Wembworthy Parish Council Meeting July 2026 Minutes
A Parish Council Meeting was held on Tuesday 14th July 2026 at the village hall at 7.30pm. (postponed from Thursday 9th July 2026)
1/ Members present and apologies
Assistant chairperson councillor Vile, and councillors Limond and Tucker present
Apologies received from Councillor Graham Penter and Devon County Councillor Steve Keable
Ross Aubrey Smith attended to put himself forward for one of the parish councillor vacancies.
2/ Public Questions
Sherrie Marshall present to observe meeting as a member of the public.
No public questions.
Ross Aubrey Smith asked about the children’s play park that has been lost. It was explained to Ross what happened with the inability to agree with the landowner to renew the lease.
3/ Minutes of the last meeting
The minutes were agreed as correct
4/Matters arising.
a) The Emergency Plan
Now the training has been completed we are awaiting the receipt of the Emergency Hub kit which is expected shortly. The plan that was drafted by Susan Vile was discussed and it was agreed that the main action the PC can do is provide an Emergency Box with vital items for the village based at the village hall. A budget was agreed of £500 maximum to buy a large box on wheels and 2 gas stoves which can be used by the village hall. Emergency items such as torches and foil blankets. Councillor Vile will liaise with the clerk to stock the box. The clerk will check with the village hall committee that storing the box won’t be an issue.
5/Update on the councillor’s specialist areas
Graham Penter – Planning – nothing received to consider
Lawrence Peters – Flagpole – Not present but the Jubilee plaque has been installed on the front of the bus shelter. A replacement ridge tile is also needed still.
Gail Tucker – Public relations & Social Media – New newsletter person Emma Bowyer. Gail to be registered contact for PC items. Gail suggested doing councillor profiles so will come up with some information to put forward.
Susan Vile – Church & Chapel liaison –Coffee morning held in Chulmleigh raised £920 some of which Wembworthy will benefit from. Have had some contact from Bev at the chapel about ideas for use of the building. Will direct her to the newsletter so it can go out to the village for ideas. Next service 2nd August
James Limond – Broadband improvements for the village – The full fibre build is now complete for the village with the last few properties being connected in the next few days. A new role will be sought for James to specialise in.
Sarah Goody (clerk) – Village Hall liaison – the main annual event The flower and produce show is on 15th August so all efforts are being channelled into making this a success as the previous main organiser has now moved out of the village
Roads and Hedges – No new issues
6/Appointment of tradesperson for PC maintenance jobs
It has become apparent that it is no longer possible for councillors to complete these tasks. Councillor Tucker proposes that the PC employs a Tradesperson instead.
It was agreed that the clerk is to arrange any everyday jobs in the future. If larger jobs are required they will go out to tender as and when required by the PC.
current jobs are
Road signs which need some chain saw clearance work before installation
Ridge tile on the bus shelter
7/Insurance review – adding defibrillator and road signs
After discussion it was agreed to add the new defibrillator as the existing one will be covered by the village hall insurance. It was decided not to add road signs as little value to replace them. It was agreed to increase the insurance rebuild vale of the bus shelter to £10000. The clerk is to obtain a new quote which will be communicated by email but the PC has agreed to go ahead on the 3 year Long Term Agreement contract offered by Community First.
8/Change in digital policy – new website and email addresses to .gov.uk
This was flagged up by the internal auditor as it is now an expectation of parish councils by the Local Government Association (LGA)
A company has been found by councillor Tucker and the clerk has another company to consider but the clerk has requested that this be deferred until full fibre broadband has been installed at her property(the council address) on 27th July as the current service is not fit for purpose. Agreed by the PC.
Formal approval by the PC is given for the website domain change from MDDC page.
9/Accounts
a) Update on bank balance £13132.80 as at 30th June 2026 (latest statement received)
£13086.24 PC funds
£46.56 remainder of the Jubilee Fund for the plaque. This amount will now be paid to councillor Peters who has completed the job but is not present today
b) Cheques to sign
Community First – insurance amount now £279.91 3 year LTA
S Goody – copy paper £14.90
S Goody – fee for internal auditor - £25
c) change of bank signatories
Again the clerk suggested waiting until full fibre broadband completed or renting a room at Winkleigh Sports Centre to use theirs. Both existing signatories not present at meeting so contact to be made to arrange a date. The clerk is to report back about asking the bank to issue a debit card for the clerks use.
10/AOB for next meeting’s Agenda
DCC Councillor Steve has emailed the PC asking for it to support the work needed by Highways on the road to Heywood which is in a shocking state. The PC agreed to do this and the clerk will send a letter of support.
Co option of Ross Aubrey Smith to the PC – Proposed by Councillor Tucker and seconded by Councillor Limond. The clerk will notify MDDC and the paperwork will be started.
Meeting closed at 9.30pm
Date of next meeting Thursday 10th September 2026