Eight councillors were present at the recent annual general meeting of Carew Community Council. The chairman welcomed everyone and stated that she would be standing down from the position.

The chairman thanked the clerk for her hard work and the vice-chairman for her help and support and all present for their commitment.

The chairman was thanked for her guidance and forthright approach and the vice-chairman for her support. The clerk was also thanked for her work during the year.

Clr. Brock informed the meeting that at the end of the month he began his 56th year as a community councillor having started on May 20, 1958. The Chairman then stood down.

Election of officers: The following were proposed, seconded and all agreed by a show of hands: Clr. Vanessa Thomas was appointed chairman, while Clr. Lionel White appointed as vice-chairman.

MATTERS ARISING

FROM THE MINUTES

Junction at Finger Post, Pembroke: Following a letter sent to the head of hhighways, this matter had been forwarded to the Trunk Roads Agency, who have forwarded it to Edwina Hart at Welsh Government for response.

Enhancement and Landscaping at Carew and Sageston roundabouts A477: Following communication with the Trunk Roads Agency, this matter had also been forwarded by TRA to Edwina Hart at Welsh Government for response.

Dog control orders.: Following discussion, it was agreed that the clerk and County Clr. David Neale meet with an environmental health department representative at County Hall to receive guidance and briefing on implementing the orders.

Carew War Memorial. The head of discovery at PCNPA informed the council that the work requested at the War Memorial would be included in the car park enhancement work at Carew Castle.

SENIOR CITIZENS CHRISTMAS DINNER

As discussed last year, it was agreed that the clerk write to all organisations in the parish for a representative(s) to attend a meeting on Thursday, July 4, in order to set up a committee to put on the Christmas dinner for senior citizens in the parish.

CORRESPONDENCE

Castle invitation: An invitation was received for councillors to attend a celebration marking the 30th anniversary of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park's involvement with Carew Castle. Following discussion, it was agreed that four councillors would attend. Four others would be attending as well in their capacity as representatives from other organisations.

Spontaneous events: Information was received on who to contact in the event of spontaneous unlicensed music events etc being held.

Grant scheme: Information was received from the Officer Commanding Support Squadron 14th Signal Regiment on the Armed Forces Community Covenant Grant Scheme. Thirty million pounds had been made available over the financial years 2011-2015 for projects funded through the Community Covenant Grant Scheme that provided benefits to both the armed forces and civilian communities. The information included a grant application form, a draft copy of original submission, a list of grant bids that had been successful in Wales and the RBL guide which covered the scheme in more detail. It suggested a smaller games pitch similar to a MUGA and told of a play area in Neyland. A similar area was also believed to have been provided in Monkton.

Invoices for payment: PALC subscription and invoice for work at Carew Cemetery £2,680. Discussion ensued on the completed work at the cemetery. It was proposed and seconded that both these invoices be paid.

PARISH MATTERS

Following reports of the side fire exit of the Memorial Hall being blocked, it was stated that this matter had been attended to and the obstruction removed.

Weed killer was to be applied to the former Playgroup garden to the side of the hall.

The old road from Sageston to Redberth was in a poor state of repair, with potholes and erosion of top dressing. Also reported were potholes and road sinking at the top of Bartletts Well Road. The area maintenance teamwere to be informed.

Kerb stones from Bartletts Well Road to the ford at Sageston havd also dropped/sunk and could cause a trip hazard. Also, resurfacing work along the footpath from school to Kesteven Court had yet to be carried out.

The sign in the car park of Carew Castle picnic area had not been replaced.

A report was received on a recent meeting of Carew Castle Steering Group in which ways to prevent/control overnight stays at the picnic area were discussed. Carew Castle site management team were also in communication with Dyfed Powys Police regarding this matter.

The lack of a rubbish bin at the picnic area was also discussed. There was also a large amount of litter there, and a dog foul bin which got very full, very quickly. Community councillors had received complaints from residents.

Following discussion, it was agreed that the clerk write to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority to ask them to provide a dual purpose rubbish and dog foul bin.

A letter was also to be written to the newly retired site manager at Carew Castle, with gratitude for all her help bridging and forging links between the community and the castle. PCNPA were also to be asked that the new incumbent maintain and build on this liaison.

Community councillors were informed that the work on the car park improvements at Carew Castle were to begin the following week. Work on the reception area, shop and toilets had been completed.

However, improvements were still needed at the steps to the Lesser Hall. In previous site visits, a lift had been mentioned.

A list of events in the castle during the summer months was passed to the website adminstrator for inclusion on the carewparish.com website.-

Report by County Clr. David Neale

Dyfed Powys Police had started to address the problem of speeding up and down Bartletts Well Road by house to house distribution of letters to residents. County Clr. Neale was also following this up with DPP and at the police and community meetings. There may be installation of speed monitor cables to obtain more information.

Clr. Neale was also following up the previously agreed speed survey by PCC along the detrunked road at Sageston and the replacement of the speed limit sign along this road.

Grass area at Saunders Road: The clerk was to chase up provision of more parking places.