THE RESIDENTS of Sampford Courtenay have a few days left in which to vote on proposals which could change their village?s future appearance. Earlier this year, a 15-year campaign was won, to have electricity wires hidden underground. As part of the project, however, the village also lost its old street lights, which were mounted on the wooden posts that had supported the wires. These were replaced by motorway-style replacements on metal columns which shed an orangeish light over the village, causing much discontent. The parish council therefore decided to bring in an independent consultancy business to produce drawings of the different options open to the village if it decides to replace the offending lights with ones more in keeping with its thatch and cob buildings. The ISC Best Practice Consultancy based in Okehampton has now produced a series of drawings ? some showing the various lighting styles which Devon County Council could provide for the village, and others showing other reproduction streetlights for which fundraising would be necessary. At a recent meeting in the village hall, the drawings were presented for the village to vote on by ISC?s Sadie Coventry, who also lives in Sampford Courtenay. She said: ?At that meeting, several people told me that there were people away on holiday who would want to vote on the lights, so we?ve extended the voting period until Monday June 11.? Copies of the drawings will be on display until then in the pub, church, and village hall, along with voting forms for people to fill in. Anyone in the parish is invited to take part in the selection process ? completed forms need to be sent to the parish council clerk at: Hillside, Honeychurch, North Tawton, EX20 2AE.
