At a recent meeting of Pembroke Town Council, the following matters were discussed:

MAINTENANCE ISSUES

The Mayor welcomed Mr. Brian Maddocks, head of maintenance, and Mr. Glenville Codd, area manager, Pembrokeshire County Council, to the meeting to discuss maintenance issues in the Pembroke area.

The following were among the issues brought to the attention of the officers: The need for grassed areas within the town to be cut more frequently. Currently, grassed areas are cut every 14 days - consideration would be given to visually prominent grassed areas being cut on a more frequent basis; a bus shelter to be erected at the Westgate Hill bus stop. County Clr. Lilwall informed council that over the years, she had raised this issue with Pembrokeshire County Council on several occasions. However, as the proposed shelter would be erected in close proximity to Pembroke Castle, it had been determined that a modern edifice could not be erected in front of a listed building; excessive weed growth on pavements within Main Street; pavements within Main Street to be power washed prior to the summer season; life-saving equipment to be installed/replaced along The Commons Stream and Mill Pond; a maintenance plan in respect of The Commons stream to alleviate the problem caused by invasive plant growth; the pathway adjacent to the Castle Pond barrage to be re-opened by replacing fencing with a gateway.

Clr. Brinn thanked both officers for attending the meeting and taking on board the issues raised by council. Clr. Llewellyn also thanked Mr. Maddocks and Mr. Codd for the improvement work carried out in Monkton.

COURSE OF ACTION TO BE TAKEN BY COUNCIL IN RESPECT OF PEMBROKE SOUTH QUAY

Clr. Blackburn reminded council that during the meeting attended by Mrs. Sinclair and Mr. Bell, they had advised council on the courses of action open to council, including the compilation of a Conservation Area statement. Local authorities had a duty to prepare a Conservation Area statement to provide a clear indication of their approach to the preservation and enhancement of each individual Conservation Area. Currently, no Conservation Area statement existed in respect of the Pembroke Conservation Area and Clr. Blackburn requested that Pembrokeshire County Council rectify this. It was resolved, the clerk would address this issue with Mr. Matt Pyart, conservation officer, Pembrokeshire County Council.

DOG FOULING

The clerk informed council that he had informed Mr. Tom Hayes, environmental health, Pembrokeshire County Council, of the ongoing problem with a request that action be taken, including increased patrols/enforcement by the dog wardens and the provision of additional signage. His was noted.

VACANT COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES

The clerk informed council that he had emailed Mr. Hugh Watson, principal valuer, Pembrokeshire County Council, expressing concern regarding the deplorable condition of vacant commercial properties in Castle Terrace that are owned by the county council. In addition, a request was made for the county council's plans for the properties, together with a breakdown of expenditure incurred in connection with making good damage caused to the properties through vandalism. Mr. Watson had replied by 'phone stating that a scheme had been submitted to the county council by a local property developer. Subsequently, the scheme had been forwarded to the Welsh Government to establish whether funding would be available. Therefore, the county council is not prepared to spend public money refurbishing the properties until a reply is received from the Welsh Government. It was agreed that whilst the response was noted, it is requested that Mr. Watson furnish council with more detailed information regarding the scheme.

PEMBROKE CIVIC AWARDS 2012

The clerk informed council that the presentation of the awards would be held at Pembroke Town Hall, on Friday, May 25, commencing at 7 pm.

PLANNING APPLICATION

Retention of pedestrian access at 1 Vicarage Fields, Upper Lamphey Road, Pembroke (council would support the application).

WEST STREET

CAR PARK

The following response from Mr. Phil Leggett, highways engineer, Pembrokeshire County Council, in relation to an enquiry as to why construction work within the car park had ceased was noted: Despite pre-commencement surveys by specialist ecologist, once the site was cleared a badger sett was exposed, with young in it. We have to obtain a closure/protection licence from Countryside Council for Wales. The car park is partially opened to the public, and has been for some time. It is hoped that work will re-start in late May.

