Among matters recently discussed by Pembroke Dock Town Council, were the following:

Letter from Mrs. Lewis, of Harbour Way: The town clerk stated that she had received a letter from Mrs. Lewis expressing concern about the appearance of the St. Govan's Centre. Mrs. Lewis disliked the cars parking on the land behind the centre and also in the turning circle at the bottom of Harbour Way. The clerk suggested that the town council write to the county council expressing Mrs. Lewis's concerns and perhaps that parking restrictions be placed on the turning circle in Harbour Way. Clr. P. Gwyther commented that the letter was well written and all of Mrs. Lewis concerns were valid. He stated that the wall was a potential hazard for vandalism and should be cleared. Members agreed that the footpath should be kept clear as it was a designated right of way, but as the land opposite St. Govans Centre was private land there was nothing they could do with regards to the cars parking there. After discussion, it was agreed that the county council would be contacted regarding the footpath access and also question if parking restrictions could be introduced on the turning circle at Harbour Way. It was also agreed that the owner of St. Govans Centre be contacted regarding the building and also to highlight the slipping risk of the entrance onto Dimond Street.

Pembroke Dock Cricket Club: The clerk stated that she had received a request form the cricket club asking the council for £150 to pay towards a noticeboard at the ground. This noticeboard would be used to keep members up to date with fixtures and would also hold notices of local hospital locations, and code of conduct and other relevant information about the club. It was proposed by Clr. C. Fortune, seconded by Clr. M. Colgan and resolved that the council grant £150 to the cricket club for a new noticeboard.

Santes Ffair After School Club: The clerk stated that she had received a letter of thanks for the donation from the town council and a report of activities that were undertaken by the scheme this last summer holidays.

Town and County Planning Act - Extinguishment of Public Rights of Way, Public Footpath SP32/33 Bentlass Terrace: The clerk stated that she had copied a plan and a letter that she had received outlining the extinguishment of the footpath at Bentlass Terrace to allow development of the area to take place. The planning consent given to Pembrokeshire Housing was for four dwellings. The existing right of way went through part of the land to be developed. It was questioned if the right of way would be reinstated once the development is completed as it is a regularly used right of way. It was commented that that particular right of way would not be reinstated, but there would be a pavement across the front of the properties.

Remembrance Sunday, complaints about the non-attendance of the Pembroke and Pembroke Dock Silver Band: The clerk informed members that on Sunday, November 14, the Remembrance parade and service was held in Pembroke Dock. She stated that the band did not attend even though they were asked to do so by the town council office and by the local Royal British Legion branch. The clerk stated that the complaints received to date had been copied in members' papers. The clerk commented that she understood that the band could no longer march as the age of the band members did not allow this. They attended the Pembroke parade and did not march, but played seated at the cenotaph. Although the event was considered a civic one, the council offices had little involvement. The clerk questioned if members feel that this needed to be reviewed? Did the council need to consider finding a different marching band for any parades? It was commented that there was a group of trustees for the band, and it was suggested that maybe the trustees approach the members of the band to question why they did not attend the service in Pembroke Dock. The clerk questioned what response members wanted for the complaints received. Members felt that a strong worded letter should be sent to inform the complainers that the Remembrance service was not arranged by Pembroke Dock Town Council, but they were trying to address the sensitive issue with regards to the band.

Pembrokeshire Cancer Support - possible transfer of cancer services from Withybush Hospital: The clerk stated that she had received a letter from Pembrokeshire Cancer Support expressing their concern with regard to the possible transfer of cancer services from Withybush Hospital to Carmarthen. The concerns were that their members were worried that they may have to travel another 70 or 80 mile round trip for cancer treatment. The treatment was difficult enough to cope with without the added stress of the extra travelling time. The group were asking where the council stood on this issue. After discussion, it was decided that a letter should be sent to the local Health Board to inform them that Pembroke Dock Town Council needed to be a central part to plans and should be consulted and not just educated.

REPORTS FROM TOWN COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES SERVING ON OUTSIDE BODIES

Valero Environmental Liaison Committee: Clr. P. George informed members that she had recently attended a environmental liaison committee meeting at Valero Pembroke Refinery. She commented that they were informed that the executive officer of Valero had met with staff and was very pleased with how things were going, and they had a lot of time for the apprentices. She informed members that the accident investigation was ongoing and that the gentleman who was injured was making good progress. Clr. George stated that Valero want to carry on supporting local communities as did Chevron. She stated that the shutdown which was due to take place early part of 2012 had been postponed until autumn of 2012. Clr. A. McNaughton added that he had attended a memorial service for the deceased at the Chevron incident. He commented that it was a very well turned out service.

Clr. McNaughton stated that he had also attended a UKPIA Launch in Cardiff which included all the local refineries, LNG, Murco and Valero. He commented that there was a lot of commitment from the Pembrokeshire area and a very positive outlook to employment within the area in the future.

Police Forum: Clr. M. Murton informed members that she had recently attended a meeting with the police forum. She commented that it was a lively meeting and there was a lot of discussion around fireworks due to Bonfire Night. Priorities for this month were boy racers, and car obstructions near chicanes.

AGM Age Concern: Clr. M. Colgan commented that she had attended a recent Age Concern annual general meeting. She commented that the group were confident the right decision had been made to stay as Age Concern Pembrokeshire.

COMMUNITY ISSUES

Llanion Cemetery: Clr. P. George commented that she had received further comments from residents regarding the state of the cemetery when the grass had been cut. The clerk stated that all the council could take on would be the clearing of the grass after it has been cut. She stated that there had been meetings with the county council to arrange this.

Clr. George stated that she had received compliments regarding the new Christmas lights; she commented that they brighten up the street and look nice.

Street lighting: Clr. M. Colgan commented on the street lighting going out at nights. She feared that crime would increase in the area. Clr. C. Fortune commented that concerns had also been raised regarding the rubbish bags having to be put out the night before as people could trip over the bags. It was suggested that a letter be sent to the county council to suggest that street corner lights were left on or just to extinguish every other light. Clr. M. Murton stated that the local police stated that these fears had been previously raised to the county council, and if crime did rise in the area, then they would put pressure on the county council to take some action.

Meyrick Street: Clr. A. Lee commented that she was still waiting for the parking restrictions to come into place in Meyrick Street and that she was still having parking problems.