Among matters considered and discussed at the March meeting of Manorbier Community Council, which was held at Jameston Village Hall, were the following:

Matters arising from the minutes

The clerk confirmed that two representatives from Network Rail would be attending the April meeting. This was to discuss the safety of the level crossings in MCC's area.

Correspondence

A letter was received from Angela Burns AM asking if council wished her to attend a future meeting to discuss her work in trying to keep services open at Withybush and Tenby Cottage Hospitals. Clr. Hine declared a personal interest in this item of correspondence. Clr. Hall thought that this would be a good idea and proposed that MCC accept this offer. All were in favour and the clerk was asked to liaise with Angela Burns's office.

A letter was received from Pembrokeshire County Council (PCC) acknowledging receipt of the precept for MCC for £23,080.

An email from PCC's waste management section confirmed that the newspaper igloo in Manorbier would be removed in the coming weeks due to not being fully used. The Jameston newspaper igloo was to be retained.

Planning applications and other notices

Applications for tree works at Lydstep Haven, Lydstep. Clr. Peter Kidney declared a personal interest in this item. Clr. Long proposed that all three applications be recommended for approval and all were in favour.

Laydown area (in retrospect) at Buttyland Touring and Tent Park, Station Road, Manorbier. Clr. Terry Williams and Clr. Hughes expressed some concern generally about the nature of retrospective applications, although Clr. Hall wondered why planning permission might be needed for putting down a hard standing, as was involved in this case. Clr. Peter Kidney proposed that the application be recommended for approval, with seven in favour and two against.

Certificate of Lawfulness existing use - residential caravan (with parking facilities and garden area) used for residential purposes from Easter to October and use of caravan for storage/spare bedroom from November to Easter at Manor Farm, Lydstep. Council noted that this application was for a Certificate of Lawfulness. Clr. Peter Kidney understood that proof of use for the last 10 years had to be provided. Clr. Terry Williams enquired about evidence in this regard. Clr. John wondered what entitlements would come with such a certificate. After a lengthy discussion about this application, Clr. Hall proposed that MCC defer a decision and request that the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority (PCNPA) also defer a decision on this application until such time as PCNPA could explain to MCC exactly what a Certificate of Lawfulness entailed and whether granting one would bring other development entitlements. In addition, why had this application been submitted now? All were in favour of this.

Councillors also noted PCNPA's Monitoring Report on the Local Development Plan. Clr. Hughes declared a personal interest in this item. The report included five proposed projects in the MCC area.

Clr. Hine asked about a proposed project of 19 units near to Manorbier Station. Clr. Hughes confirmed that this was in the report along with a proposed project of 15 units at Buttylands.

Other projects were noted. Deadline for comments on the technical update and monitoring report was June 2.

County Councillor's report

County Clr. Phillip Kidney reported that a meeting was scheduled with 'Pembrokeshire Lettings', the landowner of the site where the Tenby-bound bus stop/shelter in Jameston was planned. The land owner was concerned about some legal aspects, although appeared not to be against the proposed siting of the bus shelter.

The clearance of the Manorbier newspaper igloo was one of 17 sites cleared. Jameston's igloo was to stay.

Road surfaces in Manorbier Newton were to be patched following a site meeting between Clr. Phillip Kidney and PCC. The poor condition of the road was acknowledged by PCC.

Information was still awaited by PCC from the bus company, in respect of lighting at Skrinkle Bus Stop.

Over 20 local people undertook a clean-up of Manorbier Beach on February 26, resulting in the collection of 60 bags of rubbish. Clr. Kidney wished to thank everyone involved.

Clr. Hine reported continued flooding near to Buttyland. Clr. Kidney noted this.

Clr. Long also reported that some trees had fallen near to his property (at one point trapping him in his home) following the recent bad weather and that some trees were now in a dangerous condition on the west side of the lane adjacent to his home. These were leaning over and could fall at any time. Clr. Kidney agreed to report the matter to PCC.

OTHER MATTERS

Casual vacancy: Mr. Graham Willcocks, of Wesley House, Jameston, was co-opted on to MCC to fill the casual vacancy in the Jameston and Lydstep Ward.

Update on legal matters concerning the draft agreement between MCC and Manorbier United Football Club (MUFC), in respect of the Sports Pavilion at North Sportsfield, Manorbier: The clerk reported that there had been a change of solicitor dealing with this case at Red Kite. Lucy Morris was the associate solicitor now handling this case. Red Kite had confirmed that the Deed of Variation (on the 1964 lease) had now been signed by Clr. and Mrs. Kidney and returned to them. The draft agreement between MCC and MUFC could now be drawn up. However, Red Kite needed to see a plan of the field before commencing the draft agreement. Red Kite would be checking their archives. Clr. Peter Kidney suggested that Lucy Morris telephone Lewis and Lewis (Clr. Kidney's solicitor) and/or send him a letter setting out exactly what was required. Clr. John Williams thought he had a map at home and would try and get that for the clerk.

Meantime, Red Kite had asked MCC to consider the content of the draft agreement/underlease with MUFC. Council needed to agree that MCC would pay for the following - public liability insurance; building insurance (including payments for roof repairs - part of insurance); grass cutting and rolling (10 times per year); floodlight repair.

The draft agreement would be drawn up to show that MUFC would be responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the interior of the sports pavilion and that MUFC pay all utility costs.

Clr. Marcia Kidney asked about other community users of the sports field and pavilion and whether MUFC would be willing to pick up the utility costs incurred by other users. The draft agreement would need to show this point.

Clr. Hall confirmed that MUFC had undertaken some maintenance work already (including shower repairs).

Clr. Hughes agreed that the pavilion looked much better from the roadside and acknowledged MUFC's work here.

In terms of other fund-raising, MUFC did collect weekly subs, but there was not an annual membership.

