May's meeting of Pembroke Town Council opened with members observing a minute's silence to pay respect to Mrs. Peggy Davies, the wife of Clr. Dillwyn Davies, who passed away on Saturday, May 9. This was followed by prayer led by Reverend Martin Cox, Mayor's chaplain.

Among matters discussed were the following:

Mayor-making 2009: The Mayor of Pembroke, Clr. Mrs. P. Llewellyn wished to place on record her appreciation to everyone who made the civic service and reception such an enjoyable occasion. Compliments had been received from guests who were impressed with the hospitality and the pristine appearance of the Town Hall. Clr. Llewellyn requested that members of staff involved in the arrangements be thanked for their hard work.

Planning applications: Clrs. Collins and Llewellyn as elected members of Pembrokeshire County Council declared an interest in this matter.

38 Main Street, Pembroke - council - erection of fascia and projecting sign (council would support approval; Rose Valley, Lower Lamphey Road, Pembroke - erection of dwelling (outline) (council would support approval); Willings Passage, 11 Main Street, Pembroke - erection of signboards listing tenants (council would support approval).

Donations: The contents of a letter received from PCSO Kelly MacKay requesting a donation towards a project involving 'The Nurture Group' at Pembroke School was discussed. It was resolved that a donation of £40 be provided.

Flower festival: The clerk informed council that the theme of the 2009 Flower Festival at the Priory Church, Monkton, which will be held between Saturday, July 18, and Thursday, July 23, was 'An ABC of the church' . As in previous years, a request had been received for a donation from Pembroke Town Council towards a floral arrangement. It was resolved that a donation of £35 be provided.

Civic awards presentation evening: The contents of letters received from Clr. Keith Nicholas, Station Officer Rob Bellerby and Mrs. Jenny Whyte were discussed. All three expressed their appreciation to council for their effort in making the evening such an enjoyable occasion. Clr. Nicholas wished to thank councillors for awarding him the Award of Merit and members of staff for their hard work before and during the presentation evening. Clr. Jones reminded council that it had been agreed previously that a leather bound book be purchased to record the recipients of a civic award. He requested that this matter be attended to. It was resolved that the clerk purchase a suitable register and arrange for the names of all recipients to be entered by a calligrapher.

Armed Forces Day: The clerk informed council that arrangements were being made by Pembroke Dock Town Council for a service to be held at The Garrison Chapel, Pembroke Dock, followed by a reception. Mr. Ian Jones (clerk to Pembroke Dock Town Council) had written to a number of local associations, individuals etc., within Pembroke and Pembroke Dock that had armed forces connections inviting them to the service and reception.

Christmas lighting 2009: Clr. Nicholas reminded council that The Festive Lighting Company had been requested to provide proposals for the council entering into a three year leasing agreement for town's Christmas lighting.

Two proposed schemes showing cross street displays and column displays in digital format had been received from the company, together with the cost details for both schemes. These were shown to council and views sought as to the way forward.

The clerk advised councillors that the lighting displays used by The Festive Lighting Company were more reliable and energy efficient than the displays owned by the council. This would lead to a considerable decrease in the amount of electricity consumed during the festive period.

The clerk reminded members that council would still be responsible for the erection and dismantling of the lighting displays. He advised that should a leasing agreement be entered into, that the existing contract with the electrical contractors would need to be reviewed.

The rental cost for Scheme 1 being: Year 1 - £9,647.60; Year 2 - £8,498; Year 3 - £8,498.

It was resolved that leasing was a cost effective option as maintenance, repairs and transportation costs would be the sole responsibility of the company and that the proposal in respect of Scheme 1 was a viable option and the matter was to be progressed by the activities committee.