Among matters discussed and considered at the March meeting of Saundersfoot Community Council were the following:
chairman's report
Chairman Cleevely reported that he had attended the Saundersfoot Project Group meeting at the Technic Centre, Pembroke Dock, and it was a pleasure to discuss with senior officers of the county council, National Parks and the Welsh Assembly Government, as well as businessmen from the village, the potential future of Saundersfoot. The discussion lasted for two hours and covered a wide range of subjects. Chairman Cleevely said that on St. David's Day, he was asked to select the winner in a poster competition organised by Saundersfoot Chamber for Tourism as part of their St. David's Day Food and Craft Market. The event was very successful and well supported over the two days and the organisers should be congratulated. Finally, on March 5, chairman Cleevely said that he had attended a ceremony at Augustus Place in Tenby where he and the chairman of Penally Community Council presented a speed gun, bought by the councils and Tenby Town Council, to the Dyfed Powys Police Authority.
matters arising from the minutes
Car parking charges: The clerk read out a letter from the National Park Authority regarding the request for donations from motorists using the Regency Hall Car Park. The money collected was used to maintain and improve both the car parks and all other services. The letter went on to say that the signs in the car park made it quite clear that should you not wish to make a donation, you may park for free; you did not have to purchase a ticket and penalty tickets would not be issued, and many visitors had commented at how little it was and were willing to contribute more. The letter concluded by stating that National Parks found it difficult to believe that the authority's request for donations had an effect on local businesses. Clr. Baker said that he would like the Regency Hall Car Park to fall in line with other car parks in the area and stop charging motorists from September, rather than October, and Clr. Brabon suggested writing to the National Park Authority again requesting this. Housing needs survey: Clr. Brabon expressed his concern, once again, about the £100,000 which was given to National Parks by the developers of the Rhodewood scheme. Clr. Hayes said that the money was in a suspense account and would be used towards affordable housing once suitable sites had been found, and advised members that National Parks had identified sites, but they had not been suitable. Clr. Baker asked if the owners of land being considered for affordable housing were aware of this? Clr. Poole thought that larger sites should be looked at, rather than single plots. Clr. Baker said that the community council should meet with National Park officers re. exception sites to establish whether they were following the correct procedures. The clerk was instructed to arrange this meeting with Julie Kirk from National Parks. Tunnel to Wiseman's Bridge: Clr. Hayes reported that Pembrokeshire County Council was responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the paths and tunnel and they undertook regular litter picks along this route. War graves: The clerk informed members that he had spoken to Mrs. Anne Parcell regarding this matter and was given the address and telephone number of the War Graves Commission who were responsible for the cleaning of these graves. She said that she had located the four graves in the cemetery and two of them seemed to be local. The clerk was instructed to write to the War Graves Commission requesting that they undertake the cleaning of the four graves. Plinth for seat, Bevelin Hall, Saundersfoot: Clr. Brabon said that Clr. Baker had sent the drawings to Mr. Brian Maddocks and hopefully the work would be carried out soon. Litter bins: Clr. Brabon reported that the litter bin by Beddoes Court Corner had broken and was in a dangerous condition. The clerk was instructed to write to Pembrokeshire County Council requesting that a new bin be placed there. Cemetery boundaries: The clerk reported that he had been unable to trace the deeds for the boundary responsibilities of the council and he was instructed by members to speak to the council's solicitors, Price and Kelway, on the matter. Accounts for payment: Clr. McDermott said that he had spoken to Mr. Paul Brockway and was told that it was unlikely that he would be available for installing the Christmas lights this year. He said that he would look at what equipment was available from Mr. Brockway and report back to council on his findings. Planning applications: Chairman Cleevely said that, in future, if a site visit was requested by the council, it should be established whether officers or the committee should attend. Clr. Baker, again, suggested convening a meeting with National Parks and the developers of the Cambrian Hotel prior to commencement of work, to prevent the same problems that arose with the Rhodewood scheme. Clr. Brabon expressed his concerns at the delay and asked when was work likely to commence? Clr. Hayes replied and said she asked this question at the last National Parks meeting and they would try and pressurise the developers to commence work as soon as possible. Clr. McDermott said that the council could write to the