Before the start of the November meeting of St. mary Out Liberty Community Council, a welcome was extended to Mr. D. Mitchell, who was co-opted to fill the vacancy on the council.

PLANNING APPLICATIONS

One residential dwelling, Larchlands, Swallow Tree, Saundersfoot. The clerk read a letter from the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority acknowledging receipt of the council's comments.

Variation of conditions, Swallow Tree Gardens Caravan Site. Advice that approval had been given was noted.

The clerk read a letter updating the Local Development Plan in the area.

A further letter was read with reference to planning applications where the letter outlined the process that applications followed. The letter also outlined matters that the council could consider when making comments on future applications. It was agreed that the clerk should retain on file for consultation when considering future applications.

COUNTY CLR. JON PRESTON'S REPORT

Wreath: May I thank Clr. D. Brace for laying the wreath on behalf of the community council of St. Mary out Liberty at Tenby cenotaph on Sunday. Following the parade, a well attended service was held at St. Mary's Church. I would also like to thank Tenby Town Council who accommodated us this year and I hope we will now be able to continue with laying a wreath on behalf of the community council at every Remembrance service.

Crane Cross Civic Amenities Site: Work has begun at Crane Cross on the new South East Pembrokeshire Civic Amenities Site. Despite Pembrokeshire County Council informing us on more than one occasion that there was no alternative site to the Brooklands proposal or 'Plan B', work is set to be complete next year, with the plant due to be opening in March. I have also learned that a significant saving was made under the plans for the revised location due to the much lower cost of the alternative land. The full amount is yet to be confirmed.

MIU: The South East Pembrokeshire Community Health Network met last week to provide an update on the current situation regarding the MIU building and minor injuries provision in the locality. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend on this occasion. However, I did get the opportunity at last month's full council meeting to ask the new chairperson, Mrs. Bernadine Reese, to consider reviewing the decision to close the MIU facility. Mrs. Reese accepted that there are issues regarding Tenby and that there would be further engagement with the public to seek to address some of the concerns locally. Mrs. Reese also stated that there had been dialogue with SEPCHN and this would be ongoing. Unfortunately, Mrs. Reese declined my invitation to address the SEPCHN meeting held on November 2. However, she did give categorical assurance that Withybush Hospital will not be closed. I would like to thank Mrs. Watts and her team for the work they have done in clearing the weeds at the MIU building. Due to their being no maintenance contract on the building, this type of work is essential.

VILLAGE MATTERS

Dog fouling: This was no more of a problem at the present time. Monitoring will continue. County Clr. J. Preston reported that there had been an upsurge in complaints from the general public over dog fouling. This matter has to be taken seriously because there is a definite possibility of the loss of the Blue Flag award at several beaches.

Litter within the village: It was felt that at present the position was OK.

Repositioning the bin near the bus shelter opposite Cross Park: The clerk advised that they were still awaiting Pembrokeshire County Council. County Clr. Preston agreed to take up these outstanding matters on behalf of the council.

Seat near the Village Hall: The clerk advised that Mr. Brace had transferred the seat near to the entrance to St. Anne's Drive to a new position near the entrance to Trevayne Lane.

A new seat had been purchased and Mr. Brace was in the process of fixing it to replace the older seat near the entrance to St. Anne's Drive. The two new seats on opposite sides of the road match one another.

Dip in carriageway near the New Hedges Tavern: This matter was now being dealt with by County Clr. J. Preston as an urgent matter.

Christmas tree 2014: The clerk advised that he had contacted Mr. Lewis at Hean Castle.Mr. Lewis had agreed to provide the village Christmas tree again this year. The clerk also advised that he had contacted Clr. Nash to request the assistance of Mr. George and Tom Nash with the erection of the tree. The request had received a positive response from Mr. Nash. It was agreed to erect the tree on Wednesday, November 26, after the car boot had finished. Assistance was requested from the community councillors that were available.

Playing Field and Village Hall: Clr. Howard Rawson Humphries advised that considerable works had been completed in clearing the growth on the playing field side of the ditch at the rear of Hunters Park. These works had now exposed the ditch, and should assist in keeping the water clear. A discussion followed when it was felt that the Water Authority should be contacted to examine the ditch. These works should assist in allaying the fear of flooding for the residents of Hunters Park.

The chairman expressed his thanks to Clr. Rawson Humphries for the detailed report and was of the opinion that the community council should assist with the costs of these works. He proposed that a donation of £300 be made to the Village Hall management committee. Clr. R. Herrick seconded the proposition.

The clerk reminded members that the Village Hall management committee would be holding their annual general meeting very soon. At present, Clr. D. Nash and Clr. Mrs. Leyshon were the council representative members on that committee. After a short discussion, Clr. Nash and Clr. Mrs. Leyshon agreed to continue as representatives.

Report on the wreath-laying ceremony: The chairman advised that he had taken part in the Armistice parade at Tenby on November 9, laying a wreath on behalf of St. Mary Out Liberty. This was the first year that St. Mary Out Liberty had been represented, thanks to the suggestion of County Clr. J. Preston. It was hoped to repeat the action each year.

Correspondence

The clerk read letters from Pembrokeshire County Council on several issues, including an advertisement for a driver refresher course for senior citizens. Several brochures and journals were also circulated to members, and emails were read from One Voice Wales. A letter from the Hywel Dda Health Board was read with reference to young people. The clerk would display this on the notice board.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Clr. Rawson Humphries reported several defects in street furniture and road markings. The clerk would report these matters.

The next meeting of council will be on Tuesday, December 9, at 6.30 pm.