MARWOOD PARISH COUNCIL

Report of the Council Meeting 19 January 2023

Members Present: Cllrs. C Latham, D Chugg,  A Bend, R Berry,  A Harvey-Bryant,

N Plumb, S Button, C Wallis,

Apologies: Cllr. K Down

In Attendance: Cllrs Mrs A Davis Cllr F Tucker M J Measures (Clerk to the Council).

Discloseable Interests. None      

Chairman's Discretion. a) Phone Box, b) Road Closure

Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting 6 October 2022

The Minutes were agreed and signed as a true record.

The Parish Council did not meet in November and December

Police Report

The reports have been sent to Members

Reports from County and District Councillors

Cllr Mrs Davis commented on the serious financial situation at Devon County Council

and said the budget is being prepared before going to the Scrutiny Committee. She stressed that work in the County can only be done within the budget particularly in respect of road works. She reported on the change of work pattern and what can be achieved concerning the improvements to the A361. She explained the situation regarding the question of chargeable waste at recycling centres. Three NDC Councillors will act as temporary Councillors for Ashford Parish Council.

Cllr Tucker commented on budget restrictions for North Devon Council. He said all those who wish to vote in person will be required to present a personal photograph before they can vote. Full instructions and guidance will be delivered to all households. He said all dog breeders will require a Dog Breeders Licence.

Correspondence

Relevant information correspondence has been sent to Councillors, including Voter ID, Road Closure in Prixford.

Finance

Invoices agreed for payment for November/December/January: ;  C F Wallis £135 (Jan P3); Admin/Accom £125.44 (Oct/Nov/Dec); C F Wallis £80.00 (Dec P3); North Devon Council £689.38 (Dec plus NPA); Marwood Methodist Church £250.00 (Cem. Mtce); Marwood Methodist Church £250.00 (Hall Hire); Marwood PCC (Cem.Mtce); North Devon Council £484.52 (Jan).  Balance for January £3194.69

Precept. Members confirmed the request for precept at £8300.00.

Planning Matters

None received.

Little Silver Quarry

The Clerk had sent Councillors the information received from DCC Planning Development Officer stating that the pragmatic approach would probably be to allow the materials to remain at the site, but prevent further importation and allow the site to revegetate naturally.

Tree Planting

The Clerk confirmed that the tree-planting funds of £346.00 have been transferred into the Parish Accounts ring-fenced for the future purchase and planting of the tree. He confirmed that the proposed location for planting, at No Man’s Land, is not possible as the land is not on the Land Registry and the advice is not to go ahead. A new site will need to be found soon.

Reports from Councillors

Parish Footpaths. The annual return will be made to Devon County Council giving details of the condition of footpaths/bridleways and the work carried out in the past year. Cllr Wallis said he has spoken with the DCC Officer and a request will be put forward for work to improve footpath 14, which is constantly subject to flooding.

Highways/Road Salt  A further one ton of salt has been ordered from Devon County Council which was due for delivery in December. The Clerk will contact them again for a delivery date. Marwood School has requested a salt bin to be located near the school for salt to be used on the school approach roads. Cllr Chugg was asked to contact the school to provide the location for the bin. If it is on a County Highway road there has to be a safety audit. There will also have to be a nominated representative to act as Snow/Salt Warden in order to be covered by DCC insurance.

Concern was raised by a member of the public concerning the speed of traffic along the Guineaford/Prixford road and asked for speed limit of 20mph. DCC has no plans at present to have new 20mph zones in Devon. Successful schemes put forward last year will be looked at and revised criteria may result

Chairman’s Discretion

a) The telephone box near the Ring O’ Bells was reported as damaged (the door hanging off). The Clerk contacted BT who informed that the box had been adopted by the Community Heartbeat Trust In 2018 and BT will investigate with them and keep us informed. Cllr Chugg made temporary repair by securing the loose door with a rope.

b) The Council agreed to support the  temporary road closure between Hore Cross and Whiddon Down Farm turning on 2 July for Croyde Ocean Triathlon.                                                                      

                                                                                                            Meeting closed at 20.25

Cllr Sue Button

Easter Cottage

Patsford EX31 4EF

M J Measures (Clerk to the Council)

9 Kingfisher Drive

Barnstaple EX32 8QW

 01271 323386  

marparco2@live.co.uk

County Cllr Mrs Andrea Davis

Southwinds  Cottage

Kentisbury EX31 4NH

 07786  868038  

andrea.davis@devon.gov.uk