Mr. Alex Allyson from Pembrokeshire County Council (PCC) was welcomed to the April meeting of Amroth Community Council to discuss disabled access to the beach by the New Inn on the village sea-front
The chair welcomed Mr Allyson who told the council that he was part of the community regeneration unit which helps organisations to generate grants and funding for community initiatives.
With regard to this particular project, he was speaking with National Park to find out who was responsible for the area. He hoped that the development would be part of the coastal defence project, currently underway.
Mr. Allyson emphasised the need to identify public support and councillors reiterated that this work was requested by all residents and visitors to the area.
In relation to ownership, it was reported that it was thought the area was the property of Crown. Permission for development would have to be sought and it was possible that planning permission would need to be applied for from National Park.
Mr. Allyson would be taking the next steps and would keep in touch with council.
The need for liaison with Emir Williams was stipulated as he had done some prior work on this. Mr. Allyson said he would be in touch with Mr. Williams.
The clerk would write to Mr. Allyson stressing the community need for this work to be carried out.
On a different matter, Mr. Allyson also said that there were re-cycled computers available from the PCC for community use, and it was agreed that the clerk would write to Mr. Allyson regarding the possibility of some computers for the new Parish Hall. The chair thanked Mr. Allyson for attending.
South East Energy group presentation: Janet and Vial Roberts also attended the meeting to discuss their work in the community.
Vial explained how the group became established and why they were doing the work. Janet explained how to save energy and cut personal energy costs. Councillors were encouraged to let constituents know how they could reduce their energy costs when opportunities arise.
The chair thanked Janet and Vial for their helpful and constructive presentation.
Minutes of meeting held on March 19 were agreed. It was reported that there had been a series of complaints and letters from a local resident about the terminology (the use of the word 'chair'), used in council minutes and press releases.
Council were asked for their opinion about whether the terminology should continue to be used. The view of council was unanimous that the wording currently used should continue.
Planed, Saundersfoot as the hub: Llanteg and Amroth and District Community Associations met in the Amroth Parish Hall to hear the plans for an EU/WAG project that would encourage community associations to work together, share resources and develop common projects. There would be an initial meeting to talk about this initiative on June 9 at St. Brides Hotel.
Blue Flag: Having lost the Blue Flag, it was hoped that it would be reinstated for next year.
Broadband: In the main, people who want broadband could now access it. There had been concerns raised regarding the quality of this reception. There would now need to be upgrades at some stage to improve quality of access.
Coast care group: May 17 for next clean.
Enhancement of promenade: The seating for the remainder of the promenade must be reapplied for. Clr. Brinsden would chase this up.
County Councillor's Report
County Councillor Brinsden was unable to attend this meeting and asked that the following be noted.
Blaencilgoed Quarry had received planning permission for temporary modification of Condition 64. They were granted this despite the fact that these lorries and bitumen tankers have to pass the rear entrance to Tavernspite School where there were no pavements and where many parents drop off their children. It would seem that the IPG who voted en-bloc for this to be passed have more affinity towards business than for the safety of pedestrians and children. As a result of request from local resident, Clr. Brinsden said he had requested 'Unsuitable for HGV' signs to be installed by Amroth School and Church and by the castle and Amroth Arms as it seemed that sat-navs were directing HGVs along these roads.
A complaint has been received from resident in Amroth about camper vans parking along sea-front in Amroth especially around the Mill. He asked for a letter to go to PCC requesting 'No overnight parking' signs and also in the lay-by in Summerhill which had been requested for the last 12 months.
Morgan's Way: A slow sign was still required. A further letter to be sent to PCC.
Bus shelter: Details had been requested of cost for this initiative.
Corner by Pen Glyn: A slow sign was required in the road as with Morgan's Way. This had been requested.
Pleasant Valley path: This footpath 1/1 in Pleasant Valley where the recent work which had been carried out was of very poor quality. A letter was to be sent to National Park concerning this.
Dog-fouling signs in Summerhill: There was continued concern about the amount of dog fouling in the area. Councillors were getting many complaints from residents and visitors. It had now been a year since this was first raised. Another email was to be sent
Blocked drain in lay-by in Summerhill: This was still blocked and a further letter would be sent.
Double white lines underneath the bridge at Stepaside: Job done.
Major problem in Amroth regarding drainage: Clr. Brinsden was looking into this.
Road and front and back of council houses in Summerhill: This was currently being addressed.
Drains at Meadow House Caravan: Still a problem. Could be a burst pipe. A letter was to be sent to National Park regarding this issue and copied to Meadow House.
Road from Wiseman's Bridge to the bridge in Wiseman's: This was still in need of repair. A further letter would be sent.
Car wheels in hedge at Summerhill lay-by: These were still in the hedge and another letter was to be sent.
Derelict chalet opposite Amroth Arms: Nothing had been don.
Textile recycling bank in Llanteg: This was still being considered
White steps need painting on Amroth sea front: The work had not been done. It was suggested council ask for fluorescent tape to mark the edges. A letter would be sent to ask for urgent action.
Trees beyond the hedge at crossroads by Folly Cross: These were obstructing the view, but nothing had been done on this matter. A reminder was to be sent.
Implications of amendment to parking restrictions in Amroth: Some residents had requested that a free parking 100 yards sign be placed by the Temple Bar, prior to the restriction coming into force, in order to alert visitors that they could stop in the village. This was put in a letter to PCC following last month's council meeting. It would be followed up.
Planning
3 Summerhill, Stepaside - erection of one dwelling (concerns raised/objection); Lavender Cottage, Llanteg - sorts activity centre (no objection); Ashgrove, Pleasant Valley - two storey extension (no objection); Trumans Park, Stepaside - erection of conservatory (permission granted); Somerset House, Summerhill - alterations and extensions to form two dwelling houses (permission granted); public toilets, Stepaside Bridge, Kilgetty - conversion and extension to former interpretative centre/toilets to form a dwelling (totally out of keeping with surrounding area/ objection); Myrtle Villa, Llanteg - erection of equine menage (no objection); The Manse, Ludchurch - erection of one dwelling (permission granted); plot adjacent to Pen y Daith, Pleasant Valley - amended design to garage (no objection).
Correspondence
Letter from PCC to Nerys Evans regarding parking at Summerhill estate.
Matters for discussion at the next meeting
Horses on promenade: This was creating significant mess in places and would ultimately damage the new promenade walkway. Council would like a sign which banned horses from the promenade. A letter was to be sent to PCC regarding this issue.
The next meeting will be on Thursday, May 21, the annual general meeting will be at 6.30 pm, followed by the monthly council meeting at 7 pm. It will be at Amroth Parish Hall. Matthew Owen, housing officer, will be attending to follow up the work on affordable housing
It was agreed that, due to personal circumstances, there would be no meeting in June. The June meeting will take place on August 20 at Llanteg Village Hall.