Cllr Weeks, Borough Councillor for the Exbourne Ward, was present. There was also one member of the public in attendance.

The minutes of the last meeting were signed after a change was made to the heading under the planning section. The clerk also stated she had noticed two omissions: -
1. Cllr Mardon had mentioned transferring money from the Current Account to Reserve Account and suggested the clerk use transfer forms.
2. Cllr Cartwright stated he had handed in the bank mandate and his new signatory details.

Before the meeting proceeded the Chairman apologised for not having sent a reason for his non attendance, but explained that it was for personal reasons.

PLANNING

The following application has been granted consent: -

Stonewold, S.C. erection of extension to form ancillary family accommodation.

Cllr Weeks has heard that the appeal relating to Apple and Pear Tree Cottages (Beer Farm) has been upheld. The planning application to remove holiday let condition to allow use as a dwelling had been refused by WDBC. Cllr Weeks was not certain of the reasons for upholding the appeal, but he stated he would find out.

Cllr Weeks was asked about the situation at Chapple Inn - the application for use as a separate dwelling was refused, but the enforcement notice is still in place. It could be a prolonged matter if appeals are made.

Before Cllr Weeks left the meeting Cllr Squire asked him about the concessionary fare scheme and the time that it starts. Cllr Weeks informed him that it should start at 9.30 am, but Devon local authorities decided to start at 9.00 am. When approach Central Government for funds they have been informed they are breaking the rules so they are now going to start at 9.30 am.

Owing to other commitments Cllr Weeks left the meeting.

MATTERS ARISING

Parish Plan LEISURE, SPORT AND RECREATION - residents were in favour of the refurbishment of the village hall ( this has been partially actioned ), introduction of new leisure activities ( pilates, reading group), improvement of play equipment ( this has been achieved ). When asked about entering the Britain in Bloom a number of people said they would help run it, but this has not yet been pursued.
About 66 of those who responded stated they were not aware of events, but it does appear that the Roundabout is being more reliably delivered now. Progress has been made.

Over 35 of those responding did not wish to take part in village events and 12 could not be bothered.

Parish Paths Partnership everything is going O.K. Hedge trimming has been carried out between Cliston and Peacegate Cross on a fairly mature hedge. Some of the branches are quite large and whilst some have been cleared there are a number at the Cliston end that are lying in the green lane. The clerk to write to DCC. Tim Freeman is to check this situation and the ponding between the village hall and Peacegate Cross.

Public Toilets the exterior wood needs sanding, possibly primer, undercoat and gloss. The stone wall requires repointing. Cllr Squire to speak to Mr. Beer and Mr. Hodge and inform them of what is required so that an estimate can be submitted.

Safety inspections on play equipment Playline Design will be visiting the site again in mid January to establish exactly where the equipment is to go. The clerk asked if any Cllrs would like to attend. A number said they would. The clerk will advise them of the date.
A letter has been received from the Local Network Fund stipulating the need to ensure that all funded activities are finished by 31st March.
It was suggested that John Hodge be given the end of Grant Report Form to study on behalf of the village hall committee. The clerk , Debbie Taylor and Cllr Simmonds have looked at it and can see no problems.
The clerk has spoken with Lesley Smith at DAPC with regard to play equipment inspections. She informed her that a visual inspection once a week would be seen as a minimum and then perhaps once a month carry out a more thorough check on the actual equipment as we have been doing. A visual inspection would entail a general look to ensure there is no obvious damage to gates etc and no dangerous litter. A record should be kept of visual inspections (date etc.) and the monthly inspections. The new equipment may generate more interest so it may pay to carry out more frequent inspections for the first 6-12 months.
The clerk to arrange for an indication of the age ranges advised for each piece of equipment to be printed on the Child Protection Policy.

Highway Matters a letter (copied to all Cllrs.) has been received from Devon and Cornwall Constabulary with regard to road closures for special events. It has been discovered that the Town Police Clauses Act 1847 is not suitable legislation and the Special Events Act has now been deemed appropriate. When the fun day is held the road is not strictly closed so it does not apply. The letter will be kept on file.
Cllr Askew stated there are potholes between S.C. and Redpost X. Cllr Squire stated that on West Barton Hill the road surface is wearing away and at the top of Frankland Hill there appears to be water seeping up through the road surface. The clerk to advise DCC.

Reduced Rural Funding copies of this letter has been sent to all Cllrs. The Chairman stated that boundary changes have been proposed. WDBC will probably be absorbed by other districts. This lack of funding will make the process easier. Tavistock will probably be absorbed by Plymouth and the South Hams will take in the remainder,

FINANCE

Cheques were signed for the following: -
Mr. L. Beer (Toilet cleaning 10/12/07 - 6/1/08) £44.16
Mrs. M. Weeks (Please pay cash - Petty Cash) £50.00

Amount in bank is £2617.47 and total in Reserve Account is £2015.02 TOTAL - £4632.49
Represented thus P3 - £152.59 Precept, toilets + other £4217.97 Interest £215.02 Countryside Agency - £46.91

Budget the clerk handed out copies of the budget with the amended figures. She also pointed out that there is the possibility that the parish council will have to pay for the village hall to carry out the independent examiners report in association with the grant for the play equipment.
She had spoken to John Hodge with regard to budgeting for a repairs/renewal fund for the toilets/play equipment. He had informed her that we are O.K. for this year as specific items have been budgeted for (i.e. fencing, repairs to stone wall etc.), but we do have to be careful about building up a fund that is not being spent. We are accountable to the residents in the parish. In the future if serious repairs were required then a decision may have to be taken about closing the toilets.

Cllr Forrest checked the balance in the petty cash float.
The clerk submitted petty cash claims for Dec - £7.65 and Jan - £10.81. The chairman checked the receipts and authorised payment.

The member of the public left the meeting.

The clerk had asked at the bank about transfer forms - they have stopped producing them and will accept a signed letter. A letter was signed instructing the bank to transfer £1500 from the current account to the reserve account.

CORRESPONDENCE
Local Council Review, Adult and Community Learning Courses, DAPC - Jan/Feb 08 Newsletter, Clerks and Councils Direct, letter from the Conservative Candidate for the new Central Devon seat (Mel Stride), new full Register of Electors. Emails - various.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

The Chairman submitted a letter tendering his resignation as chairman and committee member. Cllr Forrest wished to record a vote of thanks to the Chairman.

The dates for the next few meetings are: -
Tuesday 5th February 2008 at 7.30 p.m.,
Tuesday 4th March 2008 at 7.30 p.m., Tuesday 1st April 2008 at 7.30 p.m.,
Tuesday 29th April 2008 at 7.30 p.m., Tuesday 27th May 2008 at 7.30 p.m.,
Tuesday 24th June 2008 at 7.30 p.m., Tuesday 22nd July 2008 at 7.30 p.m.,
Tuesday 19th August 2008 at 7.30 p.m., Tuesday 16th September 2008 at 7.30 p.m.,
Tuesday 14th October 2008 at 7.30 p.m., Tuesday 11th November 2008 at 7.30 p.m.,
Tuesday 9th December 2008 at 7.30 p.m.,

There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.40 p.m.