Among matters discussed at the April meeting of Saundersfoot Community Council were the following:

CHAIRMAN'S REPORT

Chairman John reported on a special planning meeting with 15 members of the public and several county councillors present. He thanked those members that could attend and especially those who came from their sick bed. A vote was taken to object to the development of a community amenity site on the main route into Tenby and next to a nursing home.

Clr. Cleevely and chairman John attended the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority community council seminar at St. David's and a report was given to the meeting.

On April 19, chairman John attended Pembrokeshire Association of Community Transport Organisation and again a report was given to members.

On April 23, chairman John sneaked into Mrs. Jean Hooper's 100th birthday party and presented her with a bouquet of flowers in lieu of a plate that will be presented later.

On April 26, he attended the Tenby MIU meeting at New Hedges where the discussion was around the way forward now the minister had referred the matter back to the CHC and Hywel Dda. Two AMs turned up and promised to help.

MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES

Extra picnic tables for BBQ area: Clr. Boughton Thomas asked why Pembrokeshire County Council had not supplied extra tables for the Barbeque area as promised some months ago. Clr. Brabon informed members that he had spoken to Mr. Glenville Codd, Pembrokeshire County Council, and was told that this would be done. Clr. Baker said that he would investigate the matter.

Delivery of telephone directories: Chairman John informed members that the people delivering telephone directories were again throwing them on driveways rather than putting them through letter boxes, similar to what happened previously.

Signage for Fan Road: Chairman John informed members that he had received information from Carmarthenshire County Council which stated if residents requested that their street/road be renamed, consent would have to be obtained by all the residents living in that street prior to making the application and the cost was £150 + £25 per dwelling affected. Chairman John said that Pembrokeshire County Council also adopted the same procedure, but at no cost. He said that he was awaiting correspondence from Pembrokeshire County Council with the relevant information.

Bus shelter, North Close: Chairman John informed members that he had still not received a quote from the contractor concerned. Clr. Cavell commented that the matter had been going on for too long and the shelter was looking dreadful. Chairman John agreed and the clerk was instructed the seek quotes from other contractors.

Closure MIU, Tenby: Chairman John thanked all the members who added their names to the letter sent to the Welsh Government. He said the letter had now been passed back to the CHC for further discussions with the Hywel Dda Trust.

CCTV system: Chairman John informed members that he had received a response from BT which stated that if the community council agreed to sign a contract for three years, the proposed increase of two-and-a-half per cent would be waived. Members were not happy with this response and queried whether the annual cost of the camera was worthwhile and how many crimes did it detect? Chairman John said that he would raise this issue at the next police forum meeting.

Litter bins: Chairman John said that the litter bins at the school and throughout the village were full to capacity and some were even overflowing. Clr. Baker said that he would investigate.

Sensory Gardens: Clr. Pearson informed members that a digger had removed the bamboo roots from the gardens and she had spoken to Duncan Hilling regarding suitable shrubs to be planted in that area and he had supplied a list of scented shrubs which she would purchase. Clr. Baker suggested that the council wrote to Mr. John Amos, Western Power, thanking him for carrying out the clearance work in the gardens. Clr. Brabon said that he was disappointed that an area near the harbour had not been replaced with blocks, but with tarmac. Clr. Baker said that he would address the matter. Clr. McDermott said that he, along with Clr. Poole, had inspected the fountain in the gardens and it was working efficiently.

Moreton Lane: Clr. Baker informed members that Pembrokeshire National Park had made repairs to the road and would continue to review the surface as being suitable for a footpath.

Plots, St. Issell's Cemetery: Chairman John said that he, along with the clerk, had visited the cemetery and carried out a minor clear up of the plots. He said that not all the offending plot owners had been written to and suggested waiting until these had been informed before the clearance commenced. Clr. Pearson said that these discussions had gone on far too long and would upset a lot of people if this clearance work went ahead. Clr. McDermott said that the council had to be consistent and if some plot owners complied with the regulation, others should do the same. Clr. Baker suggested that the deed supplied to the plot owners should indicate that the plot purchased was in a 'lawned' cemetery. Members decided to write to the remaining offending plot owners and then carry out the clearance work.

