To provide additional communication and interaction with residents, this page contains the Parish Council notes from the parish clerk published in the “Eagle” village magazine each month. (The December issue also covers January of the following year.) This page will contain the latest notes together with those for the previous two issues of the “Eagle”.

AUGUST 2026

At the beginning of the year, we were all complaining about the relentless rain and now we are all baking in the third heatwave of the summer. For this very reason, the village fete was held in the hall and the popular dog show had to be cancelled. We hope, it was still a success and next year we can make full use of the playing field again.

 

All councillors would like to say a big thank you to Dan Farr, who has decided to step down from his role as councillor. Dan has been on the council for many years as a valued member. He has, generously, agreed to stay on as snow warden for another year. Right now, the idea of snow and ice may seem alien, but I’m sure in a few months we will be glad to be able to count on Dan in keeping our roads clear and passable.

 

Dan’s resignation means that we have a vacancy for another councillor.  By the time you read this article, the vacancy will have already been advertised on the website and on the notice board. If by 24th July more than 10 electors come forward, an election will be held.  Otherwise, the council can co-opt another councillor.

 

If you are interested in becoming a parish councillor, you have to be at least 18 years old, a British or Commonwealth citizen, citizen of Republic of Ireland or be a qualifying EU citizen.  Also, you must fulfil  at least one of these four criteria:

• You are registered to vote in the parish

• You have owned or tenanted land or premises in the parish for the past 12 months.

• Your main or only place of work for the past 12 months has been in the parish

• You have lived in the parish – or within 3 miles of it- for the last 12 months

 

If you are interested or have any questions, please make contact via the website or contact the clerk or any of the councillors (contact details on the website and in The Eagle).

 

On 10th July, Sharron Newberry, Carol Wyatt and myself held an open evening in the village hall to see if there was any interest for a Youth Club and to just have an informal chat with parents and children. This was well advertised on the website, with posters and flyers. Especially Sharron went to a lot of trouble, she bought snacks and drinks, we got some games and toys out. Unfortunately, the response was absolutely zero. Sharron also displayed flyers on her information stall at the Village Fete, but again no interest at all.

 

We have come to the regretful conclusion that, despite Yarnscombe having a reasonable amount of children living here, a Youth Club is definitely not wanted and has come to a natural end.

 

JULY 2026

Hard to believe that the first half of 2026 is almost over. The same issues remain, unpredictable weather and an ever  increasing amount (or so it seems) of potholes.

 

At our last council meeting, one of our parishioners offered to take on the role of ROAD WARDEN. This is a voluntary role, working with the council and Devon County Council. A road warden can repair potholes, that do not meet DCC safety intervention levels, clear weeds, clean road signs, cut and manage verges, clean gully gratings and repair finger posts. Any volunteer will have to undergo training and all work needs to be pre-agreed with the local Neighbourhood Highway Officer.

We will need to ascertain more information from County Councillor Cottle-Hunkin and hope to provide a progress report next month.

 

The council has passed the internal audit for the last financial year, all documents available to the public will be published on the website in due course. Passing the audit means that the council fulfils all its legal obligations and manages its financial affairs in an orderly manner.

 

We may live in a digital age, but many people still value books and enjoy reading. THE BOOK BOX (the old Phone Box) provides a free facility for all parishioners to drop off books and swap them.  We are looking for a volunteer, who is able to and willing to ensure that books are stacked in a reasonable way and who could store an overflow of books at home, which should be no more than a card-box full. Please consider helping the community by keeping this amenity thriving.

 

Please contact the clerk (clerk@yarnscombe.org.uk) or any of the councillors.

 

Planning:  

1/0352/2026/FUL

Conversion of redundant rural building to 2no. dwellings and associated work (Self-build)

Agricultural Building At Grid Reference 255824 124492 Yarnscombe Devon

 

JUNE 2026

This month just a quick round-up of ongoing issues.

 

Youth Club

Quite a few young families have moved into the village in recent times and it would be nice to get the Youth Club up and running again. I was co-leader of the Youth Club a few years ago. Yes, at times it was a lot of responsibility, but overall it was a very positive experience and the children enjoyed it a lot. Also, it is a good way for children and parents to meet new people and make friends. Our County Councillor can help with grants to fund a group or specific activities. But we do need parent volunteers, the more the better, as responsibilities can then be shared. In the first instance,  make contact via the website or contact the clerk directly at clerk@yarnscombe.org.uk

 

PCSO

Ever since the retirement of PCSO Brown, there has been no contact or reports coming from the Police Community Support Officers for our area. Our District Councillor has been in contact with Police Commissioner Hernandez, in order to establish regular, up-to-date contact at parish council level. There are 4 weekly Teams meetings, but at present the clerk is unable to attend due to work commitments. The County Councillor recommended to get in touch with PCSO Cole. We will keep you updated.

 

New Councillors  

At present, we still have the full complement of councillors. Looking to the future, we will at some point need people to take up the role of councillor. If you are interested, just come to one of our meetings or contact one of our serving councillors. Training is available and apart from having to attend one meeting a month, you can invest as much or as little time to the role, as you are able to.

 

Planning:          

1/0289/2026/FUL | Demolition of an existing agricultural barn and erection of 1no. replacement dwelling together with associated works in lieu of Class Q (1/0984/2025/AGMB)(Self-build)