Among matters discussed at the November meeting of Saundersfoot Community Council were the following:

chairman's report

Chairman Cleevely said that he had attended the presentation evening for the Poppy Appeal on October 10, in the Methodist Church, Saundersfoot, and the refreshments were kindly provided by the St. Issell's WI. "Councillors and WI members attended, but few of those invited to receive their Royal British Legion certificates were in attendance," he said. On Friday, October 26, chairman Cleevely said that he had attended the Saundersfoot Cancer Research Run and he waved off the participants in wet, gloomy conditions, but they all returned safely!

matters arising from the minutes

Adoption of Scandinavian Heights: The clerk read out a letter from Pembrokeshire County Council stating that there was a requirement from the developer to enter into an adoption agreement, but to date the developer had not pursued this voluntary agreement and the county council was unable to force him to do so. The letter went on to say that in July this year, the county council again wrote to the developer regarding a number of sites, including Scandinavian Heights, and offered to have the roads adopted under notice, thus avoiding the process of entering into an adoption agreement, but nothing more had been heard from the developer. The adoptions officer suggested that the residents should contact their county councillor, AM, or the developer in order for pressure to be applied by bodies other than the highways authority in an attempt to encourage the developer to pursue the adoption of the highway. The letter concluded by saying that the county council were doing everything in their power to facilitate this roads adoption and were willing to work with the developer should he pursue the matter. Members decided that the clerk should write to the county council asking what work had not been carried out at Bevelin Hall under the adoption agreement, so that the matter could be pursued further. Cenotaph, St. Issell's Church: Clr. McDermott informed members that the rail had now been fitted in the Cenotaph and all members agreed it was an excellent job. The clerk said that he had received a quote from Stewart Treharne, funeral directors, for the refurbishment and cleaning of the cenotaph as follows: repair cracked areas of concrete around base of Cenotaph £440; two options for refurbishment of lettering: 1. re-gild lettering in gold leaf £397; 2. repaint lettering in silver £140. An estimate for scaffolding was £300. All prices plus VAT. Cambrian Hotel: The clerk reported to members that he had contacted Mr. Charles Hopkinson with regard to the water leak and was told that it was due to rain water, as all the water supply in the hotel had been turned off. The clerk was instructed to write to the owners, Stakefield Limited, to request that the area in the car park and the frontage of the building be tidied up and also ask what was the position regarding the commencement of this development. St. Issell's Cemetery and Sensory Gardens: Clr. Brabon said that work to tidy up the Sensory Gardens had commenced and they looked greatly improved. Chairman Cleevely reported that the contractor was having great difficulty in digging up the bamboo trees and would weed-kill at a later date. He added that the contractors would need another ton of slate which would increase the cost to above the original quotation of £950. Members agreed that the contractor should go ahead with this purchase to complete the enhancement of the gardens. Water supply, Sports Club: The clerk reported that he had written to the Sports Club informing them that in future all invoices would be sent direct to them for payment. He also said that he had spoken to Welsh Water and an invoice had already been sent for the previous six-month period, so the change would take place in six months time. The clerk went on to say that he had now received this invoice which amounted to £1,354.69 due to the water leak in the supply and this amount compared to £319 for the same period last year. He said that he had passed this invoice to Mr. Harry Smith, Saundersfoot Sports Club, who would negotiate with Welsh Water on the matter. Members decided to await the outcome