Among matters considered at the September meeting of Saundersfoot Community Council were the following:
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT
Chairman Cleevely informed members that in August he had had the pleasure of crowning the Saundersfoot Carnival Queen. He was disappointed that there were not the numbers present as in previous years, but a good time was had by all. He had also attended the St. Brides Hotel for the Saundersfoot in Bloom presentation evening. The function was very well attended and was all the better for the fantastic views over Saundersfoot Bay. Finally, Chairman Cleevely had recently had a conducted tour around the new Tenby Hospital; it was magnificent and had been worth waiting for. He added that it would be open for patients very soon.
MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
Hire of wheelchairs: The clerk informed members that he had received a letter from Neil Bennett, head of information and cultural services, stating that he had spoken to the person responsible for Tourist Information Centres and the matter had been also referred to him by the access officer. The letter went on to say that he had spoken to all the staff in Saundersfoot and had been assured by them that they co-operate fully with requests for beach wheelchairs. The letter concluded by stating that there was no intention of withdrawing this facility from Saundersfoot. Cenotaph: The clerk informed members that he had spoken to Mr. Stewert Treharne and he would provide a quote for the cleaning of the Cenotaph shortly. Clr. McDermott said that he had spoken to Mr. Alan Thomas, Pembroke Dock, with regards to erecting a hand rail at the entrance to assist with the laying of wreaths ceremony and was quoted the following: Basic tubular pipe rail - £210 plus vat; basic tubular pipe set in concrete - £260 plus vat; detailed ornate rail with poppy set in - £630 plus vat. Clr. McDermott said that the work could be carried out prior to November. It was proposed by Chairman Cleevely and seconded by Clr. Brabon that the quote for £630 plus vat be accepted. All members were in favour. Cambrian Hotel development: The clerk reported to members that he had spoken to Mr. Charles Hopkinson with regard to the water leak and he said that he would investigate. Clr. Hayes said that he had spoken to Cathy Milner, National Parks, and was told by her that the building had since been sold. Report on issues outstanding: Clr. Hayes said that she had spoken to Mr. Ian Westley, director of transportation, and that he was willing to meet members to discuss these issues. Members were happy with the response and asked her to arrange an appropriate date for the meeting. The clerk was instructed to send a copy of the report to Clr. Peter Stock, cabinet member for communities. Sewerage spill, Incline Way: Clr. Hayes reported that the situation had now become serious and that she had arranged a meeting with Welsh Water, Pembrokeshire County Council, and the residents to try and resolve the problem. Damaged trees, St. Issell's Cemetery: Clr. Hayes informed members that she had met with Mr. Rhys Thomas, Smart Gardens, regarding this and he said that he was unable to carry out this work due to lack of equipment. The clerk was instructed to contact various contractors for quotes. Grass cutting, St. Issell's Cemetery: Clr. Baker said that he had not contacted Mr. Darrel Lewis with regard to cutting the grass around the tree on the Old Mill Caravan Site, but would do so as soon as possible. The clerk informed members that he had received a quote from Smart Gardens for work to be carried out at the entrance to Saundersfoot sports field by the tennis courts for £360. It was proposed by Clr. Hayes and seconded by Clr. Poole that the council accept this quote and all members agreed. Chairman Cleevely expressed his concern at the general condition of the Regency Hall car park and the surrounding area around the Sports Club and said that a meeting would have to be convened later in the year to discuss ways of improving the area, as this was the responsibility of the community council. Clr. Brabon said that he, along with the clerk, had worked in the Sensory Gardens sweeping the paths and some general weeding. Clr. Cavell said it was not right that Clr. Brabon and the clerk should be carrying out these duties, but the council should employ someone to do this work. All members present agreed and it was decided that Clrs. Brabon, Baker and Hayes meet with Rhys Thomas, Smart Gardens, to discuss what work needed to be carried out there and ask him for a quote for the work to be done. Water supply to Sports Club and Bowling Green: The clerk informed members that a meeting was held to discuss this, and members of the Sports Club and Bowling Club were present. At the meeting, Chairman Cleevely said that two leaks had occurred in the supply of water across the sports field in the last two years and the community council had paid for these repairs and the time had now come for the organisations concerned to receive invoices from Welsh Water. He added that the only water the community council used was for the Ticket Office, which was minimal. Mr. Harry Smith agreed that the situation at present was not satisfactory and the proposed development to the Regency Hall may cause further problems and suggested that the supply across the sports field feeds all the organisations and the supply from the Sands Club area becomes obsolete, and asked if the community council could wait until the Regency Hall development was completed before making any changes. Clr. Hayes said that she would speak to Mr. Huw Miller, of the county council's