Before the start of the monthly meeting of Saundersfoot Community Council, chairman Philip Baker welcomed Police Inspector Smith, who was present to update members on the crime statistics for Saundersfoot.
Inspector Smith said that there had been 78 recorded offences in Saundersfoot from April 1 to September 26, 2008, and these were as follows:
One murder; 13 assaults occasioning actually bodily harm; 17 criminal damage to motor vehicles; three public order offences; two shoplifting; one possession of a firearm; two fraud offences; six burglaries other than dwellings; two burglaries to caravans; 11 criminal damage offences; four common assault (no injury); three drugs possession; three thefts from motor vehicles; one taking of a motor vehicle.
Inspector Smith said that for the Tenby section as a whole, 572 offences had been committed, with a detection rate of 37.9 per cent, and these crime levels were down by 29 per cent on the same period last year, equating to 235 less persons being the victims of crime.
With regard to the application for an extension of opening hours of the Sands Disco, Inspector Smith said that the Chief Inspector would be sending a letter objecting to this application. He went on to say that 12 temporary event notices could be applied for in 12 months and one had 48 hours to object, which left very little time to act.
Clr. Brabon asked if public disorder offences committed in Saundersfoot could be attributed to the Sands and Inspector Smith informed him that 12 offences had taken place in Milford Terrace, but these were not necessarily connected to clients using the Sands.
Clr. Poole said that recently damage was caused to a hotel in Saundersfoot and asked Inspector Smith what would happen to these offenders and he replied that firstly they would be spoken to and be asked to move on and added that the CCTV camera was invaluable in detecting offenders.
With regard to parking tickets, Inspector Smith informed members that 1,100 tickets had been issued in the Narberth, Tenby, Kilgetty and Saundersfoot areas.
Clr. S. John said that at the Police Forum meetings, there seemed to be a great deal of complacency and a car had been parking in a disabled bay on the Strand for long periods, preventing wheelchair users passing, and wondered why this car had not been given a ticket!
Inspector Smith said that this motorist could have already been booked previously and Saundersfoot had had a very good presence of Traffic Wardens this summer, and informed members that these issues could be raised with the CPSO at the Forum meetings.
Clr. Cavell asked if the CCTV system was being monitored at present?
Inspector Smith said that it was not monitored on a regular basis and extra volunteers were being recruited at the moment.
Clr. Poole expressed his concern at heavy goods vehicles entering the village during restricted hours and again Inspector Smith said this issue could be raised at the Police Forum meetings held each month in Saundersfoot.
Chairman Baker thanked Inspector Smith for attending and asked if he could attend again prior to the summer season.
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT
Chairman Baker said that on September 17, he had been asked to make the draw for the summer raffle of the Tenby and Pembrokeshire Guide Dogs for the Blind and there were very generous prizes, with the winners coming from far and wide.
On September 20, Clr. Baker said that he had had the pleasure of starting 100 motorcycles on the 53rd Welsh National Cycle Rally, with the kind permission of the Saundersfoot Harbour Commissioners. He said the bikes set off on their rally from the Harbour with the tide in and the sun shining.
He said the event takes a great deal of organising and he would like to thank all of those involved in bringing such a spectacle to Saundersfoot and on the following day he was pleased to award the prizes to the worthy winners and was pleased to hear how many visitors would be back next year.
Finally, chairman Baker and fellow councillors had met on September 22 with the Chamber for Tourism to discuss plans for Christmas lighting over the festive season.
MATTERS ARISING
FROM THE MINUTES
Speeding, Valley Road, Saundersfoot: Chairman Baker produced a letter from Pembrokeshire County Council giving the results of a speed check taken in Valley Road and from September 4 to September 12, 85 per cent of the speed towards Saundersfoot was 33.1 mph, and towards Pentlepoir 33.3 mph and the respective speeds were 27 mph and 27.2 mph. The average daily flows were 418 and 448 vehicles.
Chairman Baker said that he had requested a full spreadsheet of all the data collected from the speed check.
Gates: Clr. Poole said that he had been unable to carry out the work to level out the ground near the gates, but would do so shortly.
