Among matters considered and discussed at the February meeting of Penally Community Council were the following:
MATTERS ARISING
Sign on footpath to cliff: Following enquiries by the chairman about this 'hidden' sign, it was revealed that following new legislation in 1954, if the sign was not reinstated at that time, it became null and void.
Strawberry Lane: The engineers had looked at the flooding on this lane and had drawn up plans to take away the surface water by means of laying a pipe through land belonging to Wheelabout. The county council had entered into negotiations with the owners of the Wheelabout concerning this, but had not yet been able to reach an agreement.
Trees at Flemish Heights: Clr. Mrs. Dassen was expecting the work on these trees to commence shortly.
CORRESPONDENCE
Tenders for grass cutting: One tender was received from Acorn Garden Services. It was proposed by Clr. Mrs. J. D'Arcy, seconded by Clr. Mrs. A. Dassen and agreed that this be acceptable.
City/town/community council elections 2004: A letter from the elections manager stated that these elections would be held this year. The National Assembly for Wales had recently announced that the European, county, town and community elections would be combined and held on the same day which would be June 10. Should there by any casual vacancies occurring between now and June 10, an election could not be held and the vacancy would be dealt with as part of the elections.
Licence transfer: Notice of transfer of licence in respect of Kiln Park Recreational Club and Poolside Lounge was received. No objections were raised to this application.
O2 mast, Petals Plant Nursery: A letter from Christine Gwyther AM enclosed a letter from Pembrokeshire County Council stating that the recent application had been refused. Further correspondence from the county council stated that an appeal had been made to the National Assembly for Wales in respect of this site. Comments already made by the community council following the original application would be taken into consideration at the appeal.
Strawberry Lane: A letter from the head of infrastructure management stated that his observations on the use of heavy vehicles using, and damaging the hedges along Strawberry lane, were as follows:
1. The 'unsuitable for heavy vehicles' signs are advisory, not statutory, and are intended to warn drivers that they may encounter difficulty negotiating the lane. They are not intended to protect the lane or to prevent drivers from entering if they so wish.
2. Even the weight, width and length prohibition signs, which can only be erected after the making of a traffic order, do not prohibit vehicles that need to gain access to properties in the road. Their purpose is to prohibit the use of the road by through traffic.
3. Erosion of the hedgebanks by vehicles is a common feature of rural roads and a matter for which the highway authority is not liable.
New Traffic Order - Speed limit A4139: A letter from Pembrokeshire County Council stated that their council would shortly be advertising a proposal to extend the 40 mph limit southwards on the A4139 Marsh Road. This would bring the Four Winds Lane junction within the 40 mph area. No objections were raised to this proposal.
Clr. Mrs. Cavill stated that the crossing island at the end of the footpath in the region of the entrance to School Lane and Crossing Cottage had been approved and would go ahead soon. It would be lit and a new street light installed.
Bush and Park Tenants and Residents Association: A letter from this association requested support in asking Pembrokeshire County Council to change its policy on play areas. It was agreed that they be informed that the community council had already forwarded a petition on this matter and fully supported their association.
Interpretation panels: Information requested on the panels in Penally has been forwarded to the Pembrokeshire County Council.
Financial assistance: Letters requesting financial assistance were received from the National Eisteddfod, Menter Iaith Sir Benfro and the Pembrokeshire Young Farmers Clubs. It was agreed that no donations be made.
A further request was received from the Marie Curie Cancer Care. It was agreed that a copy of their financial statement be obtained before a decision was made.
Hermon Community School Campaign - It was agreed that no donation be made, but that a letter of support be sent.
Planning decisions
Alterations and change of use to form 15 holiday apartments - Chequers Nigh Club, Penally (permission granted); Erection of summer house/tool shed and change of use of land to garden - land adjacent Longfield House, Middle Walls Lane, Penally (permission granted).
OTHER BUSINESS
Causeway Cottages: Since the cutting back of the hedge near these premises, a small rubbish dump was now clearly visible. Clr. Mrs. Cavill would look into the matter.
Village warden: As no applications had been received for this position, it was agreed that it be advertised further.
Footpath at Kiln Park: Clr. Mrs. Cavill had asked that the grass verge be reinstated in the Causeway Cottages area and was keeping an eye on the matter.
Christmas lights: The lights purchased two years ago would not be usable for Christmas 2004. It was agreed to look into purchasing new lights for this year.
Children's Hospital in Wales: Following a report on television, members agreed that the chairman write to the Welsh Assembly Government expressing extreme concern at the present situation on this development.
Kissing gate into Lydstep Haven Caravan Park: It was reported that this gate was open onto the main road and could cause a serious accident, especially if a child should run through it. Clr. Mrs. Cavill would look into this matter.
New footpath alongside the golf course: It was reported that dog owners were not cleaning up the excrement after their dogs which was very clear on this new footpath. As there would appear to be no reason for this, with dog bags available in the car park and bins on the footpaths to place these bags, the dog warden had been asked to make more frequent visits to this area to inform these people that there was a fine for anyone found not clearing up their dogs' mess.
Fly-tipping: Following the recent report about fly-tipping in the area, the following costs were made available for the clearing of this rubbish - clearing the rubbish involves the hiring of machinery and a lorry for the whole day; the standard cost of this would be lorry hire £17.50 per hour, job hire £12.50 per hour and the disposal of rubbish £4 per tonne. The fly-tipping referred to recently was removed with other illegal dumping in the county, so the individual cost could not be given.
COUNTY COUNCILLOR'S REPORT
Excess water on the village road: There were several places along the village road where water collected and, owing to the surface of the road, failed to reach the nearest gully. Clr. Cavill had requested that extra gullies be provided at these points. She had received a reply that these would be added to the minor works programme.
Walls in the Conservation Area: The building control manager had inspected several walls in the Conservation Area which were in need of urgent remedial work and the owners had agreed to carry out the repairs when the weather permitted.
The next meeting will be held on Thursday, March 11, at 7.30 pm.