At the start of the January meeting of Carew Community Council, the chairman extended congratulations to John Brock on his recent award of an MBE in the Her Majesty the Queen's New Year's Honours List.

Mr. Brock thanked the council for their best wishes and said he considered his honour to be an award to be shared by the whole community.

MATTERS ARISING

Common Land: A letter was received from Pembrokeshire County Council regarding the current parcels of land held on their Common Land Register. It was agreed to mark out the current areas of Common Land on the Parish map held on file and to seek clarification on CL 31 marked as private.

Dog fouling, Carew Newton: A letter was received from the environmental health officer who suggested that the best way to improve the situation was by pubic awareness leading to a change in attitude by dog owners.

Pisgah Hill: A letter received from the area maintenance manager at PCC stated that the area in question was swept as often as resources allowed.

Paddock Walk: Work was presently in progress to rectify the flooding and following discussion it was agreed to seek clarification with regard to when the work would be completed.

Cycle path, Milton to Carew: The chairman informed the council of a meeting she had attended, accompanied by Clr. Brock, with Mr. John Russell, of Carew Estates, with regard to the continuation of the present cycle path into Carew village. Mr. Russell had pointed out that the present land in question had been leased for the next five years and following discussion and exploring all avenues, it was agreed that the community council approach the National Assembly with regard to continuing the cycle path on the opposite side of the road down to the car park at the recreation area. It was agreed that the clerk should write to the National Assembly regarding this and to write to Mr. Russell informing him of this.

Precept - The precept for the December quarter was received. Following discussion, it was agreed that the precept for the year ending March 31, 2005, would remain the same. This was proposed by Clr. Brock MBE and seconded by Clr. Davies.

Planning issues

The following planning notifications were received:

Proposed extension to workshop, Bartlett Engineering (granted by PCC).

Two-storey extension, 24 Bartletts Well Road, Sageston (no objections by community council members present).

Two agricultural sheds, Stephens Green House, Stephen's Green, Milton (no objections by community council members present).

GRASS CUTTING

It was agreed to pay £15 to Acorn Garden Services for grass cutting around Carew Hall. It was also agreed to ask Acorn Garden Services to proceed with the clearing of overgrowth at Carew Newton cemetery and to clear the side gate to enable access.

LICENCE

Public Entertainments Licence. A letter was received from PCC with a list of public entertainment licensed premises due for renewal. Clr. Goodman confirmed that renewal of the licence for Carew Memorial Hall had been applied for.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Butts Lane: It was agreed to chase up PCC regarding the trees being blown down in this lane during high winds.

It was also agreed to ask PCC to attend to the blocked and flooded drain at the turning for Carew Newton on the West Williamston road, off Butts Lane.

Resurfacing: It was agreed to ask PCC for the anticipated date of the resurfacing of the dilapidated Croft Lane at Carew Newton.

Litter: The community council were made aware of the large amount of discarded cans and bottles along Bird's Lane and it was agreed to write to PCC to ask them to attend to the matter.

Footpath from Whitehill to Llandegwynett: Clr. Neale to meet with Mr. Hooper regarding this and to report back to the community council.

It was agreed to invite the local National Park ranger to a future meeting to discuss walking the footpaths in the parish.

Thanks: It was agreed to write a letter of thanks to the Carew Welfare Committee for their provision of an excellent Senior Citizens Lunch in December.

Planting: Following discussion, it was agreed to write to the highways department regarding how to go about planting flowers, bulbs etc. on the two roundabouts, i.e. Carew Cross and Sageston.