THE speaker at the September meeting of Sandford Parish Council was Linda Lever and her subject was "Peak Oil".

Linda began by explaining that the time had come when the demand for oil in the world had reached its peak.

This meant that previous sources for oil were running out and alternative sources needed to be found.

This would mean

a) It would be more expensive to get the oil out

b) It would take more energy to get the oil out

c) The cost of oil would increase to feed the hunger for energy

At the same time the world was still suffering from climate change, pollution and water shortage.

The Crediton area was a "Transitional Town" which meant that there were issues that were already being discussed locally.

She felt that the parish council was in a position so assist in the following ways:

• Make all decisions and respond to consultations in light of the problem

• Try to get planning regulations changed to encourage low impact development in the countryside, renewable energy, carbon neutral housing etc

• Support community projects (e.g the Sandford Photovoltaic Panel project) and efforts to form a car club

• Protect the allotments. Could the rest of the site now be bought for the benefit of the Community?

• Protect and use the local bus.

• Make sure that farming figures prominently in strategic plans

• Perhaps a new Parish Plan with the aim of reducing Sandford's carbon footprint and oil dependency

Matters discussed in the Open Forum included the Fanny's' Lane planning application and the proposal to demolish the shed.

Mr D Doe (New Buildings) had been speaking to English Heritage over the possibility of the shed being "Listed".

Also the ongoing traffic problems at New Buildings. Margaret Squires agreed to pursue this matter again

In the parish "Comment Book" concern had been expressed over the railings outside the Lamb Inn. It was agreed to report this matter to the Highway's Authority.

Also problems over the Sandford bus not turning up (at 12.02pm) on two occasions in August. It was agreed to pass these comments on to Turners.

Andrew Jackson had produced the Parking Survey forms and these were distributed to councillors for delivery. The completed forms are to be returned to the Post Office by October 1.

Tony Wright reported on a successful Flower Show. Prizes, together with the ones for the best gardens, tubs and baskets, had been presented by the chairman of the parish council and Margaret Squires congratulated the Flower Show Committee on a successful event.

Next year a suggestion had been made for a prize for the best kept allotments.

The work that was to have been carried out in July to improve the Furlongs footpath had not taken place. It was pointed out that once the weather deteriorated the path would be back to the muddy state of previous years.

It was agreed to press the DCC Footpath Office for an early conclusion.

A suggestion had been discussed with the Clerk of the possibility of erecting a bench along the footpath in the Gorwyns field. This had received an encouraging response from the proprietor of Summerhayes Care Home whose residents used the footpath.

The next meeting of the council will be held on Wednesday, October 6 at 7.30pm at Sandford Congregational Church Hall.

MJV