WE were a select group for the October Newton St Cyres Parish Council Meeting but some important information was shared.

Steve Keable, our County Councillor told us of some of the initiatives that Devon County Council have begun.

They are taking a more proactive approach to potholes. Safety Inspectors investigate all potholes reported by the public and then assign maintenance teams.

They will now investigate any other potholes within 500m of the reported pothole so that these can be mended in one visit. Perhaps an obvious action, but in a trial, it had a major effect in improving efficiency of the repair teams.

With the approach of winter, Devon County Council is very keen to know about blocked drains, standing water and impassable roads.

You can report these on this website: https://www.devon.gov.uk/roads-and-transport/maintaining-roads/managing-the-network/flooding-and-drainage/report-standing-water-flooding-or-blocked-drains/ (This is on the roads and transport part of the Devon County Council website if you have difficulty following the link.)

If it’s a life-threatening emergency, then ring 0345 1551004. Of course, you can also report problems to the Parish Council’s excellent Road Wardens. There’s a link for you to do so on our website and our notice boards.

RECYCLING

Mid Devon Council are keen for us all to know that we can put our old pots and pans out with our normal recycling. You can recycle any metal pan, handle included, as long as it is not a ‘non-stick’ pan. These you will have to take to a recycling centre.

PLANNING

The Quicke Estate has applied for planning permission to fell three trees in Court Orchard Copse at the top of Station road. Two of the trees are dead. The final tree is a tall pine overshadowing the houses at the end of Station Road.

Recently a small tree in this Copse fell on a car during a storm. It was a timely reminder of how dangerous falling trees can be and this pine would pose a severe hazard to the houses below it.

The Council decided to support the planning application in view of the danger it posed. The other trees in the Copse would be very unlikely to fall on houses.

With Graeme Barnell’s resignation to the Council, we have shared his planning responsibilities between us.

Councillor John Dean has agreed to keep a watching brief on the development next to Hanlons’ Brewery. We are concerned that the houses are being marketed as permanent dwellings when planning permission is solely for holiday homes.

Councillor Donna Harris is monitoring the possible development of a Forestry Road at Half Moon.

OTHER PARISH COUNCIL MATTERS

Councillors Joss Rimbon-Whittaker and Liz Ouldridge reported back on the successful “opening” of the new swings at the Rec with a sausage sizzle for the School. It was lovely to see the children enjoying the playground and the hotdogs!

The Council now hopes to use the rest of the S106 money for further play equipment at the Rec. Watch this space!

We have decided to conduct a survey on the success of the wildflower experiment on the Green. Please make your views felt as this will inform us when making decisions about this area. You can take part online. Please do take this chance to tell us what you want.

The next meeting of the Parish Council will be held in the Parish Hall on Thursday, November 6 at 7pm. Members of the public are welcome.

Do come along and see what a friendly bunch we are, and maybe even consider joining us. Alternatively, if members of the public wish issues to be raised in council meetings, they can contact councillors in the usual way.

Remember we have a form that can be filled in online. Copies of the form are also available at Coffee Mornings and the Adonai kitchen.

There is also a Parish Surgery at the Coffee Mornings held on the second Saturday of the month in the Parish Hall.

Liz Ouldridge