PEMBROKE BOROUGH SILVER BAND

An application was received from Mr. Ian Jones, treasurer, of Pembroke Borough Band requesting that council pay 50 per cent of the cost of insurance for the band's instruments ,with 50 per cent being met by Pembroke Dock Town Council. The total premiums being £474.87 for 2012/13 and £452.66 for 2011/12. It was resolved, council would provide financial assistance (viz 50 per cent) of £463.76 under S145 Local Government Act 1972.

ARMED FORCES DAY 2012

The clerk reminded council that for the past three years, a joint service had been held to commemorate Armed Forces Day, with the venue alternating between Pembroke and Pembroke Dock. As Pembroke was the venue for the 2012 service, the clerk suggested that a service be held at the cenotaph to include readings by the Mayors of Pembroke and Pembroke Dock. The clerk was requested to proceed with making the necessary arrangements.

PEMBROKE TOWN MAP

Clr. Nicholas reminded council that it had been agreed previously that a fold up map of the town showing places of interest should be available for visitors to Pembroke. The cost of producing the map could be partially offset through raising advertising revenue from local shops and businesses. The clerk had obtained quotations for producing a map from local printers and Clr. Nicholas stressed that there was a need to make progress on this project in order that the map was available in time for the holiday season. Clr. Nicholas envisaged that as the cost of producing a suitable map would incur a shortfall of approximately £2,000, he proposed, seconded by Clr. Waters that this shortfall be met by council. It was resolved, the publication was to encourage visitors, therefore funding is made available by council under S144 Local Government Act 1972.

COLOUR SCHEMES WITHIN THE CONSERVATION AREA

Clr. Nicholas informed council that he was pleased to see that a number of properties within the Conservation Area had recently been repainted. However, he expressed concern that some properties have been repainted using colours that are not in keeping with Conservation Area status. Clr. Nicholas proposed that enquiries be made to ascertain whether an approved colour guide exists to inform property owners of 'heritage' paint colours that were likely to be considered suitable when repainting properties. In the event of there not being a colour guide in existence, Clr. Nicholas suggested that Pembroke County Council be requested to compile a colour guide of approved colours. It was resolved, the clerk would make the necessary enquiries with the Conservation Officer, Pembrokeshire County Council.

RETAIL and RESIDENTIAL SURVEY

Clr. Evans gave a resume of the report presented to council of the survey conducted by eight councillors on Wednesday, April 4. The following being among the key issues arising from the survey: The general appearance of Main Street as a whole was one of tiredness due to lack of care. It was noted that the properties at the eastern end of the street were in a slightly better state of repair than those at the Castle end of the street. The condition of some of the properties above the 'eye line' constituted a far bigger challenge. For example, weeds and ivy growing down drain pipes, broken concrete and foliage growing out of guttering and loose roof tiles were seen as a possible safety hazard for the general public. Graffiti featured on a number of vacant properties, which again sent out the wrong message to residents and tourists. However, it was not all 'doom and gloom' as it was apparent that a number of residents and retailers had spent time and effort keeping their properties in good repair. The report contained a number of recommendations for rejuvenating the town centre and encouraging visitors to Pembroke. This necessitated co-operation between stakeholders and interested parties, including retailers, Pembroke Town Council, Pembrokeshire County Council and Milford Haven Port Authority. Following discussion, it was agreed that Ms. Melissa Howells, project officer, Pembrokeshire County Council, and Mrs. Sue Blanchard-Williams, cruise ship co-ordinator, Milford Haven Port Authority, be invited to attend a council meeting to discuss the issues raised. Clr. Evans was thanked by council for producing such a comprehensive and well-written report.

MAYOR'S THANKS

At the conclusion of the meeting, Clr. Brinn reminded council that this was his last meeting as Mayor of Pembroke prior to handing over the chains of office at the annual meeting. Clr. Brinn thanked councillors, staff and Rev. Canon Roger Jones for their support during his year of office. Thanks were also extended to Clrs. Dennis James, Tom Barrass and County Clr. Rosalie Lilwall who were not seeking re-election, for their service to the town of Pembroke.