Litter picking: Clr. Baker reported that he had spoken to Mick Lightwood and Angela Woods and Keep Wales Tidy would supply the relevant clothing and equipment to three volunteers who would carry out litter picking around Saundersfoot.

Car parking, Saundersfoot School: Clr. Allsop expressed her concern that during the Easter weekend many motorists were being booked for parking outside the school and thought this order should be reviewed. Clr. Poole agreed and said that there were very few free parking spaces remaining in Saundersfoot and it was sending visitors away from the village. Clr. Baker said that Pembrokeshire County Council were reviewing the situation in a few months and following feedback from the public the order could revert back to the original system.

Clr. Poole also reported that the Coppet Hall toilets were closed over Easter and Clr. Baker replied that this toilet should be open for the season and would investigate why this was not the case over Easter.

Clr. Morris said that as the toilet on the harbour was no longer open, the sign for this toilet had been blocked out.

Branches, Westfield Road: Clr. Baker said that he would find out why further cutbacks of these branches had not taken place as Clr. Morris had requested.

Harbour Commissioners: A letter was received from the Harbour Commission stating that an excellent solution had been put in place regarding the transferable parking permits, including introducing a new 'flexi pass' which would allow, not only businesses, but local residents also to utilise their tickets for various vehicles. With regard to the dredging programme, their strategy clearly identifies an ambition of creating an efficient harbour access and they have not deviated from this process. A three-year dredging contract had now been issued and the work would be completed by Easter.

The letter also asked if the council considered a proposal for the choice of the representative from the council as the commissioner which would be discussed at the council's annual general meeting in May 2013.

Kiosk, Sardis: Clr. Hayes reported that Clr. McDermott had now inspected the kiosk and was ready to be converted into an information point.

AGENDA

Request for extra parking by Saundersfoot Sports Club: Clr. Cleevely reported to members that he, along with the clerk, had visited Harvey Thomas, Price and Kelway and it was established that the area of land concerned was owned by the community council and there were two options available - donate land to Saundersfoot Sports Club or sell land to Saundersfoot Sports Club. Clr. Cleevely continued to say that the access to the field was allowed only for work to be carried out there and on carnival day and permission had to be granted by the community council for any other reason. He went on to say that all legal costs would be met by the sports club if any changes were made to the lease between the two parties. Chairman John said that, during the rebuild of the hall, cars were passing through the site to park on the field and wondered if the gates should be closed on the completion of the rebuild. After a lengthy discussion, Clr. Cleevely proposed that the community council created the car park which could be used by OAP's on a first come first serve basis and could be controlled and monitored by the community council and Clr. Allsop seconded this proposal. All members agreed. Members decided to form a sub-committee to oversee the project and obtain costings etc and this committee would consist of Clrs. Poole, Hayes, McDermott and Baker. The clerk was instructed to write to the sports club informing them of this decision.

Creating the area by Barbeque as 'green area': Clr. Poole said he had raised this issue as he was concerned that it could be used for development even though it was a conservation area. Chairman John said that he had obtained information from DEFRA on the matter and applications had to be made to Central Government and not the Welsh Assembly. He went on to say that as the land was owned by Pembrokeshire County Council, they would had to be informed. Clr. Hayes advised members that to become a 'green area', the village would have to show that several village activities have taken place there and would continue in the future. Clrs. Poole, John and Baker agreed to investigate what was involved in the application process.

