9th May 2019
Cruwys Morchard Parish Council Chairmans Report 2019
Again at the end of another year we see that the issues that arise at our meetings are the same as the ones from previous years. Planning and highway problems.
Most of the planning applications that have come through this year have either been, not surprisingly, residential or agricultural. However a recent application at Kelly Farm for the erection of an agricultural education and training facility has caused concern. This is a large development and although there was no objection to the facility in itself, it was felt that not enough thought has gone into the impact on the local community of the increased number of vehicles using the lanes. It highlights an increasing problem in the parish of larger and larger vehicles using lanes that were never designed for this sort of use causing damage that is making some unusable for
parishioners.
The ongoing Pennymoor speed limit signs maybe getting a bit closer as we met the criteria to have 30mph signs. This would need a Traffic Regulation Order at a cost of £3000, funded locally as the funds are not available from Devon County Council. Along with Lapford and Down St Mary a Community Together Application was submitted by Lapford Parish Council. In this we were successful with an agreement of £2000 towards the cost the rest to be borne by the parish councils. We have a donation of £1000 of Harvest money which could be used to cover our share. A request has now been passed to the Traffic Management section who deal with TRO's. As of April this is where we stand. As with most things it may take some time as it has to be advertised in the papers beforehand.
The repair to the roads in the Parish seem to take forever or do not happen at all. With some lanes now being practically in-passable. I would encourage all parishioners to use the Devon County Council interactive map to report problems.
This year also saw the plans to have another defibrillator in the parish put on hold due to a lack of interest. Even though it was proposed to form a working group of parishioners and local businesses. We may return to this in the future.
After Andrew Chave decided not to stand for re-election we will be looking to find a new councillor to fill his position. I would like to thank Andrew for his contributions over the years.
The General Data Protection Regulations 2018 came into force over the past year and thanks to the work of the Clerk I can confirm we comply with the regulations.
The Churchyard Grants have remained the same for this year with £300 for the Parish Church and £150 each for Way Village and Nomansland Chapels.
The preceptfor 2019/2020 has been set at £4500. We have complied with statutory requirements.
Finally I would like to thank Viv Ray our Clerk for all her hard work. Mrs Colthorpe (District Council) and Mrs Squires (County Council) and all my fellow councillors.
Gavin Hall (Charman)
9th May 2019