Among matters discussed at the April meeting of the St Florence Community Council, held at the Village Hall, were the following:

PROGRESS ON ONGOING ISSUES

Maintenance work to the Village Hall, including the preparation and painting of the outside of the hall, should commence shortly. Over a period of two days, approximately 16 volunteers in the village totally redecorated and cleaned the hall. It was an enormous project that they undertook, with the work being executed to a high level of expertise and enthusiasm. Focus donated a large amount of paint to the community. The community council expressed their appreciation for the willingness and hard work put in by all the volunteers and to Focus for their donation. A new booking form to comply with the Licensing Act 2003 was in the process of being compiled and it was suggested that, in future, a substantial refundable deposit be taken to cover any damage that might occur. Basketball equipment that was requested by the youth of the village was now installed and being used on a daily basis. An article would be inserted into the local newsletter, The Flyer, for any further suggestions by the youths in the village as to what their requirements might be. Towards the end of the month, or early May, the playing fields would be treated for weeds in preparation for the forthcoming season. The Water Board had finally installed a new water meter outside the village hall. At the next council meeting, three quotes from various insurance companies would be presented and a decision made to finally resolve the problems that had arisen in the past ensuring cover with various events in the village. Mowing of the grass verges in the village for the forthcoming season would commence shortly. Pembrokeshire County Council presented the result of the speed monitoring survey carried out at Gumfreston and reported that they were contacting the Mid and South Wales Safety Camera Partnership to consider the use of a mobile speed camera at this location.

FINANCE

The oil tank was refilled at the hall, paint was purchased for the decoration project and various items purchased to install the basketball equipment.

PLANNING

The following applications were received and discussed: Extension to the existing dwelling and new starter home on the site of the garage at Laurel Cottage - the unanimous decision was that this was a total over-development of the site and that the steps were dangerous as they led straight onto the highway. Permission had been granted for an agricultural portal framed lean-to building at Summerton Farm; and for the change of use of a double garage to granny accommodation at Sheepwalks. An application for a Certificate of Lawfulness for the range of uses by Reb-Vic Garden Centre had been refused.

CORRESPONDENCE

A booklet was received for the Risk Reduction Planning (RRP) Guidance for the Fire and Rescue Authorities - Wales a Safer Country. Nick Ainger MP provided his surgery timetable for May to July 2006. Pembrokeshire County Council Standards Committee reminded members of the Declaration and Recording of Interests and the Members Code of Conduct. The County Council also pointed out the hazards on countryside paths and requested assistance in monitoring the situation; and were to distribute 30,000 free compost bins across the county in a bid to encourage people to deal with their garden and kitchen waste in a more environmentally friendly way. PAVS presented their Spring 2006 Volunteer Bulletin for Pembrokeshire. Mid and West Wales Regional Committee informed the council of a meeting to be held in Dolgellau focusing on the topic of affordable housing, while PLANED invited members to the launch of the Energy Savers Project in Saundersfoot. Pembrokeshire and Derwen NHS Trust provided their new telephone number, the Local Government Ombudsman notified of important changes and the Local Health Board had provided information regarding the review of Acute Health Service Provision in Mid and West Wales.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

It was to be reported to Pembrokeshire County Council that a keystone was coming out at the bottom of a wall that was disturbed when the council put in the new footpath near the old Post Office; numerous potholes at Longstone were to be repaired; signs were to be installed at the top and bottom of Eastern Lane forbidding the use of heavy duty vehicles driving down the lane; and the wall that had fallen down at Manor House was to be repaired. A sign was to be purchased forbidding any unauthorised vehicles from using the playing fields and quotes were to be obtained to repair the fence between Waverley House and the Village Hall. A watchful eye was to be kept on heavy duty vehicles reversing on the roads within St. Florence causing a dangerous situation for both pedestrians and children. The WI bench at The Ridgeway would be cleaned and repaired. The outgoing chairman was thanked for her past year in office and the forthcoming meeting would be the annual general meeting.

NEXT MEETING

The next meeting will be held on Monday, May 8, at 7.30 pm, at the St. Florence Village Hall.