County Councillor Mark Edwards gave a report to Pembroke Town Council at the start of their recent meeting.
After being welcomed by the Mayor, Clr. Jones, Clr. Edwards outlined his new role as cabinet member responsible for communities and partnerships.
He explained that he was the link between the county council and communities within Pembrokeshire and that he saw town and community councils as the grass roots of democracy with an extremely important part to play in the consultation process, especially with regard to planning issues.
During discussion, members expressed a number of concerns regarding the relationship with Pembrokeshire County Council and issues within Pembroke that needed to be addressed. It was pointed out to Clr. Edwards that in order for the consultation process to be effective, the county council must be prepared to take into consideration the responses that they received from town and community councils.
Clr. Jones thanked Clr. Edwards for attending the meeting and stated that he looked forward to the town council and the county council working together to resolve issues.
CODE OF CONDUCT
The clerk reminded council that the model Code of Conduct had been adopted at the meeting held on Thursday, September 4, and that members were now required to sign an undertaking to comply with the new code.
All members of Pembroke Town Council signed an undertaking to observe the Code of Conduct adopted at that meeting.
The clerk reminded council that it had been resolved at the September meeting that a Register of Members' Interest would be completed by all members.
A notification of financial and other interests form was distributed to all members with a request that it be completed and returned to the clerk.
PUBLIC TOILETS
The response received from Mr. Brian Maddocks, head of maintenance at Pembrokeshire County Council was discussed.
Councillors concurred that the public toilets, especially the South Quay toilets, were not up to standard. At a time when considerable effort was being made to enhance the town, it was totally unacceptable to await the re-development of the South Quay as this could take several years.
Resolved: That it be re-emphasised to Pembrokeshire County Council that remedial work was insufficient to alleviate the problem and that the South Quay toilets needed to be replaced as a matter of urgency.
TOWN FLAG
The clerk informed council that following the previous meeting, he had received various options which he would discuss with Clr. Relleen. He would report to council in due course.
PLANNING APPLICATIONS
Clrs. Llewellyn, Collins and Brinn declared an interest in this matter.
Clrs. Llewellyn and Brinn left the chamber.
Applications in respect of Gibbas Way, Pembroke; 6 Station Road, Pembroke; House adjoining Hollyridge, First Lane, Pembroke; 3 East End Square, Pembroke - council supported approval.
Plot off Woodside Grove, Woodside Avenue, Pembroke - council supported, but made comment regarding the vehicular access to the proposed development. From inspection of the submitted plans, vehicles entering and egressing the plot would have restricted sight lines.
Stapleton House, 22 Lower Lamphey Road, Pembroke - council supported approval subject to adequate provision of car parking.
FINANCIAL
ASSISTANCE
Twelve applications for financial assistance were considered by council.
Resolved: That under S137 of the Local Government Act 1972, the following payments be made as it was the council's opinion the grant would benefit the area or its inhabitants:
Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society - £100 towards a family fun day for people with special needs; Pembroke Scout Group - £150; Pembrokeshire Crossroads Caring for Carers - £100; Monkton and District Senior Citizen's Club - £250 (Clr. Llewellyn as chair of this organisation declared a personal interest in this matter); Pembroke Old People's Welfare Committee - £250 (Clr. Davies as treasurer of the organisation declared a personal interest in this matter, as did Clr. Llewellyn who was a member).
PEMBs. CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU
The contents of a letter stating that the outreach service provided on Tuesday mornings at Pembroke Town Hall would be closed until further notice were noted.
Resolved: That a letter be sent to Pembrokeshire Citizens Advice stating that the council was disappointed that the invaluable service had ceased and they sincerely hoped that the measure was only temporary.
NEW TRAFFIC ORDER - WAITING RESTRICTIONS
The proposed waiting restrictions contained in letter received from Mr. John Price, traffic manager, Pembrokeshire County Council were considered.
Resolved: That the following observations be made: Castle View - council would support the proposal; Lower Lamphey Road - council would support the proposal to introduce no waiting at any time restrictions on Lower Lamphey Road, but were of the view that there was a greater need for restrictions at the 'pinch point' closer to the junction with Well Hill; South Meadows - council would support the proposal, but suggest that it be part of the traffic management plan for the area considered at a recent public meeting held at the Black Rabbit Club, Pembroke; The Green - council would support the proposal to introduce no waiting at any time restrictions as part of the plan to prohibit driving along this part of The Green. However, council requested clarification from Pembrokeshire County Council regarding the location of the reflective posts to 'close off' the junction. Clr. Barrass declared a personal interest in this matter as a family member lives in Paradise Row.
With regard to the proposal to remove the double yellow lines on Grove Hill, these lines had already been removed.
Promoting Pembroke
Clr. Perry informed council that he had recently read an article in the travel pages of a national newspaper about Pembroke Castle. The article contained excellent publicity, but only referred to a hotel in Saundersfoot as a place to stay.
Clr. Perry suggested that council should look at various ways of promoting the town, e.g. media, internet and guide book, in order to raise its profile and to attract a greater number of visitors.
Following discussion, Clr. Brinn stated that this was a matter that the joint twinning and tourism committee could address. As chair of that committee, he would propose at their next committee meeting that Clr. Perry be invited to give a presentation.
Welcome Hosts
Clr. Perry informed council that visitors to Pembroke were not aware of what the town had to offer and suggested that the feasibility of employing 'ambassadors' during the summer months should be explored. Their role would include welcoming parties to the town and advising them of places to visit.
Resolved: Due to the cost implications that this matter be researched further and considered at a meeting of the finance committee.
South Quay Consultation
Clr. Nicholas informed council that in his opinion Pembroke Town Council as a statutory body of elected members should be more involved in the current consultation process in respect of the proposed development at the South Quay.
Therefore, Pembroke Town Council should be included on the distribution list for future meetings and supplied with a copy of any notes/minutes taken of such meetings.
This would allow for the council as a body to make a considered decision about any plans for the area.
Resolved: That Mr. John Turberville, project officer, be informed accordingly
Council Standing Orders
The clerk advised the meeting that the current Pembroke Town Council Standing Orders were compiled approximately 25 years ago and in his opinion are badly in need of revision.
Resolved: The following agreed to be members of a working party to review the current orders and compile a revised version: Clrs. Jones, Davies, Collins and Major.
Rocky Park Development
Clr. Asman expressed concern regarding the decision reached by the planning committee in relation to the recent planning application. Together with residents, she was extremely disappointed that the observations made by Pembroke Town Council objecting to the development had been overlooked.
Resolved: That Pembroke Town Council be provided with a written explanation by Pembrokeshire County Council clarifying the reasons why the observations of the council were not heeded by the planning committee.
Tidy Towns Initiative
Clr. Anderson informed council of this new initiative whereby volunteers 'adopt' their local area and focus on its ongoing care. Communities would adopt waste black-spots and restore them to their former condition.
Projects undertaken by groups included litter picks, path maintenance, dune management, installing benches and picnic sites. Due to the work that had already been undertaken by community groups within Pembroke, it was envisaged that the town would be part of the Tidy Towns initiative.