At a recent meeting of Carew Community Council, the following matters were discussed:
Declarations of acceptance: All present duly completed and signed the Declarations of Acceptance and understand that in doing so agree to abide by the community council's Code of Conduct.
Clr. Blayney, who chaired the meeting in the absence of the chairperson, Clr. Marina Griffiths, welcomed all present to the annual general meeting and congratulated all on their re-election as community councillors. Congratulations were also extended to county councillor David Neale on his election as the new county councillor for Carew.
Election of officers: A letter from Clr. Marina Griffiths was read out expressing her desire to stand again as chairperson. It was proposed by Clr. Neale and seconded by Clr. Davies that Clr. Griffiths be elected. No other nominations were received.
It was proposed by Clr. Squirrell and Seconded by Clr. Thomas that Clr. Blayney be elected vice chairperson. No other nominations were made.
It was unanimously agreed by a show of hands that the nominations above be accepted.
Vacancy for community councillor: David Marriott had decided not to be re-elected for a further term and a vacancy existed for a co-opted member. This would be advertised in poster format in Milton Post Office, Milton Farm Shop, Carew and Redberth.
Clr. Blayney also welcomed the newly appointed county councillor, David Neale, and it was unanimously agreed that letters of appreciation for the admirable way all four candidates conducted themselves and for their good grace during the election campaign be sent.
Letters were also to be sent to Clr. Marina Griffiths for her sterling and tireless work as chairperson for the last year and to David Marriott for the work he has put in during his time as community councillor.
MATTERS ARISING
Pembrokeshire County Council play areas policy: A letter received from Nick Ainger MP, enclosing a copy of the latest play area policy from the county council. Following discussion, it was agreed that a letter be sent to the county council informing them that the council were against the newly proposed play area policy and not prepared to accept the interim arrangements. Concern was expressed that amateur people, however trained would be held responsible for the provision of safe play areas. Members felt that the responsibility should remain with the county council and not passed to small communities and individuals who are not experienced to take on the onus. They also felt that the county council had the personnel to oversee the supervision of play areas and Carew was not equipped to do this.
It was also agreed to write to PALC who, without prior consultation with the council and other councils, spoke on the council's behalf and supported the county council's proposal.
A further letter was received from Mr. Ainger regarding the lack of play areas in the Carew/Sageston area. Following discussion on the location of such an amenity, it was agreed to write to Mr. Ainger in support of finding a location subject to the county council maintaining it should a suitable site be found.
Carew footbridge study: A letter from Nick Ainger MP and Phillip Roach, projects officer at Pembrokeshire Coast National Park was received regarding the footbridge study. It was understood that the PCNP steering group for this project had, following consultations with various agencies, including the appointed consultants, Wardell Armstrong, opted for a short-term solution out of three options. This option was the provision of a raised footway on the existing bridge and associated traffic calming works on its approaches on the existing highway either side of the Carew Bridge.
A discussion ensued and it was agreed on the following:
1. To write to PCC asking when work on the short-term option would commence, bearing in mind that the summer season is now well underway. Confirmation was required also that a handrail is needed.
2. To write to PCNP expressing regret that the most favoured option, i.e. the provision of a new pedestrian footbridge downstream of the existing bridge, had not been chosen and reiterating the community council's firm wish and commitment to this medium term option.
3. To emphasise to PCNP that the long-term option of a village bypass would be severely detrimental to Carew, effectively cutting the village in half.
4. The 15th Century Carew Bridge is subjected to large volumes of articulated traffic and visitors and locals alike cannot fully enjoy the views and vista of such an historic area due to all kinds of traffic.
With this in mind, it was brought to the community council's notice that articulated traffic has been re-directed over Carew Bridge during the recent road improvements in Kilgetty. It was also agreed that a letter to Dyfed Powys Police authority headquarters with the community council's dissatisfaction at this be sent as well.
PLANNING APPLICATIONS
The following planning applications were discussed and no objections were made:
Alterations and extension - The Saltings, West Williamston.
Alterations and extension - Ashdale, West Williamston.
Conversation of garage into private dwelling - Carew Newton House (revised application).
Conservatories - Sundew, Branders Park, Cresselly.
Clr. Squirrell agreed to make a site visit to land at Cromwell Drive where an application had been received for a dwelling. .
The following PCNP planning application approvals were noted:
Quarry/Weighbridge Office, Carew Quarry.
Two storey extension at 23 Hop Gardens, Sageston.
The following PCC planning application approvals were also noted:
Alternative design to plot 4 Brook meadows, Sageston.
Tree Felling at Brook Meadows, Sageston.
Crown reduction to trees at Brook Meadows, Sageston.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Pembrokeshire County Council were to be asked to install a rubbish bin and recycling bin at the picnic area at Redberth, replace and resite the bus shelter in Redberth, empty the gullies and drains in Birds Lane, Care, which were full of leaves and twigs, and attend to weeds along road and pavements in Carew Park Estate.
Dog fouling along Birds Lane and Radford Lane to Carew Mill was also still an issue.
Councillors also agreed to apply a coat of protection to the fences at Flemish Chimney.
Paddock walk at Milton was virtually impassable to wheelchairs and bikes and the wall was collapsing due to growth of trees pushing the wall down. There was a need for a regular maintenance review for this area and concern expressed to this effect. This is a public Right of Way and a letter was to be sent to PCC asking them to address the issue.
A letter was to be sent to the secretary of the British Legion giving community council's permission for the Armistice Day Parade to take place in November.
Disappointment was expressed at the state of the verges on the new bypass road from one roundabout to the other. Members felt that there was no apparent upkeep of verges and the hedges needed trimming to enable sight of Carew Castle on the Milton side. Also, the community council had asked for flower planting on the two roundabouts. Equality with Pembroke Dock roundabouts was to be requested.
Concern was also expressed that two new bus shelters in Milton were virtually inaccessible.
Notices were to be displayed about dogs on play areas in Carew, Milton and Redberth. Reminders needed that no dogs are allowed on the play areas.
A deep pot-hole had emerged on the entrance to the car park, adjacent to the recreation area, next to toilets in Carew.
The hedgerow opposite and adjacent to Sageston School needed strimming on a regular basis and the county council was to be asked to attend to this on a regular basis when maintenance staff carry out regular grass cutting and strimming in Carew.
Telephone boxes: It was noted that the telephone boxes in Carew Parish needed repainting. A letter was to be sent to BT asking for the 'phone boxes in Carew, Milton, Redberth, Whitehill and West Williamston to be added to their maintenance list.
Concern was expressed regarding the stand holding the nets at tennis courts in Carew playing area. Members felt that it was in a very dangerous state of repair.