Among matters considered and discussed at the August meeting of Saundersfoot Community Council were the following:

CHAIRMAN'S REPORT

Chairman Brabon said that he had attended the Saundersfoot Carnival on August 1, and had the pleasure of opening the event and along with Clr. Allsop and Mrs. Diane Watkins had the difficult task of judging the entries. Chairman Brabon said that he also had to crown the Carnival Queen and present the trophies to the winners. Chairman Brabon also reported that he had to judge and present cups at the Inter School Sports at Saundersfoot School. The overall winning school was Tenby Infants and an enjoyable day was had by the children and parents. Chairman Brabon said that he along with the Clerk had met Mrs. Williams from Pembroke Dock at the Sensory Gardens to discuss planting a tree there in memory of her late father who loved visiting Saundersfoot. Chairman Brabon said he had visited two garden centres and informed members that Crofty Nurseries could supply and plant a shrub called 'Golden Hornet' for £50 and this could be planted at any time. All members agreed to this. Chairman Brabon said that he along with the clerk and Clr. Cavell had met with the Wales in Bloom judges at the Sensory Gardens and they were impressed at the condition of the gardens and were pleased that the councillors and staff had put so much effort into the gardens.

MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES

Meeting with Mr. Ian Westley: The clerk informed members that he had received two responses, one from Mr. Ian Westley and the other from Mr. Barry Davies following their meeting with Mr. Westley and informed members as follows: Fountain Head junction: The letters stated that the traffic island was installed some years ago and his staff were not aware that it had been causing a problem for right turning vehicles off the main road, and its purpose is to aid pedestrians crossing the road and it is the view that East Williamston Community Council would object to the removal of the island. The letter goes on to say that any technical solution to improve the junction is far from straightforward, nevertheless consideration will be given to the current arrangement there. Repainting of yellow lines: This issue had been raised with the area maintenance manager (south) and he would investigate and consider repainting as necessary. Toilets in Saundersfoot: The letter stated that the public convenience capital programme was making very good progress and had addressed many of the facilities in the county which required refurbishment and improved access. Officers were currently assessing the remainder of the stock with regard to the next phase of the capital programme and the public conveniences in Saundersfoot would be included in this assessment. The letter continued by stating that the head of municipal services was concerned at the difficulties being experienced by his staff when closing public conveniences late at night, particularly in the Saundersfoot and Tenby areas. The council would shortly be approaching the community council in Saundersfoot to discuss the issue further. The letter concluded by stating that the council was prepared to discuss the need to open the toilets to deal with specific events that took place in the village. Chairman Brabon expressed his concern at the public toilets closing as early as 6 pm in a busy tourist resort like Saundersfoot. All members agreed and said that it was a ridiculous situation and the county council should have an obligation for the toilets to remain open later in the evenings. Clr. Hayes said that she had received several complaints from residents with regard to the early closures and that Mr. Ian Westley was dealing the matter. Members decided that a letter be written to Mr. Gerson Davies, director for community services, requesting that the toilets be kept open later and that a copy be sent to the Welsh Tourist Board. Safe Pedestrian Route from Saundersfoot to Tenby: The letter stated that officers from Pembrokeshire County Council had walked the route from Saundersfoot to Greenhill School via New Hedges and confirmed that the route was safe to walk, accompanied as necessary, and in addition to this, improvements had been made to the public service bus that provided school transport for non-eligible pupils. Street light, Windsor Terrace: Windsor Terrace comprised of six council properties fronting Vanderhoof Way which was not an adopted highway. It was agreed that since some of the properties were still