Cockle picking, Saundersfoot: The clerk read out a reply from Pembrokeshire County Council to Clr. Pearson's letter which stated that over the past few years, the department had investigated several complaints/notifications of alleged illegal shell fishing on Saundersfoot beach and to date no evidence had emerged to substantiate any such claim. The letter went on to say that investigations have been carried out to determine whether members of the Chinese community had sought to gather shellfish, in order to place them on the market and it would appear that the shellfish they gathered were for their own consumption only, which was not illegal.
The letter concluded by saying that the information provided with regard to the registration number being used by the gatherers would be investigated further.
The clerk also said that he had received correspondence from a resident expressing concern at shellfish gathering from the beach and asked if it would be useful to look at the issue as to protecting the area designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
The clerk was instructed to write to the Countryside Council for Wales for guidance on the matter.
Cemetery: The clerk read out a letter from the contractor who carried out the grass cutting in the cemetery and he was writing about the concerns expressed by members of the standard of work in the cemetery. The letter stated that it had been one of the wettest Augusts on record and this had to be taken into consideration and made the task very difficult to carry out the work efficiently. The letter went on to say that great pride was taken in their work and many people had paid compliments to them on their work and as the weather had improved recently, the work was now back on schedule.
Members agreed with the contents of the letter, but would monitor the situation.
Clr. Brabon asked if the hedge planted by the council needed clearing badly and Clr. Hayes agreed and said the brambles were choking the shrubs.
The clerk was instructed to obtain a price for the clearing of the overgrowth from the hedge.
Castle View, Saundersfoot: Clr. McDermott informed members that National Parks had cleared a great deal of rubbish from the property and the owner had been asked to obtain three quotes to remove the trees and to remove the caravan from outside the property within one month.
Stepaside Heritage Park: Clr. Pearson informed members that she and Clr. S. John had met with Amroth Community Council about this and there was no representative from Kilgetty/Begelly Community Council.
Clr. Pearson said that despite the fact that Amroth's boundary did not include any part of the Stepaside Heritage Park, it was thought useful to confirm there was no conflict of interest.
Clr. Pearson said that it was crucial that up to date boundaries were needed for the three community councils, with National Parks boundaries superimposed if possible, as the plan of the Heritage Park showed the National Parks covering at least half of the site.
Clr. Pearson continued to say that as the leases of the Park had an ongoing maintenance agreement with CADW, it was agreed that each council be requested to obtain a copy so that regular checks could be made of their compliance with the terms.
Clr. S. John said that the meeting was a very positive one and the overall view was that the development could be beneficial to all three community councils.
The clerk was instructed to write to CADW requesting a copy of the maintenance agreement.
Stream at top of golf course: Clr. Brabon said that he had met with the contractor at the golf course and he stated that the trees would have to be lopped so that the mini digger could enter the area to clear the bank and stream, and the cost of this work would be approximately £700 and the clearance of the debris from site would be approximately £200.
Clr. Brabon proposed that this work be carried out and this was seconded by Clr. Cavell and the contractor would decide when to carry out the work dependant on the weather. Members all agreed and Clr. Poole declared an interest and took no part in this debate.
Key sites for development in Saundersfoot: Clr. Baker said that he had attended a TGA meeting recently and Saundersfoot was again discussed and informed members that he was now the council's permanent representative on this committee with Clr. C. John as his replacement in his absence. Clr. Brabon again expressed his concern at five-year policy on planning applications and said that there should be a clause included so that the developer kept the site in a reasonable condition.
Disabled toilet: The clerk said that he had been in touch with Pembrokeshire County Council regarding the toilet being out of use and the problem had now been resolved.
AGENDA
Village flooding, Saundersfoot: Clr. C. John expressed his concern at the severe flooding that occurred in Saundersfoot during August and was pleased to hear that the drains were to be cleared shortly. Clr. Brabon advised members that cones should be placed on the Strand to prevent cars parking there, so that this work could be carried out.
Clr. C. John went on to say that debris collecting in the stream added to the flooding problem and this had to be cleared and perhaps the opening of the sluice gates should be considered.
Clr. Cavell agreed and highlighted the area outside Westfield Road flats as a major concern and thought a culvert in the field could be the cause of this problem.
Chairman Baker advised members that he would request that Pembrokeshire County Council clears the debris from outside the flats and would also ask them to investigate the reasons for the severe flooding in this area.
