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

Matters arising - The clerk informed the council that he had contacted Mr. Hugh Watson (principal valuer at Pembrokeshire County Council) with a request for more detailed information about a proposed scheme to develop derelict properties on Castle Terrace and Northgate Street.

A reply had been received suggesting that the agents for the developer (Cathall McCosker) may be willing to attend a council meeting to give a presentation.

It was agreed to invite a representative of Cathal McCosker to the next meeting.

Pembroke town map - Clr. Nicholas reminded the 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.

Shops and businesses in Pembroke had been visited/contacted by Clr. Nicholas, Mrs. Nicholas and the town clerk to encourage owners to support the production of the map by paying £45 for an advertisement.

To date, the response had been very positive, with approximately 40 advertisements sold and it was envisaged that the map would be produced in time for the tourist season.

Clr. Blackburn thanked all for their hard work in securing advertisers.

Colour schemes within the Conservation Area - The clerk informed the council that he had made enquiries with Mr. Matt Pyart (conservation officer with Pembrokeshire County Council) to ascertain whether an approved colour guide exists to inform property owners of 'heritage' paint colours that are likely to be considered suitable when repainting properties.

A reply had been received stating that when repainting takes place, property owners are advised to select from a heritage range of colours.

However, as there had been no requests for guidance, it was assumed that painting had gone ahead without consulting Pembrokeshire County Council.

Clr. Nicholas suggested that it would appear that property owners within the Conservation Area were not aware of the restriction relating to the range of colours to be used.

Therefore, it was felt that the county council needed to address the issue by informing property owners of the restriction and providing them with a colour chart showing the approved heritage colours.

It was pointed out that two properties within the Pembroke Conservation Area were currently undergoing major refurbishment (Richmond Coffee House and Henry's).

It was agreed that Mr. Pyart be requested to inform the developers of the need to use an approved colour when repainting the properties.

Planning applications - Erection of two externally illuminated fascia and hanging signs, at C&N News, 26 Main Street, Pembroke (the council would support the application provided the provisions of the JUDP relating to illuminated signs within a Conservation Area were complied with).

Christmas lighting update - The clerk informed the council that six companies had been invited to tender for the Pembroke Christmas lighting contract and six tenders had been received in compliance with the closing date.

As the tenders contained a great deal of detailed information, he suggested that a small working party to include Mrs. Suzie Thomas (RFO), be tasked with reviewing the tenders and a recommendation be made to full council as to which tender to accept.

The working party is to comprise of Clrs. Nicholas, Evans, Carey and Brown.

Council vacancy - The clerk informed council that following the recent local government election, a vacancy existed in the Pembroke (St. Mary North) Ward.

It was agreed that the vacancy would now be filled by co-option. Advertisements would appear in the local press and on the Pembroke Town Council website.

Bus shelter provision - Clr. Waters informed the council that she was concerned about the stance taken by Pembrokeshire County Council in their refusal to erect a bus shelter at Westgate Hill.

The refusal was based on the grounds that the proposed shelter would be erected in close proximity to Pembroke Castle and it had been determined that a modern edifice could not be erected in front of a Listed Building.

As a result, passengers waiting for a bus had no protection whatsoever from the elements and therefore were forced to shelter in shop doorways during inclement weather.

Clr. Waters proposed that this matter be raised with the county council with a strong request that a bus shelter be erected at this location.

The clerk was requested to bring the matter to the attention of Mr. Ian Westley (director of transportation and environment) and Mr. Simon Rees (public transport) at Pembrokeshire County Council.