A PRESENTATION was given to Sandford Parish Council at the November meeting of the Council, by Graham Kerslake and Rob Bolton, about the proposed Crediton Anaerobic Digester Plant to be built at Lords Meadow on land belonging to the Downes Estate.

It is understood the planning application is in the process of being submitted to Mid Devon District Council.

Dave Hope spoke and gave an overview of the recent Skate Park meeting and one of the Sandford youngsters attending spoke in favour of a Skate Park for Sandford and listed some of the reasons for its need:

• Sandford youngsters currently have to travel all over the area for the day to visit other skate parks including one at Hatherleigh.

• Crediton had a skate park behind the Leisure Centre but it was dark, rough and not well designed.

• A skate park would provide an ideal way for exercise and could be used by both skate boards and scooters. ?ave felt that there was an opportunity to provide a Sandford Community Play Space to incorporate both a Skate Park and a new Play Area.

It would provide equipment for all ages both young and old.

Drawings were produced by local architect and Scout leader Ben Huggins as to the first impression as to how new the Play Space would look. ?he grandparent, parents and youngsters attending the meeting were keen to fundraise, and apply for funding.

It was pointed out that recent successful fundraising to purchase the Sandford Scouts Mini Bus had raised £24,000 in six months.

The 2017 Sandford Festival had raised £5,000 and there was potential to raise a lot more. ?ater in the meeting the Parish Council agreed in principle that the best way forward was to establish a Sandford Community Play Space and as it would be a larger project it would duly attract higher funding.?llr Jim Stephens felt the much-needed refurbishment of the Play Area was still the priority. ?llr Stephens gave a report on a meeting held to discuss a “Report on the Historic Landscape of Creedy Park”.

It was hoped to include the Park in Historic Register of Parks and Gardens of Historical Interest.

The clerk asked if this meant that parishioners would then have access to the Park and was told this was not envisaged. ?he Parish Council is going to hold a joint Meeting with Sandford AFC to discuss the terms of the Sandford Sports Pavilion Management Agreement. ?andford Congregational Church would be running its Christmas Tree Festival from December 13 to 15.

It was agreed that the Parish Council would once again have a tree and, for its theme, use the 100th Anniversary of WW1.

It was agreed to ask St Swithun’s Church whether a date had been set for Carols in the Square?

Cllr Stephens agreed to ask the Landlord of the Lamb Inn whether they would be providing a tree with lights for Christmas 2018? ?he Finance Committee will meet on December 5, to discuss the 2018/2019 Budget and Precept. ?he next meeting of the council will take place at Sandford Congregational Church Hall on December 6.

?MJV