GOWERTON COMMUNITY COUNCIL

CYNGOR CYMUNEDOL TREGŴYR

Minutes of a Meeting of Council held on Wednesday 1st April 2009

PRESENT: Cllrs. Peter Johns, Ros Holt, Barbara Small, Ann Guard, Gareth Evans, Mike Sander and Linda Bolchover.

ALSO PRESENT: Clerk Serena Thomas.

105 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE: Cllrs. Susan Jones, Mike Egan, Lynne Carey, Gareth Morgan.

106 DISCLOSURES OF INTEREST FROM MEMBERS:

107 MEETING WITH: None arranged.

108 PUBLIC REPRESENTATIONS:

None received

109 COUNCIL MINUTES – 4^th March 2009

a) the Minutes were accepted as a true record.
b) Matters arising: Noted.

The written report of the Clerk regarding matters arising and subsequent actions taken was noted.

110 REPORT OF WARD MEMBER

Cllr Sue Jones sent the following report:

There has again been a number of training sessions attended:-
Overview and Scrutiny Improvement sessions.
Seminar of Code of BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environment and Sustainable Standards)
Equality and Diversity Strategy

Cllr Jones has attended meetings with
Inspector Richie Jones at Gorseinon explaining their new Community Policing Strategy.
With Sustrans ,Cycle Officer and members of the Penclawdd development group regarding the position of the Cycle Track to Penclawdd - also meet with A.M Dai Lloyd on this issue.
QED 20 /20 meetings on the progress of appropriate teaching provisions. All the schools in Gowerton are out for consultation on the proposals. (Creation of an all through Primary School on two sites – Loss of the sixth form in Gowerton Comprehensive and the retention of the sixth. Form in Ysgol Gyfun Gwyr.) Sue has made her views known to Councillor Mike Day (Cabinet Member for Education)
I have informed John Hague (Cabinet Member for Environment) about the villages disappointment on the decision by the Welsh Assembly not to support out application for Safe Routes to School money for the Pelican Crossing. The Group decision is to continue fund raising and there is an event in St.Johns on April the 11th. The Concert held in St.Catherine’s Church in Gorseinon was an enjoyable event that raised £646.00. The Appeal stands at the moment at £9335.00.
The Planning Area 2 committee: I attended a site visit of the proposed Biomas Power Station on the docks area and also attended the council when the decision was made.
There was an Extra Ordinary Council meeting to install a new Alderman – Alderman Paul Valerio which she also attended.
She has also visited the Guildhall to look at the improvement and maintenance project which is costing the people of Swansea. Because the maintenance has not been carried out over a number of years the bill is enormous. This building is worthy of note and should be kept for the future generation of Swansea.
Also attended the Special Council Meeting on the 31st. March looking at the Children’s Services and the intervention board that is being introduced.
Attended the Liberty Stadium with the Police on a Youth Seminar, which looked at the views of young people on issues such as alcohol and knife crime.

The Litter Pick Project took place on Sunday the 29th. Of March and it was attended by up to 50 Adults and Children who collected litter from the Shop in Park Road to the Boundary of Ysgol Gyfun Gwyr. The Police (Phil Barrow, Nadine Williams and Jim Grove) were all present and took part. We collected a huge mound of litter which will be collected by Keep Wales Tidy. I have arranged for the installation of a new litter bin near the junction of the footpaths from the park to Heol y Gog. The area is to be rid of brambles by the NEAT team and the plan is to plant flowers which have been acquired by Claire Kups from a local retail firm. This proves that Community Spirit is not dead – its alive and well in Gowerton!!!!!! Claire has also organised an Easter Egg Hunt on Sunday the 19th. Of April at 2.30p.m. for the children of Mount Pleasant.

There have been various individual complaints which I have dealt with: - cutting down of the trees, parking issues, litter problems, dog fouling complaints.

Cllr. Jones is also trying to sort out Tabernacle Church and Graham Prices Shop on Sterry Road and has had discussions with Environmental Health Officers and Planning Department to progress the situation of the derelict building and the unoccupied shop.

111 PLANNING MATTERS

The Clerk commented upon her written report. RESOLVED:

1. 2009/0369 - 15 William Bowen Close. Work on tree with TPO. Object due to dangerous precedent that would be set for unnecessary work.
2. 2008/ 0275 - 1 Glanmorfa. Single Storey side extension. No Objection.

