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

Council vacancy

Having been advised by Pembrokeshire County Council to co-opt a person to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Mr. Tony Morris, the chairman welcomed Mr. Howard Rawson-Humphries to the meeting and introduced him to the councillors present.

Mr. Rawson-Humphries had been suggested to fill the vacancy and the chairman formally invited him to join the council.

Mr. Rawson-Humphries was proposed by Clr. D. Brace, seconded by Clr. Mrs. Leyshon, and he completed the acceptance of office forms, agreeing to be bound by the council's code of conduct.

Matters arising

The clerk advised that he had continued to contact Messrs. Chandler-Rogers with reference to the condition of the plot of land opposite the Mini Market without success to date. He would continue trying.

Planning application

Hean Castle estate - new and improved access roadway for the purpose of felling timber - Rowston (advice of approval noted).

Council resignation

The clerk advised that he had received a letter of resignation from Clr. Mrs. K. Turner. The chairman expressed regret at losing Mrs. Turner as a councillor and asked the clerk to write to Mrs. Turner to thank her for her service to the community. The clerk would advise Pembrokeshire County Council of the resignation.

County CLR. Jon Preston's report

Clr. Preston reported as follows:

Knightston Lodge planning application: Due to the lack of progress concerning this application, I have contacted the planning department at County Hall stating that it has now been over one month since I was told of their decision to inform the line manager of my request to hold a site meeting at Knightston Lodge. All parties concerned with this application wish this meeting to take place. Time is moving on, still after three requests to meet with us, the situation is unresolved. At this stage, I felt I must insist PCC recognises the need to hold a site meeting without any further delay. As officers of the authority, I fail to see why the planning officers have been so hesitant in attending to an issue in this community which we have made quite clear requires their attention. Following this request, I have now received the following information from the planning officer. Our request for a site meeting with regard to planning application 12/1083/PA, erection of two dwellings at land to north and south Knightston Lodge, New Hedges, has now been discussed with the head of planning. Officers are prepared to arrange a mutually agreeable time for a meeting at County Hall, Haverfordwest, with myself, a representative from St. Mary Out Liberty Community Council, and the PCC development manager. Having discussed this with my community council, I have again insisted on a site meeting. I have written to the project manager stating that, whilst I appreciate their efforts to accommodate our request, I am disappointed that the planning officers continue to ignore the need for a site meeting. I am attempting to engage all parties in reaching a suitable conclusion to this planning proposal. It is quite relevant to note that this situation is causing a significant degree of anxiety due to the uncertainty of the parameters of this development. This needs to be addressed at the location with all parties present. It is the only way to deal with a situation such as this.

All involved parties deserve 30 minutes of our (council officers and elected member) time on site to clarify the planning application's implications. It is our role to ensure that the communities which we serve are provided with a level of service which will monitor development whilst maintaining the unique character of Pembrokeshire communities.

Poor upkeep of the village: I, the clerk to the council, and Mrs. Watts met recently with the area supervisor and head of service in the village. This was a good opportunity to clarify areas of responsibility and address some of the ongoing problems we have encountered regarding village maintenance. The meeting was successful in terms of agreeing the levels of service we can expect and in highlighting areas requiring attention. May I thank all those who took the time to attend and the PCC maintenance team for agreeing to meet us in the village.

Civic amenities site, Brooklands: There has been a rumour circulating at County Hall that the planning application is to be resubmitted. However, I can confirm that I have been informed that, at the time of writing this report, that it is not the case and that there are no immediate plans to resubmit this application in its current form at the Brooklands site.

Traffic calming: Following the site meeting, a speed survey was undertaken at two locations within the village. The first location just north of the chicane near Knightston Lodge and the second further north of the chicane near Hunters Park. The purpose of the two surveys was to get a comparison of vehicle speeds near the chicane to those further afield to establish what effect the feature was having.

The survey was undertaken between March 27 and April 5, with results being as follows:

Survey at Knightston Lodge: traffic travelling towards village centre in the Saundersfoot direction - mean average speed = 26 mph; 24-hour traffic volume = 825 vehicles; traffic travelling towards Tenby - mean average speed = 26 mph; 24-hour traffic volume = 827 vehicles.

Survey in the region of Hunters Park: traffic travelling towards Saundersfoot - mean average speed = 30.2 mph; 24-hour volume = 1,270; traffic travelling towards Tenby - mean average speed = 35.3 mph; 24-hour volume = 1,218.

Traffic officers have reported that it would appear from the results that the chicane is having a positive impact on reducing vehicle speeds when compared to those recorded further in the village where no calming features are present.

Ironman Wales 2013

A questionnaire had been received from Pembrokeshire County Council with reference to feedback for Ironman. The chairman outlined the various headings in order. Council supported each discipline in turn, the only adverse comment being the clean up after the event.

In New Hedges, the clean up had been carried out by three teams of local residents. They had all done an excellent job. The chairman expressed his and the community council's thanks to these local residents. The clerk was requested to advise Pembrokeshire County Council.

Village matters

Dog fouling: This was again a subject that was still causing problems, particularly near the New Hedges roundabout. Close monitoring would continue.

Litter within the village: This matter had been discussed with Mr. Codd at the recently held meeting. Mr. Codd assured council that the schedule was being adhered to closely. Pembrokeshire County Council had agreed to improve the area of land near the entrance to Trevayne Lane; work would be effected over the winter period.

Seats within the village: Seats were discussed. It was agreed that every effort should be made to maintain the seats to a high standard. Work was now in progress to replace the seat on Twycross hill that had been donated in memory of the late County Clr. W. G. Lawrence, to celebrate the Queen's Silver Jubilee in 1977. The clerk was dealing with this matter.

Work on the pavement: This work would be arranged during the winter period when staff were more available. The clerk advised that he and the chairman had met with Mr. D. Badham, the tree surgeon, to discuss the trees in the copse south of Knightston Lodge. A quotation of £240 had been received to prune and remove the surplus. After discussion, council agreed that Mr. Badham be advised to carry out the works as soon as possible.

Christmas tree 2013: The clerk advised that he had contacted Mr. Lewis at Hean Castle Estate to enquire if he could help again this year with a Christmas tree. Mr. Lewis had responded very quickly advising that he would be pleased to donate a tree again this year to the community of New Hedges. Mr. Lewis had sent his best wishes to the community councillors for the coming season. The clerk would liaise with the staff at Hean Castle.

Correspondence

A letter was read by the chairman from Mrs. Ayling with reference to the boundary revision, enclosing a copy of the original documents on this matter from 1992 which mentioned the possible demise of the small community councils. Mrs. Ayling's comments were noted with interest.

Any other business

Clr. Mrs. Leyshon expressed concerns over the 30 mph signage near the roundabout. The clerk was requested to contact Mr. Codd to seek his views. Clr. Howard Rawson-Humphries requested a map of the community council area.

The next meeting of council will be Tuesday, November 12, at 6.30 pm.