At the start of the February meeting of Pembroke Town Council, the Mayor, Miss M. A. Phillips, welcomed County Councillor Arwyn Williams.

Clr. Williams had been invited to attend to present further information and a breakdown of costings relating to proposed improvements to the Coast Path below Bush School at Rocky Park. A plan had been drawn up and was presented to members.

Clr. Williams informed Council that the land was owned by Pembrokeshire County Council and the Coastal Path belonged to the National Park.

He advised members that the total cost of the project would be £12,500, of which Pembrokeshire County Council would be providing £3,500 and the National Park would be contributing £2,000. The maintenance of the pathway would be the responsibility of the National Park.

Following further discussion, it was requested that a full breakdown of the estimated £12,500 expenditure be provided, prior to any decision being made regarding a contribution from the town council.

MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES

River Rally 2013: The clerk informed council that a reply had been received from Mr. David James, West Wales Maritime Heritage, advising that unfortunately, after much comparison of the tides tables and respective diary dates, it had not been possible to find a date that suited both the Sealed Knot and their requirements.

A discussion then took place as to whether the event would take place this year.

In previous years, volunteers from Pembroke 21C had assisted with the 'stewarding' of the event and it was noted that volunteers from council would have to be in attendance. In addition to this, as there would be no marquee in place, the event would be an 'outside' event and, should adverse weather conditions occur, there would be no shelter.

After consideration, members agreed that the tradition should be upheld and the River Rally would take place.

Lights on footbridge, The Commons: The clerk informed council that correspondence had been received from Mr. Mel Stephens stating: 'Regrettably, we are unable to reconsider our previous decision. Our policy is clear and is applied throughout the authority due to the reasons previously stated'.

Cenotaph, Freshwater West: Clr. David Boswell provided an update regarding a request for improvements to be made to the cenotaph at Freshwater West.

Following information received, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park required a plan of the proposed work and a pre-planning application form to be completed.

The Royal Marines Association and the Royal British Legion had requested the support of Pembroke Town Council in pursuing this matter further.

It was resolved that Pembroke Town Council would assist the Royal Marines Association and the Royal British Legion in the completion of a planning application and necessary correspondence to enable this work to be completed. Permission was also granted for the council to complete a planning application on behalf of the Royal Marine Association and Royal British Legion should this be required.

Pembroke Borough Town Band: Clr. Brinn had been advised that there would be no further charges for the attendance of the Pembroke Borough Town Band at civic events.

'Unfinished business': Clr. Phillips informed council that following this agenda item being discussed at the last meeting of the council, the clerk had only received two items of unfinished business to be addressed.

PLANNING

The following applications were received:

Creation of a public open space at land north of 4, 5, 6 Castle Terrace, Pembroke. It was resolved that council would strongly object to the application.

Hedge removal at the A4075 at Nash Wood to Pembroke. Council would support the application.

Alterations and refurbishment to the Castle Inn, 17 Main Street, Pembroke: Resolved: Council would support the application.

Tree surgery at Treleet, Upper Lamphey Road, Pembroke. Council would support the application.

The following applications had been determined:

Erection of 16 dwellings, refurbishment of 4 Rocky Park and demolition of 5 Rocky Park - granted.

Erection of two dwellings at land north of 2 Devon Drive, Pembroke - granted.

REPORT OF THE CLERK/FINANCIAL OFFICER

Appointment of a general person/handy person: The clerk informed council that following a meeting of the personnel/HR sub-committee, an advertisement for a general person/handy person had been advertised.

The sub-committee sought approval for Clrs. Nicholas, Evans and Blackburn, in addition to the town clerk, to form the recruitment panel for this post. This was agreed.

The clerk also requested that members inform the office of any areas in Pembroke which they considered would welcome additional attention, such as weeding, cleaning or any minor repairs, in preparation for the appointment.

District Parade Marshal: Congratulations were conveyed to Clr. David Boswell who has been appointed as District Parade Marshal for Ceredigion, Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire.

Clr. Boswell has served for many years as the Parade Marshal for Pembroke Town Council and attends civic events throughout the year. Previously to this he served for over 12 years in the British Army with the Royal Regiment of Wales, 24th/41st of Foot.

Tenders for the flower baskets: The clerk informed council that the only two tenders had been received for providing the flower baskets in Pembroke this year. Tender 1 - £985; tender 2 - £1,200.

It was resolved that tender 1, from Hill Farm Nurseries, be accepted. It was also requested that the baskets be varied and a 'bright' colour scheme adopted.

Weighting of anchor points - banners/Christmas lighting: The clerk informed members that it had been brought to her attention that it was advisable to have all of the anchor points which hold banners/Christmas lighting weight tested. Although this was not a legal requirement, Pembroke Town Council would be liable should an incident arise which caused injury to members of the public or damage to property as a result of not having this testing carried out.

Cardigan Town Council were unable to erect their Christmas lighting in 2012 as following weight testing being completed, it was discovered that the brackets holding the lights in place were not strong enough.

Pembroke council was in the process of obtaining the exact costs for this work to be completed.

It was resolved that Mr. Brian John provide council with a written quotation of work to be completed.

CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED

The following correspondence was noted by council:

Monkton Priory Church: A letter of thanks had been received from Monkton Priory Church for the donation received.

Permit variation application for a sewage treatment plant at Pembroke Power Station: Correspondence had been received from RWE NPower relating to the permit variation application for a sewage treatment plant at Pembroke Power Station.

