Matters discussed at a meeting of Saundersfoot Community Council held on August 7, were as follows:
Chairman's report: Chairman Clr. Hayes said she had attended the staging of the Pembrokeshire Fish Week on Saundersfoot Harbour and had met the chairman of Pembrokeshire County Council, Clr. Mickey Folland.
Clr. Hayes said she had crowned the Carnival Queen and judged the entries at the Saundersfoot Carnival on August 3. She said it was an excellent day and well attended, and the weather was perfect.
Clr. Hayes said she had instructed Mr. Brian Harries to repair a tree which had fallen in the Sensory Gardens.
Clr. Hayes also informed members that the Wales in Bloom judges had toured Saundersfoot recently and their report was awaited.
MATTERS ARISING
FROM THE MINUTES
Minutes of March 6:
Trees, Fan Road/Sandyhill Road: A letter was received from Pembrokeshire County Council stating that the tree branches causing concern had now been cleared.
Minutes of June 5:
Toilets, Saundersfoot: A letter was received from Pembrokeshire County Council regarding the toilets which stated that the choice of which toilet is left open lies with the community council, and if both toilets were to remain open the community council would have to bear the extra costs. If the costs of keeping both toilets open was required this figure could be obtained from the area maintenance manager, Pembroke Dock.
Clr. Poole commented that he was shocked to learn that the toilets closed at about 6 pm at weekends when they should be open to at least 9.30 pm.
Chairman Clr. Hayes replied and said the reason for the early closure was due to vandalism, but continued to say that the harbour toilet remained open until 10 pm.
Clr. Baker said that the toilets are in a filthy condition and the proposed refurbishment of toilets in Pembrokeshire had not taken place despite a letter from the county council stating this.
Clr. Talbot suggested installing a coin meter to get into the toilets. Chairman Clr. Hayes said this method had proved unsuccessful in other areas.
Clr. Poole said the council should keep lobbying the county council regarding the opening of the toilets in the winter, and Clr. Brabon said that the toilets should at least be open on certain occasions in the winter, such as Christmas and half-term.
Clr. Cleevely said that no figure has been produced as to how much savings there is on winter closures.
The clerk was instructed to obtain new costs for keeping the extra toilet open and also ask for what savings are made during the winter months.
Speed limit, Saundersfoot: The clerk read out a letter from Pembrokeshire County Council regarding the above issue which stated that the council can pursue the use of 20 mph limits and this limit was already in force in Fishguard. It is considered that a 20 mph limit would only be successful if existing road speeds are at the mid 20 mph level or lower as the signs have been found to achieve actual speed reduction of about 1 mph.
The letter concluded by saying that further speed signs in the centre of the village would not be worth pursuing as little benefit would be obtained.
Clr. Cavell thought that The Ridgeway would be an ideal location for a reduction in speed levels and this should certainly be looked into.
Clr. Cleevely then commented that no one takes any notice of any enforcements because there is no police presence to enforce them.
The clerk then read out a letter from Saundersfoot Sports Club regarding heavy traffic being generated by the car boot sales in the Sports Field. The letter stated that these car boot sales raise funds to support four cricket teams in the club and have become very successful. Due to the popularity of the event it does raise problems with traffic congestion and planning should take place between interested parties and asked the community council for their support. All members agreed that there is traffic chaos in Saundersfoot during busy periods and this is down mainly to lack of police presence.
It was proposed by Clr. Baker and seconded by Clr. Cleevely that a meeting be arranged with Mr. John Price, Pembrokeshire County Council, and Inspector Clarke, Dyfed-Powys Police, to discuss the problem, and Inspector Clarke could produce the figures as to the number of parking tickets issued in the village.
Minutes of July 3:
Seats, Beddoes Court, Saundersfoot: The clerk informed members that he had spoken to Mrs. Cathy Milner, National Park, and was told that she had not received a planning application as requested, and she would look into the matter.
Cemetery: Clr. Poole said he had laid chipping down at the cemetery as requested and also informed members that only seven grave spaces were left in the cemetery. Clr. Poole said he had arranged to have the field cut and it would cost about £50 to skim another section of the field for more burial spaces and advised members that this should be done as soon as possible. Members agreed that Clr. Poole could go ahead with this work.
The clerk then informed members that he had received a request from Mrs. Durban, Thistledown, Valley Road, Saundersfoot, for a rose bush to be planted in the cemetery in memory of her late husband. Members agreed to this request and Clr. Baker suggested designating an area in the cemetery for the planting of shrubs. Again, members agreed to this suggestion. Chairman Clr. Hayes said she had already suggested last year that the lower area of the cemetery be designated for this purpose.
Sensory Gardens, Saundersfoot: Clr. Poole said he had spoken to Mr. Brian Harries and was advised by him to leave any planting until the autumn. Clr. Poole went on to say that the litter bins had been left in the gardens for the time being and suggested purchasing new ones.
