Parish Council
Parish Council Minutes June 2026
Minutes of the Meeting of Sticklepath Parish Council held on 1st June 2026 at 7:30pm at Sticklepath Village Hall
PDF Downloadable Version of Parish Council Minutes June 2026
Councillors Present:
Cllr Kevin Sales (Chair), Cllr Derek Moore (Vice-Chair), Cllr Kay Loram, Cllr Jacob Powell, Cllr Beth Hawking.
In Attendance:
Julia Wherrell (Clerk)
One member of the public
559.1 Declarations of Interest
There were no declarations of interest
559.2 Apologies for Absence
Cllr Lyn Daniel (West Devon Borough Council) sent her apologies. These were accepted.
559.3 Public Participation
There was one member of the public present regarding the councillor vacancy.
559.4 Approval of the Minutes of the Meeting held 11th May 2026
The minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 11th May 2026 were considered, agreed and signed as a correct record.
559.5 Reports
559.5.1 Chair’s Report
Cllr Sales thanked Cllr Hawking for all her work in organising the Annual Parish Meeting. The attendance of Josh Scillitoe from Devon Highways highlighted the good relationship the Council has established, via Road Warden Cllr Powell.
Comment had been made to Council about an air source heat pump being installed at a listed property within the village. DNPA to be notified to express the Council’s concern. Action: Clerk.
Comments had also been received about vegetation overhanging the pavement at the east end of the village.
559.5.2 The Playing Field Committee Report
Cllr Loram reported that overgrown trees from Homes Park had damaged a resident’s fence. LiveWest was due to deal with it but failed to arrive, so some preliminary pruning was carried out. Quotes are to be obtained for topping the offending trees. Action Cllr Loram
The Auditor’s comments about the Playing Field Committee’s failure to meet since 2024 and its lack of written records were considered. It is necessary to document any action which benefits the Parish Council and any assets that it holds, including the playing field. Any fundraising carried out in support of a representative entity within the wider council framework is required to indicate where and when it is receiving this financial support and for what purpose. As the Council is ultimately responsible, it was agreed that the Playing Field Committee should meet at least once per annum (and up to three times), and that the minutes should be submitted and published. Proposed by Cllr Moore, seconded by Cllr Sales. Action Cllr Loram
559.5.3 Sticklepath Street Project Committee (SSPC) Report
The upcoming meeting was rescheduled for 28th July to accommodate Rob Sewell’s personal situation.
A verge cutting schedule has been set up. Quotes to be obtained. Action: Cllr Moore
Highways will do the visibility cuts twice a year avoiding half of the verge with the yellow rattle. It was agreed to leave the plan as it stands and any changes will be made next year.
559.5.4 Sticklepath Moor Nature Reserve Committee (SMNCR) Report
A risk assessment and statement of liability were produced by Cllr Powell. These were accepted. The document needs to be added to the website. Action: Clerk
559.5.5 Clerk’s Report
The Clerk suggested establishing a social media presence for the Council. She had already obtained examples of other councils’ social media policies for reference. This is to be discussed at the next meeting. Action: Clerk
Funding of ILCA training was agreed, and the Clerk will begin studying for the qualification as soon as possible. Action: Clerk
559.5.6 Road Warden’s Report
Cllr Powell reported on a hazard on the verge at the west end of the village. Ropes and stakes were removed with a sign remaining. Both the resident concerned and Devon Highways were happy with the outcome.
The water main in Black Lane had been repaired, and the resulting hole tarmacked. The drain still needed to be cleared. Action: Cllr Powell
Cllr Loram reported that a resident at the entrance to Oaktree Park was willing to have a ‘20s plenty’ sign on their property. Cllr Moore to approach the residents. Action: Cllr Moore
559.5.7 Okehampton Cluster Group Report
Cllr Moore reported on the networking event organised by DALC at Okehampton Charter Hall on 22nd July. He and the Clerk are attending, but the event is open to all councillors.
559.6 Posting of public notices on Community Website
It is hoped this can be simplified as part of the ongoing website discussion. See 559.7.2
559.7 Items brought forward and actions from previous meeting
559.7.1 Bus Shelter Notices
Cllr Moore has asked for a quote for producing two 5cm square logos in durable plastic or metal, with a budget in the range of £30. Proposed by Cllr Moore, seconded by Cllr Sales.
