AT the January meeting of Sandford Parish Council, Phillip Harvey was welcomed back as a parish councillor.

Two parishioners were present for the Open Forum and raised the ongoing issue of road safety at Barnstaple Cross.

County Councillor Margaret Squires advised that she had referred the issue to Devon County Council who would add the matter to the agenda of a Devon Highway and Traffic Order (HATOC) meeting.

It was reported that whilst the Crediton High Street is closed for a month from next week, a one-way system would be put into place which would include Barnstaple Cross.

Donations for 2016 were agreed, namely Crediton and District Ring and Ride £50 and Sandford Millennium Green and Paths Trust £100.

The Parish Precept for 2016/2017 was set at £11,993. The increase will see a weekly increase of £0.04 per week on Council Tax to a Band D property in the parish.

Cllr Alan McCreadie had notified the clerk of footpath problems at New Buildings including issues on public footpath No 44 which had been passed to DCC Public Rights of Way for their attention.

Also passed to DCC Highways were issues at New Buildings, including several pot holes.

Over the New Year the clerk reported that the Shute stream had flooded and this had been sorted by parishioners, the Parish Emergency Officer and DCC Highways.

DCC Highways were not prepared to locate a salt bin in Fanny’s Lane.

Cllr Andrew Webb gave a presentation on the feasibility study he had put together to form an application to Sport England for £75,000 to create the Sandford Community Sports Pavilion.

This was accepted by the parish council and it was also reported that Sandford AFC had accepted the business case.

It was agreed that the grant application could be sent off to meet the January 11 deadline.

PLAY AREAS

A reply had been received from Adrian Cook (Mid Devon District Council) to say that although they were not to be closed the MDDC parish play areas would not have their equipment replaced as and when it became unsafe.

The cost of maintenance in 2016, for the play areas, would be New Buildings, £1,115 and Town Barton (Linhay Park) £594 (grass cutting, safety reviews etc).

Mr Cook advised that “MDDC are looking for a contribution towards the running cost of these play parks”.

Discussion took place over the legality of this suggestion when the parish council did not own the play areas.

Cllr Squires advised that some parishes had acquired their MDDC play areas on 25 year leases.

It was agreed to press Mr Cook for an estimate costing for the maintenance and safety inspection of the Sandford play area and then discuss the matter further.

It was agreed to ask Sandford AFC once again to cut the grass on the playing field to include strimming the boundary with Meadowside Road for £375.

The date for the 2016 Annual Parish Meeting was set for March 17.

It was suggested that the Parish Council and Sandford AFC gave a joint presentation on the feasibility study and the grant application submitted to Sport England in connection, with the proposed Sandford Community Sports Pavilion.

It was also agreed to invite parish organisations to attend with a format similar to previous years.

The next parish council meeting will take place on February 4.

MJV