Before the start of the April meeting of Carew Community Council, the chairman welcomed Daisy Hughes, manager, and Andrew Muskett, of the National Park’s building project office, who had come along to discuss updates with regards to the Carew Castle landscaping, Walled Garden and Café/Tea room.

It was hoped the Tea Room would open in July, with initial expected opening until October and plans to restart at the end of March next year. Twenty-five covers would be provided, with a further 60 seated outside. The Tea Room would be situated alongside the shop.

Detailed update with regard to the overall plan for the walled garden and grant funding were received.

County Clr. Rapi informed of concerns he had received from local business and assurances were given.

Causeway - Andrew Muskett informed the council that leaks in the base of the Mill had been repaired back in December, but short notice closures to the causeway may be necessary from time to time in order to fulfil statutory obligations from NRA.

Car parking at Carew Castle - Daisy and Andrew confirmed that, as yet, there were no plans to implement car parking charges this season, but the option remained for the future and would be reviewed on a year-by-year basis. Vehicles parked for car sharing would be discouraged and signage would inform of further car parking in the picnic area opposite the castle along Butts Lane.

Clr. Brock thanked the site manager and buildings projects officer for the improvement works around the War Memorial which were greatly appreciated. Compliments were extended also on the new surface at the castle car park.

Rubbish at the amenity recycling skips was also discussed and this was being reported by the castle manager, PCNPA, community councillors and residents to the Contact Centre on a weekly basis.

The chairman thanked Daisy Hughes and Andrew Muskett for their updates and they then left the meeting.

MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES

Noticeboard: Following discussion, it was agreed to purchase a noticeboard rather than having one made. This would be situated on the Old Bridge at Milton near the telephone box and post box. All present agreed.

Remuneration Panel document: Following discussion and councillors having perused the document previously circulated, it was agreed not to undertake remuneration. It was further agreed that this would be reviewed on a year to year basis. A letter notifying the Remuneration Panel of the council’s decision was to be sent.

Enhancing Pembrokeshire grant: The chairman, clerk and County Clr. Paul Rapi attended a meeting at Tenby Town Council chambers regarding the grant. This grant was as a result of the increase in council tax on second homes in Pembrokeshire. The amount available for projects in Carew was £5,954. However, larger projects, if eligible, could access the total PCC pot of £902,000. Strict criteria and eligibility limits would be governed by a panel which would review submissions on a two-monthly basis. Detailed and in depth discussion ensued and it was agreed that Carew Community Council take this opportunity to contact associations and organisations in the parish and invite them to a meeting on June 14, at 6.30 pm, in the Meetings Room of Carew Memorial Hall to inform them of the opportunities this grant may make available.-

Carew Newton Cemetery Steering Group: The group met on March 14 and notes of this meeting were distributed to councillors. It was proposed and seconded that the recommendations to increase burial fees at Carew Newton Cemetery be adopted, bringing fees more in line with Church in Wales fees, i.e. burial body £425, cremated remains £154, headstone erection £175, cremated remains tablet £93, additional inscription on headstone £42.

Memorial area for cremated remains - This was discussed and it was agreed to meet at the cemetery to look at the area previously designated and to seek advice on the orientation of cremated remains tablets. The point of contact on the sign on the gate of the cemetery was to be changed to the clerk’s contact details.

Headstone inspection - Three headstones were identified as being in need of repair. One of these would be repaired by the community council at their cost on the understanding that there were no living relatives to undertake the repair.

Budget planning: Following budget review, all councillors agreed that expenditure was as expected at this point in the financial year.

Community website: Councillors had been provided with a list of web domain names for Carew Community Council. This was as a result of the carewparish.com name being no longer available. It was agreed to proceed with 1. Carewparish.website or 2. Carewparish.online

PLANNING

Removal of conditions 3 (code for sustainable homes), 4 (design stage assessment ) and 5 (post construction stage assessment) of planning permission 13/1029/PA - 30 Kesteven Court, Carew. Approval had been granted by PCC in respect of this

Demolition of existing conservatory, alterations to existing roof, removal of chimney to rear and construction of single storey flat roof extension to rear of Rosedene, Lawrenny Road, Cresselly; erection of residential dwelling adjacent to Sirmione, Lawrenny Road, Cresselly - following perusal of the plans and accompanying documentation there were no objections nor obvious grounds for refusal identified. Councillors recommended granting of these applications.

CORRESPONDENCE

Communication was received from Helen Jobson, Pembrokeshire Rivers Trust, confirming their wish to engage with Carew community with regard to a project to help to combat nitrate and phosphate pollution in the Milford Haven Waterway. If funding was successful, part of the project would involve volunteers walking stretches of the waterway foreshore to map freshwater run-offs and also do water sampling to test for nitrates and phosphates, as well as photographing and noting any other factors of interest. Carew community councillors expressed their willingness to be involved in this project should funding application be successful and to help with disseminating information to residents of the parish to recruit volunteers.

Councillors would also be interested in the update on readings taken from the Millpond at Carew from Welsh Water and NRA.

Communication was reeceived from PCC Public Protection on Community Dog Watch Schemes. Various schemes to prevent dog fouling were discussed in the document and details of high visibility jackets worn by new volunteer dog wardens in an attempt to interact with other dog walkers and instilling a sense of responsibility to pick up dog mess. Councillors were pleased to note these incentives to reduce the incidents of dog fouling which was a continued problem.

A letter was received from a resident in the parish relating to various concerns: 1. Rubbish at the recycling skips (this was already being addressed); 2. Grass cutting at the picnic area, previously missed; 3. Lack of flood warning signs at recent high tides; 4. Cheriton old road, lots of rubbish and glass bottles thrown on verges and also appearing along the main road.

Councillors noted these concerns and would address them as appropriate.

PARISH MATTERS

Litter picking equipment was available to anyone who wished to undertake this - contact the clerk.

County Clr. Paul Rapi reported that there were still concerns along Hays Lane with the road not reinstated. He planned to meet with a Streetcare officer shortly and would also discuss parking on the pavements.

Next meeting: This will be the AGM, on Thursday, May 10, at 7 pm, in the Meetings Room of Carew Memorial Hall.