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

Matters arising from the minutes

Stream, Saundersfoot: Clr. Hayes reported to members that she had been in contact with Mr. Mike Sheppard, Pembrokeshire County Council, and was told that prior to enhancing the bank with shrubs, the Japanese knotweed problem should be eradicated there. Clr. Hayes added that the same problem at Sardis had not been dealt with either. Mr. Sheppard said that the problem was that they could only spray one metre to a stream/ river, if the sprayer had a new special licence on top of the required spraying licence and unfortunately no-one in Pembrokeshire had yet been trained or qualified to do so and he was waiting for the required criteria from the EA. The EA had said that if Japanese knotweed was present near water, they insisted that they had to visit the site themselves. Wogan Terrace, Saunderfoot: Clr. Hayes said that a meeting would take place in Saundersfoot School to discuss the 'Safe Routes to School' scheme, which could kickstart improvements to Wogan Terrace. Westfield Road, footway: Clr. Hayes informed members that the minister of the Methodist Church had to apply to Manchester for permission for dedicating this piece of land for a footway. Long tunnel to Wiseman's Bridge: Clr. Hayes informed members that Pembrokeshire County Council was in the process of acquiring tenders for lighting in the tunnel. Sensory Gardens: Clr. Hayes said that Mr. Brian Maddocks would contact Clr. Brabon with regard to power-washing the woodwork in the Sensory Gardens. War graves, St. Issell's Cemetery: The clerk was again instructed to contact the War Graves Commission with regard to the four war graves in St. Issell's Cemetery. Cambrian Hotel, Saundersfoot: Clr. Baker suggested convening a meeting with the National Park and the developers prior to work commencing on this development, following the problems experienced at Rhodewood. Anti-social behaviour, Silcox Coaches: Clr. Baker said that he along with chairman Cleevely had attended a meeting in Tenby regarding this matter and Mr. Silcox admitted that there had been no further problems on this last bus from Tenby since the monitoring had commenced, but the situation would be monitored continually. Clr. Baker said that in his opinion, underage drinking was the main reason for anti-social behaviour, and Clr. Poole advised that publicans should use plastic glasses on occasions where large crowds congregated. Clr. Baker suggested raising this issue when the Police Forum next met. Regency Hall Car Park charges: Clr. Baker again expressed his concern at National Parks charging motorists later than Pembrokeshire County Council car parks. He went on to say that covers were placed on the payment meters, but were now removed and National Parks were asking for a donation of 60p for parking, and he was not happy about this at all. It was proposed by Clr. Brabon and seconded by Clr. Cavell that the council write to National Parks asking the committee concerned that the car park be free for all users, as it has an adverse effect on local businesses. New Year's Day Swim: Clr. Hayes said that the Saundersfoot Festivities Committee should be congratulated on the New Year's Day Swim which was better than ever this year, and over 860 swimmers took part in the event. She went on to say that the event was great for Saundersfoot and all businesses benefited from the crowds who arrived in Saundersfoot for the event. Clr. Hayes said that next year was the 25th anniversary of the swim and a 'silver theme' would be the focus of the swim. Clr. Hayes also congratulated the Saundersfoot Chamber for Tourism for the wonderful fireworks display which took place on New Year's Eve and said that Saundersfoot was fortunate to have these two organisations operating in the village. Light, Windsor Terrace, Saundersfoot: Clr. Baker said that Pembrokeshire County Council had received the council's request for the extra street light, but the issue had to be dealt with by the legal department of the authority prior to any progress being made. Aggregate's Working Draft Paper: Members had received a copy of this report, and although all though, it was an excellent report, concerns were expressed at the detrimental effect it would have on their beautiful beaches. Also, members thought that, although the report was very positive, it did not express any negative effects it would have to their beaches. The clerk was instructed to write to Angela Burns AM and to the South Wales Aggregates Work Party requesting that further scientific research be carried out to ascertain what damage there would be to the beaches in their area if this aggregates programme went ahead. Removal of trees, St. Issell's Cemetery: Clr. Baker said that the tree technician from National Power would contact him on the matter and hopefully progress could then be made.

