Before the start of the Februay meeting of Saundersfoot Community Council, the chairman, Clr. M. Cavell, welcomed Mike and Allison Franklin, who had been invited to speak about the possibility of running the village's putting green area as a crazy golf course. Mike Franklin informed members that his company, Jam's Hire, was a leisure hire business, operating pedal go-carts and cycles, plus several crazy golf courses in Wales, the most successful being at Pendine. He asked if the council would consider a crazy golf course sited on the putting green area at Saundersfoot and said there were two options available as follows: Jam's Hire could either work under a tender agreement, whereby they run the site themselves, or the council could choose to run it and this could be done if the site could provide a manned location which was able to house the clubs and balls etc., with the site retaining 20 per cent of all income. Mr. Franklin went on to say that there were nine holes, each measuring between 12 and 25-foot. Jam's Hire would provide all clubs, balls and scorecards and all signage and point of sale material. He added that if vandalism was likely to occur, the equipment could be dismantled at the end of the day and they would replace any grass that had been damaged during the season. Clr. Baker asked what would be the anticipated income for the season? Mr. Franklin said that it would be difficult to assess due to weather conditions, but it could be in the region of £3,000 to £5,000. He added that the charge would be £1.50 per person; also that the council would continue to cut the grassed area around the course. Chairman Cavell thanked Mr. and Mrs. Franklin for attending and said that members would discuss the offer and inform them as soon as possible of their decision. Clr. Hayes thought that it was a good idea and the council should give it a try. Clr. John agreed and said it could be a successful if it was properly marketed. Clr. Cleevely was concerned at the times when Mr. Brace was not in attendance and asked would the council still receive 20 per cent of the income when this happened? Clr. Hayes said that she would investigate whether planning approval would be required. She then proposed accepting the option of the council running the site with 20 per cent commission for a trial period of 12 months, and this was seconded by Clr. John. The clerk was instructed to write to Jam's Hire with this decision and seek clarification of some of the terms of this option.
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT
Chairman Cavell informed members that she had attended Saundersfoot CP School to celebrate the success of the 'Investors in People' assessment'. Miss Lester, members of staff, governors, Mr. John Jones - the assessor, Chris Palmer - pastoral advisor, and Carol Evans, the LEA Investors in People, were present. She said that Mr. Jones gave an informal feedback and many wonderful comments were made about the school. The clerk was instructed to write to the school congratulating them on this achievement.
MATTERS ARISING
Inspection of headstones: The clerk read out a letter from Pembrokeshire County Council stating that they had no justification in adding St. Issell's Cemetery to the county council's list of cemeteries. The clerk informed members that he had spoken to Memsafe regarding the testing of the headstones for safety and they said that they would send an information pack on how to go about the commencement of the testing process. Members decided to wait for this pack to arrive prior to proceeding. Clr. Cleevely expressed his concern that council tax payers in Saundersfoot were paying twice for this work to be carried out and proposed writing to the county council asking if some funding could be made available for this. This was seconded by Clr. Baker. Police attendance at meeting December 7, 2006: Clr. Cleevely expressed his concern at the horrendous situation that still existed at the Rhodewood development site. Clr. Hayes replied and said the problem should be resolved by the middle of the month and members decided to wait to see if the situation improved prior to making a complaint. Land to the west of the Barbecue: The clerk read out a letter from the National Park Authority enclosing a reference to this parcel of land being included in the Conservation Area Statement for Saundersfoot. Clr. Baker said that this did not mean that development could not take place there as the Cambrian car park was also included in this statement, and he proposed asking the county council for it be officially designated as a Village Green. This was seconded by Clr. John. Recycling in Saundersfoot: Clr. Hayes reported that plans were underway to roll out the second phase of Pembrokeshire's Kerbside Recycling Scheme and Saundersfoot had been chosen to take part. From early June, residents would be able to join forces with the existing 43 per cent of the county already enjoying the success of the scheme. Clr. Cleevely added that anyone not requiring the compost bins that had been delivered could ring the Pembrokeshire County Council service line, 0845 6021386, and they would be collected free of charge. Car park charges: The clerk informed members that he had received a letter from the National Park Authority indicating an increase in charges for the Regency Hall Car Park from April 1, as follows: Up to one hour - 60p; up to two hours - £2; over two hours - £3. With regard to the community council car park by the Regency Hall, Clr. Cleevely said that senior citizens could obtain tickets from the council to park in this area, but this had not been very successful and suggested allocating a certain section of the car park for senior citizens. Clr. Hayes added that there had always been problems, especially during the summer months, and there was no easy solution, Members decided to leave the situation as it was at present, but it would be monitored more closely to prevent tourists using the car park to visit the beach. TGA report on Saundersfoot: The clerk read out a letter from Mrs. Erica Fielding, head of tourism and regeneration, Pembrokeshire County Council, following the TGA meeting to discuss the regeneration of Saundersfoot. The letter stated that, initially with a limited number of agencies, the group was keen to focus upon what could be delivered, what were the constraints and how any potential differences of view between the principal public sector partners could be resolved, thereby agreeing a common understanding before debate was widened. The letter went on to say that the motivation was to ensure that Saundersfoot meets the expectations of an increasingly sophisticated visitor market, and that, once the main public sector agencies were clear about what could be realistically achieved, the debate would be widened to embrace community interests, including the community council. Clr. Cleevely was surprised with this response and felt that the community council should be involved from the start, as it was one of the main agencies in Saundersfoot! Clr. Baker said that he had spoken to Erica Fielding and Jessica Morgan from PLANED and he would prefer 'joined up' thinking where Pembrokeshire County Council, PLANED and the community council worked together to achieve the same goal. Clr. Hayes said that she had also spoken to Jessica Morgan and she would send a copy of the appraisal for Saundersfoot, stating what had been done and to highlight what else needed to be done. Clr. Cleevely added that not a lot had been achieved since the 2000 Action Plan. The clerk informed members that he had received correspondence indicating that PLANED, in partnership with the Saundersfoot Forum, were organising two workshops to get as many people together from the village to discuss the positives and negatives of the community and look at opportunities for improvements. The outcome of these meetings would then be an up-to-date action plan and a mandate for community activity. The clerk was instructed to write to Erica Fielding requesting that the community council be involved from the start at any future meetings of the agencies involved. Time for action in Saundersfoot: Clr. Hayes said that she had met with Mr. Brian Maddocks, Pembrokeshire County Council, to discuss issues relating to Saundersfoot as promised and reported as follows: i) Clr. Hayes said that the pavement from the Post Office to the Mulberry would be resurfaced as soon as possible. ii) The footway in Brooklands Place was owned by Welsh Water, but there could be a problem due to the time lapse involved with regard to improving it. iii) The salt bin for Bevelin Hall was ready for delivery. As the plinth for the bin had not been prepared, Clr. Hayes said that she would ask Mr. Maddocks to store it until required. She added that she would ask Mr. Maddocks to carry out this work as the county council installed the other salt bin there. iv) The repainting of the yellow lines was scheduled to take place in the spring. v) Refurbishment had commenced on the toilets in Saundersfoot. vi) The gully sucking programme would commence in the next few weeks. vii) Improvement to the pavements and replacing the anti-skid surfaces would be discussed by officers prior to this work being carried out. viii) Manhole covers would be raised as requested. Clr. Hayes said that Mr. Maddocks requested a further meeting in April to discuss progress. Clr. Cleevely said that Clr. Hayes should be thanked for the fruitful outcome of this meeting and members agreed. Welsh Assembly visit: The clerk read out a letter from Christine Gwyther AM regarding this, which stated that the Assembly was in recess for one week from February 19 and again from March 26, until after the election on May 3, and First Minister's Questions were held on Tuesdays at 2 pm. Members discussed possible dates and thought that a visit during First Minister's Questions would be interesting. The clerk was instructed to organise a suitable date for the visit. Senior Citizens dinner: A letter was received from the proprietors of the Mulberry Restaurant thanking members of the council for carrying out the waiting duties during the Senior Citizens dinner. The letter added that the feedback was positive and that they were planning to run a similar event in 2008. Volunteers for CCTV camera: The clerk reported that he had spoken to PC Max Bevan and he said that there was limited monitoring from Haverfordwest, but they were working towards full- time monitoring when funds became available. He added that volunteers who had offered their services for Tenby Police Station should contact Inspector Clark. Defibrillator: Clr. Baker said that the cheque had now been received from the council and the defibrillator should be delivered shortly.
