Among matters discussed at the January meeting of St. Mary Out Liberty Community Council were the following: Playing field: The chairman advised that there was nothing new to report. Work would soon be starting on the Village Hall extension. Planning applications: Proposed new dwelling and garage - Knightston Lodge, New Hedges. The chairman read a letter advising that the application referred to had been refused. The council noted the remarks. New toilet block and gazebo Broadfield Farm. Advice of approval was noted by council.

Finance

The clerk advised that the final installment of the precept had been received for the year 2005-2006. He also advised council that they had been requested to set the new precept for the year 2006-2007. After careful consideration, it was agreed to increase the precept by £200 to £3,800. Council had not increased the precept for the past three years, and it was felt they should have a small reserve for carrying out small projects. Appeals: Samaritans and Pembrokeshire Coalition. Donations of £10 were proposed. The chairman advised of a request for financial assistance from the Village Hall Management Committee for the New Hedges Senior Citizens New Year Party. It was proposed that a donation of £100 be made to the event.

County Councillor Mrs. CavIll's report

Verge along the bypass: Welsh Water had recently carried out work along the bypass and near to St. Ann's Church. They had not restored the land to its original condition and had also covered a French drain. Clr. Mrs. Cavill had twice reported this to Pembrokeshire County Council Street Works who were contacting Welsh Water to rectify this. Sundowner Motel: This application had not been granted as yet. The National Park had asked the applicant for proof of the marketing potential of the site. As yet. this had not been received. Footpath, Waterwynch Beach: The access officer of National Park apologised that he had not yet organised a site meeting for interested parties. This would be done during February.

Correspondence

The chairman read a communication from Business Eye, which council agreed to note. An invitation to provide details of any local newsletter was received from Local Works who were formulating records of local activities. The chairman read a letter from Pembrokeshire County Council with reference to the inspector's report on the changes to the JUDP. It was still being studied at this point, Council agreed to await the final information. Letters of thanks were received from Age Concern, Pembrokeshire Young Farmers, Eisteddfod Genedlaethol Cymru and Dyfed Victim Support. The chairman read details from the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park outlining the policy on tetrospective planning, Council agreed to retain this on file. A further letter was read from Pembrokeshire County Council in reply to council's request over bus timetables at New Hedges. It was hoped that the matter could finally be resolved this month, when new notices would be provided.

Highway Matters

The chairman enquired with County Councillor Mrs. Cavill if the Water Authority had completed the works through the village. Clr. Mrs. Cavill was not sure, but agreed to monitor, and report back, because the resurfacing works could be started sooner, if that was the case. Road widening at Broadfield Hill: County Clr. Mrs. Cavill advised that the works had now been completed. Council agreed to request that Pembrokeshire County Council continue the footpath to join with the footpath/cycle path where it crossed the road near the junction to New Hedges village. The works now completed had increased the safety of pedestrians considerably. Seat maintenance programme: Clr. Johns and Clr. Morris had the works in hand and were awaiting an improvement in the weather. Christmas arrangements 2005: The chairman reported that the local celebrations had occurred without incident; the Christmas tree had looked excellent thanks to Mr. Watts and his helpers. It was agreed that the clerk should contact Hean Castle Estate to thank them for providing such an excellent tree.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Complaints were still being received about the litter in and near the bus shelter at Cross Park. The clerk advised that he had spoken to Mr. Brace. This shelter was the property of Pembrokeshire County Council. The clerk agreed to contact the county council with reference to this matter. Clr. Morris requested that the agenda for future meetings be modified to include the more important matters that often appeared at the end earlier in the agenda, and before correspondence. It was generally agreed that this was an excellent suggestion, and the clerk would arrange it.