Among matters considered and discussed at the March meeting of Carew Community Council were the following:
MATTERS ARISING
The chairman apologised for cancelling the community council dinner in February due to the adverse weather conditions. Following discussion, it was agreed that the clerk should send a written apology to the owners of Redberth Lodge and to re-book the dinner for Thursday, May 13. A brief council meeting would be held prior to dinner at 7.30 pm.
County councillor Brian Hall, cabinet minister for highways, then joined the meeting to inform members of a meeting he had had with Roger Scourfield, of Carew Newton Quarries, and signage and minor roads officers of PCC.
Following a detailed report, it was understood that a 'sharp bend' sign and a 'road narrows' sign would be erected on the road from Carew Newton village to the quarry entrance and that the substantial amount of mud on the road would be cleared by the farm owner.
Other issues discussed at this point were lack of road markings at Croft Road entrance, Carew Newton; the deplorable state of the road at Croft Road past the cemetery at Carew Newton; the planting of shrubs on the two roundabouts in Sageston and Milton; and trees overhanging Butts Lane, Carew.
Where possible, Clr. Hall kindly agreed to explore these issues further.
A letter was received from Derrick Thomas, public rights of way assistant, informing the council that he would be sending survey forms, and copies of definitive maps relating to public rights of way in Carew. When the survey forms were complete, further discussion would take place regarding circular routes (web walks), which could be used by locals and visitors alike.
A letter was also received from the Welsh Assembly regarding the cycle path from Milton to Carew, informing the council that the Assembly does not own the land along the eastern edge of the A4075. PCC owned and maintained the area, although the National Assembly did own some land outside the highway curtilage near the roundabout at Carew cross.
Following discussion, it was agreed to write to John Russell informing him of the letter and to write to the footpaths officer at PCC to see if ways forward could be further discussed.
A letter was received from the area supervisor at PCC informing the council that litter picking would be carried out as soon as practicable.
A letter was received from PALC regarding the subscription for this year. Following discussion, it was agreed that the council had had a good relationship with PALC in the past and had derived great benefit from being members. It was agreed to renew the subscription of £70.
BURIAL FEES
The first burial took place on March 6 in the newly acquired Carew Newton Cemetery. It was agreed that a steering group be set up, made up of community councillors, to discuss issues relating to burials at Carew Newton.
The following members were to make up the group - Clr. Rowena Lloyd, Clr. John Brock MBE, Clr. Dave Neale, Clr. George Davies.
The first issues to be discussed would be disabled access, plan of the graves, burial register, insurance and informing local undertakers of contact officers. The steering group was to report back to full council, while the clerk would ring the insurers regarding adding the cemetery to the insurance policy.
HALL PAYMENT
Clr. Thomas proposed and Clr. Goodman seconded that a payment of £140 be made to Carew Memorial Hall for the following meetings: five community council meetings at £8 each; 10 Luncheon Clubs at £10 each.
CHAIRMAN'S ALLOWANCE
Clr. Blayney proposed and Clr. Brock MBE seconded that the chairman's half-year allowance of £30 be paid.
PLANNING
The following planning applications were received from PCC and discussed:
1. Felling of sycamore tree at Brook Meadows, Sageston. It was noted from the application that the tree had extensive decay and loss of strength in the main trunk and the proximity of this tree to the property under construction necessitated its removal. The council were pleased to note from the application that a replacement tree would be planted in its place and therefore had no objections.
2. Extension to dwelling and erection of double garage, Harcourt House, Redberth. No objections.
3. Proposed extension and double garage, Wood Park, Sageston. No objections.
A letter granting consent was received by the meeting from PCC for external rendering and limewashing of the oratory building, St. Mary's churchyard, Carew.
A letter was also received granting consent for installation of solar collectors at Cross Cottage, from the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority.
CORRESPONDENCE
A letter was received from Doris James, on behalf of Pisgah Baptist Church, Cresswell Quay, regarding the lack of street lighting on the road leading from Pisgah Chapel towards Cresswell Quay.
Following discussion on this matter and having received the criteria for prioritising streetlighting from members who attended the Informal Communications Network meeting, it was agreed to write to Pisgah Church secretary informing him of the same.
ANY OTHER
BUSINESS
It was agreed to contact BT to ascertain when Carew would be receiving Broadband internet connection.
Dog fouling, pavements at Birds Lane: The clerk was to write to the PCC dog warden, and also to obtain clarity with regard to the law on dog fouling.
Clr. Neale had obtained a price for road signs for Pisgah. The cost would be £700. Positioning of these signs would be at Pisgah Farm and at the 'Home Watch' sign halfway down the hill to Cresswell Quay.
It was agreed to write to the owner of Carew Newton Farm informing him that the community council had acquired the cemetery at Carew Newton and that plans were afoot to resurface the road down to Lower Williamston and to ask for his co-operation in helping to keep the road surface free of mud.
The next council meeting will be held on Thursday, April 4.