Present: Cllrs Hockings, Janes, Fearn, Williams, Stubbings, Evans and D Cllr Steer.
Apologies: Cllr Preston-Day.
Public: 4
Clerk: Mrs D Crann
The Chairman opened the meeting by
welcoming everyone and asked the members of the public if they would like to
speak. Mr Lund came forward and reported that the Ford area in Harberton,
which had initially looked neat and tidy after its makeover last year, now
needed attention – especially the silt which had accumulated and now needed to
be pumped out. The Chairman explained that James Miller had agreed to keep the
grass trim and that DCC will be asked to pump out the silt. As no-one else
wished to speak, the minutes of last year’s meeting were then agreed and
signed by the Chairman as a true record.
The Chairman then asked the councillors to give their various reports.
Harbourne Shuttle – Cllr Janes reported that the fares were about even, but passengers had reduced (figures October to March), but this generally balanced out. It appeared that the bus was not wearing quite as well as the previous ones.
Harbertonford Primary School – D Cllr Steer gave a short report. The Parish Council did not have a governor representative now that Mrs Christiansen had resigned as a councillor, but D Cllr Steer acted for Devon County Council. The school had improved results and the staff had received an increment. The children had enjoyed taking their part in the planting of wild flowers for the flood scheme. They had recently won the Inter-Schools Swimming Gala. The general atmosphere in the school and the enthusiasm of the children was very noticeable, although there were falling numbers. The school, with the Parish Council, were still trying to solve the problem of the playground.
Harbertonford Playground Group – No representative at present.
Harbertonford Village Hall – Cllr Janes reported that bookings were at capacity. The new plans for the kitchen extension had been passed and estimates were now being sought.
Harberton Parish Hall – Cllr Stubbings reported that takings were running even. There had been some improvements – a store and shelves up in the gallery and a rubbing strip in the hall. Vandalism was, thankfully, at a minimum. The pantomime had been the best yet, with a record profit of £1,200.
Feoffees – D Cllr Steer reported. There had been the customary two meetings, with the usual fifty payments before last Christmas. They had also reinvested £30,000 last autumn for best value available.
South Hams District Council – D Cllr Steer advised that public consultations had pinpointed housing needs as top of the list. A “value for money” theme runs through everything now. Forward planning is presently on a five year basis. There had been an excellent audit report. Recycling was to be improved in line with this parish’s participation in the experimental scheme.
Chairman – Cllr Hockings gave his report. He thanked all the Harberton residents who had taken part in the landscaping of the Ford area. It had been a great community effort. The Harbertonford Flood Relief Scheme had now been completed and had worked well over the New Year. The official opening was to be on 15/5/03.
The Chairman thanked all the councillors for their support, especially the Vice Chairman, D Cllr Steer, Devon Councillor Owen Masters and the Clerk.
Cllr Hockings regretted that due to the new Code of Conduct registration, several councillors had felt they did not wish to sign. He also felt that due to the increasing burden of paperwork at each meeting, the councillors must consider a new way of reducing the burden and consequent late meetings.
It was then proposed by Cllr Evans, seconded by D Cllr Steer, to thank the Chairman for his tireless work during the past year. All in favour.
The meeting closed at 8.10pm.