The police reported that there had only been one crime (a deception offence) in the parish last month. They remind us that it can happen so keep your eyes open. Do not be afraid to report suspicious incidents - with vehicle numbers and descriptions of people. For Emergency 999, for non emergency calls 08452 777 444, Crime stoppers is anonymous and free on 0800 555 111. The police website is www.devon-cornwall.police.uk

1. Apologies
• Apologies were received from Cllr Palmer and Cllr Date.
2. Declaration of Interest and update of Members’ Interests
• Cllr Foster declared an interest in 4a and 5a. Cllr Franklin in 6e.
3. Minutes of the previous meeting Monday 6^th February
• The minutes were agreed and signed.

The chairman suspended the meeting briefly to allow 2 members of the Amenity Trust management committee to ask the council to clarify the current position and future options. The council thanked them for coming and for their input.

4. Sub-committee Reports
1. Amenity Trust :
• The council agreed that the Parish Council accept the Amenity Trust trustees’ proposal and take over as corporate trustee of the charity on the basis that a minimum of 2 councillors take up positions on the management committee of which one must be chair, These 2 councillors will be the signatories on the trust bank account and will report back to the parish council regularly and request funds annually.
• Transfer of Trusteeship to Diptford Parish Council - Cllr Hill agreed to work with the Amenities Trust to assist in the submission of the relevant paperwork to the Charities Commission.
• The Licence for Devon County Council regarding their use of playing field - Cllr Hill reported that documents were being drawn up.
5. Planning Matters
1. 2813 17/0176/06/F Higher Farleigh - Barn for storage & agricultural use & 3 more field shelters. The council objected on the grounds that the development was too large for its purpose. The clerk was instructed to ask SHDC for an agricultural assessment.
2. 2810/11/12 the council noted that SHDC had granted permission to; Murtwell House extension, Church House internal alterations and Field nr Lower Larcombe erection of agricultural building.
3. It was reported to the council that SHDC had refused permission for the extension of Star House.
6. Highways and Paths
1. Diptford Junction it was reported to the council that DCC were making good the increased verge at the crossing, grassing it and placing reflective bollards there. They also intend to erect a new ‘Give Way’ sign.
2. A parishioner had complained about lorries using the village as a shortcut. If anyone see lorries of 7.5ton or over, that they do not think are delivering locally, please note registration time/day and report these to the police
3. Report street cleaning - the smaller mechanical cleaner is being repaired so is currently unable to clean Mill Lane and narrower roads.
4. Road closure on the Diptford-Avonwick road was postponed.
5. Footpath 2 diversion - there was no objection so the project will proceed shortly.
6. Footpath 1 - the warden has asked for a further sign for this on the school. Cllr Franklin agreed to approach the PCC.
7. District Councillor’s Report - Cllr Steer
1. The SHDC budget was agreed at 4.8 and includes an extra housing post and agreement for two further posts , a surveyor and senior planner to come out of the local planning ‘pot’ so they will not impinge on the council tax. The last executive recommended that the council underwrite signpost housing in Dartmouth - a listed church in bad repair - the back will accommodate 12 single people and the front run a ‘training for life’ project which brings training and employment to young people.
8. County Councillor’s Report - Cllr Date
• None
9. Parish Plan
1. The parts of the parish plan where positive action has been taken and volunteers come forward are going well - ie: the website and Homewatch. However the councillors were asked to apply some positive thought and homework as to which parts should be implemented next. Cllr Hill thought it may be possible that SHDC may be able to pass on their old computers for community use in the Village Parish Hall, Cllr Steer agreed to look into this.
2. Website: The website is working well and the number of visitors increasing. Currently any advertisers on the site have to take an advertisement in the parish magazine, councillors were asked to consider whether this is the best policy and bring ideas, such as charging or asking for sponsorship, back for the next council meeting.
3. Cllr Hill reported that the post office would not object to the council replacing the notice board for a new map.
10. Waste Collection Changes
• It was reported that the new bins were expected to be delivered within the next week for the area covered by the compressor lorry
11. Emergency Planning
1. It was suggested that SHDC environment department may have information that would be useful. Cllr Hill agreed to contact them. It was agreed to put this on the next agenda.
12. Correspondence and Points of Information
1. South Hams Sustainability Group invitation Light Pollution meeting was noted
2. Calor Gas Village of the Year forms were noted
13. Additional Items as per the Chairman
• The chairman suggested that all organizations should be contacted for their reports for the annual meeting in May.
14. Finance
1. The report and bank reconciliation was presented.
2. Cheques were agreed and signed:
15. Date of next meeting
1. Thursday 6^th April