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

Play equipment: It was commented that members should be fully aware of what the county council would not do. It was stated that they had a policy of not replacing unsafe play equipment and would only maintain existing equipment and that was the reason the Memorial Park group was formed. It was stated that there were plans to update and add new equipment for all ages, but it all took planning and fundraising, and leasing of the land. It was questioned if funds could be raised to purchase the equipment would the town council be willing to take on the lease for the land needed. Clr. S. Perkins suggested to the Deputy Mayor Clr. J. Phillips that she make it her mayoral promise to help with fundraising towards play equipment during her year as Mayor. Clr. Phillips agreed this would be something she could develop.

It was commented that there had been other successful parks throughout the county with community groups supporting the fundraising and maintenance. Clr. Perkins stated that more community input was needed as there were very few community members on the Memorial Park group. The town clerk informed members that it was not as easy as purchasing the equipment. She stated that land would need to be leased from the county council which was a long process, maintenance of the equipment would be needed, insurance, inspections which all cost. The town clerk suggested that a scenario budget was put together with the extra costs for play equipment to be provided, including the lease costs for the land to see if it would be viable for the town council to be able to supply a play area for the younger children of the community.

Governing body of St. Mary's Catholic Primary School: The town clerk stated that she had received an email from St. Mary's school informing council that the term of office of Clr. Colgan as additional community governor had come to an end and they were seeking a new nomination for the position. It was proposed by Clr. P. Folland, seconded by Clr. P. George and resolved that Clr. M. Colgan continued her role as additional community governor at St. Mary's School.

Valero Pembroke community advisory panel: The clerk stated that she had contacted Valero as requested by council and received an email asking the town council to nominate a representative to attend the panel meetings. It was proposed by Clr. S. Perkins, seconded by Clr. T. Wilcox that Clr. A. Lee be the representative. It was proposed by Clr. M. Colgan, seconded by Clr. P. Folland that Clr. P. George be the new representative. A vote was taken with five votes for Clr. A. Lee and five votes for Clr. P. E. George. The Mayor had the casting vote and it was resolved that Clr. P. E. George be the new representative on the Valero Pembroke community advisory panel. It was commented that as Pembroke had four representatives on this panel and Pembroke Dock only had one, the leader Jamie Adams from the county council would be approached to see if another representative from Pembroke Dock could attend.

Councillor vacancy: The clerk commented that she had not received any applications for the vacancy in Market Ward. She suggested that it was advertised again in a few months' time.

Wild Weekend for Wales, October 26-28: The clerk stated that she had received an email from Keep Wales Tidy explaining that this weekend in October would be used to encourage people to create new wildlife habitat in the town which will aim to improve the biodiversity of the town. There appears to be free vouchers available from B&Q to help.

Town council's fingerpost signs - St. Govans Centre: The clerk commented that she had a few visits from a gentleman who ran the curtain and handbag shop in the St. Govans Centre. He and the other traders in the centre have always been upset that there were no signs directing people to the centre. The clerk stated that he had had conversations with the owner of the centre and felt that Mr. Perloff might be prepared to pay towards the council adding to the fingerpost signs with a sign indicating the direction of the centre. Also, this gentleman had suggested that he felt that the traders might club together to add to the fingerpost. It was worth pointing out that the units were all full now. The clerk stated that the county council had been asked whether any permission would be needed to add to the fingerpost signs and they had said that as long as they put the same signs on the posts that none was needed. The cost of each fingerpost was £168. The cost of an extension to the posts, if needed, was £88. The town council owned five sign posts, the clerk suggested that the one at the end of Lewis Street and the one at the station were added to with a sign for St. Govans Centre. It was proposed by Clr. D. Earl, seconded by Clr. M. Murton and resolved that the town council give permission for the extra signs to be added to the fingerposts, but the cost would have to be funded by St. Govans Centre.

Pembroke Malta - St. Andrews International Christmas Football Tournament: The clerk stated that she had received a letter with details of this tournament to be held in the Luxol Stadium between December 26 and 30 and was open to different range of ages starting with children aged seven-years-old. There would be a great deal of organisation to complete an application for this by November 11. All costs were to be covered by the people wishing to attend. Members stated that due to the dates of the tournament, it would not be possible to arrange anything.

Financial requests - NSPCC and Shelter Cymru: It was resolved that the due to financial grant policies in place, the town council would not be able to grant any financial assistance.

Planning Application

Land east of the Cricket Club, Pembroke Dock (outline) - change of use from agricultural to residential development

It was proposed by Clr. M. Colgan, seconded by Clr. D. Earl and resolved that the town council support the application.

Police Forum

Clr. M. Murton stated that she had recently attended this meeting. She commented that the priorities were very small and the main issues highlighted were Bush Street resurfacing. Concerns were raised regarding the speed of traffic across this stretch of road now the chicanes had been removed. Members were reassured that the chicanes will be replaced, but in the speed gun would be used in the meanwhile.

Floral display

The clerk commented how wonderful the floral displays in the town were looking this year. Members agreed that a letter of thanks should be sent to Geoff at Bush Nurseries for his efforts this year and thanks should be passed onto to Jeremy Jones.

COMMUNITY ISSUES

It was commented that the cannon next to the health centre in Water Street was looking a bit shabby and was in need of some attention. The clerk stated that this had been previously mentioned to the county council, but she would email it through to them again.