Before the start of the October meeting of Saundersfoot Community Council, the chairman, Clr. W. Cleevely, welcomed back Clr. Lawrence, who had been away due to illness. He also welcomed Mr. Brian Maddocks, of Pembrokeshire County Council, who was in attendance to address members on various issues relating to Saundersfoot. Mr. Maddocks said that his role was in charge of maintenance issues within the county and not capital projects, and he was enjoying the challenges of the post. He said that since the last meeting with the council, many issues raised then had been carried out, but there were still many outstanding and these were mainly due to third party involvement and he hoped that these could be carried out during the winter months. He asked if a further meeting could be held soon to discuss these issues with himself and Mr. Ian Westley, the director of highways. Members decided to meet on Tuesday, November 13, at 10 am, and enjoy a cup of coffee afterwards! Mr. Maddocks went on to say that the depot had now moved to Templeton and this could also prove beneficial to Saundersfoot. Clr. Baker said that a report had been prepared by members on the issues outstanding in Saundersfoot and the responses from Mr. Westley were very negative. Mr. Maddocks said that the capital programme budget was decided in December for 2008/09, so November was an ideal time to hold a meeting with the council. Chairman Cleevely said that he had walked around the village with Clr. Jamie Adams, cabinet member for highways, and Clrs. Brabon and Hayes, and the entrance to the harbour was discussed where the camber of the flushed kerbs was causing problems for wheelchair users. Mr. Maddocks said that this was discussed at the previous meeting and he had contacted Mr. Alan Hunt, access officer, and was told that money would be released from the capital fund to do this work. Clr. Hayes said that she had also met with Mr. Hunt and was told the same. Mr. Maddocks said that he would see Mr. Hunt again on the matter. Clr. Baker raised the issues of the uneven footway from the Post Office to Beddoes Court, the play area and the bank along the stream needed cutting back. Mr. Maddocks said that he would investigate these with the relevant officers. Clr. Poole raised the issue of road markings in Saundersfoot, especially in Milford Street, which were almost illegible, and also asked when the anti- skid surface would be reinstated. Mr. Maddocks said that this had been promised on several occasions by third party involvement, but would be carried out the following week. Clr. Hayes raised the issue of the BT chamber at the top of High Street and Mr. Maddocks said that he would consult with the street care manager on the matter. Clr. Hayes also asked when the cycle racks would be installed in the Regency Hall car park, as they were still in the TIC Centre. Mr. Maddocks would consult with Mr. Frances Johns as to when they would be installed. Clr. Hayes also reported to the meeting that she was surprised that work was being carried out in Wogan Terrace repairing the pavements there and there was no difference whatsoever in the width of the walkway! Mr. Maddocks said that pavements had to be repaired if uneven, due to litigation claims being submitted to the authority. Various signage issues were discussed in Saundersfoot, with regard to the one-way system, and Mr. Maddocks said that these could be raised in the meeting with Mr. Ian Westley. Clr. Hayes then asked if a letter could be sent to Mr. Ben Blake, Pembrokeshire County Council, asking when the double yellow lines would be painted on Sandyhill Road. Chairman Cleevely thanked Mr. Maddocks for attending the meeting and looked forward to seeing him and Mr. Westley on November 13.
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT
Chairman Cleevely said that he had attended the Annual Vintage Motorcycle Club Rally at the Harbour in September and it had been a very well attended event, with 100 competitors taking part. He said that he waved them off with a Welsh flag! On the Sunday he presented the cups and shields to all the winners along with the national president, and it had proved to be a very successful event. Chairman Cleevely said that he had also been invited to an open day at Woodland Lodge, Gumfreston, with the Mayor of Tenby, and it had been a pleasure to meet the residents and to see the excellent way they were looked after.
MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
Cenotaph, Saundersfoot: Clr. McDermott produced to members a sample of the rail to be installed at the Cenotaph, but was unable to get a poppy set in it, but a flower instead. Chairman Cleevely proposed that this sample was acceptable and Clr. Baker seconded and all voted in favour. Cambrian Hotel development: Clr. Hayes reported that site investigation works were being carried out in the car park of the Cambrian Hotel, which would include drilling to check for voids below the site to establish if the area had been worked for coal. The clerk was instructed to speak again to Mr. Charles Hopkinson regarding the water leak and also write to the Rev. Canon Michael Butler requesting that the sign for the Fun Day be removed. Grass cutting, St. Issell's Cemetery: The clerk informed members that he had received a quote from Smart Gardens for work to be carried out in the Sensory Gardens, Saundersfoot, which was £950 for work and materials, and this would include cleaning the whole area around the wall of the gardens, laying a membrane and covering with a slate surface. It was proposed by Clr. Hayes and seconded by Clr. Baker that this quote to be accepted. Clr. Baker said that he had contacted Mr. David James, of the Old Mill Caravan Park, about cutting the grass along the new hedge and was told that it had been cut twice in July and was due to be cut this month. The clerk was instructed to write to Mr. James thanking him for carrying out this work. Water supply, Sports Club and Bowling Club: Clr. Hayes reported that dispensations had been granted to herself and Clrs. Brabon, Lawrence and Cavell to vote on issues relating to the Sports Club and added that everyone could speak on these issues. Clr. Allsop proposed writing to Welsh Water informing them that the council do not want any further responsibility for the water supply across the sports field, but to transfer this responsibility to the Sports and Social Club and also inform the Sports Club of this action. This was seconded by Clr. John. Five members voted in favour of this proposal. Saundersfoot Carnival cover: Chairman Cleevely said that he had spoken to Mr. Harry Smith and was told that insurance had been a factor in the lack of floats at the carnival. Marshalling on the day had also been a problem and he would speak to the Chamber for Tourism for assistance. Clr. Baker said that he would investigate the matter and speak to various contractors for costings for one-day insurance cover. Saundersfoot Harbour Order: Chairman Cleevely informed members that a lengthy response had been received from Bircham Dyson Bell regarding the order and suggested the clerk photocopies this and enclose it in the minutes for October, so that each member could study it in detail, and also include comments that Clr. Baker would like to make on the response. Preparing a Welsh Language Scheme: The clerk informed members that he had spoken to the Welsh Language Board and was told that the community council could adopt the scheme prepared by Welsh Language Board or prepare their own, and if no request was received from the public for bilingualism, the council could continue as at present. If a request was received, however, the council would have to employ the services of a person to translate and the costs would have to be financed by the community council. Clr. Baker added that many community councils were preparing their own scheme and Clr. Hayes added that Clr. Peter Stock advised the council not to sign the scheme at present. Members decided to convene a special meeting to discuss preparing their own scheme for submission.
Anti Social Behaviour, Silcox Coaches
On September 25, Chairman Cleevely and Clr. Baker attended the meeting called by Tenby Town Council regarding the current ban on under 18s travelling from Tenby on buses to Saundersfoot and Kilgetty after 6 pm at the weekend. The meeting was attended by Angela Burns AM, Mr. K. Silcox, Tenby town councillors, Saundersfoot community councillors, representatives from Dyfed Powys Police, representatives from Tenby licensed premises, Greenhill School head of sixth form, Greenhill head-boy and head-girl and four students. Town Mayor, Clr. John Griffiths, chaired the meeting, assisted by town clerk, Mr. Andrew Davies. Mr. Silcox described the unacceptable behaviour occurring on the later buses leaving Tenby on a Friday night. There was substantial CCTV evidence of youngsters behaving badly, including the intimidation of staff and passengers. There were many instances of alcohol being carried and the wanton vandalism of the roof lining of a new bus. Mr. Silcox explained that he was running a business and was not prepared to ignore this behaviour. He had taken advice from both the county council and Dyfed Powys Police, and following these discussions all unaccompanied under 18s had been banned. Clr. Baker did not condone such anti-social behaviour, but asked what sort of message was this sending to the majority of under 18s who were not causing problems. Police Inspector Smith commented that his officers had travelled on the bus service and indeed it