At the start of the June meeting of Saundersfoot Community Council, the chairman, Clr. Mrs. Rosemary Hayes, read out a letter from Clr. Spindlove tendering his resignation from the council. Clr. Spindlove said he had enjoyed the time spent as a member and hoped that he had contributed to some extent.
Clr. Hayes felt that they should write to Clr. Spindlove thanking him for his valid contribution to the meetings of the council, and all members agreed. The clerk said he would take the necessary steps for a replacement.
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT
Chairman Clr. Hayes reported that she, along with other members, had met to tidy up the Sensory Gardens on May 10, and thanked everyone for attending.
Vice-chairman Clr. Brabon said he had attended the Mayor's Ball at the De Valence, Tenby, on May 16, and had an enjoyable evening.
MATTERS ARISING
FROM THE MINUTES
Litter, Coast Path: The clerk read out a letter from Pembrokeshire Coast National Park stating that Pembrokeshire County Council was responsible for clearing the litter from the Coast Path. Any enquiries regarding litter should be passed direct to the Safe, Clean and Tidy Group based on Stockton Road, Pembroke Dock, and the helpline number was 08456 021386.
Paper Bank, Regency Hall: Clr. Talbot informed members that there was a telephone number on the paper bank and advised anyone to telephone this number if the bank was full. She also said that the bank was sometimes emptied at inappropriate times and the clerk was instructed to write to the National Park to establish the times the bank was emptied.
Skateboard Park: Clr. Allsop reported to members that she had received another letter from a resident, once again complaining of the noise being generated from the park. She apologised to the council for giving wrong information at the April meeting regarding the Environmental Health Department. She said that they had visited only one property and had not visited neighbouring properties in Saundersfoot with regard to this noise problem.
Clr. Allsop informed members that the grant had been received to carry out the sound-proofing, but stated that if this was unsuccessful, the resident would take court action for compensation and to get the park closed. Clr. Allsop said if the park could not be relocated, there would be no alternative but to close it.
Clr. Cleevely said he sympathised with Clr. Allsop, who had worked very hard to create the park, but it was not the problem of Saundersfoot Community Council. He said at the initial meeting it was decided if complaints were received in the first year of operation there would be a review.
Clr. Cleevely suggested calling another meeting with members of the club to discuss the issue. He said that youngsters using the skateboard park use bad language and was concerned that it was located next to a children's play area.
He also reported that the tennis courts were being used by skateboarders and proposed that the fencing be replaced and the gates locked when not in use, and this was seconded by Clr. Cavell. The clerk was instructed to obtain costings for this work to be carried out.
It was then agreed to meet the members of the Skateboard Club and to invite Mrs. Diane Turbeville to the meeting.
Toilets: The clerk read out a letter from Pembrokeshire County Council stating that the policy on closures was made by members two years ago and was not due for reconsideration this year, but Saundersfoot Community Council could decide which toilet remains open in Saundersfoot.
Members were disappointed with this news and decided to write to the county council to ask when the issue would be discussed again and also to request a reviewed estimate of costing.
New signage, Cambrian Terrace: The clerk said he had spoken to Mr. John Price, of the county council, and was told that the signage was ready for erection and the work would be carried out as soon as possible.
Street light, Windsor Terrace: The clerk read out a letter from the county council stating that the request had been passed on to Mr. Mel Stephens, street lighting engineer, for his attention.
Cemetery: The clerk reported that Clr. Poole had inspected the area near the seats and said four bags of chippings would be sufficient to solve the problem. Members decided that Clr. Poole should go ahead and obtain the chippings and carry out the work.
AGENDA
Water supply, Sensory Gardens: Chairman Clr. Hayes reported that the flowers in the Sensory Gardens were in need of watering regularly and water could be obtained from the TIC, but this was proving difficult and asked if a supply could be installed.
The clerk informed members that Mr. Brace had spoken to Mr. Dennis, beach officer, who agreed to allow Mr. Brace to obtain a water supply from the barbecue building as and when required.
Chairman Clr. Hayes also enquired about the water fountain and asked if it was going to be installed in the garden. Clr. Cleevely replied that to connect a water supply to the fountain would prove very expensive and it would be better to wait until a decision was made as to the Barbecue development.
Clr. Baker then expressed his concern at the difficulty in opening the gates to the gardens and it was difficult for wheelchair users to open them. The clerk was instructed to contact Mr. David Rees, landscape architect, to ask if anything could be done.
Clr. Cleevely asked if Mr. Brace inspected the gardens daily. The clerk replied that Mr. Brace did visit the gardens every morning to collect litter.
Clr. Cleevely also suggested removing the two old litter bins from the gardens and moving the large blue bin into the centre of the garden.
It was then decided to invite Mr. Nick Bayley, environmental policy officer, to the July meeting when he could be questioned as to how many litter bins Saundersfoot should have, and also how often they were emptied.
