Eight members attended the February meeting of Carew Community Council when the following matters were considered and discussed:

Matters Arising

Communication was received from the monitoring officer at Pembrokeshire County Council stating that the website grant could not be used for a new laptop. Also an update/upgrade could not be completed and operational by March 31.

Councillors also noted that the test site by PCC would not be available and training courses not delivered until June. This put a barrier in the way of existing parish websites to fulfil the upgrades in the same timely manner as PCC.

Following discussion, it was agreed to let PCC and WAG know that the community councillors considered the carewparish.com adequate for displaying minutes and agenda for the residents of the community.

Development at Hayes Lane: The enforcement officer had contacted the clerk regarding her enquiry. The enforcement department were to chase up the situation.

Drainage at Carew Newton: A report was received that the gully/drainage pipe had been cleared out and the road removed of silt, but that further torrential rain had occurred and the problem recurred.

Clr. Gibby agreed to keep an eye on this.

Carew Lane gully blocked and flood water escaping down Villa/Carew Lane Hill: Residents at Clover Hill reported that the problem had prevented them resurfacing their drive as the storm and flood water would wash away the new material."

The 'Caution Children Playing' sign for Bartletts Well Road had yet to be erected. The clerk had chased this up.

Communication was received from the Carew Castle manager informing the council that the dog waste bin had been refixed to the wall along Radford Pill Lane. A sign asking visitors to place their waste in the bin at the entrance to the picnic site was agreed by the Carew Castle manager, but was reluctant to place a dog foul sign on the litter bin as well as the dog waste bags would become malodorous when the weather warmed up.

PCC collected fortnightly. Other dog foul bins already on site were emptied regularly two to three times a week by the wardens.

With regard to the silting of the mill pond, Carew Castle manager would raise the council's concerns and suggestions for de-silting the mill pond with the relevant parties and an update would follow.

Councillors were pleased to note that a speed survey had taken place on Carew Lane Hill and the results were eagerly awaited

Planning

Councillors noted that the application received from the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority on conversion of disused farm buildings into three dwellings with ancillary car parking, garaging, landscaping and new rear access to farmhouse at Poplars Farm had been withdrawn by the applicant.

The following planning applications were received, discussed and considered:

Installation for a single farm-scale wind turbine (30m to hub height, 42m to tip blade), associated infrastructure and access route at Milton Manor, Milton. Comments were that the siting of the proposed turbine was not at Milton Manor and closer to Summit Cottage on Stephen's Green. Clarification on the exact location was needed. Comment was also made that there would be visual impact and it would be intrusive and councillors voted four to three on recommending proceeding with the application.

Erection of two-storey dwelling and garage at land west of 1 Sageston Fields, Sageston. Councillors perused the plans and noted that a similar application had been made last year and refused by PCC. There were no obvious differences in either application. However, no adverse comments were made.

Proposed erection of a 3-4 bedroom detached dormer style house at land south-east of Oak Lodge, 12 Milton Meadows, Milton. Councillors perused the plans and noted that the plot on which Oak Lodge stood was very large and confirmation was received that this was a double plot. There were no adverse comments to this consultation.

Communication was received from the senior valuer at PCC regarding proposed Carew Shared Use Path. The director of transportation and environment wished to undertake an improvement and extension to the path and it was necessary for PCC to acquire an area of 51 square metres, together with a licence area of 336 square metres on the hedgerow/verge adjacent to Carew playing field. The highway would then be diverted to allow continuation of the path along its current position on the land near the Carew Memorial.

The communication asked for agreement by the community council to negotiate with PCC in the acquisition of this land and reasonable surveyor/agent and legal representative fees would paid by PCC.

The clerk had already asked for clarification on a few items prior to the community council meeting in order to assist with discussion, but was unable to obtain answers due to annual leave of the senior valuer.

It was agreed to seek further information from PCC.

Councillors were also very pleased that this matter was being moved forward and agreed in principle to this shared use path improvement.

Correspondence

Invoice received for renewal of website registration (carewparish.com) for the next two years. Amount £16.09. All present agreed that this invoice be paid.

Fish and Chip Supper: 40th anniversary of SIA (Spinal Injuries Association) asking for participation in a Fish and Chip Supper on Friday, May 16, to commemorate the 40th anniversary. Organisations charge an amount for the supper and the proceeds to the charity. The information was passed to Clr Griffiths and for inclusion on the website; also a copy was to be made available to the Youth Club.

Communication from Friends of the National Park on activities planned for this year, to put on the website. Forthcoming events are - Saturday, March 22, two-hour walk in Saundersfoot; Thursday, April 24 - guided archaeological tour including source of Bluestones and Hill Forts.

Carew War Memorial: Communication from secretary at Carew Control Tower committee on grants that may be available for renovation and enhancement of war memorials in the next four years for the centenary of World War I. Discussion ensued regarding reguilding of the lettering at the war memorial and the cost of this. The clerk was to look into this further.

Sageston School letter asking for nomination for a vacant post of community governor. Clr. Gwenllian Head asked to be considered for the post and Clr. Goodman proposed and Clr. White seconded that her name be put forward for the position.

Carew Newton Cemetery: Following a meeting of the steering group at Carew Cemetery, various enhancement tasks were noted. Following discussion, it was agreed to pay the £350 and accept the £200 for the cutting back of the far hedgerow and that the debris be taken off site. Clr. Brock proposed and Clr. Griffiths seconded that the £550 be paid. However, the moss clearance of the Milton Nature Trail would be looked at further and it may be that the Environment Group could undertake this work following further inspection.

A list of proposed fees for 2014/15 for Carew Newton Cemetery were presented for approval. Following detailed discussion, it was agreed that the fees be increased in line with Church in Wales fees. It was proposed and seconded and all present agreed that the new list of fees be accepted.

Parish Matters

Councillors were also made aware that the causeway surface was in a very poor state.

Planed - festival ideas for the commemoration of the 100th anniversary of WWI. Clr. Gibby suggested that any event could be channelled through the Community Association. Clr. Brock stated that Carew parish was very fortunate to be able to celebrate the anniversary of two World Wars on the same site as the airfield was used in both wars. Discussion ensued regarding such a commemorative event and amongst the ideas were a social event, say a tea party, bunting, street celebrations etc, in conjunction with the Control Tower planned events. The festival and events programme at Planed could be used. HLF funding may also be available via the Community Association.

Gullies at Birds Lane needed clearing out.

One of the arches at Milton bridge was completely clogged. The area maintenance south manager to be contacted to clear these.

County Clr. David Neale informed that the Parish Environment Group would resume when weather improved

The next meeting will be held on Thursday, March 13, at 7.30 pm.