EIGHT councillors were joined by Mid Devon District Councillor Peter Hare-Scott and four members of the public at the February meeting of Newton St Cyres Parish Council on February 1.

Planning. No objections were raised on the applications for alterations and extension to Southay or to the proposed pre-fabricated building at Langford Park Nursing Home. There were also no objections to the siting of a building for use as a pre-school in Station Road. The granting of amended plans with conditions at 3 Meadowlands was noted.

Pollution Monitor. A Pollution Monitor had been installed in the village to ascertain the levels of pollution from traffic travelling through the centre of the village. This monitor will be checked every month and will stay in place for 12 months, after which time a picture of any pollution in the village will become clear with excessive readings having the potential to affect planning.

New School footpath. Quotes for the work required for the new footpath alongside Station Road to service the new School were being drawn together in order that grant applications can be made.

New Cemetery area. Meetings were taking place between the Church and the Parish Council on the work required at the new cemetery ground such as the repair of the fence between the two areas, the present layout of the existing graves, depth of the soil in the new area, possible removal of trees and tree roots which could damage any future graves, grass cutting etc. These meetings are ongoing as there is a great deal to be sorted out before the Parish Council takes over responsibility for the Churchyard and new Cemetery.

Councillors’ Responsibilities. It was agreed to obtain a quotation for the tidying and repainting of the notice boards in the parish this coming Spring. It was reported that new volunteers were needed to join the Litter Picking team. It was noted that sometime this year scheduled trains would be running from Okehampton to Exeter and a letter had gone to our MP, Mel Stride, asking him to ensure that our request for some trains to stop at Newton St Cyres was taken into consideration in any new timetable.

Highways Issues. It was reported that DCC Highways intended to move the "lego" blocks back further into the bank opposite the entrance to Langford Road thus reinstating the original width of the road and making the corner safer. This road was due for resurfacing too. The School were being asked to respond to the query about the crossing in the centre of the village as discussions are ongoing as to the best method of resolving this safely for all concerned.

Items for discussion at the next meeting. Clarification of the rules relating to the use of drones would be requested and reported back at the next meeting.

The next meeting of the Parish Council will be held on Thursday, March 1, at 7.30pm, in the Clubroom of the Parish Hall. We welcome parishioners with their queries and questions for the Parish Council.

The next Parish Surgery will be held on Saturday, March 3, in conjunction with the Church Coffee Morning. Your Councillors will be happy to meet you and help with any questions you may have.

Cllr Jill Baker

Press Officer