New chairman of Saundersfoot Community Council is Clr. Bill Cleevely. Clr. Cleevely was appointed at the recent monthly meeting of the council, when he paid tribute to outgoing chairman, Clr. Mary Cavell, and thanked her for the efficient way she had carried out her duties. Clr. Cavell said that she could not believe that 12 months had passed since taking office and it had been a varied and interesting year and she had done her best to carry out her duties in the professional manner shown by her predecessors. She sent her best wishes to Clr. Cleevely for the coming year and thanked him and all the councillors for their support shown and this had been much appreciated. She said special thanks should go to John Griffiths, the clerk, whose guidance had been most invaluable throughout her year, and he was always on hand for assistance. She said the work he puts in on the council's behalf is unbelievable. Appointment of vice-chairman: Clr. Hayes proposed that Clr. Brabon be installed as vice-chairman and this was seconded by Clr. McDermott. Clr. Poole then proposed that Clr. Baker take the position and Clr. Allsop seconded this proposal. Chairman Cleevely proposed that a secret ballot take place and this was seconded by Clr. Hayes. All members agreed. A ballot took place and resulted in Clr. Baker being elected by five votes to four. Appointment of committee members: Grounds committee to include Sensory Gardens - Clrs. Lawrence and Poole stated that they no longer wished to serve on this committee and suggested that two new members be appointed. It was decided that the grounds committee would be Clrs. Cleevely, Baker, Brabon, Cavell, Hayes, John and McDermott; Regency Hall committee - Clr. D. McDermott; manager, playing fields - Clr. R. Brabon; deputy manager, playing fields - Clr. D. Poole; Saundersfoot in Bloom - Clr. Allsop; Saundersfoot CP School, governor - Clr. Cavell; Saundersfoot Harbour Commissioners - chairman Cleevely and Clr. Lawrence; Saundersfoot Forum - Clr. Cavell; One Voice Wales - vice-chairman Baker. Chairman Cleevely then welcomed Mr. and Mrs. Mortimor to the meeting who were in attendance to discuss planning applications for The Sheiling, Saundersfoot, and Fig Tree Cottage, Saundersfoot. Chairman Cleevely informed the meeting that the council had discussed these applications in April and had made the following comments: The Sheiling - members commented that an application for a building was refused several years ago and stressed that it was only for parking and not development. Fig Tree Cottage - members commented that the original application was for a two-bedroom annex and asked if the National Park could clarify exactly what was being applied for and stated that the development had already commenced. Chairman Cleevely informed Mr. and Mrs. Mortimor that a letter had been received from the National Park Authority stating that they had resolved to defer consideration on these applications, to await the receipt of amended plans. Members decided to request a site meeting as soon as possible and invited Mr. and Mrs. Mortimor to attend.
matters arising from the minutes
Affordable housing: Clr. Baker said that he had spoken to Cathy Milner, of the National Park, and she would find out why the land at the top of Sandyhill Road was not acceptable for affordable housing. Cycle racks: Clr. Hayes informed members that cycle racks would be installed in the Regency Hall car park and extra directional signs would be erected for the Coppet Hall car park. Clr. Lawrence declared an interest in this debate and took no part. Inspection of headstones: The clerk informed members that he had not received any information from Mr. Jeremy Rossiter following the meeting with him. He added that he had received a letter from Mr. Stewart Treharne which stated that he would like to give a presentation to the council on what he could offer with regard to memorial safety. The letter went on to say that he was fully aware of all new legislation surrounding memorial safety as he had worked closely with Pembrokeshire County Council in their cemeteries over the past 12 months. Members decided to invite Mr. Treharne to a future meeting to give a presentation. Time for Action, Saundersfoot: Chairman Cleevely said that he had attended a meeting in Pembroke on May 1 to discuss progress on improvements for Saundersfoot and a further meeting was arranged for June 28 to discuss the issue further. Cambrian Hotel development: Clr. Hayes reported that the delay was still due to the issue of affordable housing. The clerk said that he had spoken to Mr. David Randles and was told that the frontage of the building would be tidied up. Clr. McDermott said that he would like to have sight of drawings of the development so that he could see what it would look like on completion. Clr. Brabon said that the front of the hotel was a collecting point for litter and the clerk was instructed to investigate. Grounds committee report: Clr. Brabon reported the following: Play area - The clerk reported that he had spoken to Mr. Brian Maddocks, Pembrokeshire County Council, and was told that costings had been received for refurbishment to the play area and work would be carried out prior to the Whitsun holiday. Toilets, Saundersfoot - Clr. Brabon said that the two toilets were now open and an ornamental gate had been erected in the Regency Hall toilet to prevent vandalism. Clearance of growth along the stream - no action so far. Litter bins and signs - no action so far. Resurfacing Brewery Terrace, Saundersfoot - no action so far. Wogan Terrace, Saundersfoot - no action so far. Litter pick - carried out. Re-pointing wall around Sensory Gardens - work was being carried out at