to the Electoral Registration process which had been hampered by mistakes being made in the issue of the relevant forms. TWO PLATFORMS AT YEOFORD? It was reported that discussion was still taking place over improvements to the railway line at Dawlish and an inland route seemed to have slipped from discussions. It was felt, in time, there would be two platforms at Yeoford Station. Ongoing problems over the bridge at Neopardy and sign at Moorlake were flagged up and Cllr Way confirmed that he had this matter in hand. It was agreed to ask Newton St Cyres Parish Council for contact details for Vodaphone in the hope that assistance could be obtained over the problem of poor mobile telephone coverage in parts of the parish. District Cllr Peter Heal advised that Mid Devon District Council arrears were at a 15-year low. Also Council House "Voids" (periods when Council Homes were empty) had got down to a 19-day turnaround. LETTER OF SUPPORT District Cllr Derek Coren advised that MDDC was in the process of closing the pubic toilets at The Green in Crediton. As the parish council felt these were needed for the use of visitors and those coming to the Town to do their shopping, and business transactions, they should be retained. It was agreed to send an email on behalf of the parish council pointing out the reasons that these toilets should be remain open. SIGNS Cllr Way brought up the matter of replacement signs and in particular the one at Binneford Cross. Whilst the county council had no funds to carry out repairs or replacements, it is happy to assist with collection and re-erection of the signs if local people could be found to repair them at cost. He went on to offer funding from his Locality Budget to assist if someone could be found to carry out the repair. The ongoing matter of the flooding issue at Elston Meadows was still being discussed by DCC and South West Water. With regard to other highways matters it was reported that numerous complaints had been received with regard to the poor condition of the road surface from Blackdown Cross to Twisted Oak Cross and from Trobridge to Oldridge (Kelland water bridge), where the post and rails were broken. It was agreed to thank Crediton Fire Brigade for rescuing the parish councillor stuck in the broken-down lift prior to the meeting at the Council Offices, Market Street, Crediton. The next meeting of Crediton Hamlets Parish Council will take place at Yeoford Community Hall on October 6, beginning at 7.30pm. MJV