At the start of the recent monthly meeting of St. Mary Out Liberty Community Council, the chairman welcomed Mrs. Lawrence, who had attended to discuss the replacement of the seat donated in memory of her father, the late County Councillor W. J. Lawrence.

After examination of various brochures, the chairman suggested, if possible, it may be best to purchase a maintenance-free seat.

The cost of a suitable replacement would be in the region of £325.

Mrs. Lawrence agreed to this type of replacement.

The chairman suggested that due to the fact that this type of seat was more expensive, maybe the community council could pay half the cost of the replacement.

After a further discussion, it was agreed to accept this course of action.

The clerk would order the replacement seat and liaise with Mrs. Lawrence as the matter progressed.

Matters arising

The clerk advised that he had contacted Mr. Codd at Pembrokeshire County Council to request that the bin adjacent to the seat opposite Cross Park be moved to a position next tot he bus shelter.

Although the request had been acknowledged, no action had been taken to date.

County Clr. J. Preston agreed to take this up, along with other outstanding matters.

Planning applications

Single storey extension at Induna, New Hedges (advice of approval noted).

New access for the felling of timber at Rowston, Hean Castle Estate (there were no objections to this application being approved).

Appeals

A donation of £10 was proposed by Clr. D. Brace for Shelter Cymru; seconded by Clr. R. Thomas.

Council Vacancy

The clerk advised that there had been no nomination to fill the vacant council post. The chairman requested the clerk to arrange to insert an advertisement in the local press in the hope that a nomination would be received.

County Clr. Jon Preston's report

Knightston Lodge planning application - Following a site meeting with nearby residents, Clr. Preston contacted the case officer at Pembrokeshire County Council who informed him of the following:

"Council officers have met with the agent, Mr. Rees, who has supplied a copy of the notification sent to the land owner informing them of the planning application.

"The agent has also supplied the planning department with a copy of signed Certification B, which is required when submitting a planning application on land not in the applicant's ownership.

"The agent is in the process of amending the design of the proposed dwelling to the north of Knightston Lodge. A new consultation and site notice will be undertaken once new drawings have been received.

"In light of this new information and to comply with the councillors code of conduct, I am unable to comment further on this application until the new drawings have been issued. I will again be available to meet with local residents to discuss any new planning applications."

Poor upkeep of the village: Clr. Preston said he recently met with a group of concerned villagers regarding the poor upkeep of the village communal areas.

"I have reported the issue to the head of services and hope to see an improvement to the standard of grass cutting and road sweeping," he said.

"I have been monitoring the situation over the past two weeks and I am disappointed that some areas are still not of the standard I would expect.

"I will again raise this with the head of services prior to escalating this problem to a higher level should the need arise," added Clr. Preston.

Electoral boundary review -Clr. Preston gave a report on the current consultation.

On April 26, 2010, the Boundary Commission submitted to the Welsh Assembly Government for consideration its report on the county council recommended changes under Section 58 (2) of the Local Government Act 1972

The Welsh Assembly Government may, if it thinks fit, make an order giving effect to any proposals made by the Commission either as submitted or with modification.

Any order giving effect to any such proposals shall not be made until after the expiry of six weeks from the day on which the proposals were submitted.

Copies of the Boundary Commission report are available for inspection in each public library in Pembrokeshire and at reception at County Hall, Haverfordwest. The report can also be viewed on the commission's website.

The proposal sees Penally ward lose the community council of St. Mary Out Liberty and gain the community of St. Florence.

St. Mary Out Liberty would then become part of the new Saundersfoot South ward.

"Although I would be very disappointed to lose the community of St. Mary Out Liberty, the practicalities of this proposal must be considered," added Clr. Preston.

Civic amenities site, Brooklands - "Following the well publicised withdrawal of the original planning application, I have written to the director of service, Mr. Ian Westley, who has assured me he will inform me of any future developments.

"I would expect some form of closure on this matter quite soon due to the fact that the planning application is beyond reasonable amendment to ever succeed.

"May I again thank the Community Council of St Mary Out Liberty for their continued support in this matter and the empathy they have shown to the Brooklands community," added Clr. Preston.

Village Matters

Dog fouling: Clr. Mrs. Leyshon reported that there was still a problem in the area near the motel and near the Twycross roundabout.

The clerk agreed to contact the dog warden to request assistance.

Litter within the village: Clr. Preston was dealing with this matter along with other matters within the village.

Ironman Wales 2013: Clr. Thomas reported that everything was in hand.

Clr. Thomas also requested that the toilet facilities be made available as they were last year.

Due to the fact that there was no Village Hall meeting before the Ironman event, the clerk was requested to liaise with chairperson Mrs. Butland on this matter and to report direct to Clr. Thomas.

Pavement near Cross Park: Clr. Mrs. Turner reminded the chairman about the narrowness of the pavement on the eastern side of the village road, making it very difficult to walk with pushchairs, prams etc, not forgetting the disabled.

Over time, the pavement had narrowed as the bank encroached into the pavement.

The clerk had requested that this be attended to. Although Mr. Codd had acknowledged the request, it had not been carried out.

The clerk would again email Mr. Codd to urge some action. Clr. Preston agreed to add this matter to the list that he was currently dealing with.

Correspondence

The chairman read letters from Pembrokeshire County Council with reference to the Local Development Plan; Pembrokeshire wildlife; the photographic competition for older people; and the governing body of Tenby Junior School.

Correspondence with reference to the electoral boundary changes was discussed and it was agreed that the matter would be placed on the next agenda for fuller debate.

Any other business

Several members were concerned over the plot of land opposite the Mini Market and adjacent to the Village Hall. The land was central to the village and its current condition did nothing to enhance the village.

The clerk was requested to contact Messrs. Chandler Rogers, who were handling the sale of the land, to request that the grass be cut.

Clr. Mrs. Turner reported a danger matter near the traffic calming due to an overgrown bush.

The next meeting of council will be Tuesday, September 10, at 6.30 pm.