Cemetery: Clr. Brabon informed members that it was now time for an extra path to be built in the cemetery similar to the one previously built by W. and M. Rossiter. The clerk informed members of the cost of the original path which was greater than the precept amount allocated for the cemetery in 2013/2014. Members decided to obtain quotes from various contractors for this work. Clr. Brabon also expressed his concerns at the build-up of soil in the cemetery which was taking up valuable space for plots. Members said that to have this soil removed would prove to be extremely expensive and agreed to obtain quotes to have it moved from its present location to a more convenient place in the cemetery. Clr. Brabon also informed members that the cremation section was becoming very close to the children's section and suggested moving it to an area near the two new seats in the cemetery. It was decided that the grounds committee meet in the cemetery to discuss the matters.

PLANNING APPLICATIONS

New extension, Collingwood, Saundersfoot; Unit over 4 garages, Cambrian Hotel, Saundersfoot. Members raised no objections.

CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED

A letter was received from Martyn Williams, Saundersfoot Festivities, thanking the council for their outstanding support for the New Year's Day Swim. He said the event continued to grow and was a fantastic example of the village working together and the council's contribution is a major factor in the growth of the event which was televised on the main BBC news! The letter concluded by saying that the committee was extremely grateful to the council for its financial contribution as the cost of running such a successful event continued to increase year by year.

A letter was received from the Umanee family, Brooklands Home, thanking the councillors in their recent vote against the proposal for a civic amenity site next to their care home. The letter thanked the councillors who had taken the time to read through the application and also to those who had visited the home over the last few months. The letter concluded by saying that it was reassuring to know that Saundersfoot Community Council had the interest of their village at the heart of what they did and this support had been a real boost to the family and relatives who were desperately trying to prevent this from going ahead.

A letter was received from One Voice Wales inviting the Council to renew their membership for 2013/14 which would cost £413. It was proposed by Clr. Baker and seconded by Clr. Poole that the council once again renewed this membership. All members agreed.

A list of the surface dressing programme for Saundersfoot was received which included: Fan Road, Bevelin Hall, Sandyhill Park.

A letter was received from Lawrence Harding, monitoring officer, Pembrokeshire County Council, informing the council that the Welsh Government had provided a sum of £500 per community to assist with the development of websites to ensure compliance with the statutory requirement that minutes of council meetings should be available electronically to the public. A meeting would be held in County Hall to discuss the matter further. Chairman John, Clr. Baker and the clerk agreed to attend.

REPORTS FROM VARIOUS COMMITTEES, INCLUDING THE COUNTY COUNCILLOR'S REPORT

Councillor Baker reported as follows:

Western Power, Saundersfoot Community Project: He would like to thank Western Power for their assistance in the Sensory Garden and in the planting areas near the slip way. Large bamboo and pampas grass plants were removed to assist with the renewed planting and village presentation in advance of the new season. A huge thanks to Mr John Amos and his team for their hard work.

The Welsh Government Ministerial Board: Following a challenging period for both councillors and officers, the Ministerial Board now believed its work was complete in Pembrokeshire County Council and recognised the new eagerness for councillors to challenge and scrutinise decisions relating to safeguarding and education.

Fortnightly black bag collections: Following a presentation at a recent environment overview and scrutiny committee, officers had proposed the fortnightly collection of black bin bag refuse. The wider recycling provision using orange bags and green boxes had dramatically increased the recycling and reduced the volume contained in black bin bags. He remained unconvinced that this would bring benefits to the busy holiday resorts as change over days occur on a Saturday, black bin bags where collected on a Monday and there were already have major problems with bags at holiday lets being left out for two days and then being ripped open by gulls, foxes, dogs and badgers. In response, he was informed that all holiday lets, as businesses, were required to enter into a commercial refuse collection which would not be fortnightly. Currently, any holiday properties who used the domestic refuse collection were being subsidised by the domestic council tax payers. He was joined in his opposition by Clr. Jacob Williams who also shared concerns with regard to this proposal for such a relatively small saving.

Pembrokeshire County Council toilets: Following a recent proposal by Pembrokeshire County Council to close a number of public toilets (not a county council statutory service), it had been confirmed to him that the two toilets remaining in the county ownership would not be affected. Coppet Hall would eventually be incorporated into the new visitor and restaurant complex, whilst the harbour toilet would be operated by the Harbour Commission following its total refurbishment.