The clerk informed members that Mr. Brace is completing a time sheet weekly and that Mr. Gareth Phillips has commenced duties as the assistant ticket attendant.
Green bags: The clerk read out a letter from the county council stating that the council is willing to participate in selling, not only green bags, but also domestic black bags, from the Tourist Information Centre in Saundersfoot. The Centre is open for seven days a week from Easter to October 31, from 10 am to 5 pm.
This arrangement was to commence on August 4, and the cost of the green garden bags is £5.50 for a pack of 10 and black bags are £1.50 for a pack of 25.
Whitland to Pembroke Dock Rail Line: The clerk informed members that he had received a copy letter from Mr. Nick Ainger MP stating that there was no foundation whatsoever in this report and the report was based on guesswork by the journalist who wrote the article.
The Department of Transport confirmed that their agenda is to increase rail passenger use and they are fully aware this will not be achieved by closing down branch lines such as the Whitland to Pembroke Dock line.
Parking at The Glen, Saundersfoot: Chairman Clr. Hayes said that she had visited the area concerned and there was no problem there at all. She had contacted the resident concerned and he would contact her if the problem arose again.
The clerk had also received a letter from the county council on the issue and stated that 10 vehicles were parked there and were not interfering with the very limited traffic flow.
Coastal Walk: Chairman Clr. Hayes said she had taken part in the walk from The Glen to Amroth despite the heavy rain and had enjoyed it immensely.
Hedge along The Strand: The clerk said he had received a letter from Mr. Phillip Evans stating that the work was to be carried out on July 29. Clr. Cavell said she was still receiving complaints about difficulty in walking on the pavement and the clerk was instructed to write again requesting that the hedge be cut back further.
Special meeting, July 10:
Skateboard Park: Clr. Allsop informed members that a youngster had been injured at the park recently due to vandals tampering with the iron bars placed on the ramp and that as two claims had been received in the first year of operation, the club would not be able to afford the insurance premium for next year. She said the only alternative was to dismantle the ramp and she had hoped it would have been done by now, but she was unable to obtain the use of a van. Clr. Allsop said the park would be dismantled as soon as possible and the area reinstated to its original conditions.
Chairman Clr. Hayes said that following the dismantling, the council would inspect the site.
Clr. Talbot said she felt very sorry for Clr. Allsop who had put so much effort into the venture and she had been let down badly and she could not have worked any harder. Clr. Talbot said Clr. Allsop should be applauded for her efforts. All members agreed that Clr. Allsop had worked extremely hard on the project.
Clr. Baker was upset that two petitions had been organised in the village against the children using a tennis court for a Skateboard Park and felt very sad about this.
Members agreed that once the ramp is removed a clearance should take place of any debris that had collected in the area.
AGENDA
Standard Committee Re. Dispensation: Chairman Clr. Hayes informed members that some debates in council meetings had become farcical due to members being connected to so many local organisations and having to declare an interest. Members all decided it had become difficult and it was proposed by Clr. Poole and seconded by Clr. Brabon that the clerk write to Mr. Huw James, Pembrokeshire County Council, asking for dispensation for members when discussing issues on the Historical Society, Harbour Commissioners, Saundersfoot in Bloom, Regency Hall, Saundersfoot Bowling Club, Saundersfoot Sports Club and Saundersfoot Chamber for Tourism.
Approval of council accounts for audit purposes: It was proposed by Clr. Poole and seconded by Clr. Cleevely that the council's accounts are signed and approved for audit purposes. All members agreed.
Chairman Clr. Hayes County Council report: Chairman Clr. Hayes said on July 11, she was invited by the chairman of the county council to attend a presentation of a plaque to Mr. and Mrs. Richardson for an Award to Industry.
On July 13, chairman Clr. Hayes attended a memorial Service for Lady Merthyr's involvement in the Girl Guide Movement.
Chairman Clr. Hayes had made three visits to local residents, one visit to a resident in Scandinavian Heights who had complained that the road had not been adopted in this estate. Chairman Clr. Hayes had spoken to Mr. Roger Barrett Evans, but despite many attempts to get the road adopted all had failed and this responsibility was down to the developer.
The second visit was to a resident in Sandyhill Park who again had complained about the sewers not being adopted. Again, this adoption was down to the developer of the estate.
The third visit was to a resident in Swallowdale who had complained about overhanging trees. Chairman Clr. Hayes had informed Pembrokeshire County Council who said they would undertaken the work.
On July 17, chairman Clr. Hayes had attended a county council meeting and Play Areas had been discussed. She said that the council was waiting for a report from the National Assembly prior to the community council's taking over the responsibility for Play Areas, and the maximum contribution for equipment would be £20,000.
Community council vacancy: The clerk informed members that two applications had been received for the above vacancy: 1. Mr. C. T. John, Albany Villa, The Ridgeway, Saundersfoot; 2. Mr. A. Williams, 6 Castle View, Whitlow, Saundersfoot. After conducting a secret ballot Mr. John was elected to fill the vacancy.