The clerk advised members that further information was available via the website, details of which were provided.

Hywel Dda Health Board: The clerk informed council that Clr. Evans had now received a reply from Mr. Chris Martin, chair of the Health Board, in response to the question:

'Evidence suggests that the opinions of the residents of Pembrokeshire have been discounted by the use of the phrase 'over represented'. Can the board explain their justification for this action because it is now apparent that the Listening and Engagement and also the consultation process have been nothing more than a tick box exercise.'

Clr. Evans provided members with a summary of this response.

Clean neighbourhoods and environment: Correspondence had been received from Mr. Mark Elliott, head of public protection (PCC), regarding dog control orders and this had been circulated to council.

The letter informed councils of the various provisions that may assist town and community councils in tackling any problem dog fouling areas.

Clr. Llewellyn proposed that this information should be read by members and any recommendations should be brought back to council at a later date.

Town Walls Trust: Correspondence had been received from Janet Drogan, Town Walls Trust, regarding representation from the council on the trust following the resignation of Clr. Nutting.

It was resolved that Clr. Brinn would represent Pembroke Town Council at meetings of the Town Walls Trust.

Pembroke enhancement - revised waiting restrictions: Correspondence had been received from Mr. John Price (PCC) regarding revised waiting restrictions in Pembroke.

Due to the proposed enhancement of the eastern end of Main Street, rearrangement of car parks outside the Wesley Chapel and St. Michaels Church needed to be addressed.

A copy of the correspondence outlining the proposed changes was forwarded to all councillors for their consideration.

The clerk was requested to write to Mr. Price and advise that Pembroke Town Council were against the proposed revised waiting restrictions at the eastern end of Main Street.

War Widows Association of Great Britain: Correspondence had been received from Mr. P. Sillick MBE informing council that he had become the organiser of the War Widows Pension of Great Britain.

Mr. Sillick expressed a desire for Pembroke Town Council to support this cause and to include the War Widows Pension of Great Britain in any forthcoming events.

AGENDA ITEMS

Update from the regeneration and enhancement sub committee: Clr. Evans provided feedback from the regeneration and enhancement sub committee, including updates on the website, signage and foliage at Pembroke Castle.

Council gave their support to Clr. Evans attending a trade seminar in Saundersfoot and to provide necessary feedback to the sub-committee.

Leasing of land: Clr. Jenkins proposed that Pembroke Town Council examine the possibility of leasing the land to the rear of the old Texaco garage in Main Street for utilisation as a car park.

It was agreed that the clerk write to the owner of the land to make enquiries as to the feasibility of leasing the land and of the costs involved.

Feedback from the Regeneration Workshop held in January: Clr. Nicholas provided members with feedback from the Regeneration Workshop. This had proven to be an extremely worthwhile meeting and had provided many ideas and suggestions, including the 'branding' of Pembroke as a town. There would be further funding available to community goups and the town council could also make an application for part of this funding.

Feedback following a meeting with Pembroke 21C: Clr. Evans informed members that he had been voted in as a trustee on the board of Pembroke 21C. He had attended his first meeting and reviewed the minutes with the board. Clr. Evans would keep members updated on any issues which arose or meetings which he attended as a council represenatative.

Feedback following the LLC meeting - Pembroke Power Station: Clr. Evans and Clr. Collins provided feedback from the recent meeting which they had attended and informed members that they had conveyed thanks for the donation received by Pembroke Town Council for the Christmas activities.

Update from the Museums Committee: Clr. Asman provided an update of the museums sub-committee.

Having reconsidered their initial requet for the Court Room to be utilised as a museum for a 'trial period' of one month, the sub-committee had now realised that this would not be feasible due to the short time constraints involved. It was therefore recommended that permission be sought for full use of the Court Room for the period June 1 - August 31.

Discussions had also taken place with regard to the sub-committee obtaining grants, and the possibility of contacting PLANED had been discussed.

Clr. Evans and Clr. Jenkins attended the meeting to observe. It was proposed that they be nominated to join the sub-committee. It was also proposed that Mr. George Lewis, Mr. David James, Mr. Terry John, John Simpson, Ms Jean Rycroft and Vicky Hagger be invited to join the sub-committee.

Financial assistance was also requested with regards to the purchase of equipment such as display boards.

It was resolved that the sub-committee be granted sole usage of the Court Room for the period of June 1 to August 31, 2013.

Also that Clrs. Jenkins and Evans be co-opted onto the museums sub-committee and that Mr. George Lewis, Mr. David James, Mr. Terry John, John Simpson, Ms Jean Rycroft and Vicky Hagger be invited to participate in its future meetings.

Approval was also given in principle for financial support for the sub-committee, subject to the submission of quotations.

20mph speed limit in Orange Way: Clr. Carey proposed that speed limits should be invoked in Orange Way in the vicinity of Grove School to reduce traffic to 20 mph.

A discussion ensued as to the feasibility of speed restrictions in this area being limited to between the hours of 9 am and 5 pm.

It was resolved that the clerk write to Mr. John Price to request the speed limit of traffic in the vicinity of Golden Grove School be reduced to 20 mph.

Boardwalk at Holyland Woods: Clr. Nutting raised the issue of the boardwalk at Holyland Woods. The circular path was covered with boards which had 'sunk' into the bog and it posed a safety risk.