Saundersfoot Community Council

Among matters considered at the May meeting of Saundersfoot Community Council were the following:

CHAIRMAN'S REPORT

Chairman Baker said that he had had a particularly quiet month, the only official function being the opening of the Saundersfoot Bowling Green on Saturday, April 11. He said the weather was perfect and the green looked superb. Unfortunately, his opening wood had a mind of its own and veered off to the right and ended up in the ditch! He went on to say that the club was something they could be proud of in Saundersfoot, with three ladies off to represent Wales in Jersey in June. The council wishes them well.

Chairman Baker said that he would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone for supporting him during the year, especially his vice-chairman and Clr. Cleevely who had stepped in to chair some meetings during his absence.

Chairman Baker said that he believed 2008/2009 was another year that the council and the village could be proud of its achievements and the greatest honour that the chairman had to perform was to lead the village in its Act of Remembrance and this year it was fitting on the 90th Anniversary of the Armistice and he was pleased that the War Memorial had been so beautifully cleaned up.

He said that Christmas and New Year saw the village full of life, with its fantastic lighting display and the largest swim yet.

Chairman Baker went on to say that the community council was thrilled to help celebrate the 100th birthday of local resident Mrs. Titterton at the St. Brides Hotel.

He said that the various charities and organisations continued to carry out their good work and the Poppy Appeal once again went from strength to strength with a large number of awards being made to their local volunteers.

Chairman Baker added that the council was continuing its input into the Vision of Saundersfoot, hand in hand with Pembrokeshire County Council and Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

Finally, he said that he would like to take the opportunity to record the wonderful achievement of sevens rugby player James Merriman, of Saundersfoot, and there could be few villages that could boast a World Cup medal winner.

Chairman Baker said that a very special thank you should go to the clerk John Griffiths, who carried out a great deal of unseen work for the benefit of the community council.

APPOINTMENT OF CHAIRMAN

It was proposed by Clr. Cavell and seconded by Clr. McDermott that Clr. C. John be installed as chairman for 2009/10 and all members voted in favour.

Chairman John congratulated Clr. Baker for carrying out his duties as chairman and said that he had done a fine job and thanked members for electing him as chairman for 2009/10.

APPOINTMENT OF

VICE-CHAIRMAN

Clr. Poole proposed that Clr. McDermott be installed as vice-chairman and this was seconded by Clr. Hayes, and all members voted in favour.

Clr. McDermott thanked members for voting him in as vice-chairman and said that he would carry out the duties to the best of his ability.

APPOINTMENT OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Grounds Committee to include Sensory Gardens - C. John, D. McDermott, P. Baker, R. Brabon, R. Hayes, W. Cleevely and S. John;

Regency Hall Committee - Clr. D. McDermott.

Manager, playing fields -Clr. R. Brabon; deputy manager, playing fields - Clr. D. McDermott.

Saundersfoot in Bloom - Clr. Pearson.

Saundersfoot CP School, governor - Clr. M. Cavell.

Saundersfoot Harbour Commissioners - Clr. W. Cleevely and R. Hayes.

Saundersfoot Forum - Clr. S. John, with Clr. T. Pearson to deputise in his absence.

One Voice Wales - Clr. D. McDermott.

Police Forum - Clr. R. Hayes.

Recycling Group - Clrs. P. Baker and R. Brabon.

MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES

Meeting with G. Codd, Pembrokeshire County Council: Clr. Baker reported to members that following the meeting with Mr. Codd, Pembrokeshire County Council, work would commence with the list of issues raised and would start in the next six to eight weeks, dependant on priority.

Bus shelter, Wiseman's Bridge: Clr. Hayes asked what was happening to the repair of the shelter and it was in urgent need of attention.

Clr. Baker apologised for not seeking advice on the matter, but would investigate and report his findings at the next meeting.

Saundersfoot Railway Station: Clr. Hayes said that she had received a letter from Network Rail stating that their building surveyor was aware of the situation and that he was waiting for the owner of the land to return from holiday and a meeting would then be arranged with him to seek progress.

