by Alan Quick

PARKING issues in the areas of Westernlea and Threshers in Crediton were raised by members of the public who attended the September meeting of Crediton Town Council.

Speaking to councillors during Public Question Time, Mrs Fryer of Threshers asked councillors if yellow lines could be installed in some areas and parking restrictions put in place.

She said that problems were mainly associated with parents dropping off and collecting pupils from Landscore Primary School and she feared the problem would get worse when the school extension is completed and an anticipated 100 more pupils attend the school.

She said that local residents were concerned that they may lose their bus service as sometimes buses were not able to get along the road in Westernlea because of so many parked cars.

Town Clerk, Mrs Clare Dalley, said that she would check the Traffic Orders to see if the area had been included and would let her know.

Cllr John Downes said that to put in place new Traffic Orders could take some time and Cllr Bill Dixon said this could take up to two years.

CAR ON PAVEMENT

There was discussion about a car which has been parked on the pavement in Union Terrace for some months and it was noted that Devon County Council had issued several tickets on the car.

It was noted that Mid Devon District Council was now involved and it was likely that the car would be removed.

Cllr Frank Letch, chairman reported on his recent surgery at Crediton Farmers’ Market and said that he gave out 140 dog poo bags and had spoken to many local residents about various concerns.

Minutes of sub-committees were approved.

NEW COUNCILLOR

Three applications were received for the vacancy for a Lawrence ward councillor and the three applicants, Tim Matthews, Chris Ladd and Hannah Zorlu, were interviewed by councillors.

Following the interview, the councillors, by ballot, selected Hannah Zorlu as the new councillor.

Hannah, who has lived in the town for less than a year and is a mother of two young children, is the daughter of Cllr Letch.

She is a member of Hayward’s School Parent Teacher Association, was a steward at last year’s Christmas in Crediton and helps with the Sunday School at Crediton Parish Church.

She said she was a “people person” and enjoyed the sense of community she found in Crediton and wanted to play an active part in it.

PLANNING

Mid Devon District Council, the determining authority, asked Crediton Town Council for comments concerning a number of planning applications.

It recommended approval for the erection of three dwellings and associated infrastructure following the removal of existing nursery building at Action for Children, Crediton Area Children’s Centre, Newcombes by Jenner Homes of Exeter.

It approved the installation of a dormer window at 7 Mount Pleasant, Park Street, Crediton by Ms Marcioni.

It objected to the change of use of a ground floor from commercial tool hire to retail bike outlet, showroom and workshop; conversion and extension of first floor from a flat to a six bedroom communal accommodation to accommodate customers of the biking business and conversion of second floor to form a two bedroomed apartment (revised scheme) by Mr N Paterson of Lower Creedy, Upton Hellions for Crediton Tool Hire at Union Road, Crediton.

Reasons for objection included no parking provision and concerns about the management of accommodation and access issues and proximity to roads and schools.