present. Flooding, Westfield Road, Saundersfoot - no action so far. Anti-skid surfaces - no action so far. The Strand, Saundersfoot - no action so far. Slope on pavement, entrance to harbour - no action so far. Clr. Brabon did add that 17 dropped kerbs had been installed in Saundersfoot, but the work to improve the slope on the pavement at the entrance to the harbour had not been carried out. Plinth for seat, Bevelin Hall - Clr. Baker said that he had given measurements for the plinth to Mr. Brian Maddocks. Flooding, zebra crossing, Saundersfoot - no action so far. Clr. Brabon said that as the summer season was fast approaching, he would like many of these tasks completed and listed the following as a priority: improving slope, entrance to harbour; play area; clearance of bank by stream; replace signs as promised. He had also inspected the beach and this was in a disgraceful condition, with debris and branches strewn everywhere. He had telephoned Pembrokeshire County Council on the matter and was told that only one employee was responsible for all the beaches in the whole of Pembrokeshire. Clr. Hayes informed Clr. Brabon that she had also contacted Pembrokeshire County Council and was told that the debris would be cleared that day and the branches would be removed the following day. CPO, Approach Road, Saundersfoot Station: Clr. Hayes said that she had spoken to Mrs. Anne Robinson, Pembrokeshire County Council, and Mr. Mark Youngman on this matter and unfortunately no progress had been made. CCTV and police matters: Clr. Baker reported that a speed gun had been used in the Rushy Lake area and two motorists had been booked. Chairman Cleevely informed members that the harbourmaster had asked for police assistance on 12 occasions and the best response time was two hours later asking if the assistance was still required. Clr. Brabon said that problems had also arisen in the Mulberry car park where fighting and rowdyism had taken place. The clerk was instructed to invite Inspector Russell Smith to a future meeting of the council. Drop-off facility, Saundersfoot Post Office: The clerk reported that he had spoken to Mr. Ceri Rees, Pembrokeshire County Council, who reported that consideration was being given to making improvements for a drop-off facility outside the post office. Regency Hall car park attendant: Clr. Hayes informed members that an appointment had been made and he would commence shortly. Clr. Hayes also reminded members that season tickets could be purchased in the Information Centre for the Regency Hall car park. PLANED community composting and recycling: The clerk reported that a meeting was held on April 27 with PLANED to discuss their community composting and recycling project. At the meeting, Tracy Whistance, PLANED, explained that their programme for recycling was to work together towards zero waste and a substantial amount of money was available under the Objective One funding programme. She went on to say the the project would end at Christmas 2007 and advised that the community council should act quickly. She said that Croesgoch and St. David's had plastic recycling facilities available and PLANED would assist the community to set up a scheme with regard to advertising etc., but PLANED could not run the project as it would have to be a community run scheme. Mr. Kerrison, PLANED, added that St. David's and Croesgoch were carrying the flag for recycling plastic and there was a collection point in each area. The plastic was collected once a month and the bags cost 50p each. He went on to say that the bags were collected and driven to Newquay by a qualified licence holder and plastic materials could be sold for up to £1,500 per tonne. Mr. Kerrison added that the first step the community council should take would be to call a community meeting to get residents interested in getting the project off the ground. Tracy Whistance said that she would speak to National Parks with regard to extra recycling facilities in Saundersfoot and also to enhance the facilities at Bonville's Court. She concluded by informing members that PLANED were looking at extending the funding beyond Christmas 2007. Clr. Baker said that the community council would have to set up a recycling group as a sub- committee and this would free-up funding to enhance the Bonville's Court site, such as signage, lighting etc. Members decided to arrange a public meeting to discuss the matter further and place a notice in the Tenby Observer. Flush kerb, St. Brides Hill, Saundersfoot: Clr. Baker said that he had spoken to Mr. Alan Hunt, access officer, Pembrokeshire County Council, and was told that the flush kerb concerned would be moved to a more suitable location.
planning applications
Garage, Oak Tree Cottage, Saundersfoot. Amendments to original, Brookfield, Saundersfoot. Increase of caravans, New Park, Saundersfoot. Proposed development, Bonville's Court, Saundersfoot. Proposed bridleway at Pleasant Valley, Saundersfoot. With regard to the Brookfield application, members asked what was the reason for carrying out this work when the existing roof line was only being raised by one foot? With regard to New Park, members raised no objections, but understood that there was a rule that no caravans be located south of the A477 and asked if this was still the case? With regard to Bonville's Court, members were concerned that this development could affect the Model Village business located adjacent to this development and asked why the offer of land at the top of Sandyhill Road for affordable housing was refused? With regard to the Pleasant Valley application, members commented that some residents were against the proposal due to the effect the horses would have on the footpath.
