Council Cuttings November 2003

It has been a long summer, and the postponement to the end of September means that it had been almost two months without a P.C. meeting. We were to have had a guest speaker - a youth worker with the Culm Valley Youth Service. As this had been signalled the audience had risen to no less than four so there was disappointment when the clerk announced that she was unable to join us.

A member of the public reminded the Council that the derelict spot at the top of Coldharbour which was supposed to have been cleared some two years ago is still there. An eyesore which is hazardous to pedestrians, no pavement and has lorries thundering by. If a planning application for the plot is submitted the idea of incorporating a pavement will be considered.

Whilst on planning matters, ranch-style fencing seems to be erected at will, with little consideration for Conservation status. Doing something first and applying subsequently seems catching. If you are lucky the County Council might even land a hand.

Do we want Quality Parish Council Status? The Parish Council are undecided. What's in it for us? Do councillors get a badge? Do we get extra responsibilities? Or grants? Will Mid-Devon take more heed of our planning recommendations? Cullompton is one of the few councils who already have this accolade. Do we want to be like them? Members didn't seem at all sure and after many reservations had been expressed it was decided to leave it for six months and then have another go. Which is what usually happens.

There was an unexpected visitor, Mr David Pugsley, Mid Devon's leader who listened with interest to the discussion about the abolition of our dearly beloved lavs. He was given permission to speak and assured us that no final decision had yet been made. It would be an optimist who thought the District Council would turn down the chance of saving money at the expense of rural conveniences. They would love them to be taken over together with all the implications of the Disability Rights Commission regulations which will be coming into force next year.

Things are moving at Magelake and a feasibility study had been undertaken. If it finally gets underway there will be a pitch of LSR carpet (rubber backed artificial grass) and it will be suitable for football, tennis, netball etc. The cost will be in the region of £165k. This sounds a lot of money but there is an awful lot of waste going into Hillhead so £100k has been provisionally earmarked by U.E.L and there is a balance of £361 brought forward from the now defunct tennis club. This leaves only £64,669 to find so we're on our way. Car parking and low cost housing were discussed at some length. Uffculme at times seems to be one long car park and is an almost insurmountable problem but further building at the top of Highland Terrace should give an opportunity to homes for first time buyers.

Our Green Party Member has been on an exploratory visit to Zeal Monachorum and to Holsworthy. He has returned safely bringing news of the state of the art power station at the latter which was electrifying. Every village should have one.

J.B.G.