legal department, with regard to the legal position which exists between the two organisations and the community council. Bridleway, Pleasant Valley: Clr. Hayes said that the site had been sold and there were few rights of way registered. She added that the owner had agreed to dedicate routes to the public, except one path which could be re-routed. Police Forum meeting: Clr. Hayes said that the August Police Forum meeting was better attended and various issues were discussed, including motorists driving up one-way streets, pedestrianisation, speeding taxis, parking at Rhodewood, and rowdyism. Clr. Hayes added that the traffic warden was on duty an average four days per week and 87 parking tickets were issued. Clr. Hayes said that it was hoped that boy racers would be educated by encouraging them to attend a presentation evening. She went on to say that drivers with no insurance were at risk of having their cars taken from them. Clr. Hayes continued to say that she had reported a car parked in Cambrian Terrace for a long period to Pembrokeshire County Council and was told that if the car was taxed, it could not be removed. Clr. Poole added that he had also reported this to the police and was told that the only action they could take would be for the warden to put a parking ticket on the vehicle. Clr. Baker informed members that Tenby Town Council were proposing purchasing a speed gun for £800 and would be asking St. Mary Out Liberty and Saundersfoot Community Council for financial assistance. Rhodewood development: Clr. Hayes said that delivery lorries were now able to drive on to the site since the area had been re-surfaced. She added that it had been brought to her notice that when driving from Sandyhill Road onto St. Brides Hill and turning right towards Tenby, the visibility was restricted, and she had asked the National Parks enforcement officer to ascertain if the development was built according to the plans submitted, and that highways had also been informed. Clr. Baker suggested convening a meeting with National Parks prior to the Cambrian Hotel development commencing, as lessons had certainly been learnt from Rhodewood and the problem could even be worse in the centre of Saundersfoot.
Carnival Insurance Cover
Chairman Cleevely said that it was sad to see so few floats and participants in this year's carnival and thought that this was possibly down to the insurance issue and perhaps they, as a council, could assist. He said that he had spoken to Narberth Town Council and was told that contractors providing lorries for their carnival informed their insurance companies that they were taking part in the carnival for one day and the cost was only £5. Chairman Cleevely went on to say that he would speak to Mr. Harry Smith, of the Sports Club, on the subject to ascertain why the numbers had fallen, as it is important that the carnival continued, as it did bring a great deal of income to the village on the day.
Saundersfoot Harbour Order
The clerk informed members that a meeting was held in August to discuss the Harbour Order, which Clr. Baker chaired. He went on to say that Clr. Baker had kindly drafted a letter resulting from the meeting with comments made by members as follows: (i)The council would expect that the harbour will be managed and operated in accordance with the guidelines and standards detailed within the document 'Modernising Trust Ports, a Guide to Good Governance' and as such would expect a statement to this effect within the order. (ii) The council believes that there is a discrepancy between the statement and the draft order relating to article 22 (2) and (3). We believe that all the powers relating to the harbour should be vested in the Commissioners and, as such, the mention of the role of the harbourmaster should be removed in all articles except article 24(1x). (iii) The council would expect to see more references to openness and consultation as covered in item 108 of the guidance 'Modernising Trust Ports.' We therefore request that schedule 2, item 8, is expanded to include annual open meeting, reports of meetings, newsletters etc. (iv) The draft order and explanatory statement and cover letter refer to the Newport Harbour Revision 2003; this document includes seven commissioners and one officer, with a quorum of five required. Saundersfoot Community Council requested that to encourage a cross-section of opinion and to ensure that the correct calibre of commissioners is appointed, the Draft Saundersfoot Order should change schedule 2, item 15, from a quorum of three to a quorum of five. All members agreed with the contents of the letter and signed it so that it could be sent to the Welsh Assembly Government for their views.
PLANNING APPLICATIONS
Extension of classrooms etc, Saundersfoot School. Conservatory, 19 Ragged Staff, Saundersfoot. Amended design, dormer windows, The Moorings. Elevational improvements, Marina Fish Bar, Saundersfoot. Swimming pool extension, Woodstock, Saundersfoot. Building plot, 1 Nash Place, Saundersfoot. Garage and studio, Squirrells Leap, Saundersfoot. Extension and two flats, Teggars, Saundersfoot. Extension, Bramley Hedge, Saundersfoot. Wall, 31 Scandinavian Heights, Saundersfoot. With regard to the garage and studio at Squirrells Leap, members decided to support a letter from a local resident who stated that the development was over or very near to a damaged sewer which was currently in dispute and asked for building work to be delayed until this was resolved. With regard to the extension and flats at Teggars, members were pleased that this improvement was taking place, but were not happy with the name of 'Saundersfoot Discount Store.'
CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED
A letter was received from Hean Castle Estate informing the council that following the recent closure of the Sawmill, they would not be supplying Christmas trees commercially in the future. However, they would be delighted to continue to provide one for the council as a seasonal gift to the community should it be their wish. Members were delighted with their wonderful gesture and the clerk was instructed to thank Hean Castle for their continued support to the community. A Tree Preservation Order was received from the National Park tree officer for an oak tree in the garden to the east of 10 Brookdale, Saundersfoot. A letter was received from National Parks informing the council that a copper tree had been felled at the Lanterns, Milford Terrace, Saundersfoot, due to an infected fungus which had resulted in damage to the roots of the tree. A document 'Preparing a Welsh Language Scheme' was received from the Welsh Assembly Government for signing by the chairman of the council. Members decided that prior to signing the document, Clr. Baker would seek advice from One Voice Wales and Clr. Hayes would also consult with Clr. Peter Stock on its contents. A letter was received from Tenby Town Council with regard to anti-social behaviour of youngsters travelling on buses in and out of Tenby and asked if members of the council would be willing to attend a meeting with Silcox Coaches, the police and St. Mary Out Liberty Community Council to progress matters. The clerk said that he had spoken to Clr. Baker on the matter and he had agreed to attend such a meeting.
REPORTS FROM VARIOUS COMMITTEES, INCLUDING THE COUNTY COUNCILLOR'S REPORT
Clr. Cavell informed members that she had spoken to Pembrokeshire County Council and the head teacher of Saundersfoot School informing them that she would be unable to attend governors meetings at the school for some time, but asked to be kept informed of any developments. Clr. Hayes said that she had received reports of refuse bins not being emptied in the play area, Coppet Hall and by the doctor's steps. This was reported to the county council and she was told that this was due to the regular operator being on leave, and informed members that bins were emptied once a day during the summer months. Clr. Hayes reported to members that the Education Centre in Saundersfoot had closed on August 31. The car park there would also be closed and the gates locked for health and safety reasons.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Boy racers: Clr. McDermott said that he had been approached by Mr. David Blackmore regarding boy racers on the harbour after 10 pm after the car park closed. Chairman Cleevely said that all films from the CCTV cameras on the harbour were passed to the police for evidence. Clr. Baker suggested that the council write to the police on the issue and state that the problem should have been resolved by now following the meeting with Inspector Smith some months ago when the problem was raised. The clerk was instructed to invite CSO Idwal David to a future meeting of the council to discuss the problem. Model village: Clr. McDermott said that he had been asked by a resident why the community council was against the model village in Bonville's Court Coach Park. Members were surprised to hear this and stated that this had never been the case and Clr. Baker did add that the council was eager that the right thing was done to this piece of land at Bonville's Court. Road adoption: Clr. Poole said that he had been approached by a resident of Scandinavian Heights requesting that the council writes to the developer of the site asking if this road was adopted. Members decided that in the first instance the council should write to Mr. Ian Westley, director of highways, to ascertain why the developer had not adopted this stretch of road. Sign: Clr. Cavell asked if the community council supported a 'No Tipping' sign on the Incline walk near the Winding House. The clerk informed members that he had already written to the county council requesting this, but would write again. TIC: Clr. Brabon had been approached by Saundersfoot Tourist Information Centre requesting that the centre remains open throughout the winter on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, Clr. Hayes said that she would investigate what the arrangements were for the winter months. Bottle bank: Clr. Brabon asked if there was any progress on obtaining a bottle bank in Saundersfoot? Clr. Baker replied and said that he would find out when the Recycling Group meets after the holiday season. Parking problems: Clr. Baker said that he was pleased that the council planned to hold a special meeting to discuss the parking problems at the Regency Hall area and hoped that a solution could be found. Housing survey: Clr. Baker said that he had spoken to Mr. Mathew Owens, housing enabler, and was told that questionnaires would be sent out shortly and he would be happy to convene a meeting with National Parks, the Housing Association and the community council once the results of the survey had been examined. Award evening: Chairman Cleevely said that an award evening was held every year to present certificates to the poppy collectors in Saundersfoot and suggested that the community council organises this event this year. He said that St. Issell's WI would prepare a buffet and proposed to hold the event on Wednesday, October 10, in the Methodist Chapel at 7.30 pm. All members agreed. The next meeting of the council will be held in the Regency Hall, Saundersfoot, on October 4, at 7 pm.