THE chairman of Holsworthy Hamlets Parish Council, Cllr Ray Fursdon, welcomed those attending the meeting of the parish council on Monday evening, August 23.

Eight parish councillors and district councillors Ken James and Pete Watson were present. Apologies for absence were received from district councillor Kit Hepple, county councillor James Morrish and PFCSO Mark James. No members of the public were in attendance.

Councillors received the monthly reports on the parish play areas, highways and community speedwatch. New shackles have been fitted to the chains on the swings in the Ken Carroll play area.

Five volunteers have come forward to join the new community speedwatch team in Staddon Road and they will be commencing their training shortly. A new speedwatch site in Staddon Road was recently agreed with the local police and this has been done in response to parishioners raising concerns about speeding traffic in that location.

Cllr David Campbell was unanimously elected to the vacant office of the vice chairman of the parish council. Cllr Janine King agreed to take on the vacant role of P3 coordinator for the parish footpaths.

Invoices totalling £2,638.65 were approved for payment.

A planning application consultation request from Torridge District Council was considered, application reference: 1/0803/2021/FUL (Change of use of land from equestrian to holiday use including the siting of three temporary pods along with associated access, parking, and landscaping on land at Grid Reference 235357 107904 Holsworthy). All relevant documentation, including the parish council’s comments, can be viewed at publicaccess.torridge.gov.uk/online-applicationsFollowing the recent resignation of Cllr Evelyn Sharman there is a vacancy on the parish council. This vacancy can be filled by co-option, so this is a chance to make a difference in the local area and get involved with future local projects. All parts of the parish ideally need representation, specifically Anvil Corner, Chasty, Blagdonmoor, Staddon Road to Holsworthy Beacon, Burnards House, Chilsworthy, part of Pancrasweek, Soldon Cross down to Sutcombe and Youldon Moor. If anyone is interested in filling the vacancy, they should contact the parish clerk for more details about the process and an informal discussion.

The parish council has installed a new bench on the Village Green in Chilsworthy for the use of parishioners and visitors enjoying this lovely open space.

The next meeting will take place on Monday, September 27, at 7pm in Chilsworthy Village Hall. All are welcome to attend.