May I introduce myself as the new Parish Clerk for Diptford – I have taken over from Sue Lucas who, I fear, may be a hard act to follow! I already have some experience, as I have been Ugborough Parish Clerk for the last two years.
My first Diptford Parish Council Meeting was held on the 3rd March, which introduced a new innovation – instead of the minutes being published in full in the newsletter, I shall present a summary, together with any other items affecting the Parish. However, you will still be able to see the minutes, which will be displayed on the website, www.diptford.org.uk and on the noticeboard. These will be ‘Unapproved Minutes’, or draft minutes, which may be subject to amendment at the next Parish Council Meeting.
The February Parish Council Meeting, which has slipped through the publicity net as a result of these changes, started with disturbing news about irresponsible owners allowing their dogs to harass injure and kill sheep poultry and ducks – as explained in last month’s newsletter, farmers are entitled to destroy a dog that injures or worries their animals.
Irresponsible owners were also responsible for letting their dogs foul the grass verge by the Parish Hall, which the school children use. The dog warden has placed warning signs and a dog waste bin in the area and will be carefully monitoring the situation.
Other items discussed at the February meeting included confirmation from SHDC that a retrospective planning application was required for the new track at Holsome Park. Improvements to footpaths over the last year included planings to Footpath 1, with the gate on Footpath 4 near Mutwell no longer being tied up.
The March Parish Council Meeting discussed the new constitution of the Playing Field Group. This will be an independent group, with its own finances, working within the framework of the Amenity Trust, and will concentrate on the daily running of the playing field, special projects and events.
The Computer Club was awarded a £120 grant towards telephone charges and Councillors were given a tour of its new premises, which were very impressive. Those who already have access to the internet may be interested in a new website, www.communitiesinaction.org.uk, which analyses the content of community plans and makes the information widely accessible. The Diptford Parish Plan is already very much in evidence on the website – and it is hoped that planning officers will refer to the data when determining policy and applications.
Two planning applications were considered at the meeting; no objections were raised to the horse exercise area at Beech Grove, Halwell, and Councillors supported the replacement of two windows, re-roofing of shed/garage and demolition of lean-to shed at Church House, Diptford.
I am afraid your new Clerk’s holiday commitments have messed up the Parish Council Meeting schedule. As a result, the next Parish Council Meeting will be held on Monday 21st April at 7.30pm – and you are welcome to attend!