559.7.2 Website Changes
Cllr Loram has been through all paperwork relating to the issue and will discuss it further with Cllr Powell. A meeting with the developer will be arranged. The Clerk also wished to raise a few issues concerning formatting, which will be included in the forthcoming meeting. Action: Action Cllr Loram and Cllr Powell
The Clerk reported that a link from the Village website directing people to the Council website for all council-related matters had been actioned. Proposed by Cllr Moore, seconded by Cllr Sales.
Cllr Powell left the meeting at 20.51.
559.7.3 Clerk’s Handover
The former Clerk, Sally Fullwood to be asked to provide evidence of the destruction of her banking card. The Clerk to look at changing passwords to ensure security. Action: Clerk.
The Council recorded their thanks to Sally for her diligence and hard work. Proposed by Cllr Sales, seconded by Cllr Moore.
559.7.4 Councillor Vacancy
It was agreed that Ewa Farwell will be co-opted to the vacant position on Sticklepath Parish Council at the next meeting. Proposed by Cllr Moore, seconded by Cllr Sales.
559.8 Finances
559.8.1 Auditor’s Report
This was accepted.
559.8.2 AGAR
The Certificate of Exemption, Annual Governance Statement and Accounting Statements from the Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR) were read out, agreed and signed.
559.8.3 The Annual Governance Statement was agreed and signed.
559.8.4 The Certificate of Exemption was agreed and signed.
559.8.5 The Accounting Statements were agreed and signed.
The Clerk is to thank the auditor and ask him to continue for the next financial year. Action: Clerk.
559.8.6 Payments
It was agreed to authorise the following payments:
| 559.8.6.1 | James Hallam Insurance | Insurance renewal | £601.56 |
| 559.8.6.2 | N J Chadwick Accounting | Internal Audit Inv. 440 | £70.00 |
| 559.8.6.3 | West Country Grounds Maintenance | Cutting Playing field 000560 | £234.00 |
| 559.8.6.4 | Sticklepath Village Hall | Hire charges Jan – March
(omitted from previous month) |
£42.00 |
| 559.8.6.5 | Lloyds Bank | Bank Charges | £4.25 |
| 559.8.6.6 | Sally Fullwood | Clerk handover costs | £809.54 |
| 559.8.6.7 | Julia Wherrell | Clerk Salary | £288.09 |
| 559.8.6.8 | ILCA Clerk training | On-line course | £140.00 |
559.8.7 Receipts
To note the receipt of the following payments:
| 559.8.7.1 | 9th May | Interest | £2.29 |
559.8.8 Other Financial Matters
The following matter was noted:
Current Balance £9,381.25 (including £7,393.66 in savings).
The Clerk had moved £2,000 into the savings account.
559.9 Asset Register
Cllr Loram presented the updated Asset Register that now includes photos of the bus stop and the leaf blower and this was agreed. Proposed Cllr Loram, seconded Cllr Powell.
559.10 Planning
559.10.1 Planning Applications
None had been received.
559.10.2 Planning Decisions
None had been received
- Planning Matters
None had been received.
559.11 Annual Accounts 25-26
These were accepted. Proposed by Cllr Sales, seconded by Cllr Moore.
559.12 Standing Orders
Cllr Hawking is to provide a clean copy for approval and uploading onto the website. Action: Cllr Hawking
559.13 Code of Conduct
Cllr Sales has reviewed the policy and felt no changes were required. This was agreed.
559.14 Training & Development Policy
The Training & Development Policy has been reviewed by Cllr Loram who proposed that no changes needed to be made and it was duly signed off with the proviso that it will be reviewed annual in future rather than every three years as it currently stands. This was agreed.
559.15 Defibrillator Replacement
Cllr Hawking is looking at the various defibrillators available and will report back at the next meeting. Will was again thanked for his fundraising efforts. Action: Cllr Hawking
Items for Next Meeting
Defibrillator – Cllr Hawking
Cost of new Councillor training – Clerk
Co-opting new Councillor
Training & Development Policy – Cllrs Loram and Powell
Payment for Microsoft 365 to Clerk
To receive any other urgent items for July
The meeting ended at 21.17
Parish Clerk: Julia Wherrell, Moss Cottage, Sticklepath EX20 2NW
Mobile: 07939 362840 Email: clerk@sticklepath.org