Report of the Meeting of the Shaldon Parish Council 25 th March 2008

Our Chairman, Cllr Chris Clarance, explained that affordable housing sites were being identified as a priority of Teignbridge District Council (TDC). In this regard, surveyors, in conjunction with Teign Housing, had recently surveyed the land in front of Palks Close. He went on to explain that 10 letters of objection and 1 of support together with a petition of 103 signatures had been received regarding the extension to the Wildlife Trust into the woodland. Tracey Moore, Director of the Trust was present at the meeting and stated that the Trust was worried about misinformation being given to the public via this petition. She explained that the Trust had carried out a full independent ecological survey and the proposed area of land was small and shaded with no protected species. The application is being considered by TDC Executive at the end of April.

Cllr Williams explained that no information was available about post office closures until 4 th May and no action could be taken until this date. He went on to report that the SPC emergency flood plan had been carried out satisfactorily on 10 th March, and had created good publicity for the village. He congratulated all the members of the team. Cllr Williams also raised the subject of making the public aware of the complaints procedure available to them should they wish to make a complaint about a parish councilor. All agreed that this information should be posted on the notice board. Cllr Smith was very happy to report that at last the state of the roads at Salty and Peppery lane had been dealt with and the potholes filled in.

Cllr Storton confirmed that the ferryboat shelter was currently being renovated and would be much improved for the summer season. She advised that a new procedure had been put in place by TDC for stray dogs which will be posted on the noticeboard for information. She reported that SPC had met and discussed the first conservation area appraisal for Shaldon and Ringmore and sent comments to Policy & Heritage at TDC. She had attended the police liaison meeting at which policing priorities had been agreed at 1) traffic issues (speeding & parking), 2) police availability and presence and 3) marine crime. She went on to confirm that the first meeting of the newly formed working party to look at the feasibility of a footpath alongside the allotments on the Torquay Road had been agreed for early April.

Cllr Shelter continues to pursue the problems of meeting regulations regarding the display of flag bunting in the village this summer. He and Cllr Clarance had walked the village looking at points where the flag bunting could be fixed and the logistics of increasing the height in line with regulations. Permission may need to be sought from property owners regarding fixing flags and lampposts needed inspection by Devon County Council. Confirmation of correct insurance coverage was also pending. Two members of the public objected to the bunting display around the Green saying it looked unsightly and scruffy. In this regard, SPC will be seeking the views of the 1785 and water carnival committee as users of the Green in the summer.

There followed a discussion regarding the feasibility of installing temporary or permanent vehicle activated speed signs. The speed sign which had been relocated from Bridge Road to Ringmore Road was generally felt to be effective in slowing traffic although Cllr Shelter commented that a unidirectional sign would be more effective in slowing down traffic on both sides of the road. Cllr David Cox, District Councillor, suggested sharing the cost with another parish and these costs will be discussed and considered at future meetings.

The Bridge Safety working party had met to discuss the issue of fishing lines dangling from the bridge with concerns for car drivers, motorcyclists and boat owners. A decision had been made to create a byelaw to be enforced by the Police at a cost of £600 split between Shaldon and Teignmouth councils. Consultation and press releases will be carried out by the working party.

Finally, my thanks to Mrs Lyz Dorey for stepping in and taking the minutes of this meeting in my absence.

Barbara Coley
Clerk