Among matters discussed at a recent meeting of Pembroke Dock Town Council were the following:

Town council flags: Clr. P. Gwyther questioned if there had been any progress on this issue. The town clerk informed members that Mr. John Evans from the Sunderland Trust had been in contact with the office regarding the replacement of the flags and a meeting was to be arranged.

Mayor-making: Clr. P. Gwyther commented that the ceremony for the mayor-making was acceptable, but felt that the oath which the Deputy Mayor took should be considered. The town clerk stated that this had been inherited from previous years, but would look at the oath for possible changes.

Town clerk's report

Planning issues: The town clerk informed members that the planning committee of the town council were often concerned about decisions taken by the county council with regard to planning applications, particularly when parking allocations seem to be less than adequate. She suggested to council that she asked, via the development director, that an officer attended council to speak and to answer questions that members may have. Members agreed, but felt that the planning committee should also put some questions together to be sent to the development director before the meeting.

Civic awards: The town clerk stated that it is two years since this was last considered. Members commented that there were a lot of groups and individuals who did good things for the town and stated that they wanted the awards to go ahead this year. It was agreed that an article would be put into the local press during the summer months with the award ceremony to take place in September.

Cemetery grass cutting: The town clerk informed members that she had attended a meeting with Mr. Glenville Codd and Clr. Sue Perkins to discuss the issue of enhancing the service that the county council gave for maintaining the cemetery.

She stated that a way forward was agreed, the details of which will be available to the town council soon. Members agreed that this area needed further maintaining, but more information on costs were needed.

Christmas lighting: The town clerk stated that as a result of tendering for the contract to put up the Christmas lights and to remove them for the winter of 2011/12, only one quote had been received.

She informed members that this quote has been given by Mr. Paul Brockway who had experience of this work in the past and currently with various local councils. The quote given was £4,450. This was great deal less than last year and also Mr. Brockway had indicated his willingness to work with the town council officers to plan and propose changes to the lighting in the future. The contract, if let to Mr. Brockway, would be for three years, the second year rate would be £4860, the third year rate is £5085.50. Mr. Brockway would also survey their existing lights and check the fixings to ensure that they were at an acceptable standard; this would cost extra £700 with an extra amount to check the fixings. These amounts were well within the agreed budget for the Christmas lighting for the current year.

It was proposed by Clr. K. Becton, seconded by Clr. S. Perkins and resolved that the contract received from Mr. Brockway was accepted and that the three year contract was given.

Computer quotes: The town clerk informed members that she had received one extra quote for the computer equipment that they needed to change. Members commented that the town council should be supporting local businesses so felt Perfect PC's should be awarded the business, but needed commitment that queries would be answered on the same day.

Office furniture: The town clerk stated that as agreed in the budget from the current financial year, there was a need to replace both office chairs as neither of them met with the basic health and safety standards. She commented that there was also a need to replace the desk in the clerk's office for the same reasons. It was proposed, seconded and resolved that the new office equipment should be purchased from Euro Office in order to make savings.

PCC Deposit Local Development Plan Consultation on the site allocation representations: The town clerk informed members that subsequent to the consultation process for the LDP changes have been proposed. Some of the changes had included new sites or boundaries. These proposals were known as 'alternative sites'. Members felt that proposed changes should be commented on, but as members did not have enough information on the new route from Imble Lane to the top road then they felt they could not comment on it. It was agreed that all areas where members did not have enough information on individual comments should be made. It was proposed by Clr. S. Perkins, seconded by Clr. P. Gwyther and resolved that the town council comment they want the site at Stranrear Road in Pennar to be allocated to Village Green area.

Grant application from the Sunderland Trust: The town clerk stated that she had received a grant application from the Sunderland Trust asking the tow council for £2,500 to help restore some documents.

The documents included a diary that belonged to Captain Tom Breaks who was the officer in charge during the 1940 Llanreath oil tank fire. Members agreed that this was a large sum of money being requested, and felt that this should be forwarded to the joint tourism and twinning committee, as this is more aimed at tourists for the area.

Fort Road Car Park picnic tables and benches: The town clerk informed members that she had been asked to bring this to their attention. The county council had provided picnic tables and benches in the Fort Road Car Park. Unfortunately, these had not been maintained or repaired. Also, a three-foot stone wall that ran right across the front was disintegrating and it was felt that this was dangerous. Members commented that this was an issue for the county council, but commented that a lot of walls in the area had been affected.

Argyle Street Surgery: The town clerk commented that as a result of the letter she was instructed to send to Mrs. Edwina Hart, she had subsequently received a letter from the practice manager of the surgery.

Mrs. Goldsworthy explained the problems for patients accessing appointments; The town clerk commented that she had copied the letter to members in their papers.

Mrs. Goldsworthy explained that they could not say when the systems would be changed although they will be holding a review in the next two months.

The town clerk stated that as a result of Mrs. Hart's letter and an article she read in the press, she replied to Mrs. Goldsworthy along the lines of the cost of calls not just to mobile 'phones, but to landlines, also suggesting that appointments may be made by walking into the surgery, but most importantly the fact that from April 1 this year, it was no longer acceptable for surgeries to use the expensive telephone numbers and that they should be offering a call back service to save patients from long expensive 'phone calls.

The town clerk commented that she had not yet received a reply. Clr. K. Becton commented that the surgery was actively looking to improve the 8 am rush and felt that with the number of patients they were dealing with that they were doing well. Other members felt that concerns had not been answered and were not happy with the response received.

