GOWERTON COMMUNITY COUNCIL
CYNGOR CYMUNEDOL TREGWYR

Minutes of a Meeting of Council held on Wednesday  5th October 2005

PRESENT:    Cllrs. Gareth Morgan, Barrie Guard, Ian Gibson, Linda Bolchover,
Mike Egan, Mike Sander, Barbara Small, Peter Johns, Sue Jones, Ros Holt, Anthony Yardley, Gareth Evans.

ALSO PRESENT:   Clerk Serena Thomas, PCSO Karen Garrington
                                    Gowerton Resident - Ms Caroline Rauter

46  APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE:   None Received

47  DISCLOSURES OF INTEREST FROM MEMBERS: 

48 MEETING WITH :  PCSO Karen Garrington
PCSO Garrington reported on the following:
Currently the police are targeting litter by the school and Sterry Rd area, also in parallel with the DVLA, also targeting non-road tax payers.  PCSO Garrington also stated she is having an open surgery at Gowerton Police Station on 13th September 2005 between the hours of 9-11am and 3-5pm and Neighbourhood Watch have also been invited.
She reported on recent crime figures, for July crimes reported were 29. and in August 34.  Although this may indicate an increase in problems this is not really a true reflection as targets have changed during these two months, plus an initiative encouraging residents to report all crime in the area to identify patterns may have contributed to the increase.  It was also reported that so far during September the crime figures are the lowest they have ever been.  The crime figures at the two Comprehensives are relatively low.
She also stated that there will be a bike hazard system installed in the cycle track area between Oaklands/Woodland lane, this will allow someone to negotiate a buggy or wheelchair around this, however anyone using off-road vehicles would have to stop.
Council resolved that Clerk is to contact Community Safety team in the Council to request further bike barriers to be installed in the Gowerton area, particularly by the lane between Clos Helyg and Sterry Road.
PCSO Garrington stated that unfortunately the South Wales Police Off-Rd team are no longer operational.
It was advised to the PCSO that the parking on top of Park road is currently causing problems.  Council resolved Clerk to contact highways department to request a health and safety assessment and consideration for alternative parking for these homes. It was also stated that the new r/about between Cecil Rd and Sterry Rd seems to be in wrong position, and encouraging careless driving, as drivers are entering onto r/about at speed. Council resolved Clerk to contact highways.
Council asked whether there would be extra support in the area during the Guy Fawkes period, the PCSO stated that there is another officer joining her permanently from the 28th of September plus there will be an operational team targeting hotspots in the area.
She also stated that she will be contacting all local shops selling fireworