Carew Community Council

Chairman Clr. Blayney welcomed all to the annual general meeting of Carew Community Council which was held in the Memorial Hall last month. He also congratulated County Clr. Neale on his success in the County Council elections and for reaching a milestone birthday, while further congratulations were extended by all present to Clr. John Brock, who was commencing his 50th year as a community councillor. Election of officers: Having thanked everyone for their support in his past year as chairman, Clr. Blayney was duly elected as chairman for a second term, as was Clr. Vanessa Thomas as vice- chairman. Co-option of members: As there was not a full complement of members on the new council, it was agreed to start the co-option process for three councillors by local notices in the first instance followed by an advert in Tenby Observer. Matters Arising from the minutes

Stopping up of detrunked highway - Carew Cheriton: A letter was received from Robert Evans, highways asset manager, stating it was Pembrokeshire County Council's intention to install gates across the entrance to the detrunked section of the highway. This would discourage the inconsiderate parking in the area, but the land would still remain part of the public highway and could technically be used for parking for visitors to the church cemetery for funerals etc. However, as the land would remain 'highway', the gates would not be locked. The long term proposal to stop up this section of highway, as it had minimal purpose for the general public, was also discussed. It was agreed to seek clarification from the South Wales Trunk Road Agency and the highways asset manager as to why, if the land remained as highway, it would then revert to the SWTRA and Carew Castle Estate. It was considered that this was a valuable asset and that the land could be acquired for the community. Clarification was also to be sought on whether Carew Estates were involved in consultations on this matter at the time of negotiations on the bypass. It was felt unreasonable for the land to revert to Carew Castle Estates or indeed for consent to be sought from the Estate for access through the gates for funerals. Community projects: A letter was received from Carew Community Association with regard to suggestions to take forward projects to benefit the community. The association, whilst fully agreeing that the projects and initiatives would benefit the community, did not feel in a position to take responsibility for or a leading role in them. Notes of the meeting on April 8 with the director of transportation and highways manager on Carew Bridge. It was agreed to inform the highways manager of a recent accident before the bridge where a car had run into the back of another turning right at Carew Inn. Carew was an historic village and sympathetic traffic management rather than city centre traffic solutions needed to be the preferred options. The community council reiterated the eventual outcome of linking a dual purpose path from the Milton roundabout down over the bridge and then via a purpose-built pedestrian footbridge. A public consultation exercise to look at both these issues was welcomed by members.

PLANNING

Land adjacent to Ridgeway View, site meeting on May 7: Outcome awaited. Picton Villa - extension and granny annexe: There were no adverse comments or negative views with regard to the design or proportions of the plans seen. Carew Castle Holdings capital projects proposals received from Philip Roach at the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority: Councillors scrutinised these plans and options. It was agreed to contact PCNPA stating that there were no adverse comments or negative views on any of the three proposed buildings to provide a Visitor Centre within the Walled Garden at Carew Castle. When the final version had been agreed the community council would welcome seeing the plans and/or model. Rosemount, Whitehill, Cresselly - conversion of property side access to off-road car parking space: This planning application had been withdrawn. Restoration of agricultural land by infilling with inert waste - Houghton, Stephens Green Lane, Milton: Permission had been granted by PCC. Carew Castle Estates review of playing field rent: The clerk was to contact the agent to arrange a meeting as soon as possible. The agent was to be asked to contact the chairman and Clr. Brock directly. The chairman was to meet representatives of the Sports Club prior to this meeting. Carew Newton cemetery: Following perusal of plans for the enhancement project, it was agreed to contact Mrs. Jenny Battle at PCNPA regarding whether planning permission required to remove part of the hedgebank to facilitate a car turning area. It was also agreed to arrange a site meeting to sort out what was needed by looking at the site and the plans together. It was also agreed to ask Clr. Gibby along as she lived in Carew Newton. Following clarification on these matters, work could then be assigned to the Probation Service for inclusion in the summer schedule. Cemetery donation: Following a request for a donation towards the cost of the upkeep of the cemetery, it was agreed by all present that a sum of £200 be donated.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Entrance to building, land off Cromwell Drive, Redberth: One of the conditions of planning permission was the stopping up of the entrance and resiting to another place. This had not been done and in light of impending further development in Redberth and further entrances, the enforcement officer was to be contacted to ensure this was carried out. Senior Citizens' dinner: The clerk was to write to organisations in the parish asking for representatives from each to the Senior Citizens Committee, so that discussions could take place regarding the Senior Citizens' Christmas Dinner. Matters to chase up: Grass cutting on the children's play area by the stream in Redberth and speeding in Redberth were to be chased up. Birds Lane: The road through Birds Lane, particularly around Kesteven Court, was in a poor state and needed top surface dressing. The pavement in the same area also required re- tarmacing Milton Nature Walk: Due to a misunderstanding, the clerk had not contacted Darwin Bowie Solicitors regarding the draft lease. This matter was to be rectified urgently. Road widening: Clr. Brock asked for the widening of the road by the cemetery in Carew Cheriton to be looked at further. The chairman informed members that he understood the detrunked road at Carew Cheriton would offer more parking and that it would be an either/or situation, not both. Further clarification from the highways department was needed regarding this. Next meeting: This will be held on Thursday, June 12.