The recent monthly meeting opened in prayer led by the Mayor's chaplain, Rev. Canon Roger Jones.
Members observed a minute's silence as a mark of respect for the four miners who tragically died in the Gleision Colliery disaster.
In the absence of the Mayor, the meeting was chaired by Deputy Mayor, Clr. Miss M. A. Phillips.
Regeneration project: The chair welcomed Ms. Amie Rowland (European contract officer) and invited her to address council.
The £3.2m EU backed scheme to revitalise the towns was announced by Deputy First Minister, Ieuan Wyn Jones, in January this year and was aimed at boosting the commercial competitiveness of Pembroke and Pembroke Dock, by making the centres more attractive for investors, shoppers and visitors. In the long run it was envisaged that the scheme would improve the economic prosperity of the areas.
The project featured a number of elements, including:
A new route for pedestrians and cyclists travelling between Monkton and Pembroke town centre, and traffic calming measures and new crossing points in this area.
Streetscape improvements in Pembroke.
Enhancements to the Monkton Bridge, Castle Pond area through building a decked walkway on stilts with seating.
A grant scheme for commercial properties in the conservation areas of Pembroke and Pembroke Dock for structural and fabric improvements and for restoring architectural detail.
A discussion ensued, during which, council requested that a full public consultation exercise takes place prior to enhancement work commencing on the Castle Pond area.
Ms. Rowland agreed to provide council with a quarterly progress report on the project.
The chair also welcomed Simon Pearson (community safety manager) to the meeting and invited him to give a presentation on the work of the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service.
Ironman success: Clr. Keith Nicholas informed the council that he was delighted with the Ironman event, stating that he had received favourable reports from spectators who had turned out to support the athletes.
He requested that a letter be sent to the local press congratulating the organisers for bringing the event to Pembrokeshire.
Whilst there were a few lessons to be learnt prior to the 2012 event, it was hoped that Pembroke would continue to be part of Ironman Wales.
Traffic monitoring: The clerk informed the council that a Loop Counter Classifier which would monitor vehicle speed and classification, had been installed in South Road, Pembroke, by Pembrokeshire County Council.
The Neighbourhood Policing Team had been requested to take appropriate action against motorists failing to comply with the traffic lights in Bridgend Terrace.
Water quality: The clerk informed council that he had contacted Mr. Emyr Williams, (Pembrokeshire County Council) regarding the water quality within the Mill Ponds.
He had received a reply stating that that the ponds passed the mandatory water quality tests.
Mr. Williams would arrange for Mrs. Diana Turbervill (pollution control officer) to provide council with the 2011 water quality results for the Castle Pond.
In relation to the extensive reed growth, Mr. Williams suggested that the issue be brought to the notice of Mr. John Hayes (Mill Pond Action Group).
The clerk was requested to invite Mr. Hayes to a council meeting.
As Clrs. Waters and Blackburn were the council's representatives on this group, it was agreed that this matter be discussed at the next meeting of the Mill Pond Action Group.
Planning applications: Engineering operation to raise level of part of rear garden and erection of fence 'in retrospect' at Cae'r Lan, Long Mains, Pembroke (council resolved to support the application0); removal of existing metal clad enclosure to swimming pool and replace with solid walls and pitched roof at Golden Hill House, Golden Hill, Pembroke (council resolved to support the application); tree felling at 11 Holyland Road, Pembroke (council resolved to support the application); tree surgery at Golden House, Golden Lane, Pembroke (council resolved to support the application.
Planning applications determined: Appeal made by Mr. Mathew Jones against the decision of Pembrokeshire County Council refusing permission for land off Clay Lane, Maidenwells, to be used for the stationing of caravans for residential purposes (appeal dismissed).
Licensing: Application for a New Premises Licence at Foundry House Community Centre, Commons Road, Pembroke (no objections).
Grants: The council resolved to give the following grant donations - Friends of South Pembrokeshire Hospital £200; Special Interest Group in Autism £50; Viking Explorer Scouts Unit £200.
Christmas/New Year: It was agreed that Pembroke Town Council offices would be closed from 1 pm on Thursday, December 22, 2011, to 9 am on Monday, January 2, 2012, for the Christmas and New Year period.
Road safety: Clr. Waters opened the discussion on the road safety issue at the junction of the A4075 and A477 road at Nash Fingerpoint, by stating she had received complaints from local motorists and long distance delivery drivers concerned about the layout of the Nash Fingerpost junction which many considered to be an accident 'black spot'.
Following discussion, the council were in agreement that the current road layout, lack of signage and road markings, coupled with excessive speeds approaching the junction from Pembroke (A4075), was a significant contributory factor to the poor collision record/near misses at this location.
In addition, they agreed that problems were caused by long vehicles straddling the carriageway when turning right from Pembroke and travelling towards St. Clears.
The council resolved that a letter should be sent to the South Wales Trunk Road Agency expressing concern about the road traffic collision record at this junction and that an urgent review be conducted with a view to modifying the existing configuration.
They requested that the letter to be copied to Mrs. Angela Burns AM, Mr. Simon Hart MP, County Clr. John Allen-Mirehouse and County Clr. Clive Collins, as well.
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