of these negotiations prior to proceeding further. Carnival cover: Clr. Baker said that he had spoken to a local haulage contractor and was told that their drivers take part in carnivals at no extra insurance costs to their insurance premiums. Saundersfoot Harbour Order: Clrs. Cleevely, Hayes and Lawrence declared an interest in this debate and took no part. Vice-chairman Baker took the chair. Clr. Baker outlined in detail the comments received back from Bircham Dyson Bell following the four representations made by the community council to them on the order. Clr. Baker added that it was very important that the right person was appointed to represent the council on the Harbour Commission. Overall, members were happy with the responses received from Bircham Dyson Bell and Clr. Poole thanked Clr. Baker for all the hard work he had put in and this information had clarified the situation greatly. Welsh Language Scheme: Chairman Cleevely said that he had read the scheme in detail and had made several comments as to how the community council would prepare themselves for adopting the scheme. He continued to say that if a request was received from a member of the public for the minutes of an item to be discussed in Welsh, this could be arranged, but the request would have to be made seven days prior to the meeting taking place. Clr. McDermott said that he knew someone who could provide this service for the council. It was decided that the clerk and chairman Cleevely liaise to prepare these amendments to the scheme and submit these to the Welsh Language Board. Anti-social behaviour, Silcox Coaches: Clr. Baker reported that the policy suggested at the October meeting of the council had commenced and was proving to be very satisfactory. He said that Inspector Smith, Police Community Support Officer Idwal David, Mr. Dessant and Sixth Form pupils from Greenhill School had walked around Tenby the prevous Friday and arrived at the bus stop at 10.15 pm and no trouble arose whatsoever and the behaviour of the youngsters was immaculate and this operation would continue for the rest of the month. Clr. Baker said that he would like to thank Mr. Dessant and the Sixth Formers from Greenhill School for giving up their time to monitor the situation and asked if a letter of thanks could be sent to the school. All members agreed. Christmas Dinner 2007: Chairman Cleevely said that he had been informed by a member of an organisation that the Gower Hotel had no vacancies at the hotel on Fridays and Saturdays in December, but apparently this information was incorrect. The clerk was instructed to send copies of the menu to each member so that they could make their choice prior to the dinner on December 21. The clerk said that Mr. and Mrs. Alan Brace and Mrs. Anne Parcell would be attending. Crazy golf: Chairman Cleevely said that he along with the clerk had met with Mr. Mike Franklin, Jams Hire, to discuss next year's arrangements for the crazy golf and an agreement was reached to increase the commission received by the council from 25 per cent to 331/3 per cent for the summer of 2008. Christmas lighting: The clerk informed members that he had received a quote from Paul Brockway, electrician, for the installation and dismantling of the Christmas lights for £660 plus VAT. Members discussed alternative methods for this work and after a lengthy discussion, it was proposed by Clr. Baker and seconded by Clr. Brabon that the quote be accepted. Chairman Cleevely thanked Clr. McDermott for all the hard work he carried out in checking the lights each year and all members agreed. It was decided that following the inspection of the lights, they would be installed in the week commencing November 19. Speed gun: Clr. John asked if motorists could be prosecuted if caught speeding with this gun? Clr. Baker replied and said that tickets could be issued provided it was operated by a police officer and not a community support officer. Rhodewood development: Chairman Cleevely said that he was not happy with all the 'For Sale' signs erected throughout the area with regard to this development. Clr. Hayes replied and said that she had reported this to the National Park Authority and was told that Mr. Keith Halpin did not have the time to remove them.