Water leakage - adjacent to the Regency car park junction: Following further investigation, it was discovered that the substantial leak in the carriageway was a damaged Welsh Water potable water pipe. He found this extremely disappointing following the analysis last year that it was not county council responsibility. The work had now been completed and a full reinstatement undertaken.

Pembrokeshire County Council Community Regeneration Unit: Following recent press reports, he had voiced his support for this department at Pembrokeshire County Council which had assisted the village greatly over the years, most recently the Regency Hall funding applications. He was advised that the department had funding until 2014 at present. Clr. David Pugh continued to champion the department as the cabinet member.

Community Warden Scheme: This scheme was still in operation, but was not widely utilised, He would suggest that Saundersfoot Community Council made inquiries relating to further information and possible funding for a community warden in the village.

Clr. Hayes report to members as follows: Friends of Saundersfoot - lack of litter bins on Stammers Road and Sandyhill Road; dog mess left on roadside in plastic bags. Clr. Baker said he would investigate if a bin could be place along this road.

Clr. Cavell reported to members on the official opening of the New Early Years Play Area at Saundersfoot School.

Clr. Morris reported to members on the Hywel Dda Stakeholder Reference Group meeting.

Clr. McDermott said that he had no report, but informed members that whilst the contractors for the rebuild of the Regency Hall removed the jubilee gates from the site, they had been damaged which would cost approximately £50-£60, and they were now in Bangeston, Pembroke Dock. Clr. McDermott said that whilst this repair was being carried out, rotten wood was found which would cost £1,200-£1,500 to replace. Chairman John said it was the responsibility of the contractors to carry out these repairs and added that they did not remove the gates when work commenced as promised. Clr. Brabon advised members that he had spoken to the contractors on the matter and was told that the repair work would be undertaken by the contractors prior to reinstalling the gates. Clr. Baker said that the contractors should have contacted the council in the first instance and also stated that they would carry out these repairs to the gates.

Clr. Brabon reported to members as follows: two new watering cans have been purchase for use in the cemetery; the ticket office window had been broken by vandals. Alwyn Lewis would attend to the repair. Chairman John added that 'terms of reference' should be drawn up as to exactly what duties Mr. Lewis should carry out in the sensory Gardens. Clr. Brabon said that Mr. Terry Lewis had removed his tubs and bird bath from the gardens and members decided to have them replaced.

Chairman John reported to members as follows: Saundersfoot Forum - a slightly larger turnout from Saundersfoot and Amroth forums continued a discussion and preparation of an application for funding from the Coastal Communities Fund with regard to forming a group of three separate areas, all with different aspects of coastal history, but working in conjunction to promote the history of the area; Saundersfoot Harbour Advisory Committee - a positive meeting with Saundersfoot Harbour Commissioners had taken place. Plans for Fish Week were progressing and there would be consultation on any further increase in mooring fees from 2014 onward. The dredging had started early and all agreed that it was looking good. There was discussion on winter storage and car parking and a joint meeting would be held on May 8 to meet the new harbour staff in a social environment.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Clr. McDermott said that the new harbour manager, Mr. Michael Davies, would like to attend a meeting of the council to introduce himself to members. It was decided to invite him to the June meeting.

Clr. Pearson, again, raised the issue of a sign at The Glen indicating a waste recycling unit at Bonvilles Court Coach Park, which no longer existed.

Clr. Cavell expressed her concern at the condition of the seat in memory of the late Clr. David Williams at the bottom of Nash Place and also the litter which had collected around the area. Clr. Baker said that he would ask for a clearance of the litter to take place and the clerk would ask Mr. Alwyn Lewis to paint the seat concerned.

Clr. Hayes asked if the council could write to National Park requesting that the charges in the Regency Car Park cease at 5 pm similar to those in Pembrokeshire County Council car parks.