developers for this information. Clr. Poole said that litter was collecting outside the hotel entrance on the Cambrian Terrace side and the clerk was instructed to speak to Mr. Charles Hopkinson requesting that it be cleared. Bins for dog waste: The clerk said that he had received information from Pauline Davies, clerk to Amroth Community Council, regarding this matter. Initially, Amroth Community Council purchased the bins from JRB Enterprises, but the received bins had been supplied and emptied by Pembrokeshire County Council. The clerk was instructed to obtain a price from JRB Enterprises and also contact Pembrokeshire County Council asking if they were prepared to supply bins and gloves free of charge. New litter bins, St. Issell's Cemetery: Chairman Cleevely said that he had looked through various brochures and prices ranged from £150 to £500. The clerk was instructed to write to Pembrokeshire County Council with a view to purchasing bins from them. Seasonal restrictions: A letter was received from John Price, traffic manager, Pembrokeshire County Council, stating that the change in the restrictions was prompted by the Police and they could not enforce the lines in the winter months as they had no legal effect and many of the streets were narrow and parking at any time would be inappropriate. The letter asked why the community council's preference was to retain seasonal restrictions? The clerk was instructed to write to the county council stating that some members of the council did not see the need for double yellow lines in the village at all, as the police did not enforce the law now, even in the summer months, and again insisted that the council would prefer that existing restrictions remain in force. New Park ranger: The clerk was instructed to ask Keri Howell, the new community Park ranger, to the next meeting of the council. Speed checks: Clr. Baker presented the results of two speed checks that had taken place on Sandyhill Road in October/November 2006 and January 2008 as follows: Period October 20 to November 7, 2006 (19 days): Travelling out of Saundersfoot, total vehicles checked 1,025. Travelling faster than 31 mph - 573 (56 per cent), 36 mph - 223 (22 per cent), 41 mph - 55 (five per cent). Travelling in to Saundersfoot, total vehicles checked 1,153. Travelling faster than 31 mph - 590 (51 per cent), 36 mph - 184 (16 per cemt), 41 mph - 37 (three per cent). Period January 22 to 29, 2008. Travelling out of Saundersfoot, total vehicles checked 740. Travelling faster than 31 mph - 159 (21 per cent), 36 mph - 38 (five per cent), 41 mph - eight (one per cent). Travelling in to Saundersfoot, total vehicles checked 783. Travelling faster than 31 mph - 235 (30 per cent), 36 mph - 68 (nine per cent), 41 mph - 11 (one per cent). Clr. Poole commented that the location of the speed checks was wrong and should be nearer Saundersfoot. Clr. Baker wondered what Pembrokeshire County Council did with the results of these surveys and chairman Cleevely said that they confirmed what the community council had been saying all along. Clr. Brabon said that whatever Saundersfoot Community Council asked for with regard to the speeding problem in Saundersfoot, nothing seemed to be done. Clr. Hayes did say that repeater signs were no longer legal. Clr. Baker said that other areas had 20 mph restrictions and speed bumps, but Saundersfoot never seemed to get these measures. Clr. Hayes proposed requesting vehicle actuated signs to be located in certain areas of Saundersfoot. Members requested that a meeting be arranged with Mr. John Price, traffic manager, as soon as possible to discuss these various options. Recycling Group: Clr. Baker reported to members that a meeting would be held in the Regency Hall, Saundersfoot, to discuss if the group wanted to progress with the £1,000 grant available for the pilot scheme being trialled under the Strategic Recycling Scheme, and this money would be used to adopt the sites at Bonville's Court and the Regency Hall.
agenda
Update on report - improving the image of Saundersfoot: Clr. Baker said that it was 12 months since this report was submitted to Pembrokeshire County Council and now was a good time to review the progress made on issues raised in the report. With regard to the Fan Road junction, he said he had spoken to Frances Johns, Pembrokeshire County Council, who was responsible for capital projects and to John Price, whose remit was safety issues. He said that if consultants could produce an acceptable initial design, then the scheme would need to be costed and added to the pool of schemes for consideration, which could take up to several years, but some signage could be installed as an interim measure. Members agreed that this would help and the clerk was instructed to write requesting this. Chairman Cleevely said that they would have to be patient and hoped improvements would take place there in the not too distant future. Clr. Baker did add that a number of issues raised had been undertaken, but some major works, such as Wogan Terrace, would depend on a Safe Route to School Travel Plan being put forward to attract grants from the Welsh Assembly Government. Clr. Baker suggested reviewing the report periodically and many issues could be raised with future meetings with Mr. Brian Maddocks and Mr. John Price.