112 CHAIRMAN’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

Cllr Peter Johns gave the following report:

1. PACT meeting was attended on 9^th march. Currently Cllr Johns is chairing the meeting, however at the next meeting (2^nd Monday in May) he will introduce new Community Council Chairperson.

2. Update given on Pelican Crossing Appeal. Many ideas for funding are being sought.

3. Awards Ceremony for Gowerton School. Cllr Johns was not invited to present the pupil, Cllr Johns was surprised this was not done as other organisations were presenting prizes, and each year prior to this, Council have presented. Clerk to investigate what the format will be for future ceremonies.

113 REPORT OF THE CLERK

(A) MISCELLANEOUSE

RESOLVED that:

Newsletter update. Clerk advised that a limited amount of articles had been received. An article covering the raffle prizes will be included. Due to current financial climate, Clerk wil offer a small advertisement for local businesses at no charge to encourage custom. The newsletter should be distributed by end of May.
Advising of landscaping work under audit rules need to go to tender for consideration at next meeting. Noted.
Update of Pelican Crossing appeal. As Chairs report.
Letter received for external auditor to confirm this Council is not in this years ‘spot check’. Noted.
Senior award evening held at Gowerton School for arts award. Community Council award was given to Rebekah Thompson. Noted.
Letter received from Education department at City and County of Swansea in relation to the recent proposals at Ysgol Gyfun Gwyr. Noted.
Complaint received by resident in relation to felling of trees on inner relief road. Noted.
Letter received re: hanging baskets for winter are now available, not just lamp standard baskets. Council resolved that as no increase was made by precept no extra costs should be incurred.
Twinning Association invitation received for event in July. Any members interested to advise Clerk. Noted
Senedd Invitiation - Free tour available. Noted.
Arriva Invitation on 23.05.09. Cllr Mike Sander will be attending. Noted.
Anomaly relating to footpaths 63 and 65, and bridleway 59 in the Community of Gowerton. Council resolved to support the adoption of the current un-adopted bridleway.

(B) FINANCIAL MATTERS

The written report submitted by the Clerk was noted. RESOLVED that:

a) the following payments are authorised:

VAT

Creditor	Item	£ Amount	VAT inc

Virgin Media	Telephone Adv. Charges	33.00	Yes
Bay Landscapes	March monthly cutting charge	376.12	Yes
Clerk	Office Allowance	130.75	No
One Voice Wales	Annual Membership	525.00	No

(C) CORRESPONDENCE

The items of correspondence were noted.

114 QUESTIONS RELATIVE TO COUNCIL BUSINESS

Following question/issues raised by Members it was RESOLVED that:

a) Drains need attention on Woodlands. Clerk to advise highways.

b) Clerk to chase up ownership of all drains in village. Clerk to chase up with highways.

c) At bottom of Brynymor Rd, by Pont Y Cob adopted land, some trees have fallen down, or look precarious. Clerk to investigate and report to Council.

d) Dog bin is needed on lane by side of infant’s school, or a sign to deter dog owners not collecting dog mess.

e) Parking on Mansel Street by Library lane entrance is blocking vision and not allowing enough room for cars to turn sufficiently, resulting in dangerous maneuvers being carried out. Clerk to contact highways.

f) There has been a fire on Bishwell Rd (on corner as you go up Oakwood Drive) - vandalism - half of hedge has been taken away.

g) Drains in Cecil Rd/Mansel Street are causing problems; many are full of water and need clearing out. Highways to be advised.

h) Green areas in village full of litter. Litter pick to be arranged. Clerk to contact Environment.

i) Bethel Cemetery, the graves need work as they are poorly maintained. Clerk to check with land registry on ownership of land.

j) Concern was expressed as all Planning agendas etc are now on-line. Many residents may not have suitable access or knowledge to access these applications. Noted.

k) On Marsh Rd, by caravan site, the road has a tarmac surface for so far, but there are some potentially dangerous ruts. Clerk to check whether any work is due to be done.

l) There used to be a barrier not far from entrance of lane opposite Gowerton School, these were removed for works to be carried out, however they have still not been replaced. Clerk to chase up.

m) There has been some information received that a tram service is being considered from Swansea through to Llanelli going through Gowerton. For info only.