At the July meeting of Saundersfoot Community Council, the following matters were discussed:

CHAIRMAN'S REPORT

Chairman John said that it had been a productive month with several meetings that should enhance the area based on electorates feedback during the election campaign.

Clr. Baker and the chairman met with Mr. Rob Evans and Mr. Ben Blake from Pembrokeshire County Council to look at new works that could meet some of the concerns raised. This included the Fan Road junction with some small changes and additional signage as an immediate proposition; a lack of budget for major works means no significant change. The 'back lane' in Sardis to have improved signage with a check on the yellow lines outside the bus stop at the Wiseman's Bridge end. In the village itself, pavements, the long tunnel and the Regency car park exit, no right turn signage were also reviewed.

The chairman, along with the clerk and Clr. Brabon met with Mr. Glenville Codd and Mr. Brian Maddocks from the county council maintenance section and they discussed the additional grit bins, cutting back of hedges at Valley Road/Ridgeway junction, Westfield Road by the surgery and at the top of Sandyhill Road on the A478. They also looked at the stream at Brooklands for regular cutting and along by the Sands and Tesco where the area needs clearing and tidying up.

The chairman attended the National Park planning meeting at their invitation to state why the community council supported the planning application by Mr. P. Odley, which was at variance with the planning officers view. It was an interesting meeting listening to discussions on other planning proposals before he and Clr. Baker, as county representative, spoke. The committee approved the plans with a few conditions.

He attended the Sealed Knot Battle of Saundersfoot to accompany Clr. Arwyn Williams, vice-chairman of Pembrokeshire County Council on his visit. The weather was fine, the cannons were loud and the bloodshed was minimal. It was a wonderful spectacle that had the crowds cheering and booing as the battle raged. The encampment and display was very interesting and informative too. The two-day event was well-received and everybody enjoyed it, so many thanks to the Historical Society, Saundersfoot Bay Development Trust, PLANED and of course The Sealed Knot for a memorable weekend.

MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES

Traffic calming measures, exit from Harbour Car Park: A letter was received from Saundersfoot Harbour Commissioners stating that they thought that traffic calming measures were not necessary on the exit from their car park and could not agree to the council's request.

Knotweed: Clr. Hayes asked what was the county council policy on the eradication of Japanese Knotweed, and said that she had emailed Pembrokeshire County Council reporting Japanese Knotweed present on the road towards St. Issell's Church which had grown to a great height. The clerk informed members that on the recent walkabout, Mr. Glenville Codd, Pembrokeshire County Council, had been made aware of the presence of this weed in some locations in the village and he said that he would take steps to eradicate it. The clerk asked members to inform him of all the areas where this weed was present so that he could inform Mr. Glenville Codd.

Chairman John informed members that when he met with Mr. Rob Evans, Pembrokeshire County Council, he was told that a 'no entry' warning painted on the road in Cambrian Terrace would not help the problem of cars entering the one way system illegally and said that the number of signs there were sufficient.

Fountain Head junction: Clr. Hayes said that during a previous traffic survey she thought that ducts were installed near the junction with a view to putting traffic lights there.

Cambrian Hotel: Clr. McDermott informed members that he had again spoken to Mr. Will Lloyd Davies and the plans had been approved by National Park and no problems were envisaged. He said the car park would open and a sign would be erected on exit with regard to the one-way system.

Regency Hall Car Park: The clerk read out a letter from Mr. Alan Hare, business and performance manager, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, which outlined the circumstances how the above car park was acquired by the Harbour Commissioners. The letter stated that the car park is still owned by the National Park and all that had changed was the staff from Saundersfoot Harbour Commissioners were now responsible for the day-to-day running of the car park on a trial basis. This meant they checked the machines, collected the cash, collected litter and patrolled the car park during the day and the benefit of these arrangements were as follows: any machine faults were identified and repaired quickly by Saundersfoot Harbour staff; if a member of the public reported a fault to their office, they could contact Saundersfoot Harbour Commissioners quickly and did not need to divert Pembrokeshire Coast National Park staff from other patrols; litter was cleared more frequently; Pembrokeshire Coast National Park staff did not need to go to Saundersfoot so often, reducing travel costs and allowing more time in other car parks.