was the majority of youngsters who had been behaving badly, and whilst he did not wish to see youngsters criminalised, there were prosecutions pending. However, the problem was underage youngsters drinking on the beach and elsewhere in Tenby and since the ban the problem had reduced substantially. Clr. Cleevely commented that only Greenhill youngsters were being discussed at this meeting; there must be others not being considered, such as those at college or working. Angela Burns AM was concerned that innocent youngsters were being marginalised and urged the meeting to find a way to allow them back onto the service; there may be youngsters returning from a shift in a hotel or even under 18s who were on leave from the forces. Mr. Silcox explained that if anyone telephoned his office to complain about the ban then he would ask for the complaint to be confirmed in writing and he would consider it on its merits. Following much discussion, with many reasoned points being made by the licensed premises operators and from the students present, a way forward was agreed. A policy would be formulated by the Police and Greenhill School with police officers, staff, governors and parents supervising the bus stop. This would be forwarded to Mr. Silcox for him to discuss with his staff. Should there be agreement, a trial may start at the end of October and carry through to the end of November. Speeding surveys: Clr. Hayes said that speeding surveys had been carried out in the Saundersfoot area and asked if the community council had sight of the result of these surveys from Pembrokeshire County Council, and also requested that further speed checks be carried out on the Ridgeway and Stammers Road. Model Village, Saundersfoot: Chairman Cleevely asked if it could be noted again that the community council had, at no time, objected to the Model Village at Bonvilles Court, but had in fact supported it. Saundersfoot Information Centre: Clr. Hayes informed members that the TIC would be open during the winter months on Friday, Saturday and Sundays and also on Mondays if funding was available. Christmas Dinner 2007: The chairman informed members that the Gower Hotel was fully booked Fridays and Saturdays during the Christmas period and he said that he would visit the Mulberry Restaurant for any available dates.
PLANNING APPLICATIONS Dwelling, 36 and 40 North Close, Saundersfoot. Extension, 10 Brookdale, Saundersfoot. Balcony, 26 Incline Way, Saundersfoot. Alterations, 10 The Strand, Saundersfoot. Extension, Smugglers Cottage, Saundersfoot. Extension, Harrys Tump, Sardis, Saundersfoot. Extension, Hawthorne Cottage, Saundersfoot. Staircase, Harbour Office, Saundersfoot. With regard to the dwelling at North Close, members raised no objections, but asked if it was in keeping with the rest of the surrounding buildings. With regard to the extension at Hawthorne Cottage, again members raised no objections and thought it would improve the existing area. Clrs. Lawrence, Cleevely and Hayes declared an interest in Harbour Office application, Clr. Lawrence in the extension at Harrys Trump, Clrs. Poole and Cleevely in the extension at Hawthorne Cottage and Clr. John in the alterations at 10 The Strand. Members raised no other objections and supported the remaining applications.
CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED
A letter was received from Dyfed Powys Police requesting a donation towards the purchase of a reconditioned speed gun at a cost of approximately £800, which would be for the sole use of the Neighbourhood Policing Team. It was proposed by Clr. Baker and seconded by chairman Cleevely that they make a donation of £200 towards the gun on the proviso that its use was beneficial to Saundersfoot. A copy of a letter was received from Mr. David Lewis, Hean Castle Estate, which had been sent to Rev. Canon Michael Butler, chairman of Saundersfoot School Governors. The letter stated that over the past few years they had picked up on a number of thoughts from the local community that the Estate should provide further land adjacent to the school to provide extra space for car parking, but unfortunately this was not possible due to the space required for the adjacent caravan park by planning and licensing regulations. Also, the letter went on to say that they would like to bring to the attention of the governors and the community that they had recently offered to donate to the county council, free of charge, a new piece of land not very far from the existing site on which to construct a new school with sufficient room for extensive car parking and playing fields on site and in return they hoped the council would return the existing site, which originally belonged to the estate. The council, unfortunately, decided not to take up this offer. Clr. Hayes added that the reasons for the offer being declined were that it would be too costly and it was outside the village plans. The letter concluded by saying that the Estate wished to make the above facts known to the community that they had made every effort to resolve this important issue and there was nothing more they could do to improve the current situation.
