The annual meeting of Manorbier Community Council took place last week.

Clr. Ray Hughes was again elected as chair for 2013-14, with Clr. Chris Haynes as Vice-chair.

At the start of the previous month's meeting, a Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority (PCNPA) update was given by Tim Jones and Haydn Garlick. The update from PCNPA covered various issues, including recent staff restructuring and geographical areas covered, Manorbier Dovecote and improved signage, access to Skrinkle headland, Public Rights of Way, dog fouling across the PCNPA area (recognised by PCNPA as a big issue) and dog fouling in MCC's area.

Among matters discussed at the full council meeting were the following:

The clerk updated the meeting on progress with issues raised at the previous meeting as follows: Confirmation that the gas appliance safety inspection check had been undertaken at Skrinkle Community Centre by Peter Kidney and the electrical safety inspection checks had now been completed following recent weather damage. Clr. Hughes noted that one wall still needed to be treated and made good. Clerk was asked to contact YHA to speed these repairs. All councillors in favour. Clerk acknowledged the help and support of the Community Association in liaising over the repairs undertaken at Skrinkle Community Centre. Pembrokeshire County Council (PCC) had now confirmed that no request for an election had been received for the casual vacancy in Jameston and Lydstep Ward. Council was now asked to take forward the opportunity of co-option and the clerk asked to take forward the co-option process in the statutory way. All councillors in favour. Clerk reported that a local resident had queried the name of the ward, saying that the name should include Manorbier Newton. Clerk had checked with the electoral office at PCC who confirmed the name was Jameston and Lydstep. Next review scheduled in seven years time. Clerk reported that no response had been received as yet from PCC over MCC's request for an additional road sign for St. James Place, Jameston.

Correspondence

Letter from Paul Sartori Foundation requesting a financial donation. Councillors noted that this was a local, well-respected charity. Clr. John suggested a cap be put on charitable donations. Clr. Hughes mentioned a previous donation of £50 to Wales Air Ambulance and Clr .Hall proposed that the same amount (£50) be donated to the Paul Sartori Foundation. Seconded by Clr. Marcia Kidney. Vote taken - all in favour. Councillors, once again, agreed to discuss each future individual request for donations on their merit.

Certificate of thanks received from Wales Air Ambulance - clerk asked to display on notice board at Skrinkle Community Centre.

Letter of thanks received from Emmanuel Gospel Church for the recent Section 137 grant provided by MCC for renovation costs.

Confirmation notice from PCC that the National Non-Domestic Rate for the FY 2013/14 for Skrinkle Community Centre was nil.

planning applications

Erection of a single 20kw wind turbine measuring 15.4m to hub and 22m to blade tip at Landway Farm, Cob Lane, Jameston (Clrs. Haynes and Hughes had earlier declared a personal interest in this item. Clr. Hughes summarised the application and highlighted research and archaeological digs that had been undertaken and the change in siting of the wind turbine compared to a previous application. He confirmed that the turbine height was within the height limits previously considered acceptable by MCC. Clr. Hall asked about the closeness of the turbine to local residents and mentioned alternative sources of renewable energy that could be promoted. Clr. Haynes said it was within 500m and was also very close to the coast. Clr. P. Kidney considered that the proposed location might have a reduced impact on the countryside compared to other wind turbine proposals. Clr. Long highlighted the impact that the turbine might have on the tourist sector locally and future wind turbine proposals needed to be planned sensibly within the PCNPA. After further discussion, including on the application's impact reports, Clr. Hall proposed recommending rejection of this application, seconded by Clr. Haynes. Vote taken - three in favour of an objection, five abstentions. This vote did not reach a quorum and so MCC could not reach a decision on this application); application for tree works at Lydstep Caravan Park, Lydstep (Clr. Hall proposed that these tree works be recommended for approval, seconded by Clr. Long. Vote taken - seven in favour, one abstention); extension to the rear property at 4 Manor Crescent, Manorbier (Clr. Hall proposed recommending approval of this application, seconded by Clr. Marcia Kidney. Vote taken - all in favour).

Other planning notices and approved tree works, including an appeal/public enquiry and a withdrawn application by Jameston Community Hall, were noted.

Other matters

To receive an update on the proposed closure of the Tenby and Pembroke Dock Minor Injuries Units (MIU): Clerk reported upon the SE Pembrokeshire Community Health Network (SEPCHN) meeting held at New Hedges. MCC's name had been added as a signatory, along with other local community councils, to a further paper sent by SEPCHN to the new Health Minister.

To consider the issue of dog fouling in Mud Lane, Manorbier: Clr. Haynes reported that he had been approached by a local resident about this issue. Mud Lane was now littered with dog fouling and MCC had been asked if they could help by erecting dog fouling signs. Clr. John said that this was an issue faced across the MCC area. Councillors asked if County Councillor Phillip Kidney could raise this matter with PCC's dog warden team and request appropriate signs for Mud Lane.

To consider an update on Pillar/Post Box closure in Manorbier: Clr. Hughes reported that an elderly, partially sighted resident had approached him about the sealing up off a post box in Pembroke Road, Manorbier, without prior warning. This has resulted in local residents, many elderly, now having to walk some way to another post box. Clerk had spoken to the Royal Mail collection manager, based in Swansea, and he had explained that the post box had been sealed for two reasons; health and safety and also due to flooding around the post box. However, the collection manager was willing to travel to Manorbier and meet with councillors to look for a solution to the problem. Clr. Hughes and Clr. Long agreed to meet with the collection manager in due course. Clerk to arrange.

To receive an update on the request for PCC funding for Jameston play area: Clerk confirmed that MCC's expression of interest had been submitted to PCC and this had been acknowledged by PCC. No further news at this point.

To consider an update on the erection of a new community notice board in Skrinkle: Clerk reported that Clr. Hall had now provided dimensions (based on existing notice boards) and clerk was now in a position to submit an application to PCNPA to erect a notice board alongside the bus stop in Skrinkle.

County Councillor's report

County Clr. Kidney reported as follows:

Directional sign to Manorbier School to be put up at no cost to the school.

Future of Tenby MIU: Work of Tony Wales, Community Health Council, in putting the case for the MIU to remain open, was recognised.

Jameston Community Hall: Meeting with local police has been arranged for last Tuesday in the month starting at 10 am. Dog fouling issues could be raised there.

Cob Lane, Jameston: Road sweeper had been down the road and there were painted markings to been seen on the road's surface. County Clr. Kidney would speak to Darren Thomas.

County Clr. Kidney was again thanked for his helpful update.