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

SEAFAIR MILFORD HAVEN 2008

The clerk, Mr. Hugh Colley, reminded the meeting that this matter needed to be discussed as a matter of urgency by a special meeting of the council. Resolved: Matter to be discussed at a special meeting with County Councillor A. Williams and Mrs. E. Gossage invited to attend.

BUS SHELTERS

Clr. Brinn informed the meeting that he had made further enquiries with Pembrokeshire County Council into the feasibility of erecting a bus shelter on the Upper Lamphey Road. He had been advised that this was dependent on finance resources being available from within the 2008/09 budget. With regard to the bus shelter situated on Grove Way, he has been informed that Pembrokeshire County Council will clean and make the necessary repairs as soon as possible.

INFORMATION and COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

The clerk informed the meeting that a well established company based in Pembroke Dock (Lightsout Computers) is able to supply and install the hardware and software as outlined in the recent review. The total cost will be £1,227.89 which is slightly higher than the provisional estimate, this being due to the purchase of extended warrantees. Resolved: The clerk to proceed with upgrading the system as per the quote received from Lightsout Computers.

MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING

The minutes of the meeting held on Friday, December 14, to discuss planning applications were approved as a correct record of that meeting. It was proposed by Clr. Davies, seconded by Clr. Jones that a letter be sent to Pembrokeshire County Council that in view of the sensitive nature of the proposed development of the disused Castle Garage that the application should be decided by the full planning committee and not under delegated powers. Clrs. Collins, Llewellyn and Brinn declared their interests in this matter and took no part in this discussion. Resolved: A letter containing the above views to be sent to Pembrokeshire County Council.

PLANNING APPLICATION

07/1174/PA - 6 Buttermilk Close, Pembroke (council supported approval). Clrs. Collins, Llewellyn and Brinn declared their interests in all planning matters and took no part in discussions.

PEMBROKE TOWN GUIDE The clerk informed council that he had been in contact with the publisher who stated that she was prepared to undertake the work required for the 2008 guide.

RECYCLING CENTRE

The clerk referred to a letter received from Mrs. Penelope Bean, of The Old Telephone Exchange, Commons Road, Pembroke, regarding ongoing problems with the recycling centre at Commons Road. Mrs. Bean requested the support of Pembroke Town Council with her request to the county council to install a CCTV at this location in order to monitor the situation. Resolved: A letter to be sent to Pembrokeshire County Council supporting a feasibility study being conducted into the provision of a CCTV camera at the location and to recommend that the skips be removed promptly when they are full to capacity.

NEW TRAFFIC ORDER

The clerk referred to a letter received from Pembrokeshire County Council outlining proposals to introduce additional waiting restrictions along sections of Main Street, Commons Road, Commons Road service road, Gooses Lane, West Street and Woodbine Terrace. Resolved: That the proposed no waiting at any time restrictions along West Street are considered excessive. No comments to make on the other proposals. Pembrokeshire County Council to be informed accordingly.

LOCAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN - CANDIDATE SITES The clerk informed council that the county council had invited the public to put forward sites that they considered should be identified for development. A form has been prepared to assist with this process and the closing date for submissions was March 31.

PLANNING GUIDANCE DOCUMENT

The clerk informed council that he had received a draft copy of the above document published by Pembrokeshire County Council. The closing date for any comments on the document must be submitted by Friday, March 9.

FAIRTRADE

The clerk informed council that he had been contacted regarding Pembroke Town Council becoming a Fairtrade council. This would include providing Fairtrade products at council meetings and functions. Resolved: The council would support the Fairtrade concept, but were unable to insist that the numerous organisations that hire the town hall use Fairtrade products.

ADVERTISING BANNERS Clr. Nicholas informed council that various organisations using the town hall were displaying advertising banners on the front of the building. Members of the public had commented that this was out of character for a listed building and suggested that a formal policy be introduced. Resolved: Advertising banners would only be displayed during the day of the event.

COUNCIL VACANCY

The clerk reminded the meeting that following the recent death of Clr. Hamish Whyte, a vacancy now existed within the St. Mary (North) Ward. However, as council elections would be held on Thursday, May 1, it would be impracticable to fill the vacancy before that time.

HOUSING STRATEGY

The clerk informed council that he had received a draft copy of the housing strategy document published by Pembrokeshire County Council. The closing date for any comments on the document must be submitted by Friday, February 15.

PEMBROKE FESTIVAL 2008

The clerk informed council that he had received an e-mail from Mrs. Elizabeth Gossage, of Pembroke 21C, stating that the festival would take place over the weekend of June 19-22 to coincide with Seafair Milford Haven 2008.

CONSULTATION DOCUMENTS

The clerk informed the meeting that during the past few months the council had received a considerable number of consultation documents from Pembrokeshire County Council and outside agencies. Some of these documents were lengthy and contained a large amount of data. As councils were regularly invited to provide feedback about the documents, he invited suggestions as to the most effective and economical method of cascading documents to members, obtaining relevant comments and forming a consensus of opinion. BIO -DIESEL CLUB

Clr. Jones declared an interest in this matter and left the council chamber taking no part in the discussion. A discussion took place regarding a letter received from Mr. G. Jones, chair, Pembroke Bio-Diesel Club requesting a letter of support. Resolved: Mr. Jones be informed that more information was needed prior to a letter of support being provided.

NEW TRAFFIC ORDER -WEST STREET The proposal by Pembrokeshire County Council to introduce a one way traffic flow onto a section of West Street, Pembroke was discussed. Resolved: Reply to Pembrokeshire County Council stating that the proposal is premature and should be held in abeyance until the future of the Pembroke relief road had been decided.

N POWER - PEMBROKE POWER STATION

The clerk informed the meeting that he had arranged for representatives of N Power to give a presentation at the next council meeting on the Pembroke Power Station project.

PEMBROKE CIVIC AWARDS 2008

The clerk reminded council that nominations were required from both councillors and members of the public.

MAYORAL CHAIN

Clr. McNiffe informed council that he was concerned about the general security of the mayoral chain when it was being used at numerous functions throughout the county. The chain had considerable monetary and historic value and he suggested that a substitute chain be purchased and worn on less formal occasions.

Resolved: There was no need for a substitute chain to be purchased at this time.