AT the February meeting of Sandford Parish Council, the clerk, Mr Malcolm Vallance, reported on matters brought to his attention during the past month, which he had referred on for attention.

This included potholes at West Lodge, blocked drains above Sandford School and Stones Hill, a street light on permanently at the Shute, a dropped kerb outside Summerhayes, lights on all day at Meadowside and also one at Crofts.

Sandford Play Area – A joint meeting with Sandford AFC to discuss updating the surface of the car park had gone well.

Details of the costings were awaited. Sandford AFC are happy to contribute towards the cost.

Repair of the boundary fence at the Playing Field - The chairman had spoken with the Munday family and a joint initiative to carry out the repairs has been agreed.

Review of email/Facebook backup/social media policy - A draft document had been found and it was agreed that this would be looked at by councillors Dave Hope, Stephen Haley, and the clerk and be presented at the March meeting.

Mid Devon District Councillor, Mrs Margaret Squires reported on the Mid Devon District Council Electoral Review. She said the consultation would run to April 13, 2020. The draft proposals were:

• Mid Devon should be represented by 42 councillors, the same number as present

• Mid Devon should have 21 wards, three fewer than there are now

• The boundaries of all wards should change.

For Sandford and Creedy Ward, Thelbridge would be removed and replaced with Shobrooke.

Reference 17/00348 Land at NGR 284185 101165 (Creedy Bridge), Sandford. Proposal: Residential development of up to 257 dwellings – The Planning Meeting at MDDC (February 12) would be represented by Sandford Chairman Jim Stephens and Chairman of Upton Hellions Parish Meeting, Cllr Fyfe.

Concern was expressed, once again, that Sandford would NOT benefit from any of the S106 funding.

Questions arose as to how and why this should be used towards:

Rebuilding of a footbridge between Crediton and Shobrooke to carry Utility Pipes (gas and water) and the Willow Walk area of Crediton. Also why so much funding was being allocated to the Crediton Clean Air Fund?

It was felt the funding could be better used to provide a Footpath from Sandford to Pedlarspool linking up to the proposed Boniface Trail from Crediton to Exeter.

Devon County Councillor, Mrs Margaret Squires pointed out that the Pedlarspool funding had already been allocated.

She felt sure that the suggested new Footpath, bearing in mind the great success of the Footpath from Sandford to Crediton celebrating its 20th Anniversary this year, would receive favourable consideration from both DCC and MDDC and it was important to include the suggestion in the current Review of the Local Plan.

Celebrations for the 125th Anniversary of Sandford Parish Council – Tree planting, Boundary walk etc

Tree Planting - The trees were on order, and due to be delivered in March, and the Munday family were happy for these to be planted against the fence at the far end of the Playing Field. Sandford School was still keen to assist with the planting.

This to be discussed further at the next meeting.

The next Parish Council Meeting will take place on March 5 in Sandford Congregational Church Hall.

MJV