Pembroke Town Council

Among matters considered and discussed at last month’s meeting of Pembroke Town Council were the following:

MATTERS

ARISING

FROM THE

MINUTES

Tanyard Youth Centre: The Mayor gave a resumé of the recent meeting that took place down at the Tanyard where she and a number of councillors met with Mr. Hefferman (youth leader) and some of the children from the Tanyard Youth Centre. The Mayor said they were met with a very warm welcome and Clrs. Gigler, Harvey and Jenkins also expressed their thanks for their kind invitation to meet them and explain what activities took place down at the centre. Clr. Gigler commended the children on their recent enterprise of making and selling chutneys etc they had produced from the recent Apple Day to try and raise funds. Councillors suggested two organisations they may be able to apply to for funding.

BBQ area update: The clerk informed council that progress was being made on the BBQ area, albeit rather slowly. The work schedule had run over, but it should be complete by the end of the month. Permission was requested to purchase plants to fill the back border to replace the plants that were currently there as many were dying. It was resolved to replace these plants.

PLANNING APPLICATIONS RECEIVED

Mr. P. Dixon and Mrs. M. W. Williams, c/o agent - approval of reserved matters, following ref 13/0291/PA for details of scale, appearance, layout, access and landscaping, plot 2, adjacent to Springfield, Lower Lamphey Road, Pembroke. Council would support the application.

Mrs. Zoe Bevan, 54 Lawrenny Street, Neyland - change of use from Estate Agency to Ladies Gym, East House, 144 Main Street, Pembroke. Council would support the application.

Mr. Gary Tingle - extension to existing garages to include small store, Golden Cottage, Golden Lane, Pembroke. Council would support the application.

PLANNING APPLICATIONS DETERMINED

Springfield, 30 Lower Lamphey Road, Pembroke - variation of conditions 5, 13, 14 and 15 ref 13/0291/PA. Conditionally approved.

Chesnut Cottage, Rose Valley, 4 Lower Road, Pembroke - extensions to side and rear of cottage. Conditionally approved.

Bush Hill Service Station, Bush Hill, Pembroke - car hand wash facility (partially in retrospect) and covered car valet area. Conditionally approved.

CORRESPONDENCE

Bus stop/provision of shelter by Pembroke Castle: The following correspondence had been received from Mr. Darren Thomas, head of highways construction, Pembrokeshire County Council.

‘I acknowledge receipt of your letter dated September 23 with regard to the above.

I have forwarded this to our transport manager and have asked him to consider this request further. He is currently discussing options with the development plans and conservation manager.

I have asked him to contact you with a more detailed response as soon as possible’.

It was resolved to follow this up with Pembrokeshire County Council.

Pembroke Conservation Area assessment: The following correspondence had been received from David Fitzsimon, head of planning, Pembrokeshire County Council.

‘Dr. Stephen Jones has asked me to respond to your letter to him dated September 23 in relation to the above.

‘I note your disappointment that work relating to the Character Appraisal and Management Plan for Pembroke Conservation Area has been delayed.

‘Unfortunately this has been unavoidable due to staffing and resourcing issues.

‘Having discussed the matter with the Development Plan Team, I am pleased to confirm that work is scheduled to commence by Spring 2016 as you suggest.

‘In the meantime I attach a copy of Pembroke: Understanding Urban Character which has been produced by Cadw. I am sure you will agree that this is a very useful document and it has been produced by Cadw as guidance to inform future development both within the town and the surrounding area. It will certainly be a very useful aid for the Development Plan Team when commencing work in the Spring’.

Following a discussion, it was resolved to write to Cadw to inform them that Pembrokeshire County Council would be starting the Character Appraisal and Management Plan in the Spring.

Bilingual road signs: The following correspondence had been received from Mr. Darren Thomas, head of highways construction, Pembrokeshire County Council.

‘I refer to your letter dated September 23, 2015, in respect of bilingual roadworks signs.

