We met at the Parish rooms at St Mary’s Church on Wednesday. A change of date to enable working councillors to attend meetings, particularly Cllr Leanne Bullock,  a busy GP. However, it soon became clear why the room was available, we were sandwiched between bell ringing and brass band practice nights!

Despite the very tuneful noise, we managed to hold a long but fruitful meeting and a number of actions were agreed, including providing sanitary disposal bins in the mens toilets, a recent initiative brought to the table by the Vice Chair Cllr Jane Taylor, after she heard an article about the campaign, Bins for Blokes. It was agreed to fit bicycle stands at  the Pavilion and rubbish bins at the Downs car park.

After a number of concerns from residents, the  clerk was asked to send a letter  to the TDC Planning Department, to ensure that all conditions for the new Oak Tree Business Park will be complied with.

The business park on the old Galliford Try, greenfield site, was controversial from the outset. Mike Haines, the head of the Planning Committee and a Kingskerswell Parish Councillor at the time, abstained from voting, even though the Parish Council voted against it, as did the residents.

However, when the vote was split, Cllr Haines gave his vote to his deputy and the planning was passed.

Cllr Dewhirst, had to answer some testing questions regarding Vehicle Activated Cameras in the village. A process that he had been assisting with for two years, without result. However, the chairman, John Radford had taken matters into his own hands and secured agreement within a few days of investigation.

The type of cameras have now been agreed and motorists will be greeted with a smiley face when they drive safely and slowly through the village – a huge thank you in advance.

Following the morning’s judging of the Britain in Bloom competition, the council congratulated Cllr Roger Jones,  chairman of the Kingskerswell Action Group, for all the hard work done by his group and it was agreed by all,  that the village is looking blooming lovely – thank you Roger.

The council were given an update on the Navigators by Penny Eustace, who campaigned tirelessly to secure a home for them. They are now settling nicely into the field on Churchway Lane, purchased by the Parish Council. Watch this space for further developments, including community allotments and the purchase of other land for re-wilding projects.

Penny had to report that a significant amount of criminal damage had been  caused to their property, by local lads. Despite all the young people being known, the investigation and resolution had to be done by Penny although it is understood the police are continuing their investigation.

The council received reports from the Kingskerswell Sports Club, Cricket Club and Football Club; all doing well and a particular mention on the growth of grassroots football into the village.

Finally, perhaps the most heated debate of the evening session was concerning complaints received by the council on the use of the playing fields by dogs off leads.

Numerous and diverse reports, which included dogs peeing on clothes and belongings of people seated outside using the cafe.

Other park users being knocked over by dogs and even dogs who take themselves to the field without their owner. It was agreed that this would be monitored until the next meeting and a record would be kept of incidents relating to  dogs and include anything they leave behind!