Wembworthy Parish Council Meeting January 2026 Minutes

A Parish Council Meeting was held on Monday 8th January 2026 at the village hall at 7.30pm.

1/ Members present and apologies
Councillors Penter, Vile, Limond, and Tucker present Apologies received from Devon County Councillor and Mid Devon District Councillor Steve Keable No apologies received from Councillor Peters

2/ Public Questions
Sherrie Marshall present to observe meeting together with Ross Aubrey Smith who has recently moved into the village. The PC was asked about the progress with the new Broadband build. Councillor Limond responded that the last part of the build is digging up the A377 which is being delayed as a current embargo is in place. However this should be resolved soon so an expected completion is the end of January.

3/ Minutes of the last meeting
The minutes were agreed as correct

4/Matters arising.
Update about the nuisance dogs in Eggesford Woods . –
Gail Tucker Still no real progress as emails between Councillor Tucker and the Forestry as to what signs can be displayed at the main car park areas have been delayed with the Xmas holidays. Once Gail Tucker has sorted this the signs will be provided. The signs will provide information regarding contact details for help with any incidents.
2nd defibrillator for the village.
Further research by the clerk has found that there is an outside cabinet option without power which is insulated. Not ideal but would be worth trying with a regular check being made of the equipment to ensure it is functioning properly. All councillor voted to approve purchase of said cabinet with an approximate cost of £400. A rota will be drawn up for councillor to check the defibrillator weekly. The unit itself also now to be purchased by the clerk.
Emergency Plan–
Details of the works required by the village hall committee given to the PC to the outside toilet, which are fairly comprehensive requiring removing the toilet and internal wall. After further discussion the PC have decided that the best equipment that can be provided is flasks for hot drinks, batteries, radios, candles and tinned food. A list is to be complied by Councillor Vile and the clerk for the next meeting together with a working document. It was agreed that these items could be stored in one box so not needing to refurb the toilets as not a cost effective use of public money. It has been requested that a new grit bin be added to the bottom of the village. The clerk to request this from Devon Highways.
Replacement village sign and village planters
No response to reporting the village sign as damaged. One other road sign was repaired on the road past the Lymington Arms. The clerk is to approach Councillor Keable for contact details in Devon Highways about the PC paying for the village sign to be replaced. The planter still to be purchased. The clerk is to approach Dave Bailey as he made the planters in the main village.
Road signs for Spekes Cross junction
The PC is to purchase 2 signs showing “Please slow down Animals and People crossing” they will be installed in the Spring together with the “20 is plenty” signs.

5/Update on the councillors specialist areas
Graham Penter – Planning – nothing to consider 
Lawrence Peters – Flagpole – LD not present.. Flag rope replaced and all OK
Gail Tucker – Public relations & Social Media – After review the PC decided that the Xmas tree will go back to the centre of the village next year as a new site has been found.
Susan Vile – Church & Chapel liaison – Next service 1st February . Coffee morning 10th February. . No report from the Chapel.
James Limond – Broadband improvements for the village. The build is almost complete so will be ready for February 2026
Sarah Goody (clerk) – Village Hall liaison – Christmas social party poorly attennded but as the date falls on the last Saturday in December it wont be held for the next 2 years anyway. However Christmas day drinks were really well attended.
Roads and Hedges – Roads predicted to get worse with the weather. Ignore instructions on the Highways website about not reporting if already done.

6/Accounts
a) Update on bank balance £10269.64 as at 30th September 2025 (latest statement received) no movement since last meeting
£10223.08 PC funds
£46.56 remainder of the Jubilee Fund for the plaque
b) Cheques to sign
P Wright – grass cutting £300.
G Tucker – Xmas tree - £70
Wembworthy Village Hall – electric for xmas lights - £25

7/AOB for next meeting’s Agenda
Date of next meeting is Thursday 12th March 2026.
The Barnstaple to Exeter Railway working group to improve services. The PC is to request membership to the NDRDA. Their next meeting is 6th March so Councillor Penter is to try and attend.
Meeting closed at 8.55pm