Four members and County Councillor Mrs. Carol Cavill attended the January meeting of St. Mary Out Liberty Community Council.
In welcoming members to the meeting, the chairman conveyed Clr. Mrs. Caswell's apologies. The meeting coincided with her and her husband's diamond wedding anniversary. The chairman confirmed that he had visited Mr. and Mrs. Caswell earlier in the day and had conveyed congratulations and best wishes from the community council.
Casual vacancy: The chairman advised that the person he had in mind to fill the vacancy was regrettably unable to do so. After a discussion on the matter, it was agreed that the clerk should contact Mr. Ken Hall to see if he would be prepared to rejoin the council. Since Mr. Hall had left the council, there had been a lack of communication with the Village Hall management committee, and it was hoped that council would be able to restore the close liaison that there once was. The clerk agreed to contact Mr. Hall.
Planning applications: dwelling and garage (outline) - Knightston Lodge, New Hedges (council noted the approval and the conditions that had been attached to the approval); erection of implement store - Well Park Farm, New Hedges (Clr. Nash left the meeting while the matter was discussed. After careful consideration of the plans, it was agreed that there were no objections); demolish hotel for residential development - Sundowner Motel, New Hedges (council noted the approval and the comments that were attached); first floor extensions to single storey dwellings - No. 4 and No. 6, St. Anne's Drive, New Hedges (notice of refusal was noted by council).
Advice was received of the inquiry to be held at the Regency Hall, Saundersfoot, into the proposed development of the retirement village adjacent to Park House Court, Narberth Road, Tenby. Council noted the information provided and awaited the inspector's decision with interest.
FINANCE
The clerk advised that a request to set the precept for the year 2009-2010 had been received from Pembrokeshire County Council. A lengthy discussion followed when prudence was very much in everyone's mind. In conclusion, it was agreed that the precept should not be increased. Clr. R. Herrick proposed that the precept be set at the same as last year, £4,080. This was seconded by Clr. Mrs. C. Leyshon.
Appeals: Pembrokeshire YFC - after consideration, it was agreed to note this appeal only, and to take no other action; Macmillan Cancer Support - council agreed to make a donation of £10 to this appeal.
County Councillor Mrs. C. Cavill's report
Knightston Close: The flushed kerbs were under construction and the slabbed path would be widened by inserting concrete. This should blend in with the slabs and be hardly noticeable.
Speeding, Broadfield Hill: Speed activated signs would only be fully financed by the county council on sites where the speed camera operates because they were proven danger areas. However, it was possible at other sites where there were many instances of speeding, to erect these signs, but they had to be funded jointly by county council and the community councils. The first step was for the community council to write to the county council to have an updated speed check in the area.
Outstanding matters: County Clr. Mrs. Cavill said: "I have been chasing outstanding matters that appear on the agenda. The white road markings at the turning bay at Crestville will be completed shortly; the bus shelters have not arrived as yet. No planning application concerning the car sales has been received as yet. The National Park enforcement officer is contacting the owner of the eye-sore property at Rushy Lake. The county council await a written request to remove the Rowston sign to a new position."
Following Clr. Mrs. Cavill's report, Clr. Herrick expressed the opinion that he was unhappy with the standard of work being carried out to complete the drop kerb at Knightston Close. The chairman reported that he had also discussed the work with the access officer on site and was also not entirely happy with the work. Council agreed that the clerk should contact the area maintenance officer, Mr. Granville Codd, to inform him of council's concerns.
With reference to the speeding matter, the chairman expressed the view that he did not think that speed activated signs were that effective. The clerk would contact Mr. John Price to request an updated speed check be carried out.
The matter of the planning application was also discussed and again the view was expressed that the matter was most unacceptable to be continuing month after month without any action being taken. The clerk would contact the enforcement officer.
Village matters
The chairman reported that the Knightston Close pavement access had been discussed and the matter was in hand.
The erection of the Christmas tree had been carried out by Mr. George Nash, for which the council was most grateful. The chairman reported that the matter of the Christmas tree lights had turned into a nightmare. The original electrical contractor had declined to carry out the work to connect the lights due to the fact that the lights were not now suitable.
However, the chairman had contacted Mr. D. McDermott, who had kindly agreed to assist with the matter. The difficulties had underlined the fact that there was currently little liaison between the Village Hall management committee and the council. It was hoped that the matter could be corrected in the near future to overcome the difficulties that had been experienced recently.
The matter of the sale of cars was now in hand and the bus shelter matter had been dealt with in County Councillor Mrs. Cavill's report.
The chairman expressed concern as to how councillors were being approached over council matters.
While it was recognised that it was important that the local electorate was aware who the community councillors were, it was important to satisfy the terms of the code of conduct that any such approaches be received and dealt with in a consistent and uniform manner.
Clr. Mrs. Leyshon related how a community council in the north of Pembrokeshire had overcome this issue and agreed to look into the matter.
In the meantime, it was agreed that any matters raised should be handled in a uniform manner, either by advising the person to put it in writing or to contact the clerk on (01834) 813665, so that it could be placed on the agenda. The clerk agreed to display his telephone and e-mail address on the council noticeboard.
Correspondence
The chairman read a letter from Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum. A notice of road closure at Devonshire Drive was received from Pembrokeshire County Council and noted. The chairman also read a comprehensive letter from Pembrokeshire County Council on Code of Conduct. It was agreed that the clerk should retain this on file.
ANy other business
The clerk questioned as to when the council wished to discuss the defibrillator issue. It was agreed to request Mr. Roberts, of the Welsh Ambulance Trust, to attend the next meeting to outline the project. If this was a possibility, it may be more beneficial to hold the meeting at the earlier time of 4 pm. It was agreed to hold the next meeting at 4 pm on February 10.