When townies think of moving to Devon they must have somewhere like Ashill in mind. On a warm summer evening it is idyllic. And what a turn out of the locals - thanks in no small part to 2 public spirited parishioners who had noted that the wrong date of the Council Meeting had crept into Spotlight and had alerted every house. Extra chairs had to be found.

There was not much on the agenda which bore particular relevance to Ashill but it did give an opportunity for parishioners to ask for a speed restriction through the village. If Hemyock needs a 20 m.p.h. limit, then why not Ashill? (and Uffculme too, come to that).

There are no recycling facilities in Ashill due, it is thought, to the narrow approach roads. Oddly enough, as the Chairman pointed out, the brewery lorry seems to manage. It was recalled that last year Ashill asked for safe facilities to be made in Uffculme where bicycles can be left when catching a bus. It seems such a reasonable and modest request that the P.C. are going to take it seriously, again.

Back at the main Agenda, the Chairman first welcomed Cllr Lee, who is the new chairman of M.D.D.C. He hopes to visit every village in the district during his tenure and he struck lucky on this particular evening with a large, interested audience. In Uffculme itself we can seldom muster more than two or three.

The results of the recent Housing Survey suggest that Uffculme needs 20 affordable homes and Barretts have upped their original £20k offer towards improving facilities at the recreation ground by £2.5k. This is still under negotiation.

If you live in Ashley Road you will have noticed that the No. 92 bus now passes your door. You will have also noticed it if you have met it coming along the narrow approach road from Appledore on the A38.

The closed lavatories now look very sad, they are going to be sold by Mid Devon and the cash generated will, it is hoped, be ring-fenced for expenditure in Uffculme. Possibly a cycle park?

The meeting closed earlier than usual allowing most of the assembled gathering to be happily in the Ashill Inn by 9 o'clock.

JBG

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