PROBLEMS relating to slippery cobbles in and around Church Street was among the items raised in the Open Forum section at the December meeting of Sandford Parish Council.

It was reported that Steve Tucker (Devon County Council Highways department) had suggested scattering salt and sand from the Grit Bin in the Square to kill the moss and help with grip when walking on the cobbles.

An entry had also been made about BT Outreach work concerning wires left hanging on the path on the Lynch.

Devon County Council’s HATOC (Highways and Transport committee) had sent a copy of the results of the consultation regarding parking issues in Sandford Square and the council’s proposals.

County Councillor Mrs Margaret Squires confirmed that the county council was happy with how the consultation process had been dealt with, with the majority who responded having been in favour of the proposals. The new scheme will be implemented in 2018, including a dedicated parking space for Sandford Community Stores.

It was also reported that at Barnstaple Cross there were problems on the A377 at Chapel Downs where the “hedge has slipped and the road is cracked”.

It was noted that the road will be closed for a four-week period from January 15 (weather permitting) to deal with the issue.

At New Buildings road surfacing works are planned in New Buildings village from January 31 for two or three days and Gays/Sandford Ash from February 2 for six days.

The clerk read an email from Kit Elliott-Cameron: “Dear Sandford Council, I, as well as lots of us in Sandford would like to build a skateboarding park as we love skateboarding but we can’t really do it in Sandford as the other residents don’t like us doing it on the roads and estates.

"I have looked into costs and if we had a space nominated in Sandford, we could raise money through a fundraiser to have one built.

"It would be a great and healthy thing to do for people of all ages”.

It was agreed to respond to ask the likely costs and pointing out that the Parish Council is to consider in due course, once finance permits, the refurbishment of the Play Area.

Parishioners are reminded that anyone needing to report matters to the Parish Council can use the contact form on the Parish Council website, make an entry in the Parish Comment Book, or ask the Parish Clerk for an Enquiry Form to complete and submit to the Parish Council. Copies of the form are also available in the Parish Council file in the Post Office. The form also lists the responsibilities and contact details for Devon County Council and Mid Devon District Council.

In January the Parish Council will discuss the 2018/2019 Budget and Precept for the year and proposals to fund the legal fees of the Gorwyn Trust to acquire the Creedy View car park.

Churchyard maintenance grants were agreed of £305 for St Swithun’s Parochial Church Council and £139 for Sandford Congregational Church.

Chairman Elizabeth Dalton, in closing the meeting, reminded everyone of Carols in the Square at 7pm on December 19 and wished everyone a Merry Christmas. The meeting closed with mince pies and cream.

The next meeting of the Parish Council will take place at 7.30pm on Thursday, January 5, in Sandford Congregational Church Hall.

MJV