THERE were no members of the public at the June meeting of Sandford Parish Council.

An entry had been made in the Parish Comment Book on behalf of “Steve”, one of the drivers of the 369 Sandford bus, reporting that, once again, he had been unable to access the Square due to badly parked vehicles in the area of the Shute.

He offered to attend any future meeting to discuss these issues.

It was agreed to invite him to join the meeting that was being arranged by Devon County Councillor, Mrs Margaret Squires, with Steve Tucker from Devon Highways, to discuss parking issues in and around the Square.

At the same time the clerk was asked to pass on complaints over the poor road surface through New Buildings and ask if there are any plans for re-surfacing?

Ongoing discussions are taking place over the acquisition of the Creedy View Car Park. A further response had been received from Veitch Penny solicitors that The Gorwyn Trust had agreed “that they will gift a parcel of their land adjoining Brady Close to the east of Sandford Parish Hall to Sandford Parish Council rather than granting a long lease”.

Further discussion took place over how the Parish Council could afford to cover all the legal fees involved?

One suggestion being discussed is the possibility of Sandford Parish Hall acquiring the grass bank (previously to be made into a coach park) and sharing part of the legal fees?

As the legal fees are likely to exceed £4,000 it has been suggested that this amount be included in the Parish Precept for 2018/2019.

Further discussion took place over suggestions for the use of the Mill Lane Call Box. It was suggested that ideas for the future use of the box could be canvassed at the 2017 Sandford Festival.

The clerk agreed to press BT Payphones for the promised tin of red paint and spare perspex panels to replace the missing ones which had been promised as long ago as February 2017.

The chairman had met the new owners of Crediton Garden Centre who have agreed to judge the Sandford Best Kept Garden contest and have also kindly agreed to provide plants to “plant up” the Sandford sign.

Final plans were made for the Official Opening of the Sandford Community Sports Pavilion at 2.30pm on Saturday, July 8, the same day as the Sandford Festival being organised by Sandford Scouts.

It was agreed to have a Celebration Cake for cutting and also to approach Barny Butterfield to propose a toast in Sandford Cider, provided by Sandford Orchards.

Parish organisations are to be invited to send two representatives to the opening and there will also be an open general invitation to parishioners and any past Sandford AFC players, or anyone previously involved to attend.

In advance of the opening a Village Litter Pick is set for Monday, July 3, meeting at the Playing Field at 6.30pm. Sandford Scouts and Beavers are to be invited to join in.

It was agreed that the next meeting of the Parish Council, set for 7.30pm on July 6, will take place in the Community Room at the new Sandford Community Sports Pavilion.

MJV