AT the February meeting of Sandford Parish Council, items discussed in the open forum included the future of Sandford Tennis Club and parking in Sandford Square.

The matter of parking issues at Snows and Meadowside Road was also discussed and it was reported that Mid Devon District Councillor Judi Binks is arranging a meeting with the district council to discuss this matter.

Steve McCulloch introduced himself as the new Parish Footpath Warden having taken over from Adrian Gill. He confirmed that he had completed the Parish Paths survey forms and these had been sent off to the Parish Paths Office in Exeter.

The Parish Hall committee advised that it was in the process of submitting an application for a Mid Devon District Council Towns and Parishes (TAP) grant of £5,000, towards the estimated cost of £21,000, to refurbish the toilets and provision of paths and two disabled parking bays. It was agreed the parish council would support this application.

Sandford Community Stores had made a request for the parish council to submit a planning application on its behalf for a bus shelter to be erected outside the shop.

As the location was on the public footpath, and in the Sandford Conservation Area, the clerk had requested further information and these details were awaited.

Catherine Marlow (Conservation Officer, MDDC) had responded to conservation issues reported in Sandford Square: Sky Dish - She had written to the owners of the property and this had now been repositioned to the rear of the property. Coffee Sign outside the Lamb Inn - She felt “...that whilst it is an unfortunate design and could be improved by a better quality and colour of board it is not as harmful as some I have seen”.

Cllr Nick Unstead had sent a report on New Buildings issues - BT Call Box – The owners of the property on which the call box was sited were in agreement to the suggestion that once the ownership of the box is passed to the parish council, it could be used to house a defibrillator for New Buildings. Cllr Unstead was now pursuing the matter with interested parties.

It was reported that a tree had fallen over in the New Buildings play area and MDDC had temporarily closed the area until the tree could be removed. Resurfacing works were proceeding well at New Buildings. On broadband issues it was understood that County Councillor Mrs Margaret Squires was looking into this matter.

Martin Rich ( Devon Communities Together) had sent a list of possible sources for funding for the refurbishment of the play area. It was agreed that the Play Area sub committee could meet to discuss the suggestions made in the 2015 public consultation. Also that the Finance Committee could meet in due course to discuss funding.

The Annual Parish Meeting will take place at the Parish Hall on Thursday, March 15 at 7.30pm when Simon Trafford (MDDC Planning Officer) will speak on the MDDC Local Plan (and Review) and how this fits into the planning process.?The next meeting of Sandford Parish Council will take place at 7.30pm on Thursday, March 1, in Sandford Congregational Church Hall.

MJV