The letter concluded by saying that this arrangement was closely monitored and would be reviewed at the end of the season, but so far it had worked smoothly.

Meeting with Mr Glenville Codd, Pembrokeshire County Council: The clerk informed members that he, along with Chairman John and Clr. Brabon had met with Mr. Brian Maddocks and Mr. Glenville Codd, Pembrokeshire County Council, for a village walkabout and the following issues were discussed: Extension of footway from the Incline to the Ridgeway - Mr. Codd said that the maintenance section could not make a decision on this proposal, but he would arrange to have the hedge cut back to make it easier for pedestrians; exit from doctors practice, Westfield Road - Mr. Codd would arrange to have this hedge cut back to improve the visibility for motorists exiting the surgery; Hopshill area - Mr. Codd said that very little could be done to improve this country road, but would erect signage there and clear the road of debris; litter in stream - Mr. Codd said that since Tesco had been built, the access to the stream had been blocked off, but there was an alternative access by the side of Stewart Seconds and said that a clearance would take place as soon as possible and a general tidy up would also be carried out there. Mr. Brian Maddocks assured those present that the bank of the stream would in future be included in the grass cutting schedule for Saundersfoot and would be cut three times a year.

Issues raised during election campaign: With regard to the Incline footway, Clr. Boughton Thomas said that as Pembrokeshire County Council and National Park had no funding to improve it, perhaps council should look at other ways of funding. She went on to say she had spoken to PAVS and PLANED and they were hopeful that funding could be made available. Clr. Boughton Thomas said that she had also spoken to Polly Groom from CADW who suggested that the community council wrote requesting that consideration be given to provide funding to enhance the footway.

Training, new councillor session: Clr. Morris said that he, along with Clr. Boughton Thomas had attended the session in County Hall, Haverfordwest. He said the evening was generally a great success.

Old school, The Ridgeway: Clr. Hayes said that weed killer had been applied to the area concerned in the old school, but the dead weeds had not been cleared. The clerk was instructed to write again to Owen and Owen, Main Street, Pembroke, to request they be cleared.

AGENDA

Ironman: Chairman John said that last year information was issued late regarding the arrangements for the event, but this year this would not be the case. He said that all concerned would be advised that Saundersfoot was open for business as usual and he hoped that a group could be formed to formulate this process, such as erecting signage how to access car parks in the village and also that a complimentary bus service would be in operation. He said the main aim would be that the businesses did not suffer because of the event but, in fact, they would benefit. Clr. Morris agreed with those comments and said that mistakes were made last year. It was agreed that Clrs. John, Baker, McDermott, Boughton Thomas and Morris would form this group. It was proposed by Clr. Morris and seconded by Clr. Cleevely that the council donated £100 towards posters, for the event.

Drainage re the new hall: Chairman John said that Pro Waste had been called out twice in the last month to clear blockages in the drainage system near the Regency Hall and Sports Club and all these problems should be resolved when the hall was demolished. Clr. McDermott said that the architects for the new hall should be consulted as to the new drainage system planned. In the meantime, Clr. Cleevely proposed that the Council visited solicitors Price and Kelway to seek legal advice on the matter and this proposal was seconded by Clr. Hayes. Members decided that Clr. Cleevely and the clerk arranged a suitable date to visit Price and Kelway.

PLANNING APPLICATIONS

Replacement of Greenhouse, Hean Castle, Saundersfoot; demolition of sheds, Saundersfoot CP School, Saundersfoot; conversion, Hurstlea, St. Brides Lane, Saundersfoot. Members raised no objections to the applications.

CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED

A letter was received from Saundersfoot Sports Club requesting permission for access for vehicles to proceed through the car park to the Sports Field for the car boot sales during July and August. It was proposed by Clr. McDermott and seconded by Clr. Morris that this request is granted. All members agreed.

A letter was received from the Regency Hall committee requesting permission for Mr. Phil Odley to provide a hot food van in the council car park for the occasion of the 'End of Era Party' on August 31. It was proposed by Clr. Brabon and seconded by Clr. Allsop that this request be granted. All eligible members agreed.

A letter was received from Withybush Radio requesting a donation towards investing in the cable infrastructure making use of new technology such as wifi, mobile 'phone apps and internet radio following the closure of their FM transmitter. It was proposed by Clr. Cleevely and seconded by Clr. Hayes to make a donation of £100 and all members agreed.

A Tree Preservation Order for the removal of a decayed oak tree near land adjacent to Rhodewood House, Saundersfoot, was received and the work had already been carried out due to the dangerous condition of the tree.

A notice was received from Pembrokeshire Coast National Park informing the council of a public footpath closure for five days for emergency tree works to be carried out near the Plantation, Saundersfoot.

A letter was received from Tenby Town Council seeking support with regard to the condition of railway stations in the area. The letter stated following numerous meetings with Arriva Train and Network Rail no progress had been made to any improvements whatsoever. The letter concluded by stating that if Saundersfoot Railway Station also needed attention to send photographs and letter of support to Tenby Town Council to strengthen the argument for improvements. All members agreed that, following numerous request, Saundersfoot Station still needed enhancing and Clr. Morris agreed to take photographs of the station and forward them to Tenby Town Council with letters of support.

REPORTS FROM VARIOUS COMMITTEES INCLUDING THE COUNTY COUNCILLOR'S REPORT

Following a meeting with Mr. Rob Evans and Mr. Ben Blake, Pembrokeshire County Council, Clr. Baker reported to members as follows:

Fan Road junction - new signage was to be provided at this junction which were on order. Diagrams were distributed to members with details of the proposed signage.

Footpath through long tunnel - as this was classed as a rural footpath, the surface was deemed to be acceptable even though it was uneven in nature it has not noticeably deteriorated since it was inspection about three years ago. Clr. Hayes said that she was not happy with this report especially when compensation had been paid out to people who had sustained accidents there. The clerk was instructed to write to Pembrokeshire County Council stating that the council did not accept this report and ask for improvements to be carried out to this surface. Clr. Brabon also commented that many more people would use this tunnel following the proposed development at Coppet Hall.

Slippery cobbles outside Spar - Investigation was ongoing to see if the surface could be roughened.

Sardis signs - junction signs are on order.

Yellow lines, Wiseman's Bridge - these lines had already been reinstated following a telephone call in April.

Speed cushions, Church Terrace and Frances Lane - the remedial work would be carried out by Pembrokeshire County Council area maintenance and the timing would be critical due to school and holiday traffic.

Leaking water at the entrance to the Regency Car Park - Welsh Water had confirmed that this leakage was not sewerage, but they were still unclear if it was surface water. Streetcare and Carmarthen County Council were still investigating the problem.

Civic amenity site, proposed alternative site: Pembrokeshire County Council Officers had explained the site layout and screening proposals. Discussions were being held with the landowner and would proceed subject to planning application approval.

PCNPA: Both Mr. Phil Odley and the Cambrian Hotel developments received planning approval. Mr. Odley's application would be sent to Welsh Assembly Government as it was a departure from the Local Development Plan.