PLANNING APPLICATIONS
Extension, 4 Milford Terrace, Saundersfoot. Alteration, Stonecross, Errox Hill, Saundersfoot. Alterations, Tringham, The Ridgeway, Saundersfoot. Members raised no objections to these applications. Clr. Cleevely asked when the Cambrian Hotel development would commence? Clr. Hayes replied and said there was no news of a start date due to ongoing discussions regarding affordable housing.
CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED
A letter of thanks was received from the Saundersfoot Festivities Association for the donation of £350 from the council. A letter was received from Pembrokeshire County Council stating that the Gambling Act 2005 had been adopted by the Council on December 14, 2006. A letter was received from Mr. and Mrs. Blackmore from Cliff House Guest House in Wogan Terrace regarding the general condition of Wogan Terrace. The letter stated that Wogan Terrace was one of the main roads into the village and the only one without an adequate and safe footway. The letter went on to say that they tried to maintain a high standard for their guests and the road and lack of pavements lowered the standard and safety for their visitors. The letter concluded by asking the community council for their support by promoting Saundersfoot as a quality holiday destination and Wogan Terrace was woefully below par. Members agreed with the comments of the letter and the clerk was instructed to write to Pembrokeshire County Council for improvements to be carried out there, and also to raise the issue with Mr. Brian Maddocks in the April meeting with him.
REPORTS FROM VARIOUS COMMITTEES, INCLUDING COUNTY COUNCILLOR'S REPORT
Clr. Hayes informed members that her next surgery would be held on Saturday, March 3, from 10 am to 12 noon, in the Regency Hall, Saundersfoot. Clr. Hayes informed members that she had spoken to the National Park with a view to enhancing the Regency Hall car park, which looked very barren. She suggested that trees be planted along the perimeter of the Brewery Terrace side of the car park. Clr. Hayes also reported that under the 'Pembrokeshire Gateways Phase 4 Scheme' landscaping would take place in the Crane Cross area. Clr. Cleevely said that he had attended a Dyfed Powys Police Liaison meeting on January 10, when the main item on the agenda was the police budget outlook for 2007/2008. The report indicated that the outlook for 2007/ 2008 was not good, due to only flat rate increases being announced by the Home Office, and an increase of only 1.9 per cent was a possibility for 2008/2009. The report added that, due to this settlement, extra monies would have to be collected, resulting in a Band D council tax increase of £10.79 per annum.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Clr. Lawrence asked if a letter of thanks could be sent to Hean Castle Estate for disposing of the village Christmas trees. All members agreed. Clr. Baker asked if a litter-pick could be carried out in Saundersfoot prior to the Easter bank holiday and the clerk was instructed to write to Pembrokeshire County Council requesting this. Clr. McDermott asked if the council would still like him to visit Picton Castle with Mr. Hartzell to see what plants could be purchased for the Sensory Gardens. Members asked Clr. McDermott to go ahead with the visit. Clr. Hayes reported that the Brownies had been working hard tidying up their borders opposite the Police Station and asked for a letter of thanks to be sent to the organisation. All members agreed. Chairman Cavell reported that Clr. Brabon had informed her that the ditch on the putting green remained dry and also requested a meeting of the grounds committee to discuss outstanding issues and to incorporate this meeting with Mr. Rhys Thomas to discuss the cemetery grass cutting tender. Chairman Cavell also informed members that Clr. Allsop had been contacted by a resident with regard to the dangerous turning from Stammers Road into Sandyhill Road, which was causing problems for motorists. Members decided to raise this issue with Mr. Brian Maddocks at the meeting in April. The next meeting of the council will be held in the Regency Hall on March 1 at 7 pm.