Street cleaner, Saundersfoot: Clr. Poole suggested that the community council should purchase its own vehicle to use for various tasks and to build a unit at the top of the car park near the entrance to the Crazy Golf Course, and the street sweeper could be housed there also.

Chairman John said that probably the best option would be to form a sub-committee to assess costs and bring this information to a future meeting of the council.

It was decided that Clrs. Poole, Baker and Brabon meet to discuss costings etc and then consult with Pembrokeshire County Council on progressing the idea.

Footpath from Glen to beach: Clr. Pearson reported that work had commenced on improving the footpath.

Cambrian Hotel: The clerk informed members that he had spoken to Cathy Milner, National Parks, on this matter and no progress had been made and also no reply had been received from the developers.

Members expressed their concern at the lack of progress on the issue and the building would deteriorate further if nothing was done soon.

The clerk was instructed to write to National Parks requesting that a 215 Notice be served on the building and it was proposed by Clr. Baker and seconded by Clr. S. John that Mr. Nic Wheeler visits Saundersfoot to see for himself the dreadful state of the building.

Sunken graves and memorial testing: The clerk reported that he had received a reply from One Voice Wales which stated that under Section 10(b) of the Open Spaces Act 1906, the council had a responsibility to maintain its cemetery in a good and decent state and was obliged to complete the filling of sunken graves.

The clerk was instructed to obtain quotes for this work to be carried out.

The clerk said that he had received guidance notes from the Ministry of Justice regarding the 'Managing the Safety of Burial Grounds Memorials' and the information in the document differed from that issued by the Health and Safety Executive.

The clerk quoted extracts from the notes as follows:

i) Operators should adopt a risk based and proportionate approach to managing memorials.

ii) Operators should maintain records of the inspection and results, noting in particular those memorials where action is necessary.

iii) A hand check can be carried out by standing to one side of the memorial and applying a firm but steady pressure in different directions to determine to what degree, if any, the headstone is loose.

iv) Hand testing is appropriate for many memorials, such as modern lawn type, as well as smaller stepped designs or tiered crosses.

v) The routine use of mechanical test instruments as inspection tools is not recommended as results from these instruments are liable to overestimate the actual risk.

vi) The routine staking of memorials is not recommended, not only is there a risk of harm in the staking itself, there is also a potential for damage to the memorial.

Members were surprised to hear this information as this is contrary to previous advice and decided to carry out the testing of the old cemetery following this information.

The clerk was instructed to contact Mr. Stewart Treharne, who carried out the testing of the new cemetery memorials, to discuss the guidance notes received with him and decide the best way forward in testing the remaining headstones.

Motor Caravan Magazine: Clr. Cleevely read out a letter which was included in the latest edition of the magazine, but unfortunately the photograph of Saundersfoot was not included.

PLANED, 'Communities as the Hub of Rural Life': Clr. S. John asked if the public was invited to the meeting to be held on June 9, or were only stakeholders invited?

Clr. McDermott said that he would find out and let Clr. S. John know.

Sensory Gardens: Clr. Brabon said that many visitors to the gardens were commenting how lovely they were being looked after, and asked if a Christmas tree could be planted in the gardens for the Christmas lights each year.

Members decided that this would not be a good idea.

Border, Police Station, Saundersfoot: Clr. Poole asked if the path near the border would be cleaned and if the weeds in the walls of the St. Issell's Church could be removed.

The clerk was instructed to contact the contractor for these works to be carried out.

Incidents, St. Issell's Cemetery: Clr. Hayes said that a Police Community Support Officer would visit the cemetery when possible to monitor the situation.

Disabled bays, Regency Hall Car Park: The clerk supplied information regarding this matter, which had been received from the Pembrokeshire Access Group. He said that 'The bays should be 2.4 metres wide with a space of 1.4 metres between each bay and 4.8 metres in length'.