planning applications
Shed, The Swallows, Saundersfoot. Extension, Rosedene, Ridgeway, Saundersfoot. Conservatory, Penrhyn, Ridgeway, Saundersfoot. Tree works, Greenfolds, Saundersfoot. Members raised no objections to the above applications. With regard to Harbour Heights, Saundersfoot, the clerk informed members that the highways department at Pembrokeshire County Council had requested that alterations be made to the access to improve road safety as one of the conditions of consent. Saundersfoot Community Council had already raised their concerns as to the dangerous access from the dwellings. With regard to Saundersfoot Beach, the clerk informed members that a site meeting had taken place on February 29 and Mr. Alford, the beach owner, explained that the application was to extend the concrete platform below the Mermaid Restaurant to allow additional storage to accommodate items currently being stored in the unit behind the Chemist Inn. He said that the area below the Mermaid collected litter and was untidy. Concern was expressed by those present that the stones there were left for a purpose and that was to reduce the risk of problems due to high tides. Mr. Alford said that he was due to meet with Mr. Emyr Williams, Pembrokeshire County Council, to discuss this issue. Clr. Hayes was concerned at the noise being generated from the bouncy castle and Mr. Alford assured Clr. Hayes that this would not happen this year. With regard to the unit at the rear of the Chemist Inn, it was stated that this would be used as a storage unit and hiring point for kayaks and pedalos, and a 'washing down' area for the equipment used. The clerk said that he had received a letter from Mr. Alford confirming the above points and following the meeting with Mr. Emyr Williams, he was assured that the extended plinth would in no way be of detriment to the sea defence and in his opinion would improve the situation. Members were in agreement with the application, provided that all the contents of the letter were adhered to and the situation would be monitored very closely. Clr. Lawrence declared an interest and took no part in this debate.
correspondence received
A quote was received from W. and M. J. Rossiter and Sons Ltd. for the construction of a 50m by 1.2m concrete footway in St. Issell's Cemetery, Saundersfoot, for £3,192. It was proposed by Clr. Brabon and seconded by Clr. Poole that this tender be accepted. All members agreed. A letter was received from National Parks enclosing a schedule of grant applications under the National Parks Conservation Area Grant Scheme. The clerk informed members that there would be a five per cent increase in the circuit rental to BT for the CCTV camera from April 1, which resulted in the rent increasing from £1,738 to £1,824.90 per annum. A letter was received from Mr. Parcell, 40 Sandyhill Park, Saundersfoot, expressing his concern at the condition of the tarmacadam surface in the cul-de- sac at Sandyhill Park, properties 36-51. The letter stated that the surface had not had a top dressing and he had spoken to several residents about the surface and it was thought that the road had been adopted by the council. The clerk was instructed to write to Mr. Parcell and forward the letter to Pembrokeshire County Council for their attention. A letter was received from One Voice Wales inviting the council to renew membership for 2008/2009, the fee being £347.00. It was proposed by Clr. Cleevely and seconded by Clr. Brabon that the membership be renewed for 2008/2009 and all members agreed.
