Resignation of Parish Councillor Karen Edwards
In August, one of our longer serving Parish Councillors, Karen Edwards, stood down from the role. The remaining Councillors were very sorry to see her leave, as Karen has been a very valuable member of the Parish Council and her knowledge and expertise will be sorely missed. Everyone wishes Karen & Andy all the best with the future plans.
Payhembury Parish Council vacancy
With the loss of Karen as a Parish Councillor, the Parish Council now has a vacancy to fill. This will be done by co-option, as an election was not called to find a new Parish Councillor.
If you would like to find out more about the role of a Parish Councillor, please contact one of the existing Councillors or the Parish Clerk for more information. If you are interested in applying for the role of Parish Councillor, please complete the application form and return to the Parish Clerk (by email or post) by Wednesday 4th November. The application form can be found on the Parish Council website (https://payhembury-pc.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/Policies/Policies-and-Procedures/Casual-Vacancy-Co-option-application-form-v2_0.pdf ) or, if you contact the Parish Clerk, I can send you a copy.
The Parish Council will consider applications at their next meeting on Wednesday 11th November.
Reporting issues with the roads
If you find any issues with the roads, please report them to Devon County Council.
Devon County Council are responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of all the roads and public rights of way in Devon. They have a dedicated website for reporting and tracking issues including:
| · potholes | · public rights of way |
| · flooding or blocked drains | · debris/obstructions |
| · hazardous or fallen trees | · fences or barriers |
| · overgrown vegetation | · traffic light issues |
| · ice | · defective road markings/signs |
| · parking | · street lights/lit signs/lit bollards |
| · grit bin issues | · bridges or retaining walls |
| · trip hazards | · broken manhole covers |
If you find any issues, please report them on the DCC website – www.devon.gov.uk/roads-and-transport/report-a-problem/. If the issue you want to report is not listed, or you cannot access the internet, please call 0345 155 1004 to report it.
Roadworks – October & November 2026
The following roadworks are scheduled for October & November 2026. However, changes to the dates for these scheduled roadworks can happen nearer to the time (see link below for latest information). Some re-active repairs could also happen at short notice, eg pothole repairs, and these may also be included on the webpage link below:
- Haskins Cross to Colliton Cross (Luton to the A373): Friday 30th October – road closure for work by Openreach.
For further information or updates, please see the Devon County Council ‘Interactive roadworks map’ on the webpage https://www.devon.gov.uk/roads-and-transport/traffic-information/roadworks/live-roadworks-information/
Payhembury Parish Council
Vacancy for Parish Clerk / Responsible Financial Officer
Part time Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer of the Parish Council. Salary scale SCP 14-18 (£15.82-£16.89 per hour), depending upon experience and qualifications. An average of 35 hours per month which includes at least one evening meeting every two months, working from home.
Payhembury Parish Council is looking to appoint a Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer with the drive, determination, organisational skills and attention to detail to manage a varied and demanding workload. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who wishes to work from home yet become involved with the life of a small rural community.
In addition to managing the day-to-day work of the Parish Council, the post holder will work closely with Councillors to plan and implement the aims and objectives of the Council. As Responsible Financial Officer you will manage the Council’s accounts and budget.
Although an appropriate qualification would be preferred, the Parish Council will support an applicant following appointment to study for the Certificate in Local Council Administration (CILCA) qualification. The ideal applicant would have financial and administrative experience, an understanding of local government and be able to demonstrate enthusiasm for working with residents of a rural community. On-the-job training is also available.
Closing date for applications: Wednesday 14th October 2026.
Application forms and further information are available by contacting: Payhembury Parish Council email: clerk@payhembury-pc.gov.uk or via the Parish council website: https://payhembury-pc.gov.uk/elections-vacancies/