Cllr Weeks, Borough Councillor for Exbourne Ward and Helen Forrest were present.

The minutes of the last meeting were signed as a true record.

PC Nadine Wilson contacted the clerk to say she would be unable to attend this evening's meeting. She gave the clerk the contact number of the road casualty reduction officer.

PLANNING
The following planning application required comments prior to the meeting: -
Riverstone Farm, Exbourne installation of windows to gable ends. The clerk consulted with Cllrs Squire and Askew. No comments to make.

The following planning applications have been received: -
Land adjacent to the Barton, S.C. erection of dwelling on site of existing outbuilding (to be demolished).
Cllr Weeks informed the Cllrs that this application had been withdrawn. The Cllrs commented that it was a shame the proposal had not been included in the original plans as the opportunity for affordable housing has been missed.
Planning consent has been GRANTED for the following applications: -
The Old Rectory, Honeychurch erection of replacement conservatory and porch.
Pontac, S.C. erection of conservatory.

The following applications have been granted permission: -
Hayrish Farm, Taw Green, Okehampton alterations including installation of new windows and door.

Higher Rowden, S.C. erection of agricultural building (prior approval notification).

Restland Farm, S.C. prior approval notification for erection of livestock building.

The clerk has received notification from WDBC that the planning application at Greenlane Bridge Farm, S.C. (erection of agricultural store) has gone to appeal.

Owing to other commitments Cllr Weeks left the meeting.

MATTERS ARISING

Helen Forrest addressed the parish council on the subject of making mini's the idea is to make items for dolls house's or any other miniature item. She would favour an informal group of up to six in number. It appeals to all ages and both sexes. They use power tools, but do not need a workshop setting. It can be as expensive or inexpensive as you wish - depending on how addicted you get to it. She would not require a teaching fee and the group could meet as often as they wish.
The clerk to obtain Helen's telephone number for inclusion in the Roundabout.
Members of the village hall committee will ascertain the rate of hire for the small room

Helen was thanked for attending. She then left the meeting.

Parish Plan - follow up discussion on the existence of the Post Office and shopping facilities there was a request to press for improved parking at North Tawton (this has now happened with the new car park on the site of Bloggs Garage). The viability of a community shop - it was generally considered not to be a feasible option). An improved rail link with Exeter was something requested in the plan. The Post Office is well used and depends on the existence of the Estate Agents.
Nothing particular to press for at this time.

Parish Paths Partnership Cllrs Squire and Askew have not yet received the copies of last years survey forms and have not as yet seen the new survey forms to decide on the footpath lengthsman's wages.
FOOTPATH FUNDAY - this was a successful day, despite the rain. Interest was expressed in more regular walks, but this would depend on someone organising it. The cricket match was cancelled because of the weather.
The footbridge just before Solland was overgrown so the ditch could not be seen. Cllr Squire will speak with Tim Freeman.

Undergrounding of overhead cables the clerk will write to Mr. Chick at Western Power Distribution regarding the overhead lines above the village green (i.e. will they still be undergrounded?).

Public Toilets nothing to report.

Highway Matters the chairman stated the trench adjacent to the piggeries has been filled in.
There are a number of pot-holes between the village and Sampford Station.
Cllr Harper stated the fingerpost sign at the roundabout was obscured with foliage.

Safety inspections on play equipment there are many things to address. The other swing should be removed through the winter months. The cobbled path becomes slippery when wet. The area by Green Cottage needs attention. The picnic tables could do with some varnish.
The clerk to order two signs 'Childrens Play Area - No Dogs' (also arrange two 'No kite flying' signs).
The clerk to organise a meeting regarding the play equipment.

Eastern Link Meeting Cllr Harper attended the meeting on Sept 7th and presented a report. A vice-Chairman has now been elected. There had been an illegal rave at Whiddon Down and police attendance had not been good. There is a lack of faith in the police at the moment. Separate crime figures will be sent. There is a high demand for affordable housing at present. Bingo in village halls will not need a licence if all the money is going to the village hall.
Devon Heartlands Community Trust were present.

Noticeboards the clerk has obtained some information about this. Bring to the next meeting.

FINANCE

Cheques were signed for the following: -

L.A. Harper (cutting of hedge around public toilets) £30.00
T.J. Prior (10th and 11th cuts of village green) £80.00
Mr. L. Beer (Toilet Cleaning 21/8/06-17/9/06) £60.60
Mrs. S. Harper (purchase of jam, cream, milk & scones for
Footpath funday) P3 £25.66
WDBC (7th instalment of rates on toilets) £25.00
C.R. Squire (work on footpaths) P3 £172.75

The clerk to ask T.J. Prior to carry out the final grass cut in early - mid October.

Review of budget there are no immediate financial problems. The dry weather has allowed a longer gap between each grass cut. This will hopefully result in not requiring an additional cut at the end of the season.

The Chairman had to leave the meeting because of other commitments. Cllr Squire took the chair.

Amount in bank is (-£17.49) and total in Reserve Account is £1,962.88 TOTAL £1945.39
Represented thus P3 - £214.48 Precept, toilets + other £1521.12 Interest £162.88 Countryside Agency - £46.91

The second half of the precept (£2481) is due around the end of September.

Cllr Harper checked the petty cash float balance.

CORRESPONDENCE
Safer South Hams Community Safety partnership office, Village Green, CCD Review 2005 - 2006, WDBC - Introducing Choice based lettings in West Devon (awareness raising events, which were subsequently cancelled), Clerks and Councils Direct, Glasdon UK, Local Council Review, Rural Services Review, Devontalk, Devon & Cornwall Police Authority (Liaison Meeting 4 October), South Hams and West Devon NHS Primary Care Trust (final AGM), DAPC - AGM and Annual Report, WDBC - Flooding Information and Sandbags, WDBC - Choice Based Lettings (A new way to allocate social housing), Rural Transport Partnership - Summer Newsletter 2006.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Cllr Squire mentioned the absence of Cllr Morris. It is understood that he is busy both with work and rehearsals for the amateur dramatics group he belongs to. We are one member short now and whilst it is not ideal it was considered that no further action be taken at present.
The clerk to write to Mr. Palmer regarding the enforcement notices (annex at Sampford Chapple and building at the Barton).

The dates for the next few meetings are: -

Tuesday 17th October 2006 at 7.30 p.m.
Tuesday 14th November 2006 at 7.30 p.m., Tuesday 12th December 2006 at 7.30 p.m.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.20 p.m.