Prior to the start of the November meeting of Amroth Community Council, a welcome was extended to Mr. Tim Jones, of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority.
Joint senior ranger for the Amroth to Angle coast path, Mr. Jones reported that it was WAG policy to pursue an all Wales coast path to be completed 2012/13. A major priority would be to improve the access links from surrounding counties. Any logo for Amroth/Poppit Sands would need to match in. A forthcoming Marine Bill would commit English authorities to improve access to the coast. WAG may adopt part of the bill to suit Welsh needs. Any improvement needed to be sensible to walkers. Clr. James said it was important to make more use of the beginning/end of the footpath at Amroth. Signage and certificates could be available via passport books and a certificate could be available at the New Inn/Amroth Arms. Mr. Jones suggested an information/signage plaque could be incorporated onto the footway with a 'congratulations' sign etc. Leaflet boxes could be put on the board which would need to be restacked during the season. Mr. Jones said that he would follow this up and that the next step would be seeking planning approval.
On another issue, Clr. Brinsden said that the path starting in Pleasant Valley caravan site to the Pleasant Valley road kept flooding, meaning that walkers had to infringe onto private land. Mr. Jones said that this improvement was on the work schedule. He confirmed that the new boundary for the National Park was changed in 1995 to stop at the bridge in Pleasant Valley and that in total there were 23 paths in Amroth Parish that he looked after.
A question was asked about the path from Eastlake Farm to the stream which could be difficult to walk on, especially after heavy rain and tractor use. The path leading from Hannah's Plain to Ledgerland Farm could be impassable in places. However, Mr. Jones said that this path was not within his remit.
Clr. Harries asked about the path that went from Amroth Farm across to Colby Lodge. There had been a complaint from a resident about the new gate that had been put there instead of the style. Mr. Jones stressed that it was the National Park priority to improve access for walkers and hence gates were a better option. He left a copy of the paths in the area for which he was responsible, together with their maintenance schedules.
Clr. James thanked Mr. Jones for attending and for his very useful input. He assured the community council that he would keep in touch regarding developments of the coastal path start/finish location at Amroth.
Matters arising
Blue Flag: Clr. Brinsden said he had a copy of the presentation given by Professor Kaye, of the Environment Agency, if anyone wanted to read it. Action had been taken on the Pembrokeshire flag for the flagpole on the beach at Amroth and this was to be reinforced ready for the summer.
Broadband: This work was now in hand. Clr. Brinsden read out a cabinet statement showing the cabinet's work in chasing up BT and WAG regarding this issue. Forms had gone out to all residents within the area asking them to write to Nerys Evans if they were experiencing problems with accessing broadband.
PLANED Community Action Planning: It was reported that there were several areas of the final Action Plan that had already been undertaken - The Coast Care Group was now formed; there was a Newsletter Group and a Heritage Group was underway having had a first meeting. The Amroth and District Community Association had been formed together with the existing Amroth Parish Hall Committee. Llanteg had its own Llanteg Community Association which worked in conjunction with the Llanteg Village Hall. It was stated that now there was a great opportunity to work together across the community council area and help to lead on the key priorities identified in the Action Planning process by local people. Clr. Brinsden reported that he is still working on the sewage issue in our area. Welsh Water and EA are being invited to the Scrutiny Committee in January when Cllr Brinsden will be speaking about this on-going problem. Cllr Brinsden also stated that it was important not to live in the past, but to move on and embrace the Action Plan and its community-identified developments. He stressed that pulling together at this time was crucial for everyone's benefit.
Coast Care Group: Three cleans had been done so far in Amroth at the slip-way, at the New Inn and at Telpyn beach. Cleans to date had been very successful with a wide range of local people turning up to help. The group would warmly welcome more volunteers and council would encourage anyone to get involved in this important aspect of looking after the environment. The next clean at Wiseman's Bridge will be in the new year.
Newsletter: This will be distributed over the next two weeks. Any contributions for the next issue will be gratefully received.
