At a recent meeting of Pembroke Town Council, in the absence of the Mayor, the meeting was chaired by Clr. Miss M. A. Phillips (Deputy Mayor) who offered condolences to Clr. Llewellyn on the recent loss of her husband and to Clr. Collins on the loss of his mother.

MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES

Cannons, Town Hall: The clerk informed council that two new bases had been made and the cannons would be restored to their plinths at the entrance to the Town Hall in the near future.

Hand-held speed detection device purchased by Pembroke Town Council: The clerk informed council that he had received a comprehensive reply from Chief Inspector Steve Matchett relating to the use of the device. Chief Inspector Matchett confirmed that the device has been used regularly by officers from Pembroke Dock and the results have been outlined at the respective PACT meetings immediately following enforcement. A revised speed enforcement policy had been implemented recently which included a requirement that speed enforcement logs were kept in respect of each device and a new cycle of speed enforcement training would commence in September 2011. Therefore, whilst the police were unable to provide council with the details of the enforcement in and around Pembroke since 2007, the information would be available in respect of future enforcement.

Traffic calming - The Green, Pembroke: Following the last meeting, a site meeting had been held when residents outlined their concerns to Mr. Ben Blake (traffic engineer), Pembrokeshire County Council. Mr. Blake would explore possible solutions to issues raised and report accordingly in due course.

Traffic calming - West Street and South Road: Pembrokeshire County Council had been requested to conduct a survey to monitor traffic flow with a view to implementing traffic calming measures.

Advertising banners: The clerk informed council that Pembrokeshire County Council has now adopted a 'zero tolerance' approach in respect of advertising banners being attached to the railings at East End Square. Subsequently, all banners attached to the railings were removed by the county council.

PLANNING APPLICATIONS

Erection of garage at 2 School House, Bush Hill, Pembroke (council would support the application); erection of bungalow and garage on land at 22 St. David's Road, Pembroke (council would support the application); demolition of a garage and erection of a two storey extension at 13 Buttermilk Close, Pembroke (council would support the application).

CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED

The clerk informed council that he had received a further email from Mrs. Elizabeth Gossage (Pembroke 21C) stating that following the resignation of Clr. Nicholas from the steering group that a vacancy exists on this committee. During the next two years, the group would focus on developing the ideas and projects in the community plan with local stakeholders and partners. As no councillor volunteered to fill the vacancy it was agreed to leave the vacancy open.

WELSH VEGETABLE CHAMPIONSHIPS

The clerk gave a presentation to council on the event organised by Pembroke Town Council held at Pembroke School. Despite inclement weather during the Saturday morning, feedback received from exhibitors and public indicates that it had been a well organised and enjoyable show. This success would not have been possible without the sponsorship, financial support and the assistance provided by volunteers who assisted with car parking, meeting and greeting visitors and general stewarding duties. Clr. Phillips read an email received from the Mayor of Pembroke expressing his appreciation to council staff, councillors and volunteer helpers for their hard work in making the event so successful and enjoyable. Clr. Brinn also extended his appreciation to the team for organising the raffle which raised £277 for the Mayor's nominated charities. Clr. Nicholas endorsed the comments made by Councillor Brinn stating that the invaluable assistance given by members of the Pembroke public helped to make the show a well supported community event.

PEMBROKE MILL POND

Clr. Waters expressed concern regarding young people swimming in the pond during the hot weather as in her opinion the water quality/algae build up could lead to health problems. She advocated that signs should be erected warning swimmers of the possible health risk. She also expressed concern about the extensive reed growth within the ponds and advocated that the reeds be cut back or removed completely as part of a clean - up operation.

A discussion ensued on this matter. It was resolved to invite a county council officer to a forthcoming council meeting to discuss these issues.

NORTH WALK AND SURROUNDING AREA

Clr. Asman showed Council a PowerPoint presentation containing photographs identifying a number of maintenance issues requiring attention within the North Walk/Castle Pond area. Several of these issues, including replacing missing/broken hand rails, dislodged capping stones and extensive weed growth have been reported previously to Pembrokeshire County Council; however, no action had been taken. The clerk commented that taking photographs was an excellent method of bringing maintenance issues to the attention of the county council and offered to forward the photographs to Mr. Brian Maddocks (head of maintenance) and Mr. Glenville Codd (area maintenance). It was also agreed that an invitation be extended to both officers to a council meeting in order to discuss various maintenance issues within the town.

SOUTH QUAY

Clr. Mrs. M. R. Blackburn reminded council that interest had been shown by property developers in building residential accommodation on the South Quay. Enquiries had been made with Pembrokeshire County Council regarding registering the South Quay as a Village Green. A discussion ensued on the reply received from Mrs. Lynne Curcio (registration officer), following which Clr. Blackburn proposed, seconded by Clr. Jenkins that a special meeting be convened at the earliest opportunity to discuss this matter fully.

ANNUAL MEETING

2012

The clerk informed council that the elections for local councils will be held on Thursday, May 3, 2012. Therefore, it would not be possible to hold Mayor Making on the first Saturday in May (5) as per usual practice. As the Local Government Act stipulates that the annual meeting must be held in May and within 14 days of the election, he suggested that the annual meeting be held on Thursday, May 10, for the purpose of electing a new Mayor and councillors to sign the acceptance of office. The other formalities to be adjourned to Saturday, May 19, with the Pembroke Civic Service held on Sunday, May 20. This was agreed.

PEMBROKE HERITAGE LEAFLET

Clr. Asman informed council that Pembroke and Monkton Local History Society was in the process of producing a Pembroke Heritage leaflet and currently there was a shortfall in funding of approximately £150. Clr. Asman requested that Pembroke Town Council considered providing financial support of £150 towards this project. A discussion ensued on this request with Clrs. Asman and Waters declaring a personal interest as members of Pembroke and Monkton Local History Society. Clr. Collins proposed, seconded by Clr. Nicholas that the society should comply with the council procedure for making an application for financial assistance. Once received, the application would be considered with similar applications. A vote was taken with five members voting in favour of the proposal and three members abstaining from voting.