The clerk had contacted Brandon Tool Hire who did not supply the equipment to carry out the work, but a company called Spray Marking did this type of work for Pembrokeshire County Council.

The clerk was instructed to contact this company for further information.

Crazy golf, Saundersfoot: Clr. Brabon said that Mr. Tony Allen had not carried out the work on the Crazy Golf Course due to the weather. He said that Mr. Allen would order the stone required and the council would order the six-inch perforated drain pipe prior to the work commencing.

The clerk was instructed to contact Jewsons to order 100 metres of the pipe and ask if it could be stored there until it was needed.

AGENDA

Police meeting - issues to be raised: Members decided to raise the following issues when the council meets with police:

i) Concern over lorries entering the village during the ban from 11 am - 4 pm.

ii) Illegal parking on the Strand and Cambrian Terrace using disabled parking bays.

iii) Difficulty in contacting police when reporting incidents.

iv) Parking of van outside Monkstone Restaurant.

v) Request for traffic warden presence on Tuesday and Fridays on car boot sales days.

vi) Parking near police station causing problems.

vii) Monitoring of CCTV camera.

Approval of accounts for 2008/2009: The clerk said that the audit date for this year would be August 9 and asked for the accounts for 2008/2009 be approved and signed.

It was proposed by Clr. Hayes and seconded by Clr. Cleevely that the accounts be signed.

Donations 2009/10: The clerk said that £4,500 had been allocated for donations for 2009/10 and £1,000 was to be donated to the Regency Hall later in the year.

Members decided to make donations as follows - Saundersfoot in Bloom £750; Saundersfoot Historical Society £200; Saundersfoot Footlights £300; All Pembrokeshire Cruse £50; St. Issell's Girl Guides £100; Saundersfoot Caring Association £150; Radio Withybush - £87.70; Victim Support £50; Saundersfoot Guild of Friendship £100; Pembrokeshire SE Energy Group £100; Saundersfoot Playgroup £300; Bobby Van Scheme £50. Total - £2,237.70.

Members decided to earmark £350 to the Saundersfoot Festivities Committee to cover insurance costs for the New Year's Day Swim later in the year.

Clrs. McDermott and Hayes declared an interest in the debate for Saundersfoot in Bloom, Clrs. Cavell, Pearson, Hayes and Baker in Saundersfoot Historical Society, Clrs. Hayes and Cavell in the Saundersfoot Caring Association, Clrs. Hayes, Cavell, Pearson, Poole, McDermott and Baker in the Pembrokeshire SE Energy Group, and took no part in these debates.

Members decided not to make donations to Pembrokeshire YFC, Macmillan Cancer Support, Llangollen Eisteddfod and Historic Townschemes in Conservation Areas.

CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED

A letter was received from an employee of the Gower Hotel, Saundersfoot, expressing her concern at traffic turning right when leaving the Regency Hall car park and asked if extra signage could be erected on the island warning motorists of the one-way system ahead.

Members agreed and said that this issue had been discussed previously and Pembrokeshire County Council said that the signage there was adequate.

The clerk was instructed to write to Mr. John Price, Pembrokeshire County Council, again requesting extra signage there.

A letter was received from Mrs. Morgan, Woodside, Wiseman's Bridge, requesting that overgrowth be cut back near her parents grave in the old cemetery in St. Issell's Church.

The clerk was instructed to contact the contractor responsible for cutting the grass to request that the overgrowth be cut back.

Approval for tree works to be carried out at Owlscot, The Glen and Morningside was received from National Parks.

PLANNING APPLICATION

Balcony, 5 Plantation Cottages, Saundersfoot.

Change of use, Rose Cottage, Saundersfoot.

Dwelling, Plot 6, Incline Way, Saundersfoot.

Widen Access, Treberth Farm, Saundersfoot.

Conservatory, 42 Bevelin Hall, Saundersfoot.

Extension, Moreton Farm, Saundersfoot.