Christmas lighting, Saundersfoot: Chairman Baker informed members that a meeting had taken place on September 22 with Saundersfoot Chamber of Tourism to discuss proposals for the Christmas event this year. He said that there would be no Christmas Market this year and plans were being developed to have a very much enhanced display of lights in the village centre to complement the community council's display. Chairman Baker said that it was hoped that all businesses in the village would be involved and there would be a grand switch-on of the lights on Saturday, December 6, with food, music and small fair and fireworks would be provided.
Chairman Baker went on to say that Trinity House had been contacted and they had to be informed of any proposals, but appreciated that there was additional lighting at Christmas on the coastline, and the Chamber of Tourism were prepared to donate £10,000 for the purchase of lighting and hopefully sponsorship would be forthcoming from businesses in the village.
Clr. McDermott said that he was negotiating prices from various firms with regard to the purchase of lighting.
Chairman Baker asked if the council was happy with this arrangement and a sub-committee would decide exactly what type of lighting to purchase and who would be responsible for the installation and the community council would continue to erect their lighting as normal.
Clr. Cleevely said that he agreed with the suggestion, but one had to be very careful how much was spent and also where the lighting would be stored throughout the year.
Chairman Baker advised Clr. Cleevely that these issued would be discussed fully at the next meeting with the Chamber for Tourism.
The clerk informed members that Mr. Paul Brockway was again available to install the lighting for the council.
New cemetery: Clr. Poole expressed his concerns at two issues in the cemetery, one being the installation of solar lighting in the cremation section and the other the creation of edging around a grave in the new section, and was afraid that this could cause a precedent to others doing the same.
Members agreed with Clr. Poole and the clerk was instructed to establish whose graves they were and contact the undertakers concerned.
Extension of hours, Sands Disco: Members discussed the Temporary Event Notice, which appeared in the Tenby Observer recently applying for a variation of opening hours to until 3 am. Members decided that the council should write a letter of objection to Pembrokeshire County Council stating that the extension would cause further rowdyism and noise in the village which the council thought was unacceptable.
Meeting with Brian Maddocks, Pembrokeshire County Council: The clerk informed members that he, along with chairman Baker and Clr. Brabon, had met with Mr. Brian Maddocks, Pembrokeshire County Council, to tour the village and discuss issues of concern.
The issues discussed were as follows:
i) Footway from Post Office to Beddoes Court: Mr. Maddocks said that he would obtain costings to resurface the footway from the Shoe Box to Mr. Eddie Price's shop and was confident that this work would be carried out.
ii) The entrance into the Harbour Car Park was discussed and Mr. Maddocks said that he would speak to Mr. Darren Thomas, Pembrokeshire County Council, with a view to improving the access from Brewery Terrace into the car park and also he would consider hatching the area concerned.
iii) The sign on the island leading into the Regency Hall Car Park would be replaced and extra information warning motorists of the one-way system would be added.
iv) The footway into Brooklands Close would be enhanced to accommodate wheelchair users and a picnic table would be installed on the grassed area for the use of residents.
The bank on the stream is included in the schedule of grass cutting for the village and would be cut in November and again in March 2009.
PLANNING APPLICATIONS
Dormer window, Craig y nor, Saundersfoot.
Solar panels, Seacrest, Saundersfoot.
Extension, 7 Ragged Staff, Saundersfoot.
Amendments to NP/06/245, 3 Plantation Cottage, Saundersfoot.
With regard to the dormer window at Craig y nor and extension at Ragged Staff, members commented that both these applications would improve the visual impact on the surrounding areas.
Members raised no other objections.
Clr. Poole declared an interest in the solar panels application and took no part in that debate.
CORRESPONDENCES RECEIVED
A letter was received from a resident in Captains Walk expressing his concerns at no yellow lines being reinstated following roadworks near Rushy Lake.
Chairman Baker said that the bad weather had hampered the reinstatement of the yellow lines, but he would investigate these concerns.
A letter was received from the Welsh National Vintage Motorcycle Club thanking chairman Baker and the council for the wonderful weekend spent on the Harbour during the vintage motorcycle event which was appreciated by all who took part.