Clr. Brabon said he had filled three bags of garden rubbish, and Mr. Odley had kindly removed them, but added that there was still a lot of work to be done to the gardens and asked when the seats were going to be painted or replaced.
Clr. Talbot commented on the improvements Clr. Brabon had made to the gardens.
She also said that Saundersfoot Community Council had been short-changed by the county council prior to handing over the gardens and stood by her statement made at a previous meeting.
It was proposed by chairman Clr. Hayes and seconded by Clr. Baker that Mr. Brace be seconded to work in the gardens one day a week to ensure that the gardens were kept tidy. All members were in favour.
With regard to the seats, Clr. Cleevely said that three seats had been provisionally promised by different organisations and the clerk was instructed to find out from Mr. Don Johns regarding this.
Clr. Talbot felt that sponsorships should be considered and chairman Clr. Hayes said that the Friends of Saundersfoot had donated £50 worth of flowers, and Clr. Brabon said that Mr. Odley had promised a donation of £100. Members decided that anyone wishing to make a donation should send cheques to the clerk at Sunnyside, Pentlepoir, Saundersfoot.
PRESS REPORTS
Clr. Talbot expressed her concern at the timing of the report of meetings in the press, and these reports appeared prior to council approval and members' remarks could be misquoted.
The clerk informed members that the minutes were normally delivered to members a week after meetings took place and requested that members read these as soon as possible and report back any amendments prior to publication in the press.
Members agreed that they would do this.
PLANNING APPLICATIONS
Dwelling - 31 North Close, Saundersfoot (Clr. Cavell declared an interest and took no part in the debate); Extension - 32 Bevelin Hall, Saundersfoot; Extension - 4 Church Terrace, Saundersfoot. Members raised no objections to these applications.
CORRESPONDENCE
A letter was received from Pembrokeshire County Council with regard to the weight restriction order from July 1, and signs had been designed to give advance warning to motorists of the prohibition and alternative route to the harbour. The signs would be erected at the junctions of Brewery Terrace/Milford Street, The Ridgeway/High Street and at the top of Wogan Terrace in the region of Frances Lane. They would be illuminated and work to get electricity supply to these locations would commence shortly.
Two letters were received from the Friends of Saundersfoot enquiring where the seat had gone from Beddoes Court, and a request for more litter bins to be installed in Saundersfoot.
Members decided to raise these issues at the July meeting when Mr. Nick Bayley would be present.
A letter was received from the Pembrokeshire and Derwen NHS Trust requesting that the council completes an option appraisal for the reprovision of services currently provided by Tenby Cottage Hospital.
Members decided that the clerk and Clr. Cleevely would liaise and complete the appraisal.
A letter was received from John Lawson's Circus asking whether there was a site available in the area to stage their circus during 2004. Members agreed to reply stating that there was no site available.
A request was received from Saundersfoot Sports and Social Club for permission to have access to the playing fields for car boot sales during July and August. Members agreed that permission be granted.
A letter was received from the county council regarding a five-year Local Housing Strategy Plan and asked for comments on key housing issues in the Saundersfoot area to be included in the plan. Members decided to highlight that the price of housing in the area was out of the reach of many local residents.
REPORTS FROM
VARIOUS COMMITTEES
Clr. lawrence had attended a Regency Hall committee meeting and reported that amendments had to be made to the planning application due to funding and this would delay the development somewhat.
Clr. Cavell reported that she had visited Carew Castle with the infants from Saundersfoot School as governor and had enjoyed the day enormously.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Clr. Brabon reported that the sign for restricted parking on the corner of the Mulberry restaurant was dangerous to pedestrians as it was at eye-level and could cause a serious accident. The clerk was instructed to write to the county council requesting that they look into the matter.
Clr. Baker requested that the council write to the National Assembly for Wales asking why there were five major roadworks being undertaken at the same time in the area, and they were causing delays in the flow of traffic. The clerk was instructed to write expressing the concern of the council.
Clr. Baker asked if there was any merit in requesting that 20 mph zones be installed in the Saundersfoot area. He said he travelled all over the country and witnessed many of these zones being installed. The clerk was instructed to write to the county council requesting if this could be considered.
Clr. Baker commented that he had not seen any lifeguards on duty in Saundersfoot, and asked why. Members all agreed that no lifeguard had been seen, and the clerk was instructed to find out when they would commence duty.
Clr. Talbot reported that a resident had contacted her with regard to Japanese knotweed and said she had telephoned the county council's helpline and was told that they were aware of the problem and treated public areas as and when required. Clr. Talbot again praised the excellent service given by the helpline service.
Clr. Allsop asked where the collection point was for green bags containing garden waste in Saundersfoot. Chairman Clr. Hayes said that these bags were collected the same day as household refuse was collected.
Clr. Cleevely said he had visited Wisemans Bridge recently and noticed that the slipway near Mr. Tom Cordon's plaque needed weeding badly. The clerk was instructed to ask the council's contractor to carry out this work.
The next meeting will be held on July 3, at 6.30 pm, subject to Mr. Nick Bayley attending.