At the July meeting of Saundersfoot Community Council, the following matters were discussed:
CHAIRMAN'S
REPORT
Chairman Allsop said that she had not attend any official functions, but she had been to see the show 'Me and My Girl' performed by Saundersfoot Footlights and said what an excellent show it was.
MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
MUGA: Clr. S. John informed members that he, along with Clrs. Baker and Poole had met with Sarah Middleton which proved to be very positive. She said that no planning application was required and was generally in favour of the project. She expressed concerns at the closeness of the project to the caravan site. Clr. John said that two more quotes were awaited for the fencing.
Double Yellow Lines, Guys Maisonettes: Clr. Baker informed members that the resurfacing programme was ongoing in the area and the double yellow lines would be installed once this had been completed.
Troughing, Rushy Lake bus shelter: Clr. Baker informed members that he had carried out the work.
Gullies: Clr. S. John informed members that there were some gullies that still had not been cleared and they included ones on The Ridgeway, High Street and Church Terrace. Clr. Baker said that he would investigate.
Crazy golf sign: Clr. Cavell declared an interest in this debate and left the room. The clerk said that a further letter had been received from the bowling club expressing their concern that the sign was not in keeping with the area and it still directed people into the bowling club itself and asked if it be moved to a more beneficial position, possibly on the wall by the ticket office. Members decided as Mr. Mike Frankin owned the equipment concerned and he received the majority of the income received from the facility, the letter should be directed to him and he should consult with the bowling club on the matter.
Trees from the Woodland Trust: The clerk said that the trees supplied by the Woodland Trust were a mixture of blackthorn, hawthorn, hazel, birch and rowan.
Clr. Brabon proposed that an ideal place to plant the trees would be around the sports field and Clr. Hayes seconded this proposal subject to the sports club assisting in the planting process. Clr. Baker also thought that some of the trees could be planted between the proposed MUGA and the sports field.
It was decided to speak to the sports club prior to ordering the trees to ascertain if they were prepared to assist in the planting process.
Defibrillator signs: Clr. McDermott said that he had not completed distributing the signs, but would do so shortly.
County Councillor's report; Clr. Brabon expressed his disappointment that Pembrokeshire County Council were not going to undertake the painting of the play area and he said that he had received several complaints from residents at the poor condition of the equipment in the play areas. Clr. Cavell added that she had also received complaints from users of the play area regarding dog mess there.
Clr. Baker proposed that, as members were so concerned about the condition of the play area, they ask Pembrokeshire County Council that the community council make a contribution towards the refurbishing of the equipment and Clr. Brabon seconded this proposal. All members agreed.
Clr. Brabon asked if a letter could be sent to Pembrokeshire County Council thanking them for the excellent job they were doing in painting the street furniture in the village.
Cambrian Hotel: Clr. McDermott said that he had spoken to Mr. David Coughlan, of John Francis, and he confirmed that the developers were pushing their architects to complete the new design proposals within a month and would like to make a presentation to the community council before formally submitting these plans to National Park.
Gardens by the Barbecue: A letter was received from Mr Brian Maddocks, Pembrokeshire County Council, thanking the council for their letter complimenting his staff for enhancing the gardens by the Barbecue which was very much appreciated.
AGENDA
Queen's Jubilee 2012: Clr. Baker suggested to members that the best way forward would be to arrange a public meeting between various organisations in the village and possibly organise one big event only. The clerk was instructed to contact the Regency Hall for suitable dates to hold this meeting and place a notice in the Tenby Observer asking all organisation in the village to attend with suggestions.
Radio Pembrokeshire magazine: Clr. Brabon distributed copies of the Radio Pembrokeshire magazine (Visitor) to members and expressed his concern that there was no mention whatsoever of Saundersfoot in the magazine and that Saundersfoot was not even highlighted on the map.
Clr. Brabon said that he had visited Radio Pembrokeshire and they agreed that Saundersfoot should have a mention in the publication which was produced five times a year. He went on to say that the cost would be £150 per entry which would include information of what facilities were available in the village.
Clr. Cleevely said that the aim of this type of publicity was to encourage people to visit Saundersfoot and added that the people were already here.
Clr. Baker agreed and said that he would prefer to publicise Saundersfoot in the local publication 'Saundersfoot Scene' produced by the Saundersfoot Chamber for Tourism.
Clr. S. John said that Clr. Brabon was correct and said there should be some mention of Saundersfoot in the publication and was amazed that Saundersfoot was not shown on the map in the magazine.
If was proposed by Clr. Cleevely and seconded by Clr. Baker that the council made no contribution to future editions of the magazine and all members agreed.
The clerk was instructed to write to Radio Pembrokeshire requesting that Saundersfoot be included on the map in future publications.
PLANNING APPLICATIONS
Air extract fan, Old Chemist Inn, Saundersfoot; removal of condition, Summer Palace, Saundersfoot; air conditioning, Tesco, Saundersfoot.