Enhancement of promenade in Amroth: The job was now complete. There were no seats at the far end and this was being looked in to. Clr. Brinsden reported about work on the groynes reinforcements at Amroth. They were hoping to start this in the next three or four weeks. They were awaiting agreement from WAG. It was agreed by everyone that some solar lighting would be ideal for the dark areas along the seafront. All councillors agreed that lighting would greatly improve the safety of the promenade at these specific points. Clr. Brinsden would look into this and report back.
County Councillor's Report
County Councillor Tony Brinsden said that there would be road closures in Stepaside and Wiseman's Bridge over the coming weeks. The stream at the Heritage Park had been dammed with debris over towards Brook Cottages. The council and the EA had been informed and hopefully some action would be taken. It was suggested that Kilgetty/Begelly should be informed about this. Clr. Brinsden said he would inform the relevant councillors.
Bus shelter: Council agreed that it would like a bus shelter in Amroth village, the same as the one in Llanteg. It was proposed that council go ahead with this in accordance with the information from County Hall.
Amroth sign in village: The sign was now back in position.
Corner by Pen Glyn: Councillors queried whether there was permission for a static caravan on a separate area of land at Pen Glyn. Clr. Brinsden would enquire about this.
Lay-by in Summerhill: The sign has still not been replaced. A further letter was to be written to PCC.
Slip-way to beach by New Inn: One councillor had some photographs that illustrated the feasibility of a narrow slipway onto the beach by the New Inn. He said that a 1.6m wide concrete groyn at the end of the sea defence scheme opposite the New Inn would be the ideal place. A letter would be sent to PCC with this suggestion.
Dog-fouling signs in Summerhill: Nothing had been done. A further letter was to be written to PCC
Church View, Summerhill: Nothing had happened as yet with regard to the obliterated sign. Clr. Brinsden would look into the issue.
Pleasant Valley: The 30 mph sign had still not been replaced. A reminder would be sent.
Blocked drain in lay-by in Summerhill: This work was still not done. A reminder would be sent
Flooding at Woodview: Clr. Brinsden stated that excess water was being allowed to be fed into the main drain.
Pot holes on road between Stanwell corner and Colby corner: Nothing had been done. A reminder would be sent.
Overhanging trees on Amroth hill: This was now in hand.
Planning
Clr. Brinsden declared an interest and took no part in discussion
Rose Villa, Amroth - extension to provide a sun room and additional bedroom (no objection).
Concern was raised by National Park regarding dumping of debris on opposite side of the road. It was reported that the land owner was the same as the owner of Rose Villa. A letter would be written to National Park in response to their letter.
The Mean, Amroth - convert existing double garage to two bedroom house with conservatory and parking (objection - too much, too close and causing considerable congestion with difficult access. Councillors believed this to be a cramped form of overdevelopment).
Plot 3, Springburn Close, Kilgetty - two detached dwellings (permission granted).
Ael Y Don, Llanteg - providing annexe (permission granted).
Part OS 3948 Ludchurch, Narberth - mobile home in association with livery bus (permission granted).
Hillberry, Kilgetty, Stepaside - erection of dwelling (permission refused).
Cwmrath, Summerhill - erection of signs (refusal of consent).
Great Merrixton Farm - variation of condition three (approval granted).
Correspondence
PCC Temporary Road Closure letter, Wiseman's Bridge to Pleasant Valley, December 2-16.
Pembrokeshire Heritage Day - Saturday, November 29, at Slebech Park.
Matters for discussion at the next meeting
There was a complaint about an overhanging hedge on Cliff Road and a request for lines underneath the bridge at Stepaside.
It was suggested a community council meeting be held on February 19 at the new Amroth Parish Hall and every other month from then onwards, alternating with Llanteg Village Hall.
One councillor suggested that a sign could be made for the Amroth Memorial Garden. This would be on the next agenda.
It was reported that there was a Family Carol Service on December 7 at Llanteg Village Hall. Everyone welcome.
At the Amroth Arms, on December 20, Tempus will be giving a carol concert for all the community for a cot death charity.
It was also reported that there was a major problem in Amroth regarding drainage. Whenever there was heavy rain, the drain blocked near Saffron House which causes a flood running down the road. Clr. Brinsden would take action on this.
The next meeting will be on Thursday, December 18, at 7 pm in Llanteg Village Hall.