reports from various committees, including county councillor's report
Clr. Hayes said she had attended the Police Forum meeting and reported that a new Community Support Officer, Simon Lewis, had been appointed to Saundersfoot in place of Idwal David, who was moving to Tenby, fulltime. Mr. Lewis would cover Saundersfoot. Clr. Hayes went on to say that Community Support Officers had no powers of arrest, so very little time was spent on paperwork. Boy racers were not so prevalent and three tickets were issued for speeding in the last fortnight. Clr. Hayes said that more officers were being trained to use the speed gun. She said that underage drinking remained a problem and, if anyone was caught, the parents were sent a warning letter. Clr. Hayes said that the Sands Club was still looking at an event for under 18s. She said that fixed penalty tickets could now be issued for £75 to owners of dogs which fouled pavements and streets. Clr. Hayes announced the following temporary road closures: Class III (C3031) Kilgetty to Wiseman's Bridge from Monday, March 23, for eight weeks. Unclassified (U6364) Wiseman's Bridge to Sardis Road from Monday, March 31, for six weeks. Clr. Hayes informed members that her next surgery would be held on Saturday, April 5, in the Regency Hall, Saundersfoot, from 10 am to 12 noon. Clr. Cavell presented to members a progress report on the Safe Routes to School/Travel Plan and informed members that a further meeting was to be held in Saundersfoot School. She said that many proposals had been considered and steps were now being taken to prioritise these proposals. Clr. McDermott said that he had attended a Regency Hall committee meeting and planning had now been approved by National Parks for the development and the committee could now begin marketing of fund-raising. He said many events had been organised, including: April 12 - Coffee Morning, 10.30 am - 12 noon; April 23 - Lunch, Hebron Chapel, 12.30 pm; September 13 - Regency Hall Rent-a-Table; October 16 - Tenby Male Voice Choir, Regency Hall. Clr. John reported that he had attended a TGA meeting in New Hedges Village Hall and was pleased to announce that Saundersfoot issues were top of the agenda. He said that the group was making good progress on the village centre regeneration within a wider overall vision and meetings had been held between Pembrokeshire County Council, PCNPA, Welsh Assembly Government and property and business owners in the vicinity of Teggers/Mulberry area and the PCNPA car park. Clr. John continued: "A brief for development appraisal is being drafted to look at the various options which may be taken forward, within the current planning context." Clr. John said that the group welcomed the progress made and suggested that a fresh look at the TIC could be linked in, as well as the feasibility of a coastal boat service/water taxi. Clr. Baker had attended an Area Liaison meeting between Pembrokeshire County Council and OVW/ PALC when three interesting presentations were made: (i) The forthcoming arrangements for the county and community elections. (ii) The Local Development Plan. Clr. Baker raised a point that one of the items the plan considered was town centre regeneration, Clr. Baker highlighted that Saundersfoot was expecting to be included within this initiative, but of course was very proud of being a village. Clr. Peter Stock confirmed that the term town was not meant to exclude communities like Saundersfoot. (iii) A presentation was given on the wide range of electronic monitoring devices now available to support older and less able people in their own homes. A development from the basic alarm, movement could now be monitored if someone did not return to bed within a certain time, which may indicate a fall. The array of equipment was impressive and had been provided following a bid to the Welsh Assembly. The whole meeting was extremely impressive and commented that they had no idea that such support was available. Clr. Baker had also attended a Police Forum meeting where he raised the issue of speeding at Rushy Lake and Sandy Hill Road and forwarded copies of the available speed surveys to CSO Lewis. Clr. Baker also asked what liaison there was between the County Council and Dyfed Powys Police. CSO David confirmed that he would make enquiries.
any other business
Clr. Brabon informed members that the gates leading into the Sports Club needed refurbishment. He said that some slats needed replacing and the gates needed painting. The clerk was instructed to obtain prices for the work to be carried out. Clr Brabon reported that there was subsidence on Stammers Road near the turning for Sandyhill Road. The clerk was instructed to write to Pembrokeshire County Council requesting that it be looked at. Clr. McDermott also reported subsidence near the junction of Sandyhill Road and Stammers Road. The clerk was again instructed to write to Pembrokeshire County Council regarding this matter. Clr. Cavell reported extensive litter collecting in the area from the Doctor's Surgery to Brooklands Place. The clerk was instructed to contact Sue Dooley, practice manager, to request that the litter be removed. Clr. Cavell requested that an extra litter bin be located on the Ridgeway. The clerk was instructed to write to Pembrokeshire County Council requesting that an extra bin be placed halfway between the top of the Ridgeway and High Street. Clr. Poole expressed his concern that the road markings on Milford Terrace were illegible and asked that they be repainted. The clerk was instructed to write to Pembrokeshire County Council requesting that this work be undertaken. Clr. Baker asked what had happened to the request for 30-minute waiting outside the Post Office in Brewery Terrace. The clerk was instructed to look back through the minutes to ascertain what had been the response from Pembrokeshire County Council regarding this request.