REPORTS FROM VARIOUS COMMITTEES, INCLUDING COUNTY COUNCILLOR'S REPORT
Clr. McDermott said that he had attended a Regency Hall Committee meeting earlier in the month and the refurbishment programme was progressing satisfactorily. Clr. Hayes reported that a second meeting had been held with the residents of Incline Way and Welsh Water and two engineers from Pembrokeshire County Council. She said Welsh Water outlined their scheme to alleviate the problem and a petition had been sent to the county council from the residents requesting that charges be waived as they believed the sewer was adopted prior to purchasing their properties. Clr. Hayes said that meetings of the Police Forum would be held on the third Thursday of each month in the Regency Hall, Saundersfoot, at 7 pm. Clr. Hayes expressed her concern that dredging had reared its ugly head again and three companies had applied to dredge 1.8 million tonnes of sand per annum over a period of 15 years and permission would finally be given by the Welsh Assembly Government for this to go ahead. Clr. Hayes proposed that they enlist the help of Angela Burns AM on this issue. She went on: "Dredging is detrimental to the fishing industry as well as our beaches and dredging began a few years ago, sand has disappeared from Saundersfoot beach and other beaches in the area, and we are now seeing rocks that we have never seen before." Clr. Hayes attended the monthly community police meeting and only seven people were present. She said, at the meeting, it was announced that the Strand area was now being patrolled by police officers, Trading Standards were carrying out checks on underage drinkers buying alcohol, and 52 public houses in the area were taking part in a 'Pub Watch Scheme.' She also announced that a traffic warden would be on duty part-time in Saundersfoot during the winter months. Clr. Hayes said that she had attended the annual meeting with parents and governors at Saundersfoot School. Unfortunately, with only five parents present, the meeting was not quorate and no resolutions could be made. Clr. Hayes said that parking problems during opening and closing of the school were discussed at the meeting. Clr. Hayes said that her next surgery would be held on November 3, in the Regency Hall, from 10 am to 12 noon. Clr. Hayes said that she had been re-elected vice- chair of the South Wales Sea Fisheries Board. Clr. Poole asked Clr. Hayes whether the SWSFB took any action when Chinese cockle and clam pickers were on Saundersfoot beach? Clr. Hayes replied and said that the SWSFB did not take action, but added that the cockles had not been tested for human consumption.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Clr. Hayes reported that the laurel trees needed cutting back in the cemetery and brambles were growing over graves by the schoolroom. Clr. McDermott reported that a 4x4 vehicle was consistently parked in a dangerous spot opposite the Police Station in Frances Lane. The clerk was instructed to write to Dyfed Powys Police requesting that the situation be monitored on a regular basis. Clr. Poole said that when orange bags were collected by Pembrokeshire County Council, they were placed in large piles and black tags were sometimes placed on bags if they were not suitable for recycling. He suggested they should be left outside the relevant houses for collection. Clr. Hayes said she would investigate. Clr. Baker asked that 'Consider Saundersfoot for Town Status' be placed on the agenda for November. Clr. Baker said that he continued to be extremely concerned with the lack of progress in providing a footway from the Rhodewood development to Cwm Gwennol and the county council continued to confirm that the project was on the list, but each case was viewed on merit and need. He had noted that a footway from New Hedges to Bells Corner had been included as part of a 'Safe Routes in Communities' bid to the Welsh Assembly. Clr. Baker asked Mr. Francis John at County Hall as to how the footway in question could be included in such a bid? Mr. John confirmed that the most important key document required was a 'travel plan' which was compiled by the local school. Following further discussion, Mr. John suggested that Saundersfoot should request that the village be included in the 'Traffic and Parking Study'. Following consultation with the community, questionnaires and surveys, all aspects of the subject could be reviewed, including footways, parking, public transport, road schemes, traffic calming, waiting restrictions and residents parking. All of these topics would then be part of a public exhibition. Currently, these studies had only been applicable to the towns in Pembrokeshire, with the St. David's public exhibition next spring. Therefore, Clr. Baker proposed that Saundersfoot Community Council should request that a study be undertaken as soon as possible. The next meeting is on November 1, at 7 pm.