Agenda

Consider Saundersfoot for town status: Clr. Baker said that as a resident who chose to come to live in Saundersfoot rather than be born here, he was not sure if he was the right person to raise the issue. He said it was a fantastic place to live and a great place to bring up his son, but he thought that it could be so much better. He thought that the community council raised many issues time and time again with regard to the lack of investment by the county council, which had resulted in the now famous detailed report being sent to the county council in April; the resulting responses were even more disappointing than expected. He went on: "It has become obvious that at a number of recent meetings that those communities in Pembrokeshire which call themselves towns seem to be ahead of the others with regard to any county initiatives." Clr. Baker said that following calls in Saundersfoot to provide additional footways in the area, it was suggested that the community council request that the village be included in a 'Traffic and Parking Study', but currently these studies had only been carried out in towns. Clr. Baker continued: "With regard to the appearance of Saundersfsoot, has anyone recently driven through Haverfordwest, Narberth, Milford Haven, Newport or Tenby town centres, where roads have been recently resurfaced and lined, making the area look attractive and cared for." He said that Saundersfoot was left with sunken trenches at the pedestrian crossing and the whole area was criss-crossed with trenches, with the anti- skid surface being promiused in 2006 and again this month. Clr. Baker said that he had spoken to a number of councillors who stated categorically that their communities had benefited from town status. Finally, Clr. Baker said that Saundersfoot was very proud of being a village and that he was not suggesting having a mayor or doing anything without the agreement of the village, but he felt that Saundersfoot was losing out as a community by being a community council. Clr. Hayes said that the Local Government Act 1994 states that the council of a community may resolve that the community shall have the status of town, but practically there was no difference between a town council and a community council, and their roles and powers were precisely the same. She went on, the chairman of a town council was entitled to use the title of mayor and vice-chairman as deputy mayor, but no chairman could be forced to use the title of mayor. She went on to say that it was a matter for the council to decide on robes, dinners and allowances, and she thought that they should seek the views of the public on the matter. Finally, Clr. Hayes said that she had always called Saundersfoot 'the village' and would continue to do so and back in the '80s the community did lose out on the enhancement schemes, but this was no longer the case. Clr. Brabon doubted whether Saundersfoot would benefit from this change and highlighted road improvements in New Hedges and Kilgetty, which were under community council control, and again questioned why Saundersfoot lost out every time to other areas. Clr. McDermott said that he had spoken to the Mayor of Llandrindod Wells who was adamant that they benefited from town status, but they would have to have concrete evidence that it would be beneficial to Saundersfoot. Clr. Baker repeated that the only reason for this debate was if it would benefit Saundersfoot financially. Members decided against pursuing the idea of the change, as it was felt that it would not be beneficial to Saundersfoot, but would look at the matter sometime in the future. Maintain as village green land to the west of the BBQ: The clerk read out a previous letter received from Pembrokeshire County Council on this matter, which stated that there was no provision under the Commons Registration Act 1965 that allowed for the designation of land as a town or village green, but the Commons Registration (New Land) Regulation 1969 which came into force on January 3, 1970, made provisions for the regulation of new town or village greens and provided four methods whereby land may become a town or village green, thus becoming a green required some kind of 'event' after July 1970 which had the effect of making the land recognisable once more by the 1965 Act. Clr. Baker proposed writing to Pembrokeshire County Council again informing them of the D Day Landings celebration held on this piece of land on May 28, 1994, and asking if consideration could again be given to dedicating it as a village green. Regency Hall car park charges: Clr. Baker said that businesses in the village were concerned that county car parks were free from September 30, but in Saundersfoot residents and visitors had to pay until the end of October. Clr. Baker reminded councillors that the National Park operated 45 car parks, only eight of which were charged for, and he believed that Saundersfoot car park subsidised the free facilities, possibly at the expense of local businesses. He went on to say that Tenby was free from the end of September and Narberth was free all year round and proposed they ask local businesses, residents and visitors whether charges had an effect on them and then meet with the National Park to urge them that all areas are treated the same. Members decided to canvas local businesses to ascertain whether these car park charges do affect their trade and once these views had been obtained, write to National Parks for their views on the matter. Inspection of headstones, St. Issell's Cemetery: The clerk informed members that he, along with chairman Cleevely, had met with Mr. Stewart Treharne to discuss progress on this matter. The clerk said that it was important that the correct procedures were carried out prior to the inspection commencing and the public were made aware that the testing procedure was going to take place. Mr. Treharne advised that public notices be erected in the cemetery and also a public notice placed in the local press, and letters be sent to all the grave owners in the section of the cemetery being tested and after the test had been completed informing them of any defect if any in their headstones. Members discussed the timescale of the operation and decided that the notices be displayed prior to Christmas and the inspection commence in February 2008. The clerk said that Pembrokeshire County Council would provide specimen letters and signage as their inspection process was well underway. Chairman Cleevely informed members that this new Health and Safety directive would create an extra workload for the council and consideration should be given to recruiting an extra member of staff to assist with this work. The clerk said that he would liaise with Mr. Stewart Treharne on progress on the matter.

planning applications

Garden room and shed, Hawthorne Cottage, Saundersfoot. Rear extension, Zamboanga, Saundersfoot. Various projects, Bonvilles Court Caravan Park, Saundersfoot. Clrs. Poole and Cleevely declared an interest in the Hawthorne Cottage application, while Clrs. Brabon and John declared an interest in the Zamboanga application and they took no part in these debates. With regard to the Zamboanga application and the various projects at Bonvilles Court Caravan Park, members requested a site visit with National Park members.

correspondence received

A letter was received from Mrs. Palin, The Whitlow, Saundersfoot, expressing her concern at the condition of the play area in Saundersfoot. Members decided to send the letter to Mr. Brian Maddocks, Pembrokeshire County Council, prior to members meeting him later in the month. A letter was received from the Mulberry Restaurant informing members that the Senior Citizens Dinner would be held on Sunday, January 20, 2008, and would run on the same lines as last year, but a pianist would be present to provide 'Memory Lane' music to listen to. It was proposed by Clr. Brabon and seconded by Clr. Cavell, that the community council makes a donation of £250 towards the occasion. The 'Policing Plan 2008/11' was received from Dyfed Powys Police and requested the council's views on what the priorities should be for next year. Members decided to list the following: More visible policing in area; speeding; anti-social behaviour.

