Present: Cllrs Hockings, Beamish, G Janes, Patrick, Jeffreys, Williams, Stubbings and D Cllr Steer
Apologies: Cllrs Fearn and E Janes
Clerk: Mrs D Crann
Public: 5
Speaker: Mr J Halliday from DCC Highways
The Chairman opened the meeting and invited Mr Halliday to speak. He had come to talk about various projects in the Parish, with slides, which were either completed or under consideration by Devon County Council.
1) In Harberton. The drainage scheme in conjunction with SHDC and the Parish Council where work is now in progress.
2) In Harberton. A 20mph zone through the village is soon to be installed. This was at the request of the Parish Council.
3) In Harbertonford. Last year a new footway was constructed across the bridge on the west side of the A381, together with a zebra crossing outside the Maltster's Arms.
4) In Harbertonford. A 20mph speed limit is to be proposed throughout the village.
5) In the Parish. A Community Travel Plan, which will need the support of both villages.
6) Mr Halliday referred to item 3 – the zebra crossing in Harbertonford. This subject was fully discussed by the meeting and the recent accident was also mentioned. Other possible sites for the crossing along the A381 were also explored, ie: near the bridge and just beyond the bus shelter. Mrs Lawrence presented the speaker with a petition containing 100 signatures, which he will consider. The Parish Council will also give this matter their full consideration and will consult with the community with regard to what action should be taken.
7) Devon Local Transport Plan. This was the speaker’s final point and included the Community Travel Plan.
After further discussions, the Chairman thanked Mr Halliday for his presentation, especially as he had given up part of his holiday to attend our meeting. Mr Halliday then left, together with the members of the public.
The minutes of last year’s meeting were then considered and, after one amendment, were signed by the Chairman as a true record. Cllr Williams queried if minutes of the Annual Meeting could be signed earlier than in the past, ie: at the next monthly meeting. The Clerk will look into the matter and report back at the next meeting.
The Annual Reports then followed:
Harbourne Shuttle – The Clerk read out a report from Mr Clayton. “The operating deficit was £672.00 over two years, though donations and interest finally led to a surplus. During 2003/4 an improvement on morning fares, though Friday evenings showed a loss.”
Harbertonford Primary School – Cllr Beamish reported that the pupil numbers had fallen dramatically in the last two years and there were now three classes only. The PTA were looking for committee members and they were also looking for a volunteer to help with sports. The swimming pool needs to be cleaned and painted. Interest in music had recently seen an upturn. Due to the cook’s incapacity, the meals were now cooked off-site.
Harbertonford Playground Group – Cllr Jeffreys reported that a draft lease had been received and considered by councillors and had now been sent back to the Diocese with minor alterations for their attention. Money raised so far had been £1,300.00.
Harbertonford Village Hall – The Clerk read out a report from Ms Crimp. There had been no major problems. Bookings remain high. New kitchen extension – it was hoped building would start in the near future. New committee members are required!
Harberton Parish Hall – Cllr Stubbings reported that booking were very good. The recent pantomime made £1,600.00 over three nights. The kitchen was in process of refurbishment and there had been a new oil tank.
Harberton Playing Fields Association – This was now a separate entity to the Parish Hall. John Culf had recently purchased a new mower and was continuing to cut the grass. The upper car park had been resurfaced and rolled by DCC following their use of this car park during the recent drainage works in Harberton.
Feoffees – D Cllr Steer reported that there had been the customary two meetings and the annual distributions had taken place. With interest rates so low, funds were reduced. Reinvestment will take place later in the year.
South Hams District Council – D Cllr Steer reported that there were now almost no independent councillors. The priorities were still housing, the economy and environment. The Comprehensive Performance Assessment had taken place last June and SHDC had come top in the county – they were still taking steps to overcome any faults. There was a new Customer Service Unit planned. Less money had been put into reserves in order to minimise Council Tax increase.
Chairman – Cllr Hockings gave
his report. The Council was still trying to get the lease for Harbertonford
Playground finalised with the Diocese.
The zebra crossing was now in place, but causing a great deal of discussion in
Harbertonford.
The flood scheme in Harberton was now in progress, soon to be completed.
The Chairman thanked the Vice Chairman and all Councillors for their help and
support throughout the year, together with D Cllr Steer and the Clerk.
Devon County Councillor Owen Masters had also had his input, but was now back in Kosovo for a few months.
Cllr Jeffreys then proposed a Vote of Thanks to the Chairman for all his work during the past year. All in favour.
The meeting closed at 9.45pm. All councillors agreed not to proceed with the monthly Council meeting due to the lateness of the hour and would reconvene on the following Tuesday, 20/4/04, if the Clerk was able to arrange the booking at the school.