Prior to the December meeting of Saundersfoot Community Council, chairman Baker presented a plaque to Mrs. Mary Lawrence in memory of her husband, Clr. Aubrey Lawrence, who served on the Saundersfoot Community Council from 1979 to 2008.
chairman's report
Chairman Baker said that on Sunday, November 9, he was extremely honoured to lay the wreath on behalf of the community council at the St. Issell's War Memorial and this was without exception the most moving ceremony the chairman has to fulfil in his year of office. He went on to say that the whole village can be proud of the way in which the veterans and young people gather to pay tribute to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
Chairman Baker thanked a few people who make this ceremony run so smoothly and they were Rev. Canon Butler, Mr. Norman Shuck and Mr. Adam Hensman.
Chairman Baker added that this was the 90th anniversary of the Armistice and it was extremely fitting that the war memorial looked in pristine condition following the refurbishment carried out by Mr. Stewart Treharne and his team.
Chairman Baker thanked all those community councillors who were able to attend and also those who helped with the Poppy Appeal both collecting and counting the donations.
Finally, chairman Baker extended a huge thanks to Mrs. Anne Parcell for her tremendous organisational skills which was required to co-ordinate the collection.
matters arising
from the minutes
Cockling: A letter was received from the Countryside Council for Wales stating that before any action could be taken in this case, some further details regarding the cockling activities in Saundersfoot would be required, but Countryside Council for Wales staff would endeavour to monitor cockling activities in this area, but any information that the council could provide such as details of the areas in which cockling occurred, numbers of people involved, size of takes and whether or not vehicles were being taken onto the beaches or not, as well as photographs, would be most helpful. Members decided to ask Clr. Pearson for this information so that a reply could be sent to the Countryside Council for Wales.
Drains: Clr. Hayes reported that a drain in Church Terrace was in need of clearing and Chairman Baker said that he would arrange for this to be carried out.
Cemetery: Clr. Hayes reported that a sapling needed cutting back in the gate post of the cemetery and the clerk was instructed to contact the contractor to carry out this work.
6 Castle View, Saundersfoot: A letter was received from Mr. Nic Wheeler, National Park, stating that although a resolution to take formal action was taken by the authority, it was sometimes easier to achieve actual results on the ground by assisting at a personal level and encouraging the owner to undertake the work on a voluntary basis and this was in fact recommended by Central Government. He would hope that, in this instance, the community council would agree that the work that Mr. Keith Halpin had done in respect of this case has had much better results than would the service of a formal notice and action through the courts. The letter concluded by stating that the community council would be updated on any further progress on the matter.
The clerk then read out two letters he had received from the owner of 6 Castle View expressing his concern at the attack on his character and asked for an apology from persons responsible for organising a petition against him.
Members decided to write to National Park again stating that the community council was not happy with the approach being taken by National Park, quoting paragraphs from the 215 Notice, and asking why direct action had not been taken and to enclose the letters received from the owner. All members agreed.
Toilets: Chairman Baker reported to members that both toilets were now open in Saundersfoot and the Coppet Hall toilet was closed.
Christmas lighting: The clerk informed members that the invoice for the Laser had been paid (£1,700, £1,997 include VAT) and all members agreed that this would be the contribution from the council towards the Christmas lighting as £2,000 had been allocated in the precept for this.
Notices, defibrillator: Clr. McDermott said that the notices were now ready and would be placed in various locations.
Policing Plan 2009/12: Clr. Hayes informed members that police vehicles were parking on the harbour car park on a regular basis and hopefully this would assist in preventing crime taking place in Saundersfoot.
Tunnels, Coppet Hall to Wisemans Bridge: The clerk said that he had received a telephone call from Police Community Support Officer Simon Lewis stating that the bollards had been replaced in the centre of the tunnels preventing vehicles entering.
Lorries travelling towards Fountain Head: Chairman Baker said that he would speak to Mr. John Price, traffic manager, Pembrokeshire County Council on this matter.
Footway, Pyarts Nest to Whitlow: Chairman Baker said that he would make enquiries as to upgrading this footway.
agenda
Vote of thanks: Chairman Baker said that as a council, they were extremely lucky to have so many volunteers who undertake work on council's behalf and thought that he would take this opportunity to ask members to send a vote of thanks to those who often go unnoticed.
He went on: "The work being carried out by Mr. Terry Lewis and Mr. Alan Brace in the Sensory Gardens is exceptional."
Chairman Baker said that there had been sterling efforts to decorate the village with lights and thanks must go to Mr. Glyn Stephens, Mr. Andrew Evans and not forgetting council's own Ron Brabon, Don Poole, Chris Williams, John Griffiths and Graham Brace and Nigel Ayes. He also proposed thanks to Clr. Dave McDermott whose work has saved council hundreds of pounds.
Acceptance of Conclusion of Audit 2007/08: The clerk informed members that this had been completed successfully and the annual return should be presented to council and the minute to show that it had been approved and accepted by the council, and the issues arising should also be presented to members.
The clerk advised members that the only issue raised was that of the level of the Fidelity Guarantee cover the council holds and this should be reviewed at least once a year. The clerk did add that this cover had already been increased to the level advised by the auditors.
Clr. Brabon said that the clerk should be congratulated on the excellent work he carried out in the preparation of the accounts for the auditor. All members agreed.
It was proposed by Clr. Brabon and seconded by Clr. Allsop that the annual return for 2007/2008 be accepted by the council. All members agreed.
planning applications
Refurbish and alterations, Royal Oak, Saundersfoot.
Extension, 1 The Paddock, Saundersfoot.
