Among matters discussed at a recent meeting of St. Florence Community Council were the following:

RURAL HOUSING ENABLER FOR PEMBROKESHIRE

An interesting and informative presentation was delivered to help the community assess the need for affordable housing in this area.

PROGRESS ON ONGOING ISSUES

The following matters concerning the Village Hall were discussed: The quotes received for maintenance to the hall were discussed in detail. After much deliberation, the final cost of the work was capped and the repairs should progress in the near future; The basketball post, as requested by youths in the village, had been delivered and the necessary requirements to install the equipment had been finalised; The price and safety of chemicals was being investigated to spray the weeds on the playing fields in preparation for the forthcoming season; Two new double glazed windows had been installed in the kitchen at the hall; A survey was to be conducted in the village as to the local needs of the villagers for more sport facilities at the village hall and playing fields as some grants are available for this purpose. Pembrokeshire County Council was to be informed that the maintenance work at Longstone had not been completed. Regrettably, there remained a serious problem of dog fouling in the village and previous requests to solve this problem had been ignored. The community council decided to notify the dog warden to issue fines on anyone not disposing of the mess left on pavements, streets and public amenities of St. Florence. There had been no explanation forthcoming from BT regarding the lightning damage in St. Florence last November, after repeated requests. The matter would be pursued further. Pembrokeshire County Council was to be reminded that the council requested information regarding the results of the speed monitoring survey conducted at Gumfreston.

FINANCES

An unrealistic estimated bill was received from the Water Board. Upon investigation, the new meter could not be located and the Water Board was looking into the matter.

PLANNING

The following applications were received and discussed: agricultural portal framed lean-to building to an existing building at Summerton Farm Homestead, Tenby; change of use of part of Garden Centre to Tea Rooms at Reb-Vic Garden Centre, Tenby; dwelling with integral garage at Plot 4 Fiddlers Green Lane, St. Florence; removal of occupancy restriction at Paddock Lodge, East Jordeston, St. Florence.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

A letter of resignation was received from Mrs. Valerie Richards after more than 30 years of faithful and dedicated service to the community council. Minutes and agenda were received from One Voice Wales. Pembrokeshire County Council informed members of the South East Area Liaison meeting on April 12. The Standards Committees (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2006 invited comments on a draft Statutory Instrument. The possibility of obtaining a grant to provide a disabled toilet facility at the public convenience block next to the shop was to be investigated. Various blocked drains in the village would be reported to Pembrokeshire County Council.

NEXT MEETING

The next meeting will be held on Monday, April 10, at 7.30 pm.