Among matters discussed at the April meeting of Saundersfoot Community Council were the following:
MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
Seats, Beddoes Court - The clerk informed members that he had received correspondence from Mr. Martin Woodhall, the chairman of Beddoes Court (Saundersfoot) Ltd., stating that he had circularised every resident with regard to whether or not they want to replace the seats. The clerk added that he had not been informed of their decision.
Carriageway, Saundersfoot Railway Station - The clerk read out a letter from Pembrokeshire County Council stating that they had been aware of the drainage problem at this location for some time and the problem does not appear to be caused by insufficient capacity in the existing system, but by blockage of the pipework due to loose material being carried onto the road from adjoining farmland. The letter went on to say that officers are requesting that the offending landowners carry out work to prevent this flow of material into the drains and once this matter is resolved the section of road will be considered for resurfacing.
Clr. Poole said that more extensive roadworks should be carried out and Clr. Baker suggested Pembrokeshire County Council extend these roadworks towards the Fan Road junction.
The clerk was instructed to write to the county council requesting that this be considered.
Cockling in Saundersfoot - Clr. Baker was concerned that the March minutes stated that there were two errors in the e-mail received from the SWSFC when in fact the information received was incorrect. Members agreed to amend the minutes.
The clerk read out a letter from the Welsh Assembly Government stating that they were unaware of any proposals for commercial cockling in Saundersfoot and that management of this type of inshore fishery is undertaken by the South Wales Sea Fishery Committee.
The clerk also read out a copy letter from Mr. Phil Coates, the director of the SWSFC which had been sent to Mr. Edwards, Lawnswood, Saundersfoot.
The letter stated that the present powers are sufficient to manage all cockles widely found on other beaches within the district and that Tenby and Saundersfoot are no exception. They are content that stocks are not under threat of over fishing, nor does such fishing activity represent a threat to the marine environment.
The current beds in Tenby and Saundersfoot are insignificant in commercial terms and any activity would be likely to be short lived.
The letter concluded by saying that no one could dispute the standards and value of beaches in Pembrokeshire, nor indeed argue against the passion for wishing to ensure that this is maintained. In this instance, the activities concerned do not reflect the risks suggested and thereby merit such attention.
Chairman Hayes informed members that the Food Standards Agency has been asked to carry out an Environmental Impact Assessment prior to considering the classification of the cockles. She said that Pembrokeshire County Council may issue licences to vehicles to cross the beach below mean high water.
Clr. Baker said that the community council should be doing all it can to prevent this activity happening and proposed inviting Mr. Phil Coates to a council meeting to discuss the issue. This proposal was seconded by Clr. Cavell.
Cemetery - The clerk informed members that he had instructed Mr. David Rees, fencing contractor, to erect the boundary fence in the cemetery and also to submit a quote for crowning the Ash tree.
Clr. Poole asked if anything could be done to improve the centre border in the Sensory Gardens as it needed some colour. The clerk was instructed to consult Mr. Brian Harris for advice.
Issues of concern with Pembrokeshire County Council - Following a suggestion from Clr. Baker, the clerk was instructed to write to the county council requesting a programme of works planned for Saundersfoot in the coming financial year.
Recycling plastic in Pembrokeshire - The clerk read out a letter from Pembrokeshire County Council regarding the above issue which detailed the reasons why the authority does do not offer recycling facilities for such items. However, the letter concluded by saying that the county council is working hard to explore opportunities to develop a scheme that would be available to everyone.
DONATIONS
The clerk informed members that £3,500 had been earmarked in the precept for donations for 2004/05.
After a lengthy discussion members decided to make donations to organisations that had made a written application. The clerk informed members that £1,000 is donated to the Regency Hall Committee later in the year.
Donations were made as follows: Saundersfoot in Bloom £500; Saundersfoot Historical Society £150; Torch Theatre £100; Wales Air Ambulance £100; Samaritans £50; Saundersfoot Playschool £200; Saundersfoot Footlights £100; Dyfed Victim Support £50; Pembrokeshire Crossroads £50; Bobby Van Scheme £50; Royal British Legion £50; Saundersfoot Guild of Friendship £50; All Pembrokeshire Cruse £50. The donations totalled £1,500.
Chairman Hayes and Clr. Allsop declared an interest in the debate for Saundersfoot in Bloom and Clr. Cavell declared an interest in the debate for the Historical Society.
Members decided to keep £1,000 in reserve, £500 for future requests and £500 for assistance with insurance cover for village events.
