March 2022

Chair’s Report

I’d like to start by again thanking the members of the support groups throughout the Parish who have provided such invaluable help to our residents during the challenging times we have all experienced over the last two years. In spite of Covid it has been a busy year for the Parish Council.

During the last year we have replaced some of the play equipment and added a new picnic bench in Bittaford play park. We are grateful to SHDC and DCC for some grant funding towards the new equipment. We are also planning to replace the old climbing frame and are working with DNP to improve the footpath through the park.

The state of our lanes continues to improve as a result of the continued work of our Community Lengthsman who has busy around the parish throughout the year clearing drains and buddle holes.

DCC are starting work to build a roundabout at Kitterford Cross as part of the A3121 Safer Roads project. There will be some road closures while work is carried out.  DCC are also hoping to widen the B3196 (Loddiswell Road) to get rid of the pinch points. We don’t yet know when this will happen.

We are pleased to report that Ugborough Village meets the necessary criteria for a 20mph speed limit and so is now officially on the list for consideration. In order that DCC can prioritise their limited funding we have been asked to submit evidence this month that the community wish for a 20mph limit.

The Parish Council are still working with Ugborough Primary School and Westcountry Schools Trust to try to reinstate the license enabling public use of the school playing fields outside school hours.

The Parish Council finances are in good shape and it has been able to continue to provide grants towards community initiatives.  Over the last year, it has provided funding towards community planting in both Bittaford and Ugborough, Christmas lights for Ugborough Square and Bittaford, support for the Ugborough community website, Parish newsletter, Ring and Ride and the CAB.

We are in the process of sourcing a new flagpole for Ugborough Square. We will be sorry to see the existing flagpole go, which has been there since 1902, but sadly we are not going to be able to renovate it. We are also planning on producing some walking leaflets showing our favourite walks around the parish. We do still have some challenges including identifying a safe route through Bittaford for the proposed Ivybridge to South Brent cycle route.

Finally, none of this would have been possible without the support and hard work of the Parish Councillors and the Clerk, and the enthusiasm of our community. Thank you.