Among matters discussed at the July meeting of Carew Community Council were the following:

Carew Newton Cemetery - A discussion took place on the intended enhancements/alterations to the cemetery. Members of the public who were in attendance asked to be included in the process.

It became apparent that local residents were concerned that the enhancements/improvements be kept to a minimum in keeping with surroundings. It was explained that it was hoped that widening an access to the cemetery would be the first item to do.

Both Messrs. Hughes and Mrs. Pugh, the members of the public present, were concerned that a substantial stock proof gate needed to be erected if this was proceeded with. They also informed council that it was their custom to cease farm work along the cemetery road when there was a funeral.

The chairman assured them of the community council's intention to involve residents and neighbours to the fullest extent with the proposed suggestions for plans for the cemetery and that nothing had been finalised.

The chairman also thanked Mr. J. Hughes for his kind offer of parking space at his property for funerals if needed and also thanked Mr. J. Hughes and Mr. G. Hughes for their past and continued cutting of the hedgerows around the cemetery.

The need for remarking of white lines in Carew Newton was also brought to the attention of the community council and this would be brought to the attention of both PCC and PCNPA.

Speeding at Milton and Sageston roundabouts - PC Stephen Lewis from Tenby Police Station had contacted the clerk about this and this concern had been forwarded to the road policing traffic cars department and also to the joint police and environmental services meeting with PCC in view of the potential noise disturbance. PC Lewis encouraged people to dial 101 to report any further incidents.

Roundabouts, Milton and Sageston - The chairman and clerk informed the meeting that Clr. Bosley had heard back from the Trunk Road Agency regarding further developments. This item was to be placed on the agenda for next meeting in view of Clr. Bosley's absence.

Sign at Carew Park estate -The provision of a 'Drive carefully, children playing' sign had been communicated to PCC. Further discussion ensued on the need for speed cushions at the entrance to the estate in view of the speeding and also the need for blind alleys to have staggered gates. It was agreed in the first instance to write to highways on the speeding problem and for local residents to be involved in the consultation on speed cushions and staggered gates.

Phil Roach and Theresa Hogsflesh had written thanking the council for interest in the castle project and they would be kept informed of developments. PCNPA had also written asking for comments on the project.

The post box at Milton was put up on the day of council's previous meeting. However, following discussion, it was felt that this was not an ideal site as it was at the end of the village. It was not safe to walk up and down this road due to the narrowness and incline.

The clerk was to ask for resiting of the box where the Post Office outreach van attended at Summers Villas which was closer to the centre of the village.

Concern was also expressed that the community council were not consulted by Royal Mail/Post Office on the most convenient situation for the new box on the closure of the Milton Post Office.

Sageston post box had been re-painted.

Insurance - Following a review of the current insurance and discussion, it was agreed to take off the Flemish Chimney from the policy. It was also agreed to do a risk assessment for the Milton Nature Walk, bearing in mind that voluntary groups kindly assisted with the maintenance work at Milton Nature Walk. Mr. J. Thomas was to be consulted and involved with the risk assessment for Milton. Risk assessments were also needed for the 'Parish Environment Group' and inspection of headstones at Carew Newton Cemetery.

MUGA - Clrs. Brock and Blayney had been unable to contact the estates manager due to his ill health. It was agreed to write to him outlining the reason for the meeting and offering to visit him at his home address. Council would inform the sports club of the delay.

PLANNING

County Councillor David Neale declared an interest and withdrew from the meeting.

From PCNPA: single storey extension to side and lean-to extension to rear at Crossmead, Lawrenny Road, Cresselly (following deliberation of the plans and application, there were no adverse comments or objections).

From PCC: erection of sunroom at St. Nicholas, Birds Lane, Sageston (following deliberation of the plans and application, there were no adverse comments or objections).

The following permissions had been granted by PCC - alterations and extensions to Picton Villa, Sageston; change of use of Post Office to residential - Riverlea, Paskeston Lane, Milton.

A letter was noted from PCNPA informing the council that the appeal by the planning inspectorate for Tything Barn would be by means of public inquiry which would commence on September 22 at 10 am in Carew Memorial Hall.

CORRESPONDENCE

A letter was received from St. Mary's Church requesting a donation towards the cost of upkeep of the two burial grounds at Carew Cheriton. Following discussion, it was proposed by Clr. Griffiths and seconded by Clr. Brock that £250 be donated.

A letter was received from Mr. and Mrs. M. Lewis informing council that their daughter, Hannah, had been selected for the Welsh Under 16s hockey squad travelling to Scotland on July 20. The letter asked for a contribution from the council towards the cost of her travel, kit and accommodation. Following discussion, it was proposed by Clr. Blayney and seconded by Clr. Brock that £50 be given.

Milton Nature Walk - A final copy of the lease was received from Darwin Bowie solicitors. Following discussion, there were two queries that needed to be raised with the solicitor - one relating to the references for rent. Another letter was received enclosing a declaration from Dwr Cymru's solicitors which would give the community council the benefit of protection under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954. An account in respect of the costs and disbursements (kindly limited to the estimated sum quoted at the outset) was also enclosed.

County Councillor Neale gave a further update on the work involved in bringing this matter to conclusion. The hold-ups mainly centred around the joint approval by solicitors on the plans used. The chairman and councillors thanked Clr. Neale for all the hard work he had put in to bringing this matter to a conclusion.

County Councillors Report

Carew Newton Cemetery - Further to previous discussions, Clr. Neale informed council that he would consult neighbouring residents before submitting suggestions for low impact enhancements to the cemetery.

PARISH MATTERS

The litter picking group had registered with Keep Wales Tidy campaign in order to obtain funding for tools etc. In order to proceed with this and following discussion, it was agreed that a name for the group was needed. This would be Carew Parish Environment Group.

The litter picking planned for Milton on July 4 was abandoned due to lack of necessary equipment. Instead, following a letter received from a resident at Kesteven Court with a number of items for attention, the overhanging shrubbery in Birds Lane, which could potentially cause scratches to cars, was cut back. Other items included the Paddock Walk, emptying of litter bins and pavement parking at Kesteven Court.

It was agreed to write to Pat Watts informing her of the work done so far and the monitoring of further items in her letter. The chairman also gave information on the recent inspection of headstones at the cemetery and the action needed. The remedial work required would be co-ordinated with the environment group when the risk assessments had been done.

Unofficial website - Clr. White updated the meeting that the number of hits to the site had now gone up to 4,696. More local organisations had signed up to advertise their events. The photo board of the councillors had nearly been finalised and would appear shortly.

On behalf of the community council, the chairman thanked Clr. White for the tremendous work he had put in to the development of the website. In the months since its inception, the interest from different organisations and the potential for further development would benefit parish residents immensely. The website address is carewparish.com

Hedgerows needed trimming at Whitehill and Carew Newton.

White lines needed to be renewed urgently at Carew Newton.

Disabled parking bays in Carew Memorial Hall car park needed to be used only by disabled badge holders. Clr. Griffiths (hall committee secretary) kindly agreed to write a letter for all users for circulation.

Date of next litter pick - following discussion, it was agreed to leave this until September when funding may have been forthcoming for the environment group. The date is Saturday, September 5, at 9 am, at the Water Works, Milton. County Councillor Neale would obtain litter picking implements for this.

The next meeting would be Thursday, August 27, at 7.30 pm, in Carew Memorial Hall.