Balcony, Dros-y-Mor, Westfield Road, Saundersfoot.
Change of use, Bonville's Court, Saundersfoot.
With regard to the Royal Oak application, councillors requested a site visit with members of National Park prior to making comment.
Chairman Baker declared an interest in that plan and Clr. Allsop declared an interest in the Bonville's Court plan and they took no part in these debates.
correspondence received
A letter was received from Pembrokeshire County Council with a review of polling districts and stations in the Saundersfoot area which asked if members were happy with the current locations. Members said that they were happy with the current arrangements.
A letter was received from Pembrokeshire County Council stating that the Sands Night Club had withdrawn their application to extend the hours of operation at their premises.
A Participant Feedback was received from National Park with regard to the Community Panel Workshops held to discuss the LDP. The issues raised in Saundersfoot were public transport, housing and regeneration in the village.
reports from
various committees, including the county COUNCILLOR'S REPORT
Clr. Brabon informed members that the sign would be erected in the Sensory Gardens as soon as possible.
Clr. Cleevely said that he had attended a Dyfed Powys Police Community Consultative Forum in County Hall. He said that it was well attended and was made up of town and community councils, Clr. John Davies, leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, chaired the meeting and the Chief Superintendent and Superintendent were in attendance. Clr. Cleevely informed members that in the past much of the time had been taken up with financial discussions, but this forum was mainly about police matters and was very interesting. He said the major concerns, discussed at length, were the problems being experienced with the Dyfed Powys Police call centre in Carmarthen which the police accepted and were working hard with new technology to improve it.
The Policing Plan 2009/20011 was then discussed and it seemed that nearly all the local authorities were concerned with the visibility of police presence and speeding and parking problems. Clr. John Davies was asked when Pembrokeshire County Council would be taking responsibility for traffic wardens and he replied that the committee responsible would report back to the community council in January and a decision would be made in May.
Chairman Baker said that he was invited to the November meeting of the Friends of Saundersfoot and came away with a list of actions and it was great that there are groups like this in the village to keep everyone on their toes.
Chairman Baker reported that he had received a petition from residents at Castle View regarding the 215 Notice served by Pembrokeshire National Park and the lack of action to enforce it. In addition, other issues had arisen and he had forwarded the petition to Mr. Ian Westley at Pembrokeshire County Council and Mr. Ivor Jones at National Park and replies were awaited.
Chairman Baker had received a temporary road closure notice from Pembrokeshire County Council for Devonshire Drive on January 5 for one week.
Following a request from a resident near Rhodewood Lodge, chairman Baker said that the Slow/Araf signs would be painted on the approach to the bends through the wooded section of the B4314.
Chairman Baker advised members that the Powell Dobson Urbanists meeting which was due to present the enhancement proposals to the core group on November 25 would now take place in January with a public exhibition to follow.
Finally, chairman Baker reported that the Pembrokeshire County Council street care department had started the process of enforcing the statutory authorities reinstatement of trenches and manholes on The Ridgeway and Welsh Water had already carried out their work with the others to follow.
Clr. Poole informed members that he, along with Clr. McDermott, had attended a recent meeting of the South East Energy Group and said how informative it was and the group could be looking for finance to continue. He said the next meeting of the group would be held on January 22.
any other business
Clr. Cleevely expressed his concern that the Wiseman's Bridge bus shelter had not been repaired. Chairman Baker said that he would contact a local builder for a quote. Clr. Cleevely also reported that the road from the bus shelter towards the houses needed resurfacing and again chairman Baker said that he would investigate.
Clr. Hayes again reported that a slate was missing from the seat near the long tunnel. The clerk was instructed to write again to National Park requesting that it be repaired.
Clr. Hayes asked why the Ridgeway was not gritted regularly during frosty conditions. Chairman Baker said that he would investigate.
Clr. Hayes also reported the pooling of water and silt at the entrance gates into St. Issell's Church and asked if it could be looked at.
Clr. Cavell asked chairman Baker if the problem of flooding had been sorted in Westfield Road. Chairman Baker replied and said that work had been carried out there and hopefully this would alleviate the problem.
Clr. Cavell also reported flooding at the entrance into the Regency Hall and asked if this could be looked at, rather than waiting for the refurbishment of the hall. Clr. Poole said that he would investigate as to how the problem could be solved.
Clr. McDermott said that he had, at last, received information from Ammanford regarding the 'Youth Council Scheme' which was discussed some time ago by the council.
Clr. McDermott also reported to members that following the annual general meeting of One Voice Wales he had received a DVD from Ashton Hayes Community Council on becoming a carbon neutral village.
Clr. Brabon again expressed his concern at the condition of the entrance into Saundersfoot Railway Station and said that taxis were now refusing to pick up clients from there and it was a disgrace to Saundersfoot. Clr. Hayes said that she had written to Mr. Tony Wyer, the owner of the entrance, but had not received a reply. Clr. Brabon asked if the area which Mr. Terry Lewis had landscaped could be resurfaced. Chairman Baker said that he would ask Pembrokeshire County Council if consideration could be given to this request.
Chairman Baker informed members that Pembrokeshire County Council would be holding a Christmas tree chipping scheme on Sunday, January 4, from 2.30 to 4 pm on the harbour car park, subject to permission from the Saundersfoot Harbour Commissioners.
Chairman Baker reported that Pembrokeshire County Council would be installing an extra bench in the barbecue gardens.
The next meeting of the council will be held in the Regency Hall, Saundersfoot on January 8, at 7 pm and not January 1, (Bank Holiday).