Last month, the chair welcomed everyone back to the first meeting in 2019. Councillors were saddened to learn of the passing of a former community councillor, Mary Squirrell. Members reminisced on the achievements of Mrs. Squirrell and her good works in the community.

Mr. Fieldhouse had been asked to the meeting to discuss options for installing broadband/WiFi into the Memorial Hall. Various options were received and discussed and Mr. Fieldhouse was thanked for his work in obtaining the quotations and he then left the meeting.

Councillors further deliberated on this and it was proposed and seconded to pursue this. All present agreed.

MATTERS ARISING?FROM?THE?MINUTES

The lantern procession had been a success. The selection boxes that were surplus to requirements were donated to PATCH charity.

The Senior Citizens Christmas dinner was also a success with a three-course meal and entertainment provided to 69 residents of the parish.

The noticeboard had been installed and all present agreed that the cost of materials and fixings be paid. A letter of thanks was received from a resident in Carew. Duplicate keys for the noticeboard cabinet had been cut and it was agreed that this be paid. Clr. Brock agreed to retain a key for collection for those wishing to place a notice.

PLANNING APPLICATIONS

Installation of foul water sewage pumps and connection to main adopted highway sewer at Carew Castle was discussed out of meeting and there were no adverse comments and no obvious grounds for objection identified. PCNPA had been informed.

The following application had been conditionally approved by PCC - Erection of bat outbuilding and landscaping, Sageston Hall, Sageston.

The following application had been refused by PCNPA - Certificate of lawfulness for the 20 unit site to be extended to 40 units at Tything Barn, Lower Lane, West Williamston. The reason given was that the evidence submitted in support of the application was considered insufficient to show that, on the balance of probability the site shown as extended had been used for 40 units at least 10 years as defined under section 191 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended).

The following application consultation was discussed by councillors: Variation of condition 3 of planning permission 13/0429/PA land adjacent to Pincheston Farm Complex, Sageston. After considering the application and accompanying documentation and plans, councillors decided to object to it.

PRECEPT AND BUDGET REVIEW

It was proposed and seconded and all present agreed that the precept for 2019/20 remain at £10,000.

REMUNERATION PANEL RECOMMENDATIONS

The chair informed council of the need for training of councillors and to adhere to the recommendations of the Remuneration Panel.

GRASS CUTTING CONTRACT

The current groundsman hd expressed a willingness to continue the grass cutting contract from April 2019 until the end of November 2019 for the cutting every two weeks of the area around Carew Memorial Hall, Carew Newton Cemetery and Milton Marsh Walk. Councillors were very satisfied with the work to date and it was proposed and seconded that the groundsman be retained for the grass cutting in the parish for this year.

CORRESPONDENCE

Communication was received from the county council’s monitoring officer regarding webcasting of Standards Committee hearings. PCC webcasts its official meetings and the question has been raised as to whether Standards Committee hearings should be webcast. The hearings hear cases of alleged breaches of Code of Conduct by County, Town and Community Councillors following referral of such cases by the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales and there have been two such cases in the past three years. Pembrokeshire County Council asked for the community council’s view as to whether webcasting of Code of Conduct hearings should be implemented. Following discussion, councillors felt that such hearings should not be webcast. The monitoring officer expressed a willingness to visit communities to provide Code of Conduct training for councillors and would attend if neighbouring councils got together to maximise attendance and open discussion. An optimum number of delegates would be around 20. Councillors expressed a willingness to partake in this training locally.

A?letter was received from Simon Hart MP on his efforts to secure a reduction in maximum speeds on the A4075 through Cresselly. The contents were noted.

New Mobile Post Office Service: The mobile unit will now visit Carew as well as Milton. The van will be in the Carew Memorial Hall Car Park. The weekly itinerary for visits will be as follows:

Monday - Milton 10.45 am to 12.45 pm; Tuesday - Carew 9 to 10.30 am, Wednesday - 9 to 10.30 am; Thursday - Carew 10.15 to 11.45 am; Friday - Milton 10.15 to 11.45 am.

CAREW NEWTON CEMETERY

To finalise the design, plan and location of the new area for internment of ashes.

PARISH MATTERS

The relocation of the 30 mph sign in Carew Newton had been undertaken.

The defibrillator in Redberth had not been installed yet. The clerk and chair were to press for its installation as soon as possible.

Milton Pump - The clerk was to undertake further enquiries with Dwr Cymru and Natural Resources Wales.

Continuing parked vehicle congestion to Milton Bridge area.

The county councillor reported on his continuing efforts to secure 40 mph flashing speed sign through Milton.

Reports were also recived on Carew Cheriton Control and its continued success with veterans visits and school visits; and on a local attempted robbery on a work van in Carew Park.

• The next meeting will be held on Thursday, February 14, at 7.30 pm.