under council ownership, one street light would be installed at the end of the road. All the other properties fronting the land were private and no assistance could be given. Street lighting, Westfield Road: A footpath improvement scheme was currently being designed and street lighting would be incorporated as part of this improvement. Taxi rank, opposite Spar shop: With regard to changing this taxi rank to disabled parking spaces, the letter stated that the taxi rank was only operational from 8 pm to midnight and to permit parking of any sort at this location during the day would cause an unmanageable obstruction. Clrs. Allsop and Talbot asked if the harbour car park could provide spaces for disabled drivers? Clr. Hayes replied and said that this car park was a private one, but a request could be put to the commissioners. Clr. Lawrence said that he had spoken to the traffic warden in Saundersfoot and asked about the cars parked along The Strand and was told that most of these cars were disabled badge holders. Chairman Brabon said that the traffic garden did an excellent job in Saundersfoot, but unfortunately she was not on duty that often. Clr. Cleevely then proposed writing to the Police stating the traffic problems being experienced in Saundersfoot, especially on Tuesdays, and also inform them of lorries entering the village illegally, and this proposal was seconded by Clr. Cavell. Sensory Gardens: Clr. Hayes expressed her concern that the two gates leading into the Sensory Gardens remained open all day and that these gates were there to prevent dogs entering the gardens and she proposed that the council erect a sign 'No dogs allowed except guide dogs' in the gardens. Clr. Cavell seconded this proposal. Clr. Poole also suggested moving the gate by the ice cream kiosk nearer to the garden area, so that it would not affect people purchasing ice cream from the kiosk. Members decided to look at this proposal during the autumn. Seats: Chairman Brabon said that he had inspected the seats outside Brooklands Court and found them to be in a dangerous condition. He telephoned Pembrokeshire County Council and they removed them. Chairman Brabon then asked Mr. Glyn Stephens to remove two seats from the Sensory Gardens, paint them and install them outside Brooklands Court, which he had done. Chairman Brabon said that he had inspected the seats and was pleased with the work carried out. Playing fields: The clerk informed members that Mr. Brace was still unable to carry out his grass cutting duties and was continuing to ask Mr. Chris Williams to undertake this work. Mr. Brace was continuing to carry out ticket office duties. Clr. Cleevely expressed his concern at the situation and suggested that the council would have to consider the situation very carefully and asked that it be put on the agenda in February for discussion. The clerk did inform members that the season was drawing to a close and there had been no need to employ another member of staff this summer due to Mr. Brace continuing his ticket office duties. Clr. Cleevely commented that the Sensory Gardens was lacking colour at present and nothing seemed to be done to improve its appearance. Clr. Hayes said that she had spoken to Mr. Harris and he would be planting potted plants in the central border, but had not done so as yet. Clr. Cleevely suggested that Clr. Lawrence, as chairman of the grounds committee, speak to Mr. Harris with a view to landscaping the central border to provide more colour. Clr. Lawrence said that he would speak to Mr. Harris on the matter. Clr. Poole then suggested that a meeting be arranged in September to discuss what work had to be carried out in the gardens. All members agreed. Speeding, Ridgeway: A letter was received from Mr. and Mrs. Trimmings regarding this matter. The letter stated that replies and acknowledgement had been received from all on the original circulation list. One very positive outcome had been the deployment of Constable Williams to the area and he had observed the traffic on several occasions and confirmed that there was a problem and potential danger from speeding vehicles. The letter continued to say that Constable Williams had spoken to Pembrokeshire County Council and the following measures had been discussed: repainting lines; additional warning signs; monitoring volume and speed of traffic; provide police presence at key times as identified. The letter concluded by saying that it was refreshing to note that a professional working at grass roots level was providing very efficient