Request for Kiddies Ride, Car Boot Sales: A request had been received for a kiddies ride to be operated at the car boot sales on the sports field.
Clr. Cleevely proposed that the council grants permission this year and reconsider the request next year and this was seconded by Clr. Baker.
Planning applications: Redevelopment, London House, The Strand; Works - Jones and Teague, Boatyard; Bathroom - 1 Bonvilles Close; Extension - Honeysuckle Cottage, Saundersfoot; Roof extension - Crow Meadow, Saundersfoot.
Clrs. Cleevely and Cavell declared an interest in the redevelopment at London House, The Strand, and took no part in the debate.
Members raised no objections to the above applications.
CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED
An invitation was received from the National Park to attend a reception at the County Show on Wednesday, August 20.
A letter was received from ERM regarding the aggregate extraction Licence Area 476 Nobel Banks Environmental statement and Coastal Impact Study.
The letter thanked the council for their comments and stated: (i) the proposed dredging area is too far offshore to pose any risk of direct beach draw down into the dredged depressions; (ii) There would be no risk of disruption of sediment supply to any beaches, the net sand transport pathways in the Nobel Banks area are from east to west, i.e. into even deeper water and the proposed dredging would not affect the existing rates or directions of that transport.
A letter was received from the Friends of the Earth Cymru seeking support to take steps towards becoming GM free areas. Members agreed to support this issue and decided to reply stating this. Clr. Cavell declared an interest and took no part in the debate.
An application was received from the Sands Club to increase the occupancy from 530 to 620. After a lengthy discussion, members decided to object to the increase due to the ongoing complaints from residents with regard to the noise and rowdy behaviour being generated from the club, and also constant engine noises from taxis and coaches which go on sometimes until 3 am in the morning.
A letter was also received from a resident complaining about the noise from the night club. The clerk was instructed to send this letter to the county council, along with the objection.
A letter was received from Mr. Geoffrey John, from Hereford, requesting that a seat be installed in the Sensory Gardens in memory of his late wife. The clerk was instructed to liaise with Mr. Don Johns, from the Historical Society, on this matter.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Clr. Cavell requested that a sign be erected to indicate where Lawnswood is situated, as the only sign at the moment is at the entry into Ragged Staff. The clerk was instructed to contact the county council on this matter.
Clr. Cavell also expressed her concern at the trees being cut down at the lower part of the Incline footway and it is becoming an eyesore. The clerk was asked to write to the county council regarding this matter.
Clr. Talbot reminded members that the light had still not been installed near the steps of the Doctors Practice in Saundersfoot, which had been promised months ago. The clerk was asked to write to the practice to find out the position.
Clr. Talbot said that shopkeepers and publicans were complaining about the gravel and mess being brought into their premises following the resurfacing of the Regency Hall car park. She continued to say that the work was carried hurriedly and asked if the excess gravel could be brushed from the park. The clerk was instructed to write to Mr. Huw Bowen, National Park, requesting that something is done to improve the surface.
Clr. Talbot said she had attended an open evening at Saundersfoot Playgroup and commented what a lovely evening it was. She continued to say that the group are providing a wonderful service, and the children are looked after in safe and happy environment.
Clr. Baker again raised the point of school transport for children outside the three-mile limit. He said the criteria for this policy is that there should be a safe route for children to walk to school and he argued the fact that this was the case in Saundersfoot. Clr. Baker proposed that Saundersfoot Community Council lobby Pembrokeshire County Council stating that there was no safe route available for children to walk to school and perhaps the county council could review their policy and subsidise the service for children outside the three-mile limit. Clr. Poole seconded this proposal and the clerk was instructed to write to the county council on this issue.
Clr. Baker again expressed his concern over the lack of response from the police. He said that on numerous occasions no response is received from Tenby Police Station, and calls are then re-directed to Haverfordwest where responses again are slow. Members decided to raise this issue with Inspector Clarke when the next meeting is arranged.
Clr. Cleevely reported to members that the Beach Guard appeared to be abusing the use of his three wheel beach buggy and did not seem to be taking his responsibilities seriously. The clerk was instructed to contact Mr. Chris Payne, the beaches officer, on the matter.
Chairman Clr. Hayes reported that she had attended a TGA meeting in Tenby recently where many issues were discussed.
She said Saundersfoot had been chosen as a cycling break hub and the WTB are also looking for two pilot areas for this initiative which will be visitor focused. The development at New Hedges was also discussed and issues relating to the JUDP were raised when formal objections to the scheme will be carefully debated.
Chairman Clr. Hayes concluded by saying that large tailbacks were again being experienced at the Fountain Head junction causing motorists to use the Valley Road option. The clerk was again instructed to write to the county council on the matter.
The next meeting will be held on September 4, at 7 pm.