Among matters considered and discussed at the January meeting of Penally Community Council were the following:

MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES

Village school: A number of village residents attended this part of the meeting due to the concern over the possible closure of the school. The format of a letter the clerk should write to the Director of Education was discussed. It was to include the statement that the community council unanimously agrees to support all concerned in their efforts to keep open the village school. The council also urged all interested parties to continue to write individually to the Director of Education at County Hall expressing their concerns. Notice board: The chairman advised that the contractor now had the timber to construct the board which should be complete by the end of January. Due to the time already taken to date, the clerk was instructed to write to the contractor indicating the council's intention to cancel the contract should the January completion not be achieved. Telephone wires crossing village green: BT had indicated that it would be the responsibility of the village to lop any offending branches, but they would wish to be present in case the wires needed to be taken down while the work was being done. As the tree was in a conservation area, the clerk was to approach the landscape officer at County Hall for advice. Access at 'Tall Trees', Penally: A reply had been sent to C. Gwyther AM, but this prompted yet a further response. This further letter from the AM would be looked into and discussed at the next meeting. Pots and flowers for War Memorial: The pots had now been paid for at an agreed cost of £300. It was agreed that the chairman should arrange to have the pots etc. filled with suitable plants at a cost of £50, as previously agreed.

PLANNING APPLICATIONS

Chequers Nightclub - amend condition to extend start date. Council's letter of December advised no objection providing work started within two years. A public inquiry was to be held in the Village Hall on Tuesday, January 24. This results from an appeal by Chequers Club against the enforcement notice served by Pembrokeshire County Council. NTL Transmitting Station - re appeal. The chairman wrote a letter on December 14 requesting a public inquiry. Erection of dwelling, land adjacent to The Firs (permission granted, subject to conditions). Erection of five dwellings, Maryland (permission granted, subject to conditions). Alterations and extensions, Old Quay Cottage (outline permission granted, subject to conditions). Extension to dwelling, Dingle Nook (permission refused). A letter was received from the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority on the subject of 'retrospective planning applications'. CORRESPONDENCE

Among correspondence received was a letter from Mrs. A. Richards, former clerk, expressing thanks to all concerned for a lovely evening. Letters of thanks for donations were also received from Age Concern, Victim Support and the Samaritans.

Accounts

The following accounts were presented for payment: village warden £75; clerk's salary (two months) and expenses (postage) £202.35; Lydstep Garden Centre (memorial pots) £300; A. Richards Christmas expenses (gifts and hire of Father Christmas outfit) £55; Penally Village Hall £30; Acorn Garden Services £165. Appeals for funds: No appeals were approved at the meeting. However, it was agreed to discuss the situation of responding to requests for funds at the next meeting. One of the appeals received was also to be brought forward to next meeting.

COUNTY COUNCILLOR'S REPORT

Drainage on the village road: The extra drainage outside 'Tan y Wenallt' had now been completed. The drainage scheme from the top of School Lane to the bottom of Middlewalls Lane should start before the end of the month. The engineers would take the carrier drain as far as they could with the money allotted for this year, hopefully nearly to the top of the hill on the village road and into the entrances to the side roads. The rest of the work would be completed next year. Planning application: The same firm had submitted a second application for a TETRA mast on the same site. All those who sent in objections would be notified in due course.

ANY other business

Precept 2006/2007: It was agreed to set the same level as for 2005/2006. The clerk was to advise the head of the revenue services accordingly. A request for access information had been received from Mid and West Wales Regional Office. The chairman had already advised by phone that there was no objection. The clerk was to follow this up in writing. Annual meeting with Police: In view of a recent meeting with the Police and the fact that there were no new concerns, it was considered unnecessary to hold a further meeting at this time. It was agreed that a meeting should be called if other concerns developed. Christmas lights in the village: Some complaints had been received concerning the village lights. It was agreed to review the lights for December 2006 in July. This would resolve the situation in good time. Gratuity to former clerk: As per an agreement made many years ago, a gratuity is to be paid to Mrs. A. Richards as soon as possible after the correct method of calculating the amount has been established. Date of next meeting: Thursday, February 2, at 7 pm. Councillors are asked to please note the earlier start time.