12th May 2016

Chairman’s Report May 2016 

I was privileged to be elected as the Chairperson of our Parish Council.  Having lived or been associated with the Parish for 60 plus years I feel passionately about preserving our heritage and the quality of life in our rural idyll.  However, I realise that we have to understand and manage the ever changing world around us. 

In May 2015 two of our long serving Parish Councillors, Mr Brian Gibbs (Chairperson) and Mr Bob Ogden decided not to stand in the Parish Council elections.  Their combined service on the Parish Council was over 70 years.  What an achievement! We sincerely hope that they are enjoying their retirement time. 

Mrs Smyth was elected as Chairperson and Mr Berry was elected as Vice Chairperson at the May meeting. Subsequently in June Mrs J Mitchell and Mr G Hall were co-opted as our new Council members. 

Several controversial planning applications came before the members during the year. Some of these although not in our Parish were felt to be of significant importance as they affected parts of the Parish in particular Nomansland as a whole and of course as we all know half of the hamlet is in Cruwys Morchard and half in Thelbridge Parish.  These involved planning applications relating to Anaerobic Digesters and poultry units which significantly increase the number of chickens to be reared in the Parish. It will produce a big increase in the amount of heavy goods vehicles which use not only the B3137 but all our small rural roads which are in need of serious repair.  

It was felt by your Councillors that this is not in the best interest of our Parish. 

As Chairperson I attended a Devon County Council Highways Conference which gave an overview of just how the cut backs by DCC would affect our rural area, i.e. they will not be replacing “finger pointers” on signposts as they break off nor providing grit bins etc.  The potholes will continue as there is only a limited amount of money to repair these! 

I also attended the National Association of Local Councils Annual Conference which was very interesting and informative.  It was beneficial to network with other similar councils. 

The Parish Emergency Plan was reviewed and the Parish Precept set at £3500 as Parish Council costs are likely to increase due to the County Council and District Council cutbacks on services provided.  The Churchyard grants of £250 for the Parish Church and £125 each to both Way Village and Nomansland Chapels was agreed. 

The Parish Council was successful in obtaining a grant in order to comply with the New Transparency Code amounting to £449.96 and the Clerk has purchased a laptop and accessories with the remainder being held to purchase a new printer in the future. 

The Clerk attended training on the MDDC’s new website and I would like to congratulate and thank her for the exceptional website which she has produced for our Parish.  Not only was it the first to be completed but is an example to other Parishes as to how to approach getting relevant information to their parishioners. 

I would like to thank my fellow councillors, Mrs Colthorpe (District Councillor), Mrs Squires (County Councillor) and our Clerk for all their continued support.

Mrs Sally Smyth

Chairperson