correspondence received
Letters of thanks for donations were received from Wales Air Ambulance, Samaritans, Saundersfoot Historical Society, Saundersfoot Guild of Friendship, Brownies, Saundersfoot Caring Association, Bobby Van Scheme, Torch Theatre, Saundersfoot in Bloom and Pembrokeshire Cruse. A letter was received from Pembrokeshire County Council regarding a 'New Traffic Order' for a stretch of road from the junction of St. Brides Hill and Sandyhill Road for a length of approximately 96 metres. A letter was received from Mr. Blackmore, Cliff House, Saundersfoot, expressing his concern at several issues relating to Wogan Terrace which had not been addressed. The clerk was instructed to forward a copy of the letter to Mr. Peter Stock, cabinet member for the communities, Pembrokeshire County Council, supporting the comments made in the letter. A letter was received from Saundersfoot Bowling Club requesting a meeting to discuss some amendments the club would like to make in their lease with the community council. The clerk was instructed to find out what these amendments were prior to arranging a meeting. A list of the grants awarded from the Pembrokeshire Coast Conservation Area Repair Grant Scheme was received from National Parks.
reports from various committees, including the county councillor's report
Clr. Hayes said that she had been informed that the litter bins in Saundersfoot were overflowing on Good Friday and she reported it to Pembrokeshire County Council and was told that they would be emptied on that day. Clr. Hayes informed members that Saundersfoot beach had changed hands and was now owned by Mr. and Mrs. Alford from Hereford. Clr. Hayes informed members that Pembrokeshire County Council were vacating the FE Centre on August 31 and IT classes would be moved to Tenby on a temporary basis. Clr. Hayes was pleased to announce the launch of the orange bag scheme in Saundersfoot. She said each household would be given a pack with instructions on how to use the bags, and went on to say that at present 43 per cent of households use the orange bags and by the middle of June a further 27 per cent would be included. Clr. Hayes said that there were 157 recycling points in Pembrokeshire and refuse collections would remain as at present. Clr. Hayes reported that the litter bin on the slipway was being abused and black bags and café receipts had been placed in it. Clr. Hayes expressed her concern at the condition of the wall by the entrance to the Regency Hall car park due to the roots of the horse chestnut tree, and had taken steps to get it repaired. Clr. Hayes informed members that the Neighbourhood Policing Scheme had been extended and a forum would be held in the Sports and Social Club on June 5, from 7 to 9 pm and the officer to cover Saundersfoot was PC Mandy Cresswell, assisted by PCSO Idwal David. Clr. Hayes said that she had been devastated to learn that there had been a sewage spill into the stream due to a problem at Incline Way, which had not been adopted by Welsh Water. She expressed her concern because of the Blue Flag status of the beach, and Pembrokeshire County Council were treating the spill as very urgent and would do everything in their power to rectify the problem, as unfortunately Welsh Water would not be adopting all sewers for at least another 10 years. Finally, Clr. Hayes informed members that there was still a bye-law in force banning horses from Saundersfoot beach from June 1 to September 30 each year and new signage would be installed soon informing the public of this. Clr. McDermott informed members that disabled access would be included in the refurbishment plans for the Regency Hall. He also reported that the Library roof had been leaking, but it had now been repaired by Pembrokeshire County Council workmen.
any other business
Clr. Baker informed members that he had taken photographs of an accident which had occurred at the Fan Road junction and had forwarded them to Frances Johns, Pembrokeshire County Council, requesting that they address the problem at this junction as soon as possible, which had caused much concern over many years. Clr. Baker said that he had received a response from Mr. Johns which stated that he was aware of the problems, and a scheme was on the provisional list for 2007/2008 for improvements there. Clr. Lawrence asked if the double yellow lines could be extended from the Police Station towards Coppet Hall as vehicles parked in very dangerous positions along the stretch of road. The clerk was instructed to write to Pembrokeshire County Council requesting this. Clr. Allsop asked if six residential parking spaces could be created along the Strand to accommodate residents living there? The clerk was instructed to write to Mr. John Price, traffic manager, Pembrokeshire County Council, requesting that consideration be given to this request. Clr. Poole reported a large hole had appeared on one of the concrete paths in St. Issell's cemetery. The clerk was instructed to arrange for this work to be carried out. Clr. McDermott expressed his concern to members regarding a van parking on the pavement outside the Monkstone Restaurant which was causing visibility problems for motorists travelling down Wogan Terrace. The clerk said that he would investigate. Clr. Hayes said that the Ridgeway Gardens sign by Incline Way needed replacing. The clerk was instructed to report this to Mr. John Price, Pembrokeshire County Council, and ask for a replacement. The next meeting of the council will be held in the Regency Hall, Saundersfoot, on Thursday, June 7, at 7 pm.