‘The council undertook a review of its position in respect of bilingual road signs shortly after local Government reorganisation back in 1996. At that time all highway signage had the Welsh text preceding the English and similar calls were made to review this practice on the grounds that the signs should reflect the cultural identity of an area.

‘It was clear from the onset that simply reversing the order of text on a county-wide basis was unlikely to be supported as the views of a community council located in the north of the county differed to those of one in the south. A consultation exercise was therefore undertaken with community councils on a proposal to introduce a demarcation line where signage to the north would remain Welsh over English, vice versa to the south.

‘Whilst the outcome of the consultation broadly agreed with the principle of introducing a demarcation line, the practicalities such as contractors having to carry two sets of signs depending on works location, and the potential safety issues mixed text signs would bring, outweighed any benefits. The decision was therefore to retain the current practice of all highway signs being Welsh over English.

‘I trust this above information clarifies matters’.

Following a lengthy discussion and a vote taking place, it was resolved to write to Mr. Darrren Thomas to once again request that all new work signs that have to be ordered individually to a specific job have English first as it was a Health and Safety issue.

Pembroke Silver Band Instruments Trust: The following correspondence had been received from Mr. Ian Jones, clerk to the trust.

‘I refer to my earlier correspondence concerning the Trust. I am now writing to confirm that the Silver Band Trust was dissolved following its meeting held on July 22, 2015. The Band instruments have been transferred to the Silver Band, the Trust bank accounts have been closed and a cheque for the balance of funds in the accounts has been transferred to the Pembroke Borough Silver Band. I am enclosing a signed copy of the minutes of the last meeting, copies of the band statements and copies of the correspondence between Trust and the Band to confirm transfer etc. The Band instruments no longer in use will be held at the Pater Hall in Pembroke Dock.

‘On behalf of the Trust, can I thank your council for their co-operation, support and assistance over the past years’.

The above was noted by council.

Argyle Practice Patient Particpation Group: An update received from Clr. Dennis Evans.

‘The Argyle Practice Patient Participation Group (PPG) is made up by people who are registered patients with the Argyle Practice. The council representatives are Clr. Rose Blackburn and Clr. Dennis Evans.

‘September and October was a particularly busy time for the group and listed below are some of the activities that we have been involved with.

‘St. Oswald’s Surgery - Because of a lack of doctors, the Practice thought that it was unsafe to run the site with only one doctor and therefore decided to cancel all afternoon appointments on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The PPG were concerned that patients living in Pembroke without any means of transport would be at a disadvantage. We were informed that there would be the same number of appointments, but at a different location. The PPG will continue to monitor the situation.

‘Choose Well Campaign - All the questionnaires have been collated and the conclusions and recommendations will be discussed at the November meeting.

‘Macmillan Cake Sale (September 24) - Along with staff at the Surgery, the PPG organised a cake sale on behalf of Macmillan Cancer Support. Five hundred and sixty five pounds was raised from the cake sale and a further five hundred pounds was received as a donation, making a grand total of £1,065 for the charity.

‘Anthony Lorton (Macmillan information oficer) and Owen Duggan (grants officer) attended and set up an information stand. They were able to advise and support a number of patients with cancer related issues.

‘Flu Injection Campaign - PPG members recently had their flu injections taken as part of the PPG’s effort to raise awareness of the benefits of having the injection. A photograph and quotes from PPG members will be added to the Health Board’s Facebook page.

‘Breast Test Wales - The group met with representatives from Breast Test Wales. It is hoped that the screening van will be sited in Pembroke Dock early next year and the representatives were looking for help and support from the PPG.

The above was noted by council.

Clr. Blackburn commented that it was imperative that all complaints must be put in writing otherwise they cannot monitor the situation.

Murals around Pembroke: The following correspondence had been received from Lee William Minton, local resident of Pembroke.