Replace flat roof, 38 Sandyhill Park, Saundersfoot.

Conservatory, 2 Ocean Point, Saundersfoot.

Re-site Pay and Display, Car Park, Saundersfoot.

With regard to the first application, members queried why the application stated a 'balcony' only and two extension were included in the plans and asked if the extensions had already been built.

Members raised no other objections.

REPORTS FROM VARIOUS COMMITTEES, INCLUDING COUNTY COUNCILLOR'S REPORT

Clr. Cavell informed members that a school governors meeting was to be held and she would report at the June meeting of the council.

Clr. Poole said that he was disappointed at the lack of energy saving measures included in the new building and Clr. Cavell said that these concerns had already been raised with the governing body.

Clr. Pearson said that Saundersfoot in Bloom had held a coffee morning to raise funds for the organisation. Clr. McDermott said that he would participate in the New Year's Day Swim to raise sponsorship for Saundersfoot in Bloom.

Clr. Hayes said that she had attended a Police Forum meeting recently and Inspector Smith was present. Many issues were discussed, including information being given to dog owners in the form of book markers.

She said that residents had been asked not to park in the High Street and speeding still remained a problem, especially with taxi drivers.

Clr. Hayes said that motorists parking in the busy bay using the betting shop would be monitored and the number of parking tickets issued in Saundersfoot last year did not reflect the problems experienced.

Clr. Hayes went on to say that problems continued at the Whitlow Estate, where parents were parking on the estate whilst collecting their children from school, and Inspector Smith said it was an offence to block residents' entrances.

The next meeting of the Forum will be on June 1, at 7 pm, in the Regency Hall, Saundersfoot.

Clr. Hayes said that she had attended a Pembrokeshire SE Energy Group meeting where it was announced that an UN Environment Day would be held on June 5 and people would be asked to do something energy conscious, such as wearing green or save energy in the home.

She said that some members attended the 'Question Time' session in Narberth where details of a Tidal Energy Trail in Ramsey Sound were given.

Clr. Hayes said that the speaker for the evening was Mr. Martin Bell, who was the secretary of the Environmental Network for Pembrokeshire. This was a network representing voluntary sector environmental groups who were working together to raise the profile of the environment and was backed by PAVS and PLANED.

She said that financial support was given by the CCW and Chevron, enabling them to afford a co-ordinator to manage events, a newsletter was produced and the website was http://www.tenp.org.uk">www.tenp.org.uk and the group was building bridges between local authorities and the public sector. Mr. Bell was thanked by members for his informative talk.

Finally, Clr. Hayes had attended a meeting of the Regency Hall Committee on May 6, where Mr. Allison, Pembrokeshire County Council, was present to update the trustees on the way forward and types of grants available for the refurbishment of the hall. She said the plans should be publicised by having them displayed to members of the public, to existing users and to potential users of the hall.

She went on to say that it was vital that evidence of usage was made when applying for grants.

Clr. Hayes said that Pembrokeshire County Council would support the project and the trustees must demonstrate a need for the hall refurbishment, and the reason for this was sustainability.

She said an exhibition would be held in the Regency Hall on Wednesday, June 17, from 2 to 8 pm, and hall users, members of the public and organisations were welcome to attend and this would be followed at a later date by a public meeting.

The next meeting of the committee would be held on June 3, in the Regency Hall, and a representative from PLANED would be in attendance to address the meeting on PLANED's views on the Area Development Plan.

Clr. Baker said that a meeting to discuss progress on Saundersfoot Railway Station would be held in the next two weeks.

Clr. Baker said that surface dressing of the Ridgeway would start in the next three weeks.

Clr. Baker informed members that the demolition of the classrooms in the old school had taken place.

Clr. Baker said that an additional road sweeper would be visiting Saundersfoot for three afternoons a week and suggested that an area alongside the TIC be allocated to house the new sweeper.

