Before the October meeting officially began, and in the presence of the community council, new members Mrs. Vicky Paul and Mrs. Angela Jones both verbally agreed to follow the community council's code of conduct and duly signed a declaration of acceptance of office.

Mr. Stewart Paul, chairperson, welcomed the new councillors to this, the 438th meeting of Penally Community Council, and wished them well in their new role.

Matters Arising from the minutes

Memorial tablet: As the Parish Church was unable to accommodate the 'homeless' memorial tablet from the former Presbyterian Church in Penally, a convenient site was still to be sought. It was suggested that perhaps the memorial could be weatherproofed in some way or housed in a protective cover so that it could be displayed outside. County Clr. Preston would contact Rossiters Funeral Directors and ask a stonemason to look at same and give their suggestion.

Bench at Strawberry Fields: Clr. Cavill had spoken with Mr. George Clark, the owner of the land where the bench is located on Strawberry Lane. He was happy for the bench to be moved as far back as possible without spoiling the beautiful view of Caldey Island. He would forward a 'plan' with his suggested new location to the council for approval. Smart Gardens would carry out the necessary work.

Planning

Convert existing building into 15 holiday flats as per current permission. Chequers Night Club, Penally. This was understood to be a modified re-application. Following a short discussion, councillors agreed that as the building structure was 'less than aesthetically pleasing' they would prefer it to rebuilt as opposed to converted. Also, as the proposed development was situated on a sharp bend, highway safety was to be considered. The clerk would relay these two points to the planning department.

Information Technology

Pembrokeshire County Council were offering community councils funding and training to host their own website linked through the county council's portal. This was hoped to be up and running by April 2014. It was agreed that County Clr. Jon Preston, Clr. Angela Jones and the clerk would attend the training sessions when they became available.

A local gentleman had asked when the minutes of meetings would be available online through the current village website. Clr. Cavill would inform him of the proposed arrangement and that the current website would cease to exist post December 31, 2013.

Pre-Christmas Arrangements

Village Christmas tree: As the stump on The Green had now been removed, a Christmas tree could be situated at this site. Clr. S. Paul informed the meeting that prices varied for a 13ft minimum height tree from between £150 and £190, depending on the variety ordered. A robust stand for the tree would also need to be purchased.

Clr. Roberts mentioned that Mr. Graham Thomas had offered a large 'Christmas' type tree currently located in his garden to be replanted on The Green. Mr. Thomas would also cover the cost of removal and replanting.

Clrs. Paul, Barker and Roberts agreed to look at the tree and see if a suitable permanent site could be found on The Green, bearing in mind that the tree would need an electricity supply nearby for the Christmas lights. Clr. Barker added that heavy duty outdoor lights would have to be purchased as basic tree lights did not last more than one season. The approximate cost of these would be £200.

Carol singing: This would take place in the Village Hall either on Friday, December 13 or 20. Clr. Cavill would contact Tenby Junior School re. their Christmas Concert and make sure that dates did not clash before a decision was made. Light refreshments (tea, coffee and mince pies) would be served to guests. Clr. S. Paul would MC the evening and would require an order of service. Someone to act as Santa Claus would also be needed. The clerk would investigate. The Village Shop would be asked to donate sweets. Carol-singing sheets and a DVD would also be required. Clr. Barker was to investigate.

County Councillor's Report

Electoral Boundary Review: The community council of St. Mary out Liberty have written to the Boundaries Commission expressing their wish to remain within the Penally ward. I will be supporting their decision to challenge their proposed amalgamation with the proposed Saundersfoot South ward.

Strawberry Lane: I have forwarded the photographic evidence to the Highways Department of the heavy vehicles using Strawberry Lane along with a request to review the signage on this. It is quite evident that Strawberry Lane is not suitable to accommodate such heavy traffic and damage is being done to the road and to nearby properties.

DJ's Night Club: There has been progress with this planning application recently - namely the completion of the ecology (bat) survey - which, in essence, confirms that subject to defining suitable mitigation within any proposed development, there is no ecological constraint to the redevelopment of the site. The next step will be for the developers to submit and follow-up on this, and engage with the planners again on some of the other (planning) issues that have been raised - all of which should now be facilitated and straightforward as a result of there being no ecological/fundamental technical constraint to the proposals. Once these additional details have been submitted, the application should progress swiftly to determination.

Village boules area: Following my formal application for funding for this project, I have been asked to supply additional information in support of our request. I will continue to liaise with Clr. Roberts in establishing this facility on the village playing field.

Road markings: I have received confirmation that the road markings outside of the village hall are to be re-painted. I will monitor this to ensure this work is carried out.

School Lane bollards: The bollards have now been installed on School Lane to enable this walkway to be used for the purpose for which it was intended. The absence of vehicular traffic will now enable PCC along with the residents of School Lane to improve this part of the village and create a pleasant and safe footpath for all to enjoy.

Reports from Councillors

Clr. Margaret Penn: One of the plants had died in the pots on the memorial. Clr. Cavill would contact Carol Bradbury, who kindly keeps this area tidy on a voluntary basis, and ask that she remove the two small pots and not replace.

Clr. Tim Roberts: Kiln Park had planted hazel trees opposite the Old Vicarage. These were growing at a rapid speed and required cutting back. The clerk would contact Mr Paul Adkins, manager of Kiln Park, and discuss.

The fence surrounding the vicarage was still a cause for concern. Although this was within the two-metre height allowance, as the vicarage was elevated it gave the impression of being much higher. It was asked if a letter could be forwarded to the vicar asking if he could possibly attach a trellis to the fence and grow plants up to soften the impact. Clr. Cavill answered that the vicar had asked that people approach him instead of the council to air their views.

There had been an influx of people exercising their dogs on The Green and this was a cause for concern, especially as children also played on this area. The clerk was to contact the county council and enquire if there were any by-laws concerning this.

Could the bollards be removed from Middlewalls Lane as emergency vehicles were unable to access the lane from both ends? Clr. Cavill answered that the bollards had been in place for over 25 years and, although the lane was a byway open to all traffic (BOAT), the tarmac surface would require a lot of work to bring it up to standard. County Clr. Preston added that the residents on the lane would have to be approached and asked for their views on removing the bollards.

Several people had commented on the large yellow sign outside the Village Hall and that it was not in keeping with the village.

Clr Carol Cavill was concerned over holiday cottages and the fact that black bags were only being collected every two weeks from mid-October. Clr. Jones added that holiday cottages should come under trade waste. County Clr. Preston was to check if this was the case.

Clr. Angela Jones said there was an infestation of large lorries along the Ridgeway which had subsequently brought a few trees down, resulting in the police being called out. Although this was the only way to Lamphey for some vehicles, it still needed signage depicting 'unsuitable for large vehicles' at the beginning of the lane. County Clr. Preston advised that traffic calming may be introduced in this area.

Clr. Vicky Paul would like to apply for the post of community governor at Tenby Junior School. The clerk would contact the school and ask for details.