and considerate support and assistance. Booths Arcade, machine noise: A letter was received from Pembrokeshire County Council stating that a pollution patrol officer would approach the arcade concerned, to see what assistance could be given in reducing the volume or relocating the machines. CCTV system: A letter was received from the Harbour Commissioners stating that there would be a demonstration of this system and representatives from the council would be invited. Dispensation: A letter was received from Mr. Huw James, director of support and cultural services, stating that the three members representing the council on the Harbour Commission were right to participate in debate, but were not to vote on any decision taken. Steps, Doctors' Practice: Clr. Hayes said that she had received complaints from residents that the handrail had not been replaced by the steps. She had spoken to the practice and was told that a replacement was to be made, but the rail was with the Police at present. Clr. Talbot also had received three complaints from residents with regard to the litter being deposited around the area and that rats had been seen there in broad daylight and asked who owned the area between the Gower Hotel and the Doctors' Practice? Clr. Hayes said that this was a public footpath. Clr. Talbot said that no one seemed clear as to who had the responsibility for this area. The clerk was instructed to write to the environmental health department of Pembrokeshire County Council regarding the rat problem and also to the practice informing them of what action the council was taking. Stream, Saundersfoot: A letter had been received from the Environment Agency Wales stating that the watercourse in Saundersfoot was not designated as a 'main' river under the Water Resources Act 1991 and regretted that the Agency was not empowered to carry out any flood defence maintenance or improvement works there. The operating authority for this 'ordinary' watercourse was Pembrokeshire County Council who had operational powers to carry out works there. However, it should be noted that these powers were permissive only and did not constitute a duty. The letter went on to say that the letter had been forwarded to the county council and they would contact the council direct on the matter. Chairman Brabon then produced correspondence from 1994 regarding the same problem and this stated that this watercourse was the responsibility of the landowners concerned, except the area adjacent to Brooklands Close which was the responsibility of the county council. After a lengthy discussion, the clerk was instructed to write to Saundersfoot Sports Club and the Regency Hall requesting that they clear the banks on their side of the stream and also write to Pembrokeshire County Council requesting that they do the same on the Brooklands side of the stream. Seat for Saundersfoot School: Clr. Cleevely informed members that a complete seat had been supplied to Saundersfoot School from the Harbour Commissioners for their Garden Club. At this point of the meeting Chairman Brabon welcomed Mrs. Dot Ridley to the meeting. Mrs. Ridley said she had attended to express her concern at the report in the press of the proposed sale of the Barbecue building in Saundersfoot. Clr. Hayes informed members that the building was surplus to requirements and was to be sold on the open market. She said that the building was acquired by Narberth RDC prior to reorganisation and in 1974 it was handed over to South Pembrokeshire District Council, but unfortunately all correspondence relating to the acquisition of the building by Narberth RDC was mislaid. Pembrokeshire County Council acquired the building in 1996. Clr. Hayes continued to say that the Barbecue was offered to the community council on a peppercorn rent and a feasibility study was carried out and this study decided that it was not a sustainable venture for the council to take on. She said that once a new location was found for the TIC, the building would be put on the market. Clr. Hayes continued to say that the building would not be put up for sale until a new TIC was built. Clr. Hayes then proposed that the best way forward would be to discuss the matter with the Harbour Commissioners at the same time as the CCTV system was discussed and to follow this meeting with a public debate where everyone could make their views known. This was seconded by Clr. Poole. The clerk was instructed to request that the £2,000 contribution to the feasibility study be refunded to the council.