‘I am an artist living and working in Pembroke, and have run a small tattoo studio on Pembroke Main Street for many years. I am an accomplished artist in many mediums and have undertaken many different exciting art projects over more than 30 years as an artist, including some beautiful wall murals over the years. I have a creative idea for Pembroke which I believe would increase visitors to our area and ensure that our wonderful town will eternally hold a unique and exciting position within Wales.

‘I have just returned from a holiday in Sardinia where I visited the mountain village of Orgosolo, near Noror. The village has become famous for its murals, the first of which was painted in 1969, and which represent many political and international issues. These paintings can be found on walls of buildings all over Orgosolo. Such is the interest in the paintings that the village has been declared an Unesco site to protect the work.

‘Being able to visit this village and witness the spectacular art adorning nearly every building was an absolute inspiration to myself and my partner. We began thinking about how wonderful it would be if each building in Main Street was adorned with large wall murals representing significant moments in the history of our town and representations of who we are now. My initial thoughts are that my partner and myself could complete Main Street with funding for a two-year project.

‘Our early thoughts are around representations of Henry Tudor, Oliver Cromwell, the Knights of St. John, the Tide Mill, our Farmers Market, Pembroke Festival, our beautiful coast, the film of Mervyn Johns, the music of Daniel Hones, our Pembrokeshire Welsh Corgis... there really is so much choice.

‘I appreciate that this is a project that will require some investment, a great deal of trust and strong creative vision, but I really believe that the ultimate uniqueness of Main Street would bring tourism, income and even future investment to our beautiful town.

‘If you would like to meet with myself and my partner to discuss our idea further or would like to provide me with a more detailed business proposal, I would be very happy to hear from you.

‘Big things often have small beginnings’.

Following a discussion, it was resolved to write to Mr. Minton and request a business proposal with costings and also suggestions as to where these murals might go. It was also suggested that other groups should be involved, i.e. the Civic Trust, Chamber of Trade, Mr. George Lewis etc.

Upkeep of path by Golden Manor Nursery: The following correspondence had been received from Mr. Brian Kingdom, of The Green.

‘I am writing to ask can something be done to the path leading from Golden Manor School to the Green Bridge top of the Mill Pond. I have been ill for some time and find it hard to walk so have purchased a mobility scooter to get around. I decided to go out Sunday and went to go that way. It is difficult enough trying to get round the railings that by the old school, but there is a mound of tarmac there that I had to try and get over which caused me to nearly tip out of my scooter. The whole path is in a state and has loads of bumps and lumps in. I am just glad I don’t have to rely on anyone pushing me in wheelchair that way.

‘I have spoken to the Mayor and she has asked me to write to Pembroke Town Council. I hope this can be sorted before myself or someone else gets hurt’.

Following a discussion, County Clr. Bush informed the meeting that County Clr. Williams had already spoken to Pembrokeshire County Council regarding this and the hedge cutting had already taken place and that a visit was scheduled to inspect the tarmac.

Presentation to Welsh Guards: The following letter had been received from Mrs. Elizabeth Anne Thomas, of Solva.

‘I read with interest the article regarding the engraved Rose Bowl to be presented to the Welsh Guards. My parental grandfather George Jennings No 1604 volunteered to join the Welsh Guards in 1915, and was in the very first 1st Battalion Welsh Guards. He served throughout WW1 in all major battles. He was one of only 13 survivors of that original 1st Battalion at the end of the war. My best wishes to you and Clr. Brinn’.

The letter was noted by council.

AGENDA ITEMS

Barnard’s Tower, bat survey and whether town council proceed with purchase: Prior to the meeting, the clerk supplied council with a bat survey report which had been completed on Barnard’s Tower. Following a discussion on this report, Clr. Harvey gave concerns over costs which could be involved in the upkeep of the tower and suggested before the council commit to this project, that full costings’ be received. Clr. Jenkins said in his opinion they should not purchase the building as they could not afford it. Clr. Nicholas stated that he was in favour of the project commencing originally, but as things had changed in the county and they may be expected to pay for further costs of services in the town that council could not afford to take it on. Clr. Collins stated that anyone who had read the report and knew the financial situation they were currently in, was not thinking straight. Clr. Nutting replied that council should not make knee-jerk reactions and needed to think about long term goals and not the short term. Clr. Blackburn, seconded by Clr. Collins, proposed that, due to financial restraints, they withdraw from the purchase of Barnard’s Tower.