planning applicationS

Retail, residential and commercial, Teggars, Saundersfoot. Dwelling, Plot 6, Incline Way, Saundersfoot. Demolish three units and rebuild, Harbour Heights, Saundersfoot. External terrace, Old Chemist Inn, Saundersfoot. Improvement, Rock Bottom, Moreton Lane, Saundersfoot. With regard to the application for Teggars, members expressed their concern at the shared asbestos roof between this property and the Mulberry Restaurant and the effect this would have on their business and asked that this be carefully considered prior to the development commencing. With regard to Harbour Heights application, members were again concerned at the access onto the main road, due to extra vehicles emerging from the properties. Clr. Brabon declared an interest in the Teggars application and Clr. John declared an interest in the Moreton Lane application and they took no part in these debates.

correspondence received

An invitation to attend a seminar to discuss 'Delivering a successful Youth Council' was received from One Voice Wales for Saturday, April 5, at Ammanford Town Hall, Ammanford. Members decided that Clr. McDermott should attend. A letter was received from National Parks stating that consent had been given to fell three Spruce trees and to plant two wild cherry in their place at 2 The Cohen, Saundersfoot. A letter was received from the Mulberry Restaurant thanking the council for the donation towards the Senior Citizens Dinner on January 20.

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

Clr. Hayes said that she had attended the latest Police Forum meeting in Saundersfoot and eight members of the public were present. It was reported at the meeting that there was still a problem with signage and an officer from Highways had been asked to visit Saundersfoot with a view to resolving the issue. Police Community Support Officer Idwal David thought that restrictions should not be seasonal, but all the year round. Clr. Hayes reported that people who parked outside the school were causing problems and were asked to move on and the speed gun would be used in all places and all officers would be trained to use it. Clr. Hayes went on to say that underage drinking was still causing a problem and patrols were operating, especially on Friday evenings and off- licences were being checked for illegal sales. Police Community Support Officer Idwal David had attended a Year 10 evening at Greenhill School and handed out leaflets to parents and added that most children were well behaved. Clr. Hayes said that boy racers did not pose a problem at present, and the Strand area was now covered by a duty PC. The Sands Club had been asked to consider an under 18s disco, possibly on one or two Friday evenings, from 6.30 pm to 9.30 pm, as this would fill a gap in youth facilities. Clr. Hayes said that future meetings of the Forum would be held on the first Monday of the month, commencing in February, but no meetings would be held on Bank Holidays. With regard to PC Mandy Cresswell not on duty in Saundersfoot, Clr. Hayes said that it was hoped that there would soon be a replacement and possibly another Community Police Officer would be allocated to Saundersfoot. Finally, Clr. Hayes advised the public to report all incidents to the police to make the powers that be aware of the lack of police on duty. Clr. Hayes's next surgery will be held in the Regency Hall, Saundersfoot, on Saturday, February 2, from 10 am to 12 noon.

any other business

Clr. Brabon thanked members and friends for all the kind support he had received during his recent illness. Clr. John asked if the contractor responsible for cutting the bank on Stammers Road was also responsible for trimming the hedge along Sandyhill Road as the visibility was very poor for motorists turning from Sandyhill Road into Saundersfoot. The clerk advised Clr. John that this was not the responsibility of the contractor and Clr. Hayes said that she would contact the Highways Section on the matter. Clr. John also asked if the area around the steps on Stammers Road could be cleared of debris and again Clr. Hayes said that she would arrange for this to be done. Clr. Cavell asked when the plinth and bin would be placed at Bevelin Hall as promised some time ago, as the seat was now ready. The clerk was instructed to contact Mr. Brian Maddocks, Pembrokeshire County Council, asking if this work could be carried out as soon as possible. Clr. Hayes informed members that the bin near the small tunnel towards Wiseman's Bridge was to be replaced with a much larger one. Clr. Poole asked if a notice could be placed on this bin informing the public that dog mess could be deposited in it. The next meeting will be held in the Regency Hall, Saundersfoot, on Thursday, February 7, at 6.30 pm, when Mr. Mathew Owens, housing enabling officer, will be present.