AGENDA

Traffic Problems (Saundersfoot School): Clr. Poole again reminded members of the serious traffic problem that occurred outside Saundersfoot School during the opening and closing of the school and also asked when the 'give way' sign would be erected at the junction of Church Terrace and Frances Lane? The clerk was asked to write to Pembrokeshire County Council requesting that this sign be erected as soon as possible.

PLANNING APPLICATIONS

Extension, Bayview, Frances Road, Saundersfoot. Extension, 53 Bevelin Hall, Saundersfoot. Change of use to 16 apartments, Cambrian Hotel, Saundersfoot. Conservatory, 3 Oakhill Drive, Saundersfoot. Extension, 20 Lawnswood, Saundersfoot. Balcony, White Oaks, Frances Road, Saundersfoot. Alterations and extension, Swyn-y-Mor, Saundersfoot. Extension, Morningside, Saundersfoot. Extension, Brynawel, Saundersfoot. With regard to the Swyn-y-Mor application, members expressed their concern at the removal of the railings outside the property. Clr. Lawrence declared an interest in the Morningside plan and Clrs. Talbot and Cavell declared an interest in the Brynawel proposal and took no part in these debates. Members raised no other objections.

CORRESPONDENCE

A letter was received from Pembrokeshire County Council stating that the Barbecue building in Saundersfoot was surplus to requirements once new arrangements had been made for the location of the Tourist Information Centre. The intention was that the relocation of the TIC be part-funded from the proceeds of sale of the newsagents shop and adjacent flat-roofed parts of the building which the cabinet had resolved to sell to the existing owners. The clerk informed members that he had obtained information regarding a plaque for the tree to be planted in the Sensory Gardens. He said the plaque would cost £62 and the post £60, plus £25 delivery charge. Clr. Talbot was concerned at the erection of plaques in the gardens which could lead to numerous requests from potential donors. It was proposed by Clr. Poole and seconded by Clr. Cavell not to allow any plaques to be placed by the trees donated to the gardens. All members agreed. Letters were received from two companies seeking sites in the area to stage their circuses. Members agreed that there was not a suitable site large enough to stage this type of event in the area. A letter was received from Mrs. Mather thanking the council for their co-operation in discussing the proposed development on the Ridgeway. A letter was received from the National Park stating the tree preservation orders on trees in St. Issell's Churchyard had been confirmed by the authority on July 21. Also a letter was received from Mr. Matt Smail, tree officer, National Parks, stating that Saundersfoot was to be reviewed for trees to be preserved in the area and asked if anyone knew of a tree that should be included in the new orders to inform him on 0845 3457275. The clerk informed members that he had received correspondence from Mr. Cormack, of Sheffield, enclosing a cheque for £90 as a donation for the development of the Sensory Gardens. The clerk said he had written a letter of thanks. An application was received from Lewis and Lewis, solicitors, enclosing a transfer of justices licence for the Hean Castle Inn, Saundersfoot.

REPORTS FROM VARIOUS COMMITTEES INCLUDING COUNTY COUNCILLORS REPORT

Clr. Hayes expressed her concern at the delay in Welsh Water attending to a water leak on the Ridgeway, Saundersfoot. She telephoned Welsh Water on July 19, and was told that repairs would be carried out on July 26. Work was actually carried out on July 28. She went on to say that a hole still remained in the road which was cordoned off and was concerned that the work had not been completed. The clerk was instructed to write to Welsh Water expressing the council's concern at the delay in completing the work. Clr. Talbot informed members that she had attended the inaugural meeting of 'One Voice Wales' in Haverfordwest on July 21, but unfortunately it was not well attended. She said that out a possible 700 councils, 456 had joined the organisation. She said the meetings would be held quarterly and the next possible venue would be Narberth. Clr. Talbot said that she had spoken to representatives from Manorbier and the Havens and had raised concerns about the proposed dredging, and all present backed her concerns. Clr. Talbot asked if a letter could be sent to Mrs. Christine Gwyther AM to find out the progress on the dredging issue. Clr. Lawrence raised the issue of the field in the cemetery and informed members that it needed cutting. Members agreed that Clr. Lawrence should go ahead and arrange to have it cut. The clerk was instructed to arrange a meeting between Clr. Lawrence and Mr. Brian Harris to discuss the planting of flowers in the Sensory Gardens. Clr. Cleevely informed members that he had attended a meeting of the Implementation Committee for the new Tenby Hospital and said that plans had now been agreed with the National Parks. Clr. Cleevely said that, whilst in holiday recently, he had observed the Shaw Trust Hospital in Ledbury, which was similar to the one proposed for Tenby, and was very impressed indeed.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Clr. Cavell again raised the issue of the dreadful state of the fence at Brooklands Court and the clerk was instructed to write again requesting that it be looked at. Clr. Hayes reported that there had been a sewerage problem in Valley Road, near the caravan site there, apparently due to insufficient chemicals being used. The clerk was instructed to write to the environmental health department reporting the problem. Clr. Talbot said that she had spoken to residents on the Ridgeway regarding dog fouling and was pleased to inform members that the 'naming and shaming' of offenders seemed to be working. Clr. Talbot informed members that the brand new paper bin in the coach park on Valley Road had been set alight by vandals. Clr. Poole asked if the telephone exchange near Whitlow could be refurbished as it was in a dreadful condition. The clerk was asked to write to BT requesting that it be considered for refurbishment. Clr. Cleevely expressed his concern at the condition of the play area in Saundersfoot as litter was strewn all over the area. The clerk informed Clr. Cleevely that he had contacted Pembrokeshire County Council and the area had been cleared within 10 minutes. Clr. Cleevely also reported that on touring around the country he had noticed that many councils displayed a notice board informing the public of the names and telephone numbers of all councillors in that area and thought this to be a very good idea and asked if Saundersfoot could have a similar system. Clr. Cleevely also suggested that when members of public attended meetings they should contact the clerk prior to the meeting on the issue they wished to raise and to allow them to speak for two minutes on their concerns. Members all agreed that both ideas were good ones and decided to make it an agenda item for a future meeting. The next meeting of the council will be held in the Regency Hall, Saundersfoot, on September 2, at 7 pm.