Councillor Cavell reported to members as follows: Saundersfoot CP School - Over the last month Saundersfoot School had been involved in a variety of exciting projects which included a party of pupils and teachers visiting the living history display organised by Mr. Terry John and held on Saundersfoot Sports Field, the St. Issell's Church Flower Festival, the school Olympics Sports Day which was attended by Adam Goy (local torch bearer and past pupil), and the Wizard of Oz which was produced by Mr. Richard Davies with over 150 pupils in the cast who had the audience spellbound and one is lost for words for the admiration for everyone involved in the show. Thanks should go to the headteacher Miss Lester, staff, pupils and helpers who had worked diligently organising the outstanding events. Clr. Cleevely proposed sending a letter to the school congratulating them on the wonderful show and this proposal was seconded by Clr. Hayes. All members agreed.

Clr. Hayes reported to members as follows: Saundersfoot Harbour Commissioners - plans were being considered for a low water landing stage; a joint press release would be made regarding the Regency Hall Car Park; lorries not turning left on exiting the car park was a matter for the police; Friends of Saundersfoot - a pavement needed at the top end of Sandyhill Road. Pembrokeshire County Council had carried out a survey there and only six pedestrians walked on this stretch of road in one day. Friends of Saundersfoot were now going to carry out their own survey count.

Clr. McDermott reported to members about a Regency Hall committee meeting which included a discussion with regard to the proposed new logo for the new hall and a competition to design the logo, the chairman and treasurer's visit the Torch Theatre, Milford Haven, to seek information with regard to the latest equipment being used in village halls for use as a cinema, and a discussion with regard to the new stage and associated equipment. On Friday, August 31, a farewell party was being arranged with Greenhill Jazz Band, Dai the Boot, Irish Dance Group, Dai Max and Butch providing the entertainment. Tickets were on sale at £7 for adults and £3.50 for children from the Post Office and Silver Strand, Saundersfoot. A licensed bar and refreshments would also be available.

Clr. Brabon reported to members that the takings for the crazy golf and tennis had been very poor this year due to the weather. He informed members that Mr. Terry Lewis would be finishing on July 31 and his work would be sorely missed. For the past five years, he had worked tirelessly in creating the Sensory Gardens and has done a wonderful job. Clr. Brabon said that he had appreciated all the work Mr. Lewis had done in the village and all members agreed. With regard to the cemetery, Clr. Brabon informed members that the plinths for the bins and seats had been completed and ordered. Clr. Brabon thanked John Joseph and Tony Allen for carrying out this work so efficiently.

Clr. Cleevely reported to members on the police forum meeting. There were reports of cars racing around the cenotaph and warnings had been given, but the problem has continued and the traffic department had been informed. PCSO Hannah Francis had been verbally abused on the beach and offenders had been given warnings. Scooter and skateboarders had been spoken to. There had been 23 crimes and the detection rate was 37 per cent. PCSO Moffatt said he would enquire about this low detection rate. A new inspector had been appointed, namely Inspector Shawn Bower.

Clr. Brabon reported damage being caused to the Sensory Gardens. PCSO Moffatt said that he would try to get the CCTV to observe the gardens.

Clr. Cleevely expressed concern at young people gathering behind the bowling club and drinking alcohol. PCSO Moffatt said that he would monitor the situation.

Chairman John reported to members about a Saundersfoot Harbour advisory committee meeting held to discuss the Saundersfoot Harbour Commissioners Strategy Document.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Clr. Brabon asked if some Welsh flags could be displayed in the village to represent the 23 Welsh Olympians taking part in the Olympic Games. Members all agreed that as the games are represented by Team GB not to display any Welsh flags in the village.

Clr. Boughton Thomas expressed her concern on the overgrowth on the footpath from the long tunnel to Wiseman's Bridge. The clerk was instructed to write to Pembrokeshire requesting that it be cut back.

Clr. Hayes reported serious ponding occurring on Cambrian Terrace following heavy rain and asked if it be investigated.

Clr. Hayes informed members that the residents of Brooklands Close were not happy with the wooden fence erected near the estate which prevented the visibility for residents who sat on the seats provided. Members were of the opinion that the fence was erected at the residents request and Chairman John said that Mr. Glenville Codd was aware of these concerns and would take the appropriate action.