There was a meeting on 18 October in the Allardice Hall, chaired by Councillor Bridger and attended by Councillors Mrs Beer, Dack, French, Heywood, Lang, Richmond-Price, Smart, Smith, District Councillor Harding, one member of the public and Mrs S Squire, Parish Clerk,

Representations from a resident were heard under Public Participation and discussed later in the meeting.

Councillor Bridger declared a Personal Interest relating to financial assistance for Parkham Panto Group.

A Dispensation for Councillors Bridger and Mrs Beer were discussed in connection with the Steering Group for the public open space and would submit a letter to the Clerk for the Dispensation to be granted.

There was concern about dogs going into the public open space (POS) and the Clerk is to make enquiries from Torridge District Council if it has a Public Space Protection Order and if so, that Parkham’s POS is added to the Register.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 6 September were approved and signed as a correct record.

Reports were received from District Councillor Harding, Councillor Bridger (Stanley Court), Councillor Richmond-Price (arrangements for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee), Councillor Bridger (land management to achieve maximum habitat diversification at the POS), and Councillor Bridger on the defibrillator awareness training session.

Two Planning Applications were considered and one Torridge District Council Decision notice noted.

Finance: Balances were tabled, as were budgetary figures to the end of September and payments agreed.

Councillors agreed that £250 of the £20,000 received from Pearce Homes in connection with the Stanley Court development is used for incidental expenses. 

The Panto Group would ask the Allardice Hall for advance funding to put on the production.

Councillors agreed funding of £300 for Parkham Welcomes 2022 – afternoon tea at the Bell Inn in early January. 

Other items discussed under finance were the 2020/21 audit, insurance, letter of thanks from Go North Devon for a donation, second half of the precept received and quarterly direct debit for the lease of the photocopier at the school.

Matters Arising from the Minutes: Devon Air Ambulance Night Landing Site.  The lighting column had been erected.  Work would take place to improve the access to reach the site.

Signage in the Parish was still being progressed.

A price to renew the damaged gateway sign at Horns Cross was given.

Request for allotments was not being followed up.

Neighbourhood Plan project was put on hold until a government announcement on funding was made.

Atlantic Academy Governors had been advised that no one wished to follow up the invitation to consider becoming a Governor.

Parkham Parish Highway Rate Books had been deposited into the North Devon Record Office by Councillor Smart.

Correspondence.  Torridge District Council had asked for an estimate of rough sleepers in the Parish on 8 – 9 November.

An update was given on the School which is pursuing a new opportunity to work with another local school.

Councillors discussed representations from a member of the public regarding a Quiet Lane and did not think this was feasible.

Items raised by Councillors: The items requested by Councillor Slee was deferred to the next meeting as he was not present.

Four items were raised by Councillor Richmond-Price and discussed.

Urgent items raised by the Chairman.  Previous 20mph requests.  The DCC Highways Neighbourhood Highway Manager had advised that the traffic team are undertaking data collection for Parish’s/areas which have requested 20mph zones and he wanted clarification if this was from the Parish or individuals.  The Clerk to reply it was from an individual.

The next meeting will be on Monday, 29 November in the Allardice Hall at 7.30pm.  The 2022/23 budget will be set and the Precept agreed. For more information :Click here