At a meeting of Pembroke Dock Town Council, held at the Pater Hall, Pembroke Dock, recently, the following matters were discussed:

DECLARATION

Mrs. Alison Lee read out her declaration of office and signed to confirm her post as councillor for Central Ward.

QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSION WITH MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC

Mrs. Manning approached members of the council, she commented that it had been six months since the new parking restrictions had come into force, and wanted to know about permits and if parking bays were being moved as she felt there was no communication with residents of the area. She questioned how the county council could stop shoppers parking in the bays when shop owners were parking in the bays all day. Mrs. Manning commented that she felt wardens were favouring people. Clr. K. Becton commented that permits had been applied for and relevant forms had been signed. It was proposed by Clr. C. Fortune, seconded by Clr. M. Murton and resolved that the county council should be approached to highlight Mrs. Mannings concerns.

MATTERS ARISING

Cruise ship - Lady Carey: Clr. Andrew McNaughton informed members that he had recently met with Lady Carey, the wife of the Archbishop of Canterbury, who stated she had enjoyed her visit to Pembrokeshire.

Annual Meeting and Mayor-making 2012

The town clerk commented that she had been informed by the elections office of Pembrokeshire County Council that the elections would be on the first Thursday of May 2012. After discussion with the clerk to Pembroke Town Council, the town clerk proposed that the annual meeting and Mayor-making took place on May 17, all members agreed.

Argyle Medical Group

The town clerk informed members that she had received letters from Mrs. Juliet Goldsworthy and Mr. Ashley Warlow, of the CHC.

She stated that in the letter, Mrs. Goldsworthy offered a meeting to include two people from each of the CHC, Hywel Dda, Pembroke Town Council, Pembrokeshire County Council and Pembroke Dock Town Council with four of the GP partners of the medical group.

Christmas lighting for winter 2011/12

A proposal had been made that a new set of lights were leased for Dimond Street in an attempt to brighten the display for the main street in the town centre.

Withybush Hospital

Clr. McNaughton commented that six beds had been closed on Ward 1 due to spending cuts. It was commented that the beds had been closed due to holidays and sickness, as the beds could not be manned.

Green bag scheme

Clr. McNaughton commented that the county council were proposing to stop collection of garden waste via the green bags and provide a wheelie bin scheme. He stated that this would not be very practical for many properties in Pembroke Dock. Members commented that there had been no consultation with councillors or residents and felt a letter of complaint should be sent to the county council.

Santes Ffair after-school and holiday club

The town clerk informed members that some time ago this organisation asked the town council to help with some financial assistance towards a project they had been running that was initiated by the BBC Hands on History Activity Pack. She stated that a balance sheet had been received from the organisation. They stated that they were a not-for-profit organisation. It was proposed by Clr. C. Fortune, seconded by Clr. T. Wilcox and resolved that £200 be granted to the Santes Ffair after-school and holiday club.

New premise licence

The town clerk stated that the licence was to allow the Royal Dragon, 53 Bush Street, to use the ground floor for a restaurant and takeaway and the basement for functions. It covered music both live and recorded and alcohol. A maximum of two persons singing or playing instruments in the basement or ground floor to be allowed, also to allow background music. For 10 am until 11.30 pm Monday to Thursday, 10 am until 1.30 am Friday and Saturday and 10 am until 11 pm on Sunday. It was proposed by Clr. K. Becton, seconded by Clr. C. Fortune and resolved that the town council support this application.

European

Contract Team

The town clerk informed members that she had received an email from Ms. Amie Rowland who was European contract officer for the county council. She explained about the various projects being planned for Pembroke and Pembroke Dock. The projects that affected Pembroke Dock were the proposed development of the garrison Chapel and the Pater Hall.

Age Concern

The town clerk stated that she had received a letter from Age Concern Pembrokeshire asking the town council to re-join this organisation. This was agreed.

Pembroke Dock Harlequins

The town clerk informed members that she had received a request from the Quins for financial help of £500 to help with general running costs at the club. This organisation help 300 local people, including many children and at least 2,000 to 3,000 use the hall in a year. They aim to promote Rugby in all age groups. Members agreed that they could not fund running costs.

Councillor Vacancy - Pennar

The town clerk had been informed from the elections office in the county council that this vacancy could be filled by co-option. With members agreement, she would display notices asking for volunteers.

Oxygen Therapy centre

The town clerk informed members that she had received a letter from the Oxygen Therapy Centre based in Cardigan asking for financial help as they operate only on donations and voluntary working, they do not receive any NHS grants. The therapy was available to people from Pembrokeshire. Members agreed that due to the organisation being outside the Pembroke Dock area, they were unable to offer any financial assistance due to policies set in place.

Planning Decisions

Renovation and refurbishment with remodelling of all floors and external alterations and formation of 22 residential units - 16-19 Commercial Row, Pembroke Dock (granted); change of use from Class A1 to use class D2 Gymnasium - Ground Floor, 20 Gordon Street, Pembroke Dock (granted); erection of fence - 76 Stockwell Road, Pembroke Dock (granted); felling of three dangerous trees - Ferry Wood, Cleddau Business Park, Pembroke Ferry, Pembroke Dock (granted); pair of semi-detached houses - Plot 4, Land at Grove Street, Pennar, Pembroke Dock (granted).

CSSIW and ESTYN reports

Members raised concerns regarding the CSSIW and ESTYN reports on the issue of safeguarding of children in Pembrokeshire County Council. Members were informed that the county council were to agree an action plan, which had been put together by the chief executive and other members of the county council. Members were informed that UNISON had requested a meeting regarding constituents and staff, but had been denied. It was agreed that a letter should be sent to the county council to highlight members concerns.

Sunderland Trust

The town clerk informed members that a letter had been received from the Sunderland Trust asking for sponsorship for a 1940s children's art competition with the prize being £100. It was proposed by Clr. J. Phillips, seconded by Clr. C. Fortune and resolved that the town council donate £100 to the Sunderland Trust for this competition.