It's always interesting when unfamiliar faces appear in the public seating at the Parish Council meeting. And, as is usual when this happens, a sensitive planning application was the cause of the interest. In Uffculme we have Coldharbour, chock-a-block from top to bottom with cars, few of the cottages own a garage and at one time we had lock-ups on a piece of land at the bottom of the hill. Not now we haven't. The garages have been demolished and instead 3 houses are proposed. Many and bitter were the protests, we can only hope that our local planning committee will be able to make Mid Devon take note of the opposition which was so vehemently expressed.

A brainwave of sorts has been promoted regarding the public lavatories. It's just not feasible to think of these as being in any way suitable for a youth centre, but a former naval person has come up with an ingenious proposal. As a quid pro quo for a pair of lock-up garages, he has suggested that a public convenience, unisex and self cleaning, with a brick surround could be erected on the site. Now, there's a thought. The P.C. will ponder long and hard on this as they did for the Golden Anniversary appeal from the Top School.

Our Chairman has been with an interested youth to see the BMX track at Willand, she was unable to repeat his comments so we must consider them to have been unfavourable. But, if and when the Recreation Ground is levelled, it may be possible to do something there. At the very least a flat area courtesy of Barrett Homes might dissuade footballers from playing on the Memorial Garden.

Did you know that there have 'raves' at Gaddon? No police action was offered but the P.C. are going to keep an eye on things. In theory permission should be sought but where's the fun in that...

The dangerous situation at Downs Farm junction was again discussed. One member was sure that nothing short of an accident will make the Highways Authority restore the original priority to Uffculme traffic. However, the A38 from Willand to Waterloo Cross is due for resurfacing in the near future, not before time, it is almost as bad as the car park at Magelake.

We now have and Emergency Planning Officer, so do fill in the form in the March edition of Spotlight. If the worst happens your spare room or even your bicycle might just save the day.

JBG

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