At this month's meeting of St. Mary Out Liberty Community Council, the following matters were discussed:

Planning applications

Erection of detached pitched roof - double garage, New Mexico, Swallow Tree Saundersfoot (after careful consideration, it was agreed that council had no objections); proposed residential development, The Sundowner Motel site, Saundersfoot (after a long and careful examination of the plans and consideration of the comments sent by Mrs. J. Ayling and Mrs. A. Van Den Broeke, council agreed that the development would be an improvement to the existing site and resolved that it had no objection to the proposed development being approved. The clerk was requested to advise Mrs. Ayling and Mrs. Van Den Broeke that they should forward their comments directly to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park).

Appeals

Pembrokeshire Cruse Bereavement Care - a donation of £10 was proposed by Clr. R. Herrick seconded by Clr. Mrs Leyshon; YFC - it was decided to note this appeal only.

Petition against

the closure of

the MIU at Tenby

The chairman advised that the petition had been well-received by the public with most people very happy to sign. The chairman thanked Clrs. Morris, Brace, Mrs. Morris and County Clr. Preston for their assistance with the petition. Also thanks to Mrs. Goldwait, of the Mini Market, for their help. The clerk would now send the petition with a letter to the Rt Hon Leslie Griffiths, the Health Minister at the Welsh Assembly Government. The clerk would also write to Mr. Tony Wales, chairman of the Community Health Council. County Clr. Mr. Jon Preston confirmed that he had written to both local practices to seek clarification in the event of the closure of the MIU at Tenby.

County CLR. Mr. Jon Preston's report

Clr. Preston reported as follows:

Tenby MIU - Engagement of local GPs: In light of the recent announcement by the Hywel Dda Health Board to close the Minor Injuries Unit at Tenby, I have made an attempt to seek a statement of intent from the local general practitioners. Presently, the people of the ward and those of Tenby, Saundersfoot and the surrounding area have been expected to accept the fact that local GPs have made 'no commitment' to the plans to provide minor injuries facilities should the MIU at Tenby be closed. I have received written confirmation from the chairman of the Hywel Dda Health Board, Mr. Chris Martin, which states, if an agreement is not reached with local GPs, then the Health Board will contract other agencies if necessary. This situation would be damaging to the many years GPs have spent developing close affiliations with the local communities. I believe as gatekeepers to the facilities of the National Health Service, a general practitioner holds a position of great responsibility and a duty of care to those in which his or her wellbeing has been entrusted. This is an institution which is largely funded at public expense and I feel is duty bound to be clear and concise in its intentions, even more so during this period of uncertainty. I have requested a statement outlining the position with regard to the announcement by the Hywel Dda Health Board. I have also asked for confirmation that GPs within each practice at Tenby and Saundersfoot are able to provide an extended out-of-hours service before any plans to close the MIU at Tenby are put in place."

Devonshire Drive flooding: "Devonshire Drive has been subject to severe flooding over recent weeks. The situation was at its worst over the Christmas period when the road was impassable for over a week. The problem was reported in the local newspaper and commented on, in the letters page. I have spoken with residents of Devonshire Drive, who have informed me this is a relatively recent problem. A similar problem exists at the bottom end of Gumfreston Hill. During heavy rainfall, the road is impassable. Residents of Gumfreston have to travel to Redberth to access a clear road to Tenby. I have contacted Welsh Water, the Environment Agency and Pembrokeshire County Council planning officers. I can confirm that the situation is being investigated by the appropriate authorities."

Mechanical sweeper: "I have contacted the officer responsible for our road sweeping service to report the fact that I have received concerns from villagers that the mechanical sweeper is driving directly through the village with the brushes up. This has happened on more than one occasion and I have previously raised the issue with the street maintenance department, as requested by the community council. I have explained that we expect a through sweep throughout the complete designated route for this service. I have asked that the sweeper schedule remains unchanged and that a full service will be carried out as per schedule. I have been informed that the mechanical sweeper has a schedule to sweep New Hedges which I am advised is adhered to. A sweeper may well be passing with brushes up if travelling to or from a location/specific issue or if it is full. There has been no change to the sweeping schedule for New Hedges and no amendment to this schedule is planned."

Drainage: "I have put together a report regarding the poor drainage opposite the Village Hall and have submitted it to the street maintenance department at Pembrokeshire County Council."

New public bin: "I have submitted a request to have the new bin located at the roundabout emptied during the normal collection schedule."

Narrow pavement at the chicanes: "We will be liaising with an officer of the council and the local police to resolve these issues of traffic mounting the kerb at this point."

Waterwynch: "As previously reported, this situation now rests with the landowner. It has been reported to PCC as National Park Authority had only achieved an agreement to cover up part of the sign. It may be of benefit to ensure all local holiday parks and guides advise tourists this is a public right of way with no vehicular access."

Swallow Tree to Saundersfoot pavement: "I have met with County Clr. Phil Baker to establish a joint approach to PCC in developing a safe route between Saundersfoot village and Swallow Tree woods. This improvement is long overdue and is a necessity in terms of the health and safety of pedestrians."

Park House Court: "The inspector's report on the planning application has been received by the Welsh Government planning division and is currently being considered. Advice will shortly be put to the Minister for the Environment and Sustainable Development on the merits of the planning application, who will then determine it."

Village Matters

Dog fouling: This was still a problem in certain parts. The chairman read correspondence on this matter from Pembrokeshire County Council. with reference to the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005. Pembrokeshire County Council was prepared to assist community councils where problems existed. The chairman continued to read the overview which advised Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996 allowed for FPNs to carry a fine of £75 which can be retained by PCC. It was agreed to continue to monitor the position and to liaise with the public protection department at PCC as necessary.

Litter within the village: It was agreed to monitor the problem now that the mechanical road sweeper schedule had been clarified.

Notice board: Clr. Mrs. Leyshon advised that she had requested permission to erect the council notice board inside the Village Hall car parking area on the opposite side to the Village Hall notice board. Mrs. Leyshon advised that permission had been granted. The clerk advised that the notice board had been repainted and could now be fixed in the new position.

Playing Field and Village Hall

There was nothing further to report other than that the playing field had been closed due to the very poor weather.

ANY other business

County Clr. Preston confirmed that there was no further development with reference to the civic amenity site. Clr. Preston would be raising the matter at the next full council meeting.

Clr. Mrs. Leyshon reported several matters needing attention - cycle path near Sandy Hill, no litter bin near Cross Park, faulty water hydrant near Trevayne Lane. Clr. Mrs. Turner reported the pavement near Cross Park. These were all matters about which the clerk would contact Mr. Codd at Pembrokeshire County Council to seek his assistance.

Clr. D. Nash reported a street light near St. Anne's Church was continually on. The clerk would deal with the matter.

The next meeting of council will be Tuesday, March 11, at 6.30 pm.