Clr. Brabon reported on the meeting held on April 21 with Mr. Brian Maddocks, Pembrokeshire County Council, when the following matters were discussed.

Sensory gardens: Mr. Maddocks said that all seats and bins would be painted in the gardens and the sign was now ready for installation. He said that Bush Gardens would contribute certain plants and shrubs for the gardens in time for the Wales in Bloom judging. Clr. Brabon asked if the gates could be painted blue similar to the seats and bins. Members decided that this would not be a good idea and to leave them as they were.

Toilet, Regency Hall: Mr. Maddocks said that he would refurbish the disabled door of the toilet and replace the locks on the gents toilet and would carry out a cleaning programme of both toilets.

Lights in tunnel: Mr. Maddocks informed members that all the materials were ready to install the lighting there and a meeting was due to be held with Clr. Baker and Cathy Milner to ascertain whether planning permission was required.

Clr. Baker added that planning permission was required and a wayleave was required from Mr. David Lewis, Hean Castle, for the lights to be installed.

Sand on pavements: Mr. Maddocks said that a sweeper would visit Saundersfoot to clear excess sand from around the affected areas.

Clearance of stream: Mr. Maddocks said the clearance of the bank of the stream would be carried out shortly.

Brookland Close: A dropped kerb and improvements to the footway would be carried out near the entrance to Brookland Close.

Street furniture: The repainting of the seats and bins would take place prior to the season commencing and an extra seat would be installed opposite the Spar Shop.

Mr. Maddocks suggested that the council should apply for grants under the 'Tidy Town Grants' scheme and asked if suggestions of any area that needed enhancement could be submitted to him in September.

Clr. Cleevely said that he, along with Clr. Cavell, had attending a meeting to discuss proposals to reorganise the future of Community Health Councils.

Clr. Cleevely said that the proposals put forward were to dissolve the existing Community Health Councils (three at present) and replace them with seven super Community Health Councils to match the new Health Board areas, and thought that this would weaken Pembrokeshire's position and was disappointed with the theme of the meeting as this was supposed to be a consultation process and the decision had already been made as to the future of Community Health Councils.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Clr. McDermott asked about the signage which was promised to inform the public where the defibrillator was located. Clr. Baker said that the defibrillator was still in Evans Newsagents and when the harbour staff were trained it would be relocated to their ticket office. Clr. Baker said the signage was ready to be installed and he would do this as soon as possible.

Clr. Cleevely said that the seat outside the Methodist Church needed replacing and asked if there were any surplus seats in the village that could be placed there.

Clr. Cleevely said that youngsters were using Betty Brown's field for parties and drinking and a fence had been erected preventing the access to the field. Members commented that this path was not a public footway and was owned by the Hean Castle Estate and the erection of the fence was in order.

Clr. Cleevely asked when the temporary bollards at the entrance to the short tunnel would be replaced. Clr. Baker said that these were placed there to prevent cars entering the tunnel and permanent bollards would be erected there in due course.

Clr. Allsop said that two lorries a day were being diverted through Saundersfoot to exit the Fountain Head junction and were unable to negotiate the bridge on Station Road. Clr. S. John said that their sat navs were probably advising the drivers to take this route and said there were new brown signs available for sat nav users.

The clerk was instructed to write to Mr. John Price, Pembrokeshire County Council, to ask for extra signage to be installed warning motorists of the low bridge.

Clr. Hayes asked when the poppy wreaths would be removed from the cenotaph at St. Issell's Church and Clr. Poole said that he would arrange their removal.

Clr. Pearson again raised the issue of cockle pickers collecting from Saundersfoot beach and informed them that it was illegal and also they had not been passed fit for human consumption.

Clr. Pearson took note of the registration number of the vehicle used and said that they were on holiday in Swansea from East Sussex.

The clerk was instructed to write to the South Wales Sea Fisheries Board with this information.

The next meeting of the council will be held on June 4 at 6.40 pm in the Methodist Church, The Ridgeway, and Inspector Smith will be in attendance.