With regard to the Old Chemist Inn application, members asked for the noise levels be monitored on a regular bases, as residents living nearby had expressed their concern at the noise from the fan which is causing them annoyance.
With regard to the Summer Palace plan, members asked for these premises to close at 11 pm and no later.
Members raised no other objections.
CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED
A letter was received from the Regency Hall committee thanking the council for allowing the rebuild to extend onto the council's land and also agreeing to submit the payment for the planning application on the hall's behalf which saved the hall extra expenditure.
Another letter was received from the Regency Hall committee stating that one of the conditions of the Lottery Funding was proof of community support and asked if the community council would confirm the future support/use of the hall. Members agreed to reply pledging the council's future support of the Regency Hall.
Letters of thanks for donations were received from the Saundersfoot Guild of Friendship and 2nd St. Issell's Brownies.
An application for Tree Works to be carried out at 53 The Whitlow was received from National Park.
A letter was received from the Saundersfoot Harbour Commissioners informing members that the new Harbour Order 2011 came into force on July 1. The letter asked for confirmation that Clr. Hayes was appointed as the initial interim Commissioner and the first new Commissioner and Clr. Cleevely as a member of the appointments panel. Members agreed to confirm the above appointments.
REPORTS FROM VARIOUS COMMITTEES, INCLUDING THE COUNTY COUNCILLORS REPORT
Firstly, Clr. Brabon reported to members that he had spoken to Mr. Tony Allen regarding the work he carried out on the entrance to the playing fields and was told by Mr. Allen that he would not charge for this work. Clr. Brabon asked if a letter of thanks could be sent to Mr. Allen for this very kind gesture.
Clr. Brabon informed members that all the rubbish around the container had now been cleared by Mr. Martin Kinsey, Pembrokeshire County Council, and thanks should go to him for carrying out this work. He said the golf course and surrounding areas were looking excellent and thanks should go to Mr. Alwyn Lewis for this.
Clr. Brabon asked members if two seats could be placed in the crazy golf area for clients to sit whilst other people were playing golf. He said that a quote from Mr. Alan Brace for £120 was received for preparing plinths for these seats and members agreed that Clr. Brabon proceeded to get this work done. Clr. Baker advised Clr. Brabon to speak to Mr. Glen Codd, Pembrokeshire County Council, to obtain plastic timber to construct these seats.
Clr. Brabon reported that the fountain in the Sensory Gardens was leaking and suggested converting it into a flower feature instead as the area around the fountain was extremely wet. Clr. Hayes said the fountain was an excellent feature in the gardens and suggested that Clr. Poole investigate what exactly the problem was prior to making this decision.
Clr. Brabon informed members that someone was using the water from the tap near the ice-cream unit which was on a meter on Mr. Odley's water supply to his kiosk. He said that Mr. Odley had now purchased a lock for the tap and had given a spare key to Mr. Terry Lewis so that he could use it to water the garden as and when required and thanks should go to Mr. Odley for this kind gesture.
Clr. Brabon said that thanks should also go to Mr. Terry Lewis who continued to carry out an excellent job in the Sensory Gardens, which were looking great at the moment.
Clr. Brabon reported that a person was depositing black bags of grass cuttings outside the St. Issell's Cemetery, and up to now, the county council had kindly removed them. Members decided to monitor the area very closely to establish who the offender was, as fly-tipping was an offence and carried a hefty fine.
Finally, Clr. Brabon asked if four polo shirts could be purchased for Mr. Alwyn Lewis, the ticket attendant, to indicate to clients that he was an employee of the community council. Members agreed that Clr. Brabon went ahead to purchase these shirts.
The clerk said that he had spoken to Mr. Ashley Smith who had worked for the council last year and he was prepared to work again this year, and it was agreed that Mr. Alwyn Lewis liaise with Mr. Smith to work out a suitable rota shift system.
Clr. Cleevely asked if it could be made clear to the public that the council meetings commenced at 6.30 pm and members of the public were invited to attend.
Clr. Baker reported to members as follows: Cambrian Hotel development - discussions were ongoing with PCNPA relating to the supporting information required for the planning application; Harbour Empowerment Order - the new order had been signed and came into force on July 1 and there would now be a three month transition period; lights in long tunnel -all equipment was now installed, solar panel installation were due early August and the testing of the system was to be undertaken soon; public rights of way diversions had been made to the footpaths around the Doctor's Surgery; civil parking enforcement - following initial discussions between Pembrokeshire County Council and a number of businesses, a number of additional 30 minute bays had been provided at the Regency Hall car park courtesy of PCNPA. In addition, following representations made by residents and himself, the parking bays in High Street and opposite the Spar would be designated 30 minutes parking following due process; Saundersfoot Recycling Group had amalgamated with the Keep Wales Tidy Group, thus ensuring that projects could be carried out and funds still generated for the guides.
Clr. McDermott said that he had attended a Regency Hall meeting. He reported, sadly, that the tea dances had ceased due to lack of members. He said that the Tuesday market was growing in strength and the playgroup had unfortunately lost the financial support from Pembrokeshire County Council, however there were other grants available to the playgroup.