reports from various committees, including the county councillor's report

Clr. Hayes said that she had attended the monthly Police Forum meeting in the Regency Hall, Saundersfoot, and eight people were in attendance, together with Sgt. Lewis and PCSO Idwal David. PCSO David said that he had not witnessed boy racers around the village and had not received any complaints from the harbour area. Under age drinking no longer seemed to be a problem and various incidents were reported and investigated. Clr. Hayes said that the speeding problem was discussed and that traffic calming measures were needed and a member of Pembrokeshire County Council highways department would be asked to attend a future meeting to discuss this issue. Clr. Hayes continued to say that two traffic wardens would be sharing duties during the winter months and parking tickets were still being issued. Clr. Hayes informed members that the 'Not in my Neighbourhood' week had been well received by the public and the roadshow on Saundersfoot Harbour had been well attended by residents and visitors. She reminded members that these forum meetings would continue to be held on the third Thursday of every month at 7 pm in the Regency Hall, Saundersfoot, and members of the public were welcome to attend. Clr. Hayes said that she had been in touch with Mr. Alan Hare, National Park, about the enhancement of the Regency Hall car park and he said that a small grant had been awarded by WAG and this would be used to enhance some of the 48 car parks run by the National Park. Clr. Hayes said that consultants would prepare a project brief and would visit a selection of car parks, including Saundersfoot, and discussions would take place on proposals for the Regency Hall car park with them. She went on to say that this report would be received at the end of February or early March and hopefully some improvements would take place in the Regency Hall car park. Clr. Hayes reported to members that she had received a letter from Mr. Peter Williams from Bristol regarding the disgraceful condition of Saundersfoot Railway Station. She said that she had replied to this letter and also sent a copy to Mrs. Anne Robinson, Pembrokeshire County Council, and Mr. Tony Wyer, the owner of the approach road to the station. Clr. Hayes said that she had attended a Community Action Plan meeting and 20 people were in attendance, including six from PLANED and they were split into different groups and her group was discussing historical issues and they decided to start a petition to Pembrokeshire County Council for an historical display in the Barbecue building. Clr. Baker said that he had attended the 'One Voice Wales' AGM on October 13, with Clr. McDermott, and in the morning session the theme was 'widening participation in local government" and presentations were made by Brian Gibbons AM and Kay Jenkins, head of the Electoral Commission in Wales. He said that examples of good practice were given where local authorities had more of a voice at local level, one county council setting a budget for local footway repairs and the community council specifying which repairs were carried out, and it was expected that more of this sort of local decision making would develop over the near future. Clr. Baker went on to say that there was also presentation by Ammanford Youth Council, a body set up by town councillors in an attempt to include young people in the community in decision making. The group was given £500 to carry out various youth projects and the scheme was considered to be extremely successful and a number of community councils present showed an interest in the initiative. Clr. Baker said that he had attended the Police Forum meeting on October 18, and raised the issue of speeding following recent traffic surveys and asked if the community could rely on the support of the police in any request for traffic calming measures. Clr. Baker said that he also raised the issue of the Fan Road junction and handed in photographs of recent car crashes there and again asked if the community could rely on the support of the police in any request for road improvements there, and was told by Sergeant Lewis that they would consider supporting such a request. Clr. Baker said that he had also attended a Recycling Group meeting on October 25. He reported that a consultation exercise had to be undertaken prior to a glass recycling bank being deposited in the Regency Hall car park. Clr. Baker also informed members that the facilities in Bonvilles Court were discussed and there was a possibility of moving the bank closer to the entrance, and installing lighting at the site and landscaping the banks. Finally, Clr. Baker said that Saundersfoot had expressed an interest in the 'Adopt a Site' scheme and further information would be available at the next meeting. Clr. Brabon said that he had attended the Tenby Tourism Group Area meeting on October 8 and was pleased to inform members that a meeting was to be held between Network Rail and the owner of the approach road and the hope was that this would achieve a satisfactory resolution to a complicated 40-year saga, with clarifications of responsibilities and agreement on essential repairs and future maintenance.

any other business

Clr. Brabon asked if the newsagents in Saundersfoot was the most suitable location for the defibrillator during the winter months. Clr. Baker said that the defibrillator acted as an extra safety net and did not take the place of the 999 service. He added that a refresher training course was due to take place shortly and this matter could be discussed then. Chairman Cleevely said that he would ask the Harbour Commission as to a possible alternative location. Clr. McDermott asked if the community council could discuss the possibility of forming a Youth Council similar to that in Ammanford. The clerk was instructed to include this as an agenda item for December. Clr. Cavell asked when would the new seat be placed in Bevelin Hall? Members decided to raise this issue when the council met with Mr. Brian Maddocks. Clr. Hayes asked if the cast-iron headstones in St. Issell's cemetery could be listed. The clerk was instructed to make enquiries with Cadw and Cambria Archaeology. The next meeting of the council will be held in the Regency Hall, Saundersfoot, on December 6, at 7 pm.