The letter went on to say that marketing the event, flyers, stickers and rider members, were needed annually to run the event and asked if the community council could help in any way. Members all agreed that the event did create a great deal of interest and income to businesses during the weekend and Clr. Hayes proposed making a donation of £100 and Clr. Cleevely seconded the proposal. All members agreed.
A request for a donation was received from the Saundersfoot Playgroup to prevent the group from imminent closure. The letter stated that the group was non-profit making and relied on fees and fund-raising to cover all costs. It was proposed by Clr. Poole and seconded by Clr. S. John that a donation of £100 be made.
A letter was received from the monitoring officer, Pembrokeshire County Council, informing the council that the adoption of the Code of Conduct had to be advertised in the press in English and Welsh and also inspected by the public. The letter asked the council if Saundersfoot Community Council would like to be included in a composite advert to comply with the above requirement at a cost of £25. Members agreed to pay the fee and be included in the composite advert prepared by Pembrokeshire County Council.
A new Traffic Order to provide 30 minutes limited waiting in Brewery Terrace from April 1 - September 30 each year would shortly be introduced by Pembrokeshire County Council.
A Tree Preservation Order ws to be made on a horse chestnut tree on the south-west corner of the grounds at Rhodewood Lodge, Saundersfoot.
A letter of thanks was received from St. Issell's Brownies for the donation received from the council.
REPORTS FROM VARIOUS COMMITTEES, INCLUDING THE COUNTY COUNCILLOR'S REPORT
Clr. McDermott reported to members that he had attended a NEC meeting of One Voice Wales at Llanelwedd on September 12, as well as a One Voice Wales Area Committee meeting on September 30. It was an extremely interesting evening and an excellent presentation was given by Mr. Nick Webley, County Commander of Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, with particular regard to flooding and rescue in association with the RNLI and Air Ambulance.
Clr. McDermott said that Mr. Webley would be happy to give a presentation in Saundersfoot including house fire and safety checks.
Finally, Clr. McDermott said that the had attended the Regency Hall meeting on October 1 and the refurbishment programme was progressing satisfactorily, and the rent a table event realised £464.
Chairman Baker said that he had attended a workshop given by Powell Dobson Urbanists at the St. Brides Hotel on October 17 and 18, with regard to the appraisal and feasibility assessment of key sites in Saundersfoot.
He said that on October 17, members from Welsh Assembly Government, Pembrokeshire County Council, PCNPA and the EA were present and the event aimed to start putting some flesh on the bones with regard to the regeneration of the key sites.
On October 18, the session included members of the business community and other stake holders, and all the information gathered would be brought together in a report with a presentation to be made to the villagers later in the year.
Finally, Chairman Baker said that he had attended a LDP workshop organised by National Park and transport facilities and affordable housing were discussed.
Clr. Pearson said that no meetings had taken place with the South East Energy Group, but said that on a visit to the recycling site at Salterns, Tenby, she was surprised that no information was available of exactly what could be deposited there and also was surprised that waste placed in green bags went to landfill sites along with household black bags.
Clr. Cavell said that the new kitchen had been refurbished in the school and was open for the beginning of term and the building work was well underway and Phase 1 should be completed by early June 2009.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Clr. Brabon said that he had been approached by a resident who had fallen on the slippery pavement outside Paul Heywood's Butchers Shop in Saundersfoot.
Chairman Baker said that he would report this incident to the relevant officers from Pembrokeshire County Council.
Clr. Brabon asked if a letter of thanks could be sent to Mr. Terry Lewis thanking him for the many hours of hard work he had carried out in the Sensory Gardens and members agreed that his efforts had improved the gardens immensely.
Clr. S. John said that on looking at previous minutes of the council, some issues had still not been resolved, including the placing of posters on litter bins and notices informing the public of the location of the defibrillator.
Chairman Baker said that he would investigate why the posters had not been placed on the litter bins and would get the notices for the defibrillator laminated so that they could be placed in various locations.
Clr. Cavell said that the roof of the bus shelter in Wiseman's Bridge needed to be looked at and the clerk was instructed to investigate what work was needed to rectify the problem.
Clr. Pearson expressed her concern at the litter being deposited outside Bethany Flats and chairman Baker said that he would contact Pembrokeshire County Council requesting that it be removed.
The next meeting will be held on Thursday, November 6, in the Regency Hall, Saundersfoot, at 7 pm.