At the July meeting of St. Florence Community Council, members heard that their external auditors had written expressing concern regarding returns filed in previous years. The council had not met its statutory obligations and, as a result, figures for 2002/03 had to be re-stated when the current return was submitted. Three candidates had applied to fill the vacancy resulting from no nominations having being made at the election to represent the Gumfreston ward. One was from St. Florence and the other two from the Gumfreston ward. The council voted to select a representative from the Gumfreston ward, which had not been represented for some time. As a result, Mr. A. John, of the Old Farmhouse, was elected unanimously. The clerk was asked to write to the other two candidates to thank them for contacting the council. The following people confirmed that they would be keyholders to the Village Hall: The clerk (Mrs. P. Davies), Clr. Del Evans, Clr. P. Rice, and Clr. K. Nixon and Clr. A. Hicks to share a set of keys. Keys to the noticeboard were held by: The clerk (Mrs. P. Davies), booking clerk (Mrs. Mary Evans), Clr. D. Evans, Clr. K. Nixon, to have a key shortly, and Mr. T. McDonald. Correspondence had been received from Pembrokeshire County Council following traffic monitoring tests carried out in the village earlier in the year. It concluded that traffic travelling into the village averaged a speed of 27 mph, while traffic travelling out of the village averaged a speed of 37 mph. Further monitoring would be undertaken on an occasional basis in conjunction with the Mid and South Wales Safety Camera Partnership. The clerk was to make enquiries into the disappearance of the rumble bars and when they would be reinstated. A request was to be made to the Disability Access Officer from PCC to carry out an access audit of the village. The clerk was also to write to Greenhills Hotel following concerns raised by a resident who witnessed a bus reversing back up the road against the flow of traffic and concern was that an accident was waiting to happen. Pembrokeshire County Council was to be asked for further information regarding its policy regarding ownership and maintenance of play areas. The county council had also carried out an inspection of the lime tree and confirmed that it was the responsibility of the community council. Quotes were to be obtained for the removal of dead wood from the tree before the onset of winter. County councillor Malcolm Calver was to make enquiries at County Hall regarding the number of litterbins that were currently being serviced and emptied by PCC and whether they would adopt the litterbin outside Elm Grove. Concern remained about the safety and appearance of the New Inn site. The clerk had spoken to the owners and, although they were sympathetic to the concerns of the council, they were reluctant to improve the situation. The clerk was to contact the county council for clarification of the planning consent granted on this site. Quotes were to be obtained for the removal of shrubbery from various sites around the village. A quotation of £30 for the cleaning of the Village Hall windows was accepted and the clerk was to arrange for them to be cleaned as soon as possible. An analysis of the expenditure of the community council had been prepared and a copy was issued to each councillor present. This would be discussed at the next meeting and is available for inspection by members of the community.

PLANNING

The following planning applications were discussed: Astridge Farm - steel building to be used as a milking parlour (no objection). The Sun Inn - change of use of first floor to restaurant (no objection).

CORRESPONDENCE

Following receipt of a letter from a visitor who had recently visited the Village Hall and had found various matters of complaint, the clerk was to write to her and apologise on behalf of the council and advise that her complaints had been noted and would be put in order. Correspondence had been received from a local resident raising concerns over expenses relating to the Village Hall. This would be discussed further at the next meeting in conjunction with the financial analysis at the August Meeting. A copy of the Village Association accounts had been received. Clr. Evans requested a more detailed breakdown of the carnival expenses incurred last year. A training day had been arranged in Carmarthen for new councillors. Councillors were to check whether they would be available to attend. Confirmation was received from Pembrokeshire County Council that planning permission had been granted for 16 Flemish Close.

Any other Business

The clerk was to contact the county council and request that they remove any dangerous branches and fallen trees in the Ford and Old Mill areas. A quotation of £350 had been received for a new noticeboard. The funding arrangements were to be finalised with the Village Association before proceeding. The Youth Club leaders were to be invited to the September meeting to discuss any help the council could provide with the ongoing running of the club. The clerk was to also remind the Youth Club that a copy of their accounts would be needed in order to be submitted with the council's accounts. Enquiries were to be made with PCC on whether it would be possible to site a recycling bank for bottles and plastics on a suitable site in the village. It was agreed to hold an extra council meeting, and this was arranged for August 16.