Cllr Squire was in the chair.
Apologies for absence The Chairman sent his apologies as he was on holiday and Cllr Mardon sent her apologies as she was ill. The apologies were accepted.

Cllr Weeks, Borough Councillor for the Exbourne Ward, and two members of the public were present.

Cllr Simmonds queried the reference made to the plastic recycling . The recycling centre does take plastic bottles, but the query related to the other plastic (i.e. yogurt pots, margarine tubs etc.).The minutes of the last meeting were then signed as a true record.
The clerk to write to DCC and enquire why these other types of plastic are not taken

PLANNING

The following applications have been received:-
Brooke Meadow, S.C. erection of extensions and improvements. There were no objections.
Higher Down Cottage, S.C. erection of extension. There were no objections.
Rebeccas Cottage, S.C. Listed Building Consent application for alterations in connection with insertion of new window. There were no objections.

The following application has been granted permission: -
Greenbank, S.C. extension to roof over conservatory.

Barn doors at Granary Mr. Incoll, Chief Executive of WDBC, has emailed stating the planners have informed him that Dr Nielson is meeting with his ward member, Cllr David Weeks, to ascertain a way forward to resolve the issues.
Cllr Weeks stated that a meeting has been requested and he will listen to what Dr Nielson has to say. The Parish Council will be kept informed.

It is now understood that an application is to be submitted for change of use at Chapple Inn, Sampford Chapple.

MATTERS ARISING

Undergrounding of overhead cables (incorporating progress of street lighting the consultation is to be held on June 2nd at 7.30pm in the village hall. Residents will be able to vote for the design of street light they prefer.
The clerk has written to BT inviting them to a site meeting to discuss the removal of the post by Green Cottage. She has not had a reply and will follow it up.
Cllr Harper asked why the part lighting was not yet operational. The clerk stated she did not know. A letter has been sent requesting part lighting. The clerk will find out. The clerk was also asked to find out why the old light is still working outside Fir Cottage and the new light is not yet operational.

Owing to other commitments Cllr Weeks left the meeting.

Parish Plan the first examination of the plan has been completed and have now gone full circle and begin a second look at the results.

Individuals - only half of possible respondents returned their questionnaires with a fairly equal balance of male and female respondents. 64% were from persons aged between 41-70. 41 people were over the age of 70.
42% of those responding were in employment and most of these worked from home. Most people were in support of small businesses (especially agriculturally related), but not business units.
It was mentioned by Cllrs that W.J. Morris and Son (electricians) were employing more people and that Clayton Cabinets has now outgrown the workshop and will be moving to new premises.
Cllr Forrest asked why the parish plan was mentioned. Cllr Askew explained that it was to keep it live. Some short term items have been addressed (e.g. formation of reading group, pilates, miniatures group), but other concerns are more long term (e.g. speeding traffic).

The members of the public left the meeting.
Parish Paths Partnership Cllr Askew has met with Hilary Tonge. She has the maps and secateurs. July/August has been suggested for first walk.
Cllr Squire stated there was a tree branch to remove over at Corscombe. Cllr Harper stated she had been informed the gate at Hatherton was tied up and difficult to undo. Cllr Squire stated he would investigate.

Public Toilets the transfer document has been sent to Mr. Cloke. Nothing further heard.

Safety inspections on play equipment the clerk has written to Tony Mogford Associates, but has not had a reply. She will follow this up.
The clerk informed the Parish Council that Exbourne have recently had new equipment and the clerk had spoken with Rachael Billings, who was involved in obtaining the funding. The Local Network Fund gave a grant for £7000 and the Parish Council put in £500. A consultation will be required. Playline Design from Newton Abbot installed the equipment. The sub-committee have met and put together a list of flat swing, cradle swing and a Abbotsway Tower system (possibly a springie). If something can be got costing less than £8000 can the sub-committee begin the process of contacting Playline Design and Local Network Fund? The parish council gave the go ahead on the basis that grant money will have to be obtained.

Highway Matters the clerk has been contacted by Balfour Beatty, who have informed her that the road between Dornaford X and Sampford Chapple will be closed between August 20th and August 31st for mains water repairs.
Cllr Squire stated the parish lengthsman is to be in the parish on June 11th.
Cllr Askew stated there were potholes on roads i. Sampford Courtenay - Red Post X ii. Into Honeychurch iii. Village Hall - Sampford Chapple iv. Sampford Chapple - Frankland Ford Bridge.

Exeter Unitary Status letters have been received from both Devon County Council (arguing against) and Exeter City Council (arguing for). These have been circulated to all Cllrs. It was unanimously decided not to submit a comment.

Eastern Link Meeting the next meeting is on 7th June and Cllr Harper is to attend.

FINANCE

The books are currently with the internal auditor. The electors rights to inspect the books has been advertised on the noticeboard as required by audit regulations.

Prior to the meeting cheques were signed for: -
Community First (Insurance premium) £404.98
The footpath lengthsman and toilet cleaner are insured. The safety surfacing and cradle swing have been removed.

Cheques were signed for the following: -
Mr. L. Beer (Toilet Cleaning 7/5/07-27/5/07) £48.15
WDBC (3rd instalment of rates due on public conveniences) £28.00

Amount in bank is £2774.44 and total in Reserve Account is £1,990.95 TOTAL - £4765.39
Represented thus P3 - £423.73 Precept, toilets + other £4103.80 Interest £190.95 Countryside Agency - £46.91

CORRESPONDENCE
Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Bill (Chair and Vice Chair of a parish or town council would have to be chosen from those who stood for election - not yet an Act, but likely to come in), South Devon Women's Aid, WDBC - Housing Strategy, WDBC - Sustainable Community Strategy, RD & Express (newletter for Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust), Rural Transport Partnership newsletter, Direct Contact Exhibitions (parks and play seminars), Playline Design, Environment Day - June 5th, Devon Community Recycling Network Ltd., DCC - Decision about new provider of externalised services (Shaw Health Care Group), "Cracking the Code Conference".

ANY OTHER BUSINESS
The clerk has been informed that dog mess is still a problem in the village. An item has been put in the Roundabout. The clerk will try and put up some posters on noticeboard.

The dates for the next few meetings are: -
Tuesday 26th June 2007 at 7.30 p.m., Tuesday 24th July 2007 at 7.30 p.m.,
Tuesday 21st August 2007 at 7.30 p.m., Tuesday 18th September 2007 at 7.30 p.m.,
Tuesday 16th October 2007 at 7.30 p.m., Tuesday 13th November 2007 at 7.30 p.m.,
Tuesday 11th December 2007 at 7.30 p.m.,

There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.23 p.m.