NO doubt many years ago, Crediton had a Town Crier. It is just possible, given the number of events coming up, that someone could be sought to fill the post again.

This was a suggestion at Tuesday's meeting of Crediton Town Council, whose members rather liked the idea and would discuss it more fully at a future meeting.

In the meantime, the town council might be interested to find any history of a town crier in the town.

Cllr Nick Way (also a county and district councillor) reported that a speed monitor would be in the Landscore area at some time for a 24 hour check.

Cllr Anne Hughes added that as part of the Safe Journey to School scheme Landscore school would try to stagger parents' drop off and pick up trips.

Cllr Way also said that he had asked for an agenda item at the Mid Devon Highways and Traffic Orders Committee held in Tiverton the day before to discuss new pedestrian crossings on the A377 as part of the Wellparks housing development.

He said he had met with county council officers for a site meeting and five potential crossing points from the roundabout near the Tesco store up to near the fire station had been looked at.

He understood that money had been allocated for a feasibility study. He said he had emphasised that the county council should be looking into these.

"We are now waiting for the county council technical experts to see how this can be achieved," he said.

CYCLE PATHS

In his report Cllr Way said he had recently had a meeting with a county council officer and Sustainable Crediton to look at proposals for a cycle and walking path between Crediton and Exeter.

He was pleased that the Newton St Cyres group had been so active, contacting landowners in the area, who had all, so far, agreed to give land for the path.

"This could be the start of a path and there is to be a meeting at Newton St Cyres shortly," he said.

Cllr Hughes reported having been to the opening of the Youth Cafe recently and meeting "some impressive young people."

She had also met people from the Children's Centre who would be moving from their present building in June but were "urgently" seeking office space.

"If anyone has a suitable property, please let me know on 01363 898 475."

NOT YET

There had been a query as to whether the town council could grant funds to Crediton Parish Church.

However, the town clerk, Mrs Clare Dalley, advised that at present the town council did not have the power to financially support the upkeep or maintenance of religious buildings.

If there was an electoral mandate, the town council could consider this.

Cllr Richard Adams reminded the council that the parish church belonged to the people of the town, an unusual position. But the town clerk still said the town council could not, as yet, consider a grant.

Cllr Nick Way commented that it might be possible if the church was setting up something community-based such as a soup kitchen.

PLANNING

The council had no objection to the following planning applications:

Erection of a dwelling, 11 Okefield Avenue; construction of a single parking bay, retaining wall and wrought iron railings at 4 Hawthorn Road.

Listed Building consent for the installation of external shop front signage following removal of the existing at National Westminster Bank Plc, 133 High Street.

An application for advertisement consent to display one internally illuminated fascia sign, one externally illuminated hanging sign and one replacement internally illuminated ATM surround for the National Westminster Bank Plc at 133 High Street.

Nor was there objection to an application for a two-storey extension with a first floor balcony, an entrance lobby and a dormer window at the rear at Roydon, Alexandra Road.

Approval was recommended for installation of three replacement windows at the front of 10 Market Street.

Approval was also recommended for an application to build two B1/B2 use light industrial units at Commonmarsh Lane, Lords Meadow Industrial Estate.

Planning applications are decided by Mid Devon District Council.

It was noted that an application to install a ground-mounted photovoltaic solar panel array to generate 4kW of power on land at Stairhill Farm, Moorlake, had been approved.

Also approved had been an application by Graphic Plc for an extension at its Down End factory.