AT the January Sandford Parish Council meeting, councillors heard that following the announcement of the latest lockdown Dom Dunn (Sandford Parish Emergency Planning Officer) has put together an update on safeguarding those in need in the parish. He also includes details of who to contact in an emergency.?This will be publicised in the "Crossing", the "Courier", the Church Pew Sheet and the Sandford Parish Council Facebook page. He also reminded everyone that the H Signs could continue to be placed in windows for those needing help.

Owing to Coronavirus issues, the Sandford Parish Comment Book (located at Sandford Stores) is no longer available for use. Traditionally, matters other than Parish Council issues have been reported in the book.

Consequently, the clerk is having an increasing number of non-Parish Council items raised with him in person. In particular, the non-acceptance at Sandford Stores of cash for items purchased costing in total less than £1. (It is understood the shop is in the process of circulating a flyer in the parish explaining how it is operating during the latest lockdown and the protective measures it has put in place). It was agreed that matters relating to the operation of the shop is a matter for the shop’s management committee, but to suggest to the committee that the reintroduction of the "tab" system would be widely appreciated by some villagers.

It was agreed that the management committee also be asked with whom members of the public should raise their concerns and make the procedure more widely known.

It was felt that for 2021 the council should re-introduce the use of the Parish Comment sheet. This would mean parishioners could report matters in writing rather than verbally to the clerk.

ROADS AND FOOTPATHS

With regard to roads and footpaths, it was noted that the sign post at Lodge Corner on the Crediton road had fallen over.

Badly deteriorating roads - New Buildings to Copplestone, Lower New Buildings, above Linhay Park out to Waterlake Cottage. Road flooded and potholes in the East Pidsley area: Although this had already been attended to once there were still problems over flooding which was causing access problems for the Royal Mail and other deliveries.

Bad potholes were also reported on Lodge Corner on the road to Crediton.

S106 Projects – Mid Devon District Council had requested a list of current S106 projects and the following were agreed:

• Outdoor Gym at Sandford Playing field/play area ?• Upgrading of footpath from Creedy View to Snows/Meadowside ?• Play Area upgrading Creedy View for further pieces of equipment. ?• Ha Ha maintenance at Creedy View. ?• The proposed cycle/footpath from Sandford to the Pedlarspool development. ?(A proposal has been made that the allocation from the proposed Creedy View 2 Housing Project to the Crediton Fresh Air fund could be diverted to this project, which is attracting much interest. ?• Basket ball Hoop (This had already attracted Fundraiser Crowd funding monies of over £300). ?• A bench/seat for Upton Hellions.

CREEDY VIEW TWO

The Chairman had spoken to Justin Denno (Belfield Developments) regarding possible names for the proposed development.

Weaver’s Way (to recognise the weaving industry in Sandford) had been selected for submission to Mid Devon District Council with the planning application due in February 2021.?The potential developer was currently looking at ground levels and discussing possible roof materials.

DONATIONS

The following donations had been agreed:?Beacon Church Community Project - (Contribution to Planning Application costs for new toilets etc) £250, CAB £220, Mid Devon Mobility £100.

MJV