Following a vote of 11 in favour, two against, it was resolved to withdraw from the purchase of Barnard’s Tower.

Mayoral robes (Clr. Waters): The Mayor informed council that she had on many occasions been requested to wear the Mayoral robes to functions which were not ‘official occasions’. She had worn her robes for the children in Grove School and said especially the children liked to see the Mayor in their full regalia. Clr. Collins informed the Mayor that it was up to her own discretion to wear robes in her own town and must only have permission from other towns when wearing them outside of Pembroke.

It was resolved that the Mayor wear the Mayoral robes at her own discretion whilst in her own town.

Donations given to Hywel Dda (Clr. Gigler): Clr.Gigler proposed to council that she was requesting that two letters be sent from Pembroke Town Council regarding the Hywel Dda Health Board.

The first letter to be to Mr. Steve Moore, CEO of Hywel Dda Trust, stating, ‘Our concern is that Pembrokeshire residents had been fund-raising and donating to this end over a significant time scale. We have seen some other services decimated at Withybush. We have held our breath when PR officers, seeking to satisfy political ends, choose to invest several thousand pounds in expensive signs and photograph opportunities promoting evidence of stakeholders working together and wondered from which pot those thousands were drawn. Accountability is critical in maintaining public support.

‘Our question is what is a reasonable time scale? Will you please write to our town council informing us when we can expect to benefit from the promised upgrades’.

The second letter to be sent to Mr. Lyn Neville expressing council’s wholehearted support for Elly’s Ward 10 Flag Awareness and Fundraising Campaign throughout Pembrokeshire.

Seconded by councillor Jenkins, it was resolved to send the two letters.

Air pollution update (Clr. Evans): Clr. Evans gave each of the council the following report.

Two Air Quality Management Areas (AQMA) were identified in Pembrokeshire, one in Haverfordwest and the second in Main Street, Pembroke.

The Pembroke AQMA committee consisted of stakeholders, relevant officers from PCC, Clr. Nutting, county councillor and Clrs. Jenkins and Evans representing the town council.

At a recent public engagement meeting, questions were raised relating to Pembroke’s Air Quality Management Plan and as a result a series of questions were tabled by Clr. Gigler.

Davis Walters, the pollution control officer, responded as follows:

1. Measurements are finally collated in April of the following year

2. Diffusion tube monitoring has taken place in Main Street since 2000.

3. Air quality documents can be accessed on the PCC website and on the Welsh Air Quality website.

4. NO2 objectives have not been exceeded within the Pembroke AQMA during 2014.

However, certain other measures that PCC put in place as a result of our requests do not appear to be working 100 per cent. For example:

1. No parking on the south side of Main Street - because this is not policed on a continuous basis there continues to be traffic congestion.

2. Loading bays are taken up by parked cars with the result that lorries and vans have to park on the south side in order to offload their goods.

3. When lorries are parked opposite the bus bay, buses have difficulty pulling fully into the bay and this again causes traffic congestion.

Clr. Evans proposed that Pembroke Town Council write to PCC for the meetings to be restarted in order for them to highlight the continuing traffic congestion problems in Main Street.

Following a discussion, it was resolved to invite Mr. David Walters to an onsite meeting at Pembroke with Clrs. Evans, Jenkins and Gigler to highlight once again some of the problems causing the air pollution.

Employment of new cleaner/assistant caretaker: The clerk informed the meeting that following the interviews that took place, Mrs. Mandy John had been offered a post.