Members proposed not to make a donation to Pembrokeshire YFC, Marie Curie Cancer Care and Commonwealth Games Council for Wales Ltd.
PLANNING APPLICATIONS
Conservatory - 8 Castle View, Saundersfoot.
Extension - Sunrise, The Strand, Saundersfoot.
Road Layout - The Incline, Saundersfoot.
Two dwellings - The Incline, Saundersfoot.
Clr. Cavell declared an interest in the applications for the road layout and two dwellings at The Incline and took no part in the debate.
With regard both these applications members requested a site meeting, as they felt the plans submitted were not at all clear. They also requested officers from the Highways Department and the Environment Agency be present.
In addition, members requested that the application for the two dwellings be considered by committee rather than be delegated.
Clr. Baker also asked why none of the matters raised in the council's letter dated October 6, 2003 had not been addressed.
A letter was received from Mrs. Mather, 5 White Park Bungalows, Saundersfoot, expressing her concern at this development and asked the council for their support.
Mrs. Mather's main concerns were lack of space between the new properties and the existing bungalows. She asked if a wall or fence could be erected to maintain their privacy. Another concern expressed was the access to the development on a stretch of road that is already very busy.
Members raised no objections to the other applications.
CORRESPONDENCE
A request was received from Mrs. D. Shelley, of Pembroke Dock, to plant a tree or shrub in the Sensory Gardens, Saundersfoot, in memory of her late husband who loved to visit the village regularly.
Members discussed the request and decided to designate an area in the garden for these requests.
The clerk read out a letter from Clr. Maurice Hughes, leader of Pembrokeshire County Council regarding play areas in Pembrokeshire. The letter stated that meetings had been held with PALC, WACTC and CCCA to discuss the strategy for play areas, how to improve it and work in partnership. The letter set out revisions to the scheme.
The clerk was instructed to write to Clr. Hughes thanking him for this information, but to request more details with regard to the revision of the scheme. He was also requested to ask what the cost would be to the community council.
A letter was received from the Kilgetty Begelly Community Council asking for support in the reversal of the Pembrokeshire County Council decision to allow planning consent to the development of a new Co-operative store in Kilgetty. It was proposed by Clr. Allsop and seconded by Clr. Poole that the council supports the development going ahead.
A Tree Preservation Order was received for the Ash tree situated in the southern hedge bank of St. Issell's Cemetery bordering the Old Mill Caravan Park.
A letter was received from the residents of Valley Road, Saundersfoot, expressing their concern at the volume of buses using this stretch of road. The letter stated that 50 buses use this road in the winter and up to 70 in the summer. They fear it is only a matter of time before an accident occurs.
Members all agreed that this road is not suitable for this volume of traffic and shared these concerns. Chairman Hayes said the problem is being investigated and the clerk was instructed to write to Mr. Ian Westley, the director of highways asking him to meet members on site to see how serious the problem is.
An application for a theatre licence was received for the Regency Hall, Saundersfoot.
REPORTS FROM VARIOUS COMMITTEES
Clr. Cavell said that she had attended an 'Investors in People' awards ceremony at Saundersfoot School. She said that it was an honour for the school to receive this award and it had been an enjoyable experience.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Clr. Baker asked if there was any progress on the barbecue building. Chairman Hayes said the property survey was still being carried out by Pembrokeshire County Council and had not been completed.
Clr. Baker again expressed his concern at the perceived lack of a safe route from Saundersfoot to Tenby and asked if an officer could meet the council to discuss the matter. Clr. Allsop reminded members that representations had been made by parents regarding a safe route.
Clr. Lawrence requested that the yellow lines be repainted in Saundersfoot prior to the summer season. The clerk was instructed to write to Pembrokeshire County Council requesting that this is carried out.
Clr. Poole asked if a 'Give Way' sign could be erected at the junction of Church Terrace and Frances Lane to prevent confusion for motorists as to whose right of way it is. The clerk was instructed to write to the county council requesting that a sign be placed there.
Clr. Poole said he had been approached by several residents with regard to dog fouling on Saundersfoot Beach and he asked that a total ban of dogs be considered for the beach.
Chairman Hayes said that the current bye-law is a directive from the Welsh Assembly Government and a total ban would not be allowed. She reminded members that any dog owner could be reported to Pembrokeshire County Council and a fine could be imposed. Members agreed that dog fouling is a growing problem in Saundersfoot and urged members of the public to report any dog owners who do offend to Pembrokeshire County Council.
The next meeting of the council will be held in the Regency Hall, Saundersfoot on May 6.