Wembworthy Parish Council Meeting November 2025 Minutes
1/ Members present and apologies
Councillors Penter, Limond, and Tucker present
Devon County Councillor and Mid Devon District councillor Steve Keable
Apologies received from Councillor Vile
No apologies received from Councillor Peters
2/ Public Questions
Sherrie Marshall present to observe meeting.
Emma Bowyer, to ask about the road traffic signs at Speke’s Cross junction as this was raised 2 years ago as a concern for accessing the play park and catching the school bus. Plus Emma being a horse rider being able to cross the road from Wembworthy Down Lane.
The PC explained that the situation had changed as the park has closed and the school bus was picking up at the bus shelter again but now it has gone back to pick up at Speke’s cross so the Chairman has already suggested a “slow down sign” which the clerk was researching to buy. – see Matters arising.
The emails to Devon Highways via the previous Devon County Councillor Margaret Squires had come to nothing.
3/ Minutes of the last meeting
The minutes were agreed as correct
4/Matters arising.
Update about the nuisance dogs in Eggesford Woods. – Gail Tucker
Still no real progress as emails between Councillor Tucker and the Forestry are still disputing what signs can be displayed at the main car park areas. Once Gail Tucker has sorted this the signs will be provided. Councillor Steve Keable is still able to assist with any communications.
2nd defibrillator for the village. – church involvement and price update
Update on the meeting that the church and the rep from National Grid Tom McNeill – Not able to supply a spur at the church so only option is a brand new supply with a cost at approx £3000 plus a standing charge etc which is not financially viable to just heat a cabinet.. Also no street lighting option nearby to the bus shelter to tap in to
We shall have to go back to the solar panel option. This to be explored again in the new year and the price for the defibrillator updated but it will be the same make as the existing one so that pads can be used on both units to save costs.
Emergency Plan –
The clerk Sarah Goody has liaised with the village hall committee who are in agreement with keeping emergency packs at the hall but would like gas canisters etc to be housed in the old outside toilet building which would need to be refurbished. The village hall would be looking to the PC to finance this. The emergency packs would then be stored in a safe and accessible area. The VH chairman stated that he would be available as a co contact person working with the PC to man the hall as a meeting point. Once Councillor Vile is back the packs will be sorted in liaison with the clerk.
The chairman asked that the village hall obtain quotes for works required before decisions can be made.
Village planters - pricing
No response from Thelbridge so a large planter to be purchased in 2026 and a request for a new Village sign to be made by the clerk to Devon Highways with a view to it being paid for by the PC if necessary.
Flashing speed limit signs for Speke’s Crosse
The clerk looked into obtaining the flashing signs but could only find ones with a speed limit reference and as there isn’t the 30 mph limit we would like not relevant. Suggested that we buy the road signs similar to the ones in the centre of the village asking to slow down for children and animals or the same "crossing". The "20 is plenty" signs are still available as now painted green and compliant so can be attached to the village sign on the approach to the Wembworthy Down lane entrance.
5/ Final Budgeting and Precept decision
The PC decided to increase the precept in line with inflation at 3.6% to £5600 which is an increase of £200
6/Update on the councillors specialist areas
Graham Penter – Planning – information only notification – nothing to consider
Lawrence Peters – Flagpole – LD not present.. It was noted by members of the public that the flag was not flying on Remembrance Day as expected so very disappointing. The rope had broken again in strong winds and needs a stronger option going forward.
Gail Tucker – Public relations & Social Media – arranging the supply of the village Christmas tree – has been costed at £70. As the issue with the electricity has been discussed it is now not possible to situate the tree at the bus shelter. The clerk suggested it being outside the village hall and will check with the VH committee for permission but unlikely to be a problem.
Susan Vile – Church & Chapel liaison – Concert at the church with the Copplestone Community choir 21st November. Carol Service date is Sunday 7th December. No report from the Chapel.
James Limond – Broadband improvements for the village. The build is almost complete so will be ready for January 2026
Sarah Goody (clerk) – Village Hall liaison – Quiz was successful. There will be another Christmas get together on Saturday 27th December with a disco on the usual social club date.
7/Accounts
a) Update on bank balance £10269.64 as at 30th September 2025 (latest statement received)
£10223.08 PC funds
£46.56 remainder of the Jubilee Fund for the plaque
b) Cheques to sign
P Wright – grass cutting £300. No invoice presented, as requested, so now to be deferred until January
8/AOB for next meeting’s Agenda
Date of next meeting is Thursday 8th January 2026
Meeting closed at 9pm