Among matters discussed at a recent meeting of Pembroke Town Council were the following:

Pembroke 20/20 consultation: The Mayor welcomed Mrs. Elizabeth Gossage, project officer, Pembroke 21C, and invited her to give a presentation on the recent consultation exercise.

Mrs. Gossage explained that the consultation exercise was carried out over two phases: a questionnaire was distributed with the January edition of the Network newsletter to every household in Pembroke and at other events held within the town during January and February, while a series of consultation events were held in each electoral ward and in schools and youth groups throughout March and early April. The results were collated and a report compiled which had been distributed to stakeholders throughout the community.

In terms of what needed to be improved, a number of issues arose, the main issues were clearly related to the state of the town i.e. the properties, traffic, shops, litter, toilets. A series of action plans had been compiled which were live documents which would be developed further as progress was made.

Other areas related to the revival of the Pembroke Festival and young people asking for more for them to do including better play areas.

The Mayor thanked Mrs Gossage for her presentation.

Mill Pond: The clerk informed council that he had received the water quality tests for the Castle Pond from Mrs. Diana Turbervill, pollution control officer, Pembrokeshire County Council, which had been circulated to members. The tests revealed that the ponds passed the mandatory water quality tests. In relation to the extensive reed growth, it was agreed that Clrs. Waters and Blackburn should bring this matter to the attention of the Millpond Action Group.

Road safety at Nash fingerpost junction: The clerk confirmed that a letter had been sent to the South Wales Trunk Road Agency expressing council's concern about the road traffic collision record at this junction and requested that an urgent review be conducted with a view to modifying the existing configuration. A copy of the letter had been sent to Mrs. Angela Burns AM, Mr. Simon Hart MP, Pembrokeshire County Council, County Councillor John Allen-Mirehouse, County Councillor Clive Collins and adjoining local councils. The clerk informed council that he was awaiting a response from the Trunk Road Agency.

Planning applications: new shop front, access ramp and shutters at Spar Stores, Long Mains, Monkton (council would support the application); new internally illuminated fascia sign at Spar Stores, Long Mains, Monkton (council would support the application); residential development (15-18 units) at Bush rise, Bush Hill, Pembroke (the clerk informed council that he had received two letters and a copy of a petition objecting to the application. The contents of the letter were read. It was resolved council would object to the proposal to construct a residential development consisting of 15-18 units on the same grounds as submitted in respect of the previous application (10/1036/PA): Therefore, council objects to the current application on the grounds that it contravenes the following Joint Unitary Development Plan policies - amenity, access to development, and Pembroke Sewerage System); erection of single storey extension at 73 Monkton (council would support the application); tree surgery at 21 Freemans Walk, Upper Lamphey Road, Pembroke (council would support the application).

Correspondence received: A letter of appreciation was received from Mr. Roy Folland (Master of the Gild of Freemen of Pembroke) for the support and hospitality provided by Pembroke Town Council during the recent Freemen of England and Wales AGM. Letters of thanks were received from the following organisations for financial assistance provided by council: Friends of South Pembrokeshire Hospital; Special Interest Group in Autism; Viking Explorer Scouts Unit.

Extinguishment of street lighting: Council discussed concerns expressed by residents regarding the recent partial extinguishment of street lighting and a response received from Mr. Mel Stephens, street lighting, Pembrokeshire County Council, stating that the proposal to extinguish street lighting within Pembrokeshire was subject to a broad consultation exercise between July and September 2009. Comments on the proposed scheme had been sought from county councillors, town and community councils, emergency services and community safety, with the feedback evaluated and taken into consideration. The county council intended to monitor the effect of introducing the initiative, and individual sites may be subject to review, especially if issues were raised by the Police or Community Safety Partnership. Clr. Jones recommended that incidents where it appeared that switching off street lights had led to an increase in crime were collated over a 12 month period. Subsequently, this information could be forwarded to the county council as part of the monitoring process.

Road safety proposals: Draft proposals and drawings received from Mr. John Price, traffic manager, Pembrokeshire County Council, in respect of various items of work in Pembroke aimed at improving road safety, were discussed. Following discussion, council made the following observations: 1. Springfield Terrace, The Green, Pembroke - council would support the proposal to provide a new footpath on the west side from Croft Court northwards to Rocky Park. However, as this footpath would be used by students walking to and from Pembroke School, it was contended that railings needed to be constructed on the roadside of the proposed footpath.; 2. The Green - council would support the proposal to provide a crossing island close to the junction with Castle View; 3. Golden Hill Road - council would support the proposal to provide a crossing island near the access to the park; 4. Court Terrace - council requested that the clerk ascertain whether more detailed drawings were available showing the additional road markings and signage; 5. A4139, The Grove - council would support the proposal to provide an island near the junction with Grove Hill and close to its junction with St. Daniel's Hill.

Road safety/traffic congestion at the Bush Hill/Buttermilk Lane junction: Clr. Waters expressed concern regarding road safety and traffic congestion at the junction has led to a number of collisions and 'near misses'. Clr. Jenkins requested that Pembrokeshire County Council be requested to conduct a review of the junction with a view to improving the layout. This was agreed.

To co-opt a Pembroke town councillor to represent Pembroke St. Michael ward: Members considered six applicants who attended an interview earlier that evening. Following a secret ballot, Mr. Dennis Evans was co-opted.

To co-opt a Pembroke town councillor to represent Pembroke St. Mary (north) ward: Members considered three applicants who attended an interview earlier that evening. Following a secret ballot, Mr. David Boswell was co-opted.