Clr. McDermott reported that the damaged fence had now been replaced and a huge thank you should be extended to Mr. Colin Newberry and Clr. Baker for their input in erecting the new fence.
Clr. McDermott said that as reported in the Tenby Observer, the hall is now 50-years-old and a huge raffle was taking place between now and September to assist with the rebuild costs and the committee was grateful for the many prizes already donated to the raffle, including a signed Rolf Harris print donated by Coastal Gallery. He said that the chairman and treasurer had visited Dale and Goodwick Community Centres where they received a warm welcome and offers of help.
Clr. McDermott went on to say that the bookings continue to be very good.
Clr. McDermott informed members that an enormous attraction for the village would take place by the 'Sealed Knot' association on June 23 and 24, 2012, when a 'battle' would take place with hundreds of 'knot' members taking part, and this would be a major coup for Saundersfoot and bring many hundreds of visitors to the village. A special thank you should go to Clrs. Pearson and Cavell for helping to organise this event.
Finally, Clr. McDermott asked that all present hall users note that the committee was aware of the concerns and any disruptions that may be caused by the new hall rebuild, but could be reassured that nothing would happen before September next year, and in any event, the committee would give at least six months notice and would keep all users updated on progress made.
The date of the next meeting of the Regency Hall committee would be the annual general meeting on August 3.
Clr. Pearson said that Saundersfoot in Bloom had held a successful flower festival in St. Issell's Church, and thanked all the participants for taking park.
Clr. Cavell reported that she and Clrs. Baker and Brabon attended an open afternoon when Miss Lester, headteacher, reported on the recent Estyn inspection at Saundersfoot CP School. She said that she had a copy of the report which she was proud to present to the community council. The school had received many congratulations, including one from the House of Commons, following the outstanding report. With the school being judged to have been excellent in all quality indicators, this has been an exceptional and truly special inspection. One of the best schools in Wales.
Clr. Cavell went on to say council's congratulations should go to Miss Lester, staff, parents, governors, volunteers and the wonderful pupils who had worked so hard to make Saundersfoot such a special place to be. The school motto was 'Everybody wins with Teamwork' and the inclusive ethos that this promotes had been pivotal to the school's success.
Following the report tea, fun and games were held in the school grounds and thoroughly enjoyed by all.
The presentation and awards took place for Year 6 leavers had taken place, which Clr. Cavell and Clr. Baker attended. The director of education presented the awards and during the afternoon illustrated dictionaries were presented to Year 6 by Saundersfoot Rotary Club.
Clr. Hayes said that she had attended two meetings of the police forum when issues were discussed. Problems had arisen in Brooklands Close with disruption by young people and also people parking their car in residents parking bays, and bollards would be fitted to prevent this from happening. The July meeting was chaired by PC Nigel Lewis in the absence of PCSO Jim Moffatt, and Mr. Geoff Sutton, Pembrokeshire County Council parking enforcement officer, was also present. Mr. Sutton said that parking enforcement officers were in Saundersfoot at some time every date at varying times and 38 tickets were issued in April, nine in May. Crime figures reported were down by 36 per cent. Crimes in June were eight for varying offences. The speed gun was being used in the Sandyhill Road area of Saundersfoot. The next meeting of the forum would be held in the Regency Hall, Saundersfoot, on August 1, at 7 pm, and hopefully a representative from the licensing department Pembrokeshire County Council would be present.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Clr. Woods said that she had spoken to certain dog owners who had expressed their concern at the lack of instructions on the beach as to where you can or cannot walk your dogs during the summer months.
Clr. Woods informed members that the Saundersfoot Chamber of Tourism were unable to increase the Christmas lighting in the village this year due to lack of funding.
Clr. McDermott said that he had met with the residents of Brooklands Close and asked if the bench/table could be removed as it was attracting non residents to the area and also asked for help in asking Pembrokeshire County Council to erect a fence between Brooklands Close and Brooklands Place to stop youths entering Brooklands Close. Clr. Baker said that he would investigate.
Clr. McDermott reported that the hedges on Wogan Terrace and St. Brides Hill were overgrowing onto the pavements.
The clerk was instructed to write to Mr. Marc Owen, street care manager, Pembrokeshire County Council, to ask if they could be cut back.
Clr. Baker asked if a letter could be sent to Western Power congratulating them for the efficient job done in connecting the power supply to the new Tesco store in Saundersfoot.
Clr. S. John reported that the trees in the Sensory Gardens opposite the Spar needed cutting back as they were overhanging onto the pavement. Clr. Brabon said that he would ask Mr. Terry Lewis to lop the offending branches back.
Clr. S. John asked why the litter bins by the Methodist Church and the Old School had never been replaced and Clr. Baker said that he would ask Pembrokeshire County Council if replacement bins could be located there.
The next meeting of the council would take place in the Regency Hall, Saundersfoot, on August 4, 6.30 pm, and members of the public were welcome to attend.