The following matters were considered at this month's meeting of the Martletwy Community Council, held in Lawrenny: Planning: There were no objections to prior (agricultural) notifications for a yard extension and portal frame shed, and a portal frame for the storage of farmyard manure, both at Furzehill Farm, Martletwy; nor to a full planning application for an agricultural shed for the storage of farm equipment and lambing of breeding ewes at Wood Park, Martletwy, and an outline application for a new dwelling on a plot adjacent to Herons Rest, Martletwy. Highways matters: It was resolved to request a meeting on site, with the county council, to reassess safety issues related to poor visibility at the Martletwy Cross road junction, the revised road layout at Landshipping Ferry, and unresolved problems with surfacing and alignment of the Lawrenny to Cresswell Quay road. 'Quiet Lanes' Initiative: The views of Planed and the county council were still awaited on the suggestion of a locally-defined zone with overall speed restrictions, as a more appropriate alternative means of addressing local problems. A letter from the community appeared to indicate support for this approach. BT payphones: In response to consultation on BT's proposal to remove three of the five payphones in the community, the council resolved to strongly oppose the removal of those at Clare House, Landshipping, and Lawrenny Yacht Station which are vital for emergency use. The removal of the payphone at Cross Hands could be accepted - albeit reluctantly - as there were alternatives at the adjacent commercial premises while they are open. The payphones in Martletwy and Lawrenny villages were not affected by the proposed programme of removal. Lawrenny Post Office: A report was received on the official opening of a new 'pick up/return' bus service covering the wider community on two days per week, and an expanded range of personal services, including broadband internet access, complemented by the tearoom, shop and off-licence facilities. These initiatives had received the enthusiastic encouragement of the Post Office. The council agreed that they need and deserve full support from the community as a whole. Next meeting: Monday, October 4, at 7.30 pm in Lawrenny Village Hall.
