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

PROGRESS ON ONGOING ISSUES

The affordable housing enabler addressed the meeting about conducting a survey in St. Florence to ascertain the need for affordable housing in the village. The distribution date for questionnaires had been set for mid-September. Due to new furniture in the hall, the contents insurance had been raised. A VAT refund had been authorised for 2006/2007 by HM Revenue and Customs. The county council had reported the following on various road signs in and around the parish: a road sign had been ordered for Gumfreston 'unsuitable for motor vehicles' as well as a 'no through road' to replace the sign indicating 'unsuitable for caravans'; the missing 'St Florence' sign at the bottom of Eastern Lane had been reported to the area maintenance section; the 'Village Hall' sign taken from the lane would be returned and the incorrect signage of 'Fiddlers Lane', to be changed to 'Fiddlers Green Lane', had been reported to the area maintenance section. It would be reported to the county council that drivers were taking no notice of the 'Priority to oncoming traffic' sign at the Parsonage Inn and the 'one way' sign below the Sun Inn could not be seen until drivers were on top of it. The speeding of vehicles and motorbikes at the crossroads on the main Tenby road and through Gumfreston (especially over weekends) would be reported. Phases 3, 4 and 8 of the business plan for the village hall were now ongoing. A quote was received for £625 to replace three windows in the shower block and a further quote was to be obtained to replace the external door and frame in the bar. Keys have been provided to open the windows of the village hall. Correspondence was received indicating the draft proposals consultation for Community Council Periodic Electoral Review, proposing that St. Florence and Gumfreston remain as they are with eight councillors in office. Notification would be sent indicating that the community council was of the opinion that the existing nine councillors should remain in office. The internal auditor had agreed to submit the PAYE returns for the community council. The vegetation restricting the flow of water in the Ritec had been cleared by the county council.

FINANCE The present savings account did not provide the council with a paying-in book, therefore a new account would be opened for the hire of the village hall with its own paying-in book and cheque book. The aim of the business plan was to generate increased usage of the hall to make it a more viable proposition so that the premises could become more financially sustainable. This would also assist with the annual returns. The following items were put forward for payment and approved: Cutting of the grass verges, the booking clerk, the clerk, and BT.

PLANNING

The following applications were dealt with at the meeting: Canopy at the Sun Inn, St Florence - permission had been granted. Conversion of a barn to a dwelling at the New Inn Farm, St. Florence - there were no objections.

CORRESPONDENCE

The St. Florence Village Association advised of a Summer Dance at the village hall. North Wales Tourism provided Countryside Code publications. One Voice Wales invited the community council to join their organisation. Pembrokeshire Crossroads advised of their annual general meeting on July 5. Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Authority invited comment on the draft risk reduction action plan 2008/2009 consultation. Wales Rural Forum offered free help for community groups.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

The county council was to be requested to cut the grass in Gumfreston three to four times a year as the 40 mph speed signs were obscured and there was poor visibility on the road. The land opposite The Chimneys would be seeded with grass and maintained. The Water Board was aware of the water hydrant block in Fiddlers Green Lane. A wheelchair was to be acquired for the village hall to assist the disabled.

NEXT MEETING

The next meeting will be held on Monday, July 9, at 7.30 pm, at St. Florence Village Hall.