SANDFORD Parish Council held its second remote meeting on May 7.

An update was given as to how Sandford Pulls Together, which was formed to deal with parish needs during the 2020 Coronavirus emergency, was operating.

The list of volunteers was still being used though the number of requests for help had dropped.

Sandford Community Stores was still serving the needs of the Parish with orders and deliveries.

The Clerk had submitted a claim, under the Devon County Council Coronavirus Prompt Action Fund, for awards up to £500. Funding of £308.25 had been awarded to cover expenses incurred to cover items including the Shop letter, the H Sign printing cost, ink cartridges, stationery and the Sandford Pulls Together banner.

The chairman expressed thanks to the Clerk for taking this action.

A letter of thanks had been sent to all Town and Parish Councils by Robert Jenrick (MP), the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, thanking Communities for “...the incredible work you are doing in your Towns and Parishes.”

Two items had been reported mid month to the Clerk:

1 Speeding traffic on the Kennerleigh Road above Sandford School where a fifth cat had been killed. It was agreed to pass this matter on to Devon County Councillor Mrs Margaret Squires.

2 Parking issues at Snows – As this was a Mid Devon District Council matter, Cllr E Wainwright was already pursuing this matter.

VE Bank Holiday Commemoration, May 2020 Celebrations – A small scale event was planned for Sandford Square for the next evening.

It was hoped to plan a parish celebration event later in the year to mark both VE and VJ Day anniversaries.

The Sandford Conservation Area Plan was put in place in February 1986.

It was agreed to ask MDDC Cllr M Squires whether it was now time for a Review.

Reports:

MDDC - Cllr Wainwright:

MDDC Cabinet meetings have increased to every fortnight, to keep on top of things. 

The local Citizens Advice has seen a 40 per cent increase in demand for its services during the Covid-19 crisis. For people needing support with universal credit, job advice, etc, their telephone lines are still open, but it may be worth checking their online information first: https://www.ruraldevoncab.org.uk/get-advice/online-advice? .

MDDC has launched a Local Support Fund, to help those with immediate financial difficulties because of Covid19 (eg paying bills). More information and how to apply found here: https://www.middevon.gov.uk/council-launches-local-support-fund-to-help-those-in-financial-difficulties-due-to-covid-19/ .

Road maintenance - Cllr Wainwright said she had written to the Devon County Councillor with responsibility for roads to share with him that she was worried that repairs have slowed down, despite some other authorities increasing their road repairs at the moment with fewer cars on the road, as well as improved safety and decreased wear and tear, well-maintained roads decrease carbon emissions.

Devon County Council - Cllr M Squires had sent an email regarding potholes.

She wrote: “Earlier this afternoon I had a conversation with Steve (Tucker) DCC Highways.

“As I have previously reported he is taking the current situation to drive the roads in the area and do a condition survey.

“He is reporting potholes as he goes and it is a huge number. As you will appreciate it is very time consuming and he is obviously not getting everywhere.

“Currently Skanska is only repairing potholes but hopefully the patching and resurfacing work that has been on hold during the Covid-19 situation is going to be resuming in the next couple of weeks.

“Bear in mind it will not be quite back to normal as the workers will be travelling to site separately.

“Please report individually any potholes you come across so that we can take advantage of the pothole situation being addressed at: www.devon.gov.uk and click on “Report a Pothole” or call 0345 155 1004”.

The next remote meeting is planned for 7.30pm on Thursday, June 4.

MJV