EIGHT councillors attended the June meeting and were joined by County Councillor, Mrs Margaret Squires, for the first part of the meeting of Newton St Cyres Parish Council, plus 19 members of the public.

The Chairman, Cllr Jim Enright, introduced representatives from Devon County Council Highways department, Devon County Council (DCC) Estates and Mid Devon District Council Planning.

It was reported that a site meeting had taken place one afternoon at the crossing in the village when the children were leaving the new school in Station Road.

As a result it had been suggested that a feasibility study should be undertaken to make for a safer crossing for the children. This could include relocation of the bus stops, the installation of average speed cameras with a 20mph limit and re-siting the flashing warning lights for the school.

The outcome of these suggestions would be made public for consultation in due course.

Residents of Sand Down Lane had written with a number of questions and concerns about the old school site and it was confirmed that the building would be managed and made safe until it was disposed of. It would be marketed on the open market and advertised widely.

Questions were also asked about the maintenance of the original school footpath to Pump Street and it was confirmed that the Parish Council will continue to maintain this footpath but that it was not a public footpath and was only for the use of children and their parents going to and from school.

Other queries included the future provision of Broadband in the area and the future of the trees in the immediate area of the old school. All the points raised were taken on board by DCC. It was also noted that affordable housing could be part of any development on the old school site.

Devon County Council issues. Cllr Margaret Squires was asked to find answers to the various issues raised by the Parish Council including the flooding issue in Sand Down Lane, the cleaning of the concrete blocks opposite the entrance to Langford Road, the collapsed wall in Shuttern Brook in West Town, the problem of the number of advertising signs on the A377, the provision of a dropped kerb in Station Road at the entrance to the new school.

Cllr Squires hopes to hold another meeting concerning the provision of Broadband in the coming months. Cllr Squires was also asked to ascertain when School Hill was scheduled for re-surfacing, when the verges in Station Road would be cut and when the provision of more carriages and more stopping places could be expected on the Tarka Line.

Planning matters. Erection of two-storey and single storey extension at 2 Meadowlands – No comment.

Works to fell one Beech tree with a Tree Preservation Order at Garden House – No comment.

Erection of artist’s studio at Ash View Cottages – Granted

Erection of two-storey extension at Winscott Barton – Granted

Re-thatching front elevation at Mount Pleasant – Granted

Councillors Areas of Responsibility.

Footpaths. Councillors were reminded that they each have a footpath which they should walk on a regular basis and report any work needed to Cllr Steve Parker. It was agreed to check the route of the permissive footpath from Tytheing Close to the village.

Churchyard. It was agreed that this was in urgent need of tidying up and the new graveyard area was also very overgrown. This would be dealt with in due course.

Allotments. There were two very overgrown vacant allotments and it was agreed to raise this with the present allotment holders at their next meeting.

Notice Boards etc. The notice boards in the parish had all been painted and repaired, the bus shelter at Half Moon had been treated and the seats all re-varnished.

Litter pickers. Volunteers are needed for litter picking at Half Moon lay-by area.

Other Matters. Councillors all signed the required consent forms under the General Data Protection Regulations and the Chairman emphasised the importance of being aware that personal information should not be shared without the owners’ specific consent.

Grants. Grants from the Parish Council can be applied for in November and the Council do have a policy for this which can be viewed by requesting a copy from the Parish Clerk.

Signs on the Village Green. The Parish Council also has a policy for signs on the village green and any organisation wishing to erect a sign should request a copy of this policy from the Parish Clerk.

Overgrown hedges and verges. It was noted that visibility was being impaired by the overgrown hedges on School Hill above the Crown and Sceptre and at the entrance to Higher Marsh Lane turning towards the village. Landowners would be contacted and asked to cut these back.

The next meeting of the Parish Council will be held on Thursday, July 5, at 7.30pm in the Clubroom of the Parish Hall.

The next Parish Surgery will be held in conjunction with the Village Revels on Sunday, July 8 at the Recreation Ground. While you are enjoying the Revels please call in and talk to the Councillor on duty with any queries or questions.

Cllr Jill Baker

Press Officer