Clr. John considered that MUFC consider some fund-raising to assist with some of their costs. Councillors recalled donkey derbies that had taken place in the past.

Clr. Hughes re-affirmed that other community users should be allowed consideration to use the facilities and that this needed to be within the draft agreement.

In terms of the content of the agreement, Clr. Terry Williams proposed that MCC agree to meet the costs of the public liability insurance and building insurance. Seven were in favour with two abstentions.

Clr. Long proposed that MCC agree to meet the costs of grass cutting and rolling at the north sports field (at least 10 times per year). Seven were in favour, with two abstentions.

Clr. Terry Williams proposed that MCC agree to meet the costs of floodlight repair. Again seven were in favour with two abstentions.

Clr. Hughes reassured councillors that the draft would need to be signed off by full council once MUFC had considered the draft agreement.

Clr. Hughes also read out an email from MUFC about a gap in the entrance to the north sports field, alongside the gate. This had allowed dog walkers and other non-permitted users in to the field.

MUFC had now asked for this to be repaired and had also offered a quote to undertake this work.

Clr. Hughes also mentioned that horses had recently found their way into the north sports field, after some weather damage to the fence surrounding the horses' field had seen them escape.

Clr . Peter Kidney understood that the main gate always appeared to be left open and was never locked. However, once the weather improved, he agreed to fill in the gap. The clerk was to let MUFC know.

Clr. Terry Williams suggested that MCC meet with MUFC on a later occasion to talk through the proposals in order that MUFC understood the commitments from both sides.

Update on the condition of Skrinkle Community Centre (SCC). Clr. Hughes confirmed that Skrinkle Hall remained unfit for purpose. There was now additional flood water on the floor of the hall, the wall was bubbling alongside the notice board, the plaster above the ceiling was collapsing and two of the suspended ceiling panels had fallen down. The hall remained closed.

Clr. Hughes reminded councillors that MCC had given YHA eight weeks to undertake remedial action otherwise MCC would consider withdrawing from the existing underlease for Skrinkle Hall. This would be looked at during the April meeting of council.

The clerk confirmed that YHA had yet to respond to the email he had sent them on February 4 about MCC's intentions in respect of the underlease.

Update on issues around the enhancement work to Jameston Play Area: In respect of the fencing alongside the road, two quotes would be required. One quote had been received already, for future discussion.

Clr. John Williams said he would also consider quoting depending on the type of fencing required. If stock proof fencing was only required in two places, he would consider quoting and would continue to offer his services free of charge, providing MCC paid for the materials.

Members encouraged Clr. Williams to submit a quote. These two quotes would then be sufficient enough for consideration by MCC. Clr. Williams agreed to bring forward a quote at the next meeting of council.

Clr. Hughes confirmed that the new playground equipment had been ordered.

The clerk reported that PCC had confirmed to MCC that once any new maintenance and installation work on the new equipment had started, insurance responsibility for the whole of the Jameston play area would revert back to MCC. PCC said there was no transition period and suggested that MCC contact RoSPA, who offered a full annual inspection service.

The clerk had spoken to RoSPA and inspection costs were £65 plus VAT per site (up to five items - over five items would be charged at £3 per item).

MCC covered public liability insurance for the play area.

Clr. Hall proposed that MCC contact RoSPA to undertake the annual inspection and all were in favour.

Clr. Hughes reported that the swings in the play area had gone missing. Members wondered if PCC had taken them away. The bucket for the zip wire had also disappeared.

Clr. Hughes asked the county councillor to check with PCC if they had taken the swings away.

Update on the new town and community councils website. The clerk reported that he had attended the training session delivered by PCC's IT team. The website would be going live towards the end of the month. The clerk highlighted the proposed content of the MCC pages on the website and welcomed suggestions for content and images from members.

New community notice board(s) for MCC's area: Clr. Hughes reported that the new notice board erected by Clr. Hall in Skrinkle had been vandalised within 36 hours of it being installed.

Clr Hughes also reminded members about the request from residents of Manorbier Newton for a replacement notice board at that location. One detailed quote had been received and this totalled £487.

The clerk had also sourced some price lists from various companies and these costs varied, depending on the type of notice board required.

Clr. Hughes reminded members that the notice boards in Lydstep and Jameston were open to the elements (wind particularly) and were fixed to the bus shelters.

Clr. Long considered a like for like (not a Rolls Royce) replacement in Manorbier Newton.

The clerk said that like for like replacements for Lydstep and Jameston would be in the region of £160 - £400.

Members asked the clerk to ascertain prices for the three notice boards - one with legs for Manorbier Newton and two screwed-on notice boards (3 A4 sheets wide x2 deep with doors -no lock) for Lydstep and Jameston.

Clr. Terry Williams asked about planning restrictions. Council agreed that these would be like for like replacements.

Presentation of an award/plaque to Bruce Tasker: The clerk reported that he had sent a letter to Bruce Tasker congratulating him on his recent achievements.

Clr. Peter Kidney suggested that MCC present an engraved tankard to Mr. Tasker, Manorbier's only Olympian, to recognise his achievements, including at the recent Winter Olympics.

Clr. Hall proposed that an engraved tankard be presented to Mr. Tasker and all were in favour.

Clr. Marcia Kidney agreed to take forward the purchase and engraving of a tankard ahead of the next meeting.

PCC would also be arranging a reception at County Hall for Mr. Tasker.

Charitable donation requests from Pembrokeshire YFC, Victim Support, Cruse Bereavement Care and Prism: Members noted that MCC was now receiving frequent requests for charitable donations. They were concerned that, by granting donations to these applicants not based within the immediate locality, many other similar requests would follow.

Clr. John proposed that these requests be refused. Seven were in favour, with two abstentions.