Proposed meeting with Mr Chris Martin, Hywel Dda Health Board: The town clerk informed members that she had circulated by a copy of the letter she received from the health board. She commented that she received a few replies. As could be seen from the letter, Mr. Martin was offering to meet with the Mayor and a couple of members of the town council to discuss the future plans for Withybush Hospital.

The town clerk stated that she knew that some members might prefer to ask Mr. Martin to a council meeting, and of course if members wished, she would invite him, but suggested that a few councillors be nominated from council with the remit to report back.

It was proposed by Clr. K. Becton, seconded by Clr. S. Perkins and resolved that the town council nominated three representatives to attend and report back to full council. It was agreed that those representatives would be Clr. S. Perkins, A. McNaughton and C. Gwyther.

Pembrokeshire Branch of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust: The town clerk informed members that the secretary of this organisation had written asking whether the town council would make a donation towards their work on behalf of Cystic Fibrosis patients. She stated that they were all volunteers seeking not only to raise funds for the vital research work being carried out by the Trust but also to provide support for the CF families in the county. The current economic situation has reduced their funding to such a degree that while the work will continue, it must inevitably take longer than originally anticipated. Members stated that due to the policies set in place, they could not award financial assistance to this organisation as its activities fell outside of Pembroke Dock.

Pembroke and Pembroke Dock Boxing Club: The town clerk informed members that she had received a letter of thanks for the donation made recently by the town council.

Milford Haven Waterway Recreation Management Plan (Final Draft): The town clerk commented that she had received a copy of this final draft. The port authority was asking for comments from the council with the Consultation period ending on August 26. It was agreed for the consultation committee to review this document and comment.

Casual vacancy: The town clerk informed members that the vacancy in the Central Ward was to be filled by co-option, she stated that it would be July before applications were received.

Application for a new Premises Licence, Pennar Post Office and Store: The town clerk stated that the Post Office currently sold alcohol from 0700-2000 hours. The application sought to extend the hours to 0500-2200 hours. Members were happy with the application and recommended it was supported.

REPORTS FROM TOWN COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES SERVING ON OUTSIDE BODIES

Chevron liaison committee: Clr. P. E. George commented that she attended a session with Chevron recently, she stated that the manager of the refinery spoke to say he was sad to leave Pembroke Refinery, but Valero were due to start on August 1, and there were to be no redundancies. Clr. George commented that a talk was given on the wildlife in the refinery and how they were helping them. Clr. S. Perkins commented that Pembroke Refinery was keeping their voluntary contributions going in the future.

Police forum: Clr. M. Murton commented that she had recently attended a police forum meeting. She informed members that there had been four cars removed from the town for no tax, and there were a number of people who received fines. She commented that there were complaints being received regarding dog fouling, but stated that notices were being issued and leaflets were being passed to dog owners. Clr. Murton commented that there had been thefts in the Waterloo area which the police were keeping an eye on.

There had been some vandalism by youths at the Anchorage. The youths had been caught and were given a warning. She commented that the youths had then helped clear and replant the area vandalised.

Pater Hall Trust: Clr. P. Gwyther informed members that there will be a Country and Western line dancing event taking place in the Pater Hall on July 30.

PDEAT: Members reviewed the minutes of the last Pembroke Dock Environmental Action Team meeting. It was commented that the town council could not have public minutes like this. It was agreed that this meeting should have an officer in attendance. Clr. M. Murton informed members that the meeting was postponed but the chair insisted that the meeting went ahead without an officer in attendance. The town clerk informed members that Neyland committee was not serviced by the town council officers.

It was proposed by Clr. S. Perkins, seconded by Clr. M. Murton, and resolved that this committee needed terms of reference and every meeting of Pembroke Dock Environmental Action Team needed to be serviced by a town council officer in future.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Mayor's civic dinner: Clr. P. E. George thanked the Mayor, Clr. Andrew McNaughton for the dinner at the Cleddau Bridge Hotel; she commented that it was a fantastic evening.

Laws/Dimond Street corner: Clr. J. Phillips questioned if there was anything the council could do regarding the Laws/Dimond Street corner. She commented that since the building had burnt down, nothing had been done with the area and it looked terrible. It was commented that planning permission had been agreed for the ends of the two properties to be put right, but no work had taken place yet. Clr. S. Perkins stated that as it was private land there was not much the town council could do. She commented the only thing that could be done was to contact the environmental health of the county council to put pressure on.

Market: Clr. P. Gwyther commented that he had been informed that the Market would be closing. Clr. A. McNaughton commented that no decision had been made on this matter and hoped a consultation would be put out before any decisions were made.

Swansea City football team: Clr. C. Fortune questioned if a letter of congratulations could be sent to Swansea City for getting into the Premiership. It was agreed that a letter would be sent.

Aldi: Clr. P. Kraus questioned if there was any further news on the Aldi site. The town clerk stated that Aldi hope to develop the site, but have five years to develop the site before further planning permission is needed.

Spitfire opening: Clr. P. Kraus informed members that the spitfire opening went successfully and thanked all who attended.

Lewis Street corner: Clr. A. McNaughton stated that there was an issue with egress from Lewis Street junction. He commented that there was a black bin which blocked the view of on coming traffic to drivers and questioned whether the county council could be contacted to relocate the bin.

St. Govans Centre: Clr. M. Murton commented that she had been approached by a business owner located in the St. Govans Centre regarding fingerpost signage for the centre. The business owner had commented that they tried to involve the Chamber of Trade with no success. Members stated that this needed to be put through to county council.