The following items were discussed at a recent meeting of Pembroke Town Council.
TOWNSCAPE HERITAGE INITIATIVE
Clr. Blackburn stated that she was still making enquiries into this initiative and she recommended that should Pembroke receive Heritage Lottery Funding that the initiative be stakeholder led.
PRECEPT REQUIREMENTS
The clerk stated that following minor adjustments, the precept for the forthcoming financial year would be £129,050. It was proposed by Clr. Collins, seconded by Clr. Davies and agreed that the revised precept be accepted.
PLANNING APPLICATIONS
29 Lower Lamphey Road, Pembroke - erection of a garage (approved); land adjacent to Barton Hall, Grove Hill, Pembroke - erection of a dwelling (deferred); land opposite Primrose Hill, Pembroke - new vehicular access (approved).
Clrs. Llewellyn and Collins, as elected members of Pembrokeshire County Council, declared an interest in this matter.
CORRESPONDENCE
An anonymous letter has been received commenting on the condition of shop fronts and weed growth within the town. The comments were noted.
A letter was received from a resident of Paradise Row, Pembroke, objecting to the proposal to close the road to through traffic. A reply was to be sent stating that the introduction of traffic calming was initiated by residents who were concerned that motorists were using the road as a 'short cut' which compromissed the safety of pedestrians. Whilst council agreed that this was no perfect solution to the problem, the proposed measure appeared to be the only way that the problem could be eradicated. Therefore, the town council made a recommendation to Pembrokeshire County Council that a road closure be implemented, but subject to a trial period of 12 months.
A letter was received from Miss Iris Davies, who participated in the Saundersfoot New Year's Day Swim, thanking councillors for their support.
The clerk provided each councillor with a copy of notes received from Mr. Lawrence Haring (monitoring officer) regarding the revised Code of Conduct.
AGENDA ITEMS
To consider a response to the draft Pembroke Conservation Area Statement: It was resolved that the council accept in principle the contents of the draft Pembroke Conservation Area Statement, but request that they be consulted further prior to the final version being published.
The council contended that there was a need for a colour scheme to be accepted in relation to the external painting of properties within the Conservation Area.
Clarification was sought as to whether owners/occupiers of properties within the Conservation Area would require planning permission and, if so, would a charge be levied by Pembrokeshire County Council.
To discuss the recent sale of The Cornstore, Pembroke: Clr. Jenkins expressed concern that the property which had been refurbished with substantial public money had been sold at a substantial overall loss. The property was sold without any other individuals/organisations being given the opportunity to purchase and in his opinion this course of action should not be allowed to occur again. It was resolved that a letter be sent to Pembrokeshire County Council requesting information regarding the refurbishment cost and the recent sale of the property.
Pembroke Civic Awards 2009: The clerk informed council that he would be publicising the scheme and if members had any nominees they should submit details for consideration by the relevant committee.
Christmas activities 2008: Clr. Nicholas, as chair of Pembroke Chamber of Trade, informed council that businesses within the town were very pleased by the efforts made during the festive period.
The shop window competition and Christmas quiz had been extremely popular and also favourable comments were also received regarding the Christmas lighting.
Clr. Relleen requested that both Clr. Nicholas and the clerk be thanked by the town council for all their hard work in making the festive season a success.
Suzie Thomas requested that, should there be any funds left in the Christmas arrangements budget, after all invoices paid, another set of lights be purchased for the tree at the top of Main Street.
It was resolved to purchase another set of lights, subject to adequate funding being available.