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Added on Wednesday 17th Dec 2025

Parish Council News December 2025

  • Parish Council Clerk. Ruth Wright has now attended her last meeting as Clerk of the Parish Council, having fully handed over to Emily Young. We thank Ruth for all her very hard work and diligence and warmly welcome Emily to her new role.
  • Bellacouch car park. As you know, parking charges came into force in the new car park on the 1st August. The parking is administered by West Devon Borough Council on our behalf. For all those wanting to do their Christmas shopping or any shopping in Chagford, parking is free throughout December from 3pm on Thursdays and Fridays in both car parks. Bellacouch car park is always free overnight from 6pm onwards. Charges don’t start until 10am in the morning, helpful for a quick shop or for dropping off children at school. On Sundays charging is from 1pm to 6pm. Charges :- 50p for 1hr, £1.20 for 2 hrs, £1.90 for 3hrs, £2.40 for 4 hrs, £3.80 all day.
  • Highways Parking Review. Between now and late January we will be meeting with Devon County Council Highways Department to finalise the review of on-street parking in Chagford. You will recall that there was a survey carried out in June of people’s views and Highways are now looking for confirmation that we are happy with the plan as it is or whether we would like to revise parts of it.
  • EV Chargers. Just to remind everyone that the EV chargers are up and running in the new Bellacouch car park. In order to power the EV chargers with sunlight, the Parish Council will be applying for planning permission to put more solar panels on the roof of the business units’. We will keep you informed of the outcome.
  • Phone Box. We are busy preparing to give our newly acquired phone box a thorough face lift in the New Year and then to install a new defibrillator in it.
  • Padley Common Scrub Clearance. The work of clearing young trees and saplings that were beginning to crowd out the rare butterflies etc. goes on a pace, with enthusiastic help from the Chagford Conservation Group and other keen volunteers. Many thanks to all. The work at Padley initially came about because of concerns that it was getting overgrown with willow and birch, and threatening the habitats of many boggy species of plants and animals, some quite rare, in particular the Marsh Fritillary Butterfly, which finds the boggy bits of Padley perfect for its needs. Clearing the scrub is the first step to the bogs’ recovery. Once under control, hopefully, we can then let the grazing of ponies and cattle do the rest of the work for us.
  • Padley Common Boardwalks. Following rather protracted grant applications and tendering, our appointed contractor, Greenspace, is now about to start on site. They will be installing timber boardwalks over the muddiest bits of the paths and reinforcing the edge of the pond. They will be bringing heavy machinery on site so do take care while the work is proceeding. When it is all complete, the plan is that you will be able to navigate the west side of Padley without sinking thigh deep in the bog, as several of us have done on recent site visits.
  • Padley Common Field Gates. As part of the boardwalk scheme, the Dartmoor National Park have asked us to replace the existing gates that lead from the Recreational Ground to the Commons as they have become very worn and can be difficult to open. The park are also funding an information board with a map and details about the species that are being protected by our work.
  • Thermal Imaging Camera. You may have spotted on local news that our District Councils have Thermal Imaging Cameras to loan to parishes. The cameras show up the hot and cold spots in one’s house, indicating where draft proofing and insulation might usefully be carried out in order to make our houses warmer and, therefore, cheaper to run. We plan to hire a camera in mid to late January for 4 weeks to loan out to anyone in Chagford who would like to use it. We plan to organise demonstration sessions to allow people to see how it works and how to use the information it might provide. In addition, we will have access to information about advice and grants etc. that might be available. More info to follow.
  • Road Warden. We are pleased to report that we now have two volunteers who have completed their training as road wardens for Chagford. Any road issues should still be reported to highways here: https://www.devon.gov.uk/roads-and-transport/report-a-problem/. Our road wardens will then be instructed by highways to carry out any of the more minor repairs that they have been trained to tackle, such as filling small potholes and clearing vegetation.
  • Our Snow Warden has been checking the salt bins and will replenish the salt. A new salt bin is planned to be installed outside Market house and the one at Grammers Lane’s should be repaired.
  • Our Devon County Councillor for Chagford, Cllr Sue Davies, has brought a couple of items of interest to our attention:-
    1. Fostering in Devon - DCC are keen to promote the work of the Children’s services team that work hard to find stable, caring home environments for the hundreds of foster children within Devon – currently many of them are placed in care outside the county.
    2. Library Services in Devon - there is a newly released survey for residents to complete to find out their views on our libraries and how we should move forward in maximising usage and supporting them. With our own popular library facility here in Chagford, it would be useful if residents could cast their views and give credit where it is due. Your support for the local library is vital to ensure it stays as a county facility: even if you don’t use it often, some residents find its various offerings a lifeline. Please find the link here: https://devonlibraries.commonplace.is/
  • Please contact DCC Cllr Davies with any questions or concerns for local issues you may have: Sue.davies@devon.gov.uk
  • A reminder from WDBC. The Household Support Fund is available up to March 2026, to help carers, young people leaving care and families with 3 children or more who are in need. For further information go to: https://www.westdevon.gov.uk/benefits-and-support/other-available-support/household-support-fund

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Minutes of all meetings are on the website if you want to look at them.

As always, a reminder that you are welcome to attend our regular monthly meetings, held in Endecott House on the 2nd Monday of every month at 7.30pm. The agenda is posted on the website and notice board on Wednesday or Thursday before each meeting.

If you would like to receive a regular copy of the newsletter by email please contact Emily, the clerk, at clerk@chagford-parish.co.uk with your email address.

And so A HAPPY CHRISTMAS to all and BEST WISHES for the coming New Year.

From all at the parish council,

Belinda Hayter-Hames

belinda.hayter-hames@chagford-parish.co.uk

(Chair)

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