Among matters discussed at the last meeting of St. Florence Community Council were the following:
Election of new officers
Clr. Delyth Evans and Clr. John Wolverson were respectively unanimously elected chairman and vice-chairman of the council. Clr. Evans on taking the chair, thanked the outgoing chairman Clr. Peter Rice for his excellent work during the previous year. A letter of resignation from the clerk was read out and accepted. The vacant post would be advertised. Any person interested in the position, should contact the chairman or vice-chairman for further information. In the meantime, correspondence or information should be passed directly to any councillor.
Progress on Ongoing Issues
Gritting of the road through Gumfreston was due to take place, but there were some concerns that associated drainage works may not be adequate to deal with the known surface water issues on that section of road. Pembrokeshire County Council (PCC) was dealing directly with the various landowners involved to deal with overhanging trees on Eastern Lane and on the Gumfreston road. The community council would undertake minor maintenance of the playground equipment at the Village Hall, but would not take an overall responsibility for this equipment from PCC. Meanwhile, a group of residents is collecting ideas for improving the area and would be contacting the council with proposals in the near future. The installation of a new oil tank and bund at the Village Hall was planned for July. Similarly, the building of a small section of low wall separating the Village Hall entrance path from the playing field was planned for completion before the main summer holidays. The skateboard equipment currently being stored at the Village Hall has been donated to a local youth project and will be removed as soon as possible by the recipients. In an attempt to prevent dog fouling on the playing field, additional signs had been obtained. It was hoped that all residents and visitors would take notice and respect the desire of the community to protect the health of those using the sports field and the problem any form of fouling presents the grounds maintenance team. There were still concerns about the quality of maintenance work carried out by PCC at Longstone. Contractors equipment remained on site and some work appeared to be unfinished. PCC were to be given full details of the concerns. The council welcomed the setting up of a Local History Society in the village. The society would meet in the Village Hall and the council agreed that the upstairs room in the hall be made available for their use, along with any of the computer equipment they may find useful. The position of part time caretaker remained open and anybody interested in taking up the post should contact any councillor for further information.
Planning
No objection was raised to the application relating to Cam Springs, Devonshire Drive, which sought to make permanent the facility sited thereon.
Any Other Business
Traffic speed through the village and on the Gumfreston road particularly remained a concern for residents. PCC would be carrying out further monitoring on the Gumfreston road and accepted that the stretch of road is a problem. The council was happy to agree to the siting of a bench in memory of Mr. Tony Johns by Mr. John's family at a location to be agreed within the village. There were now three community council notice boards. They are located by the village shop, at the corner of Ridgeway View, and on the Green at Gumfreston.
Next Meeting
The next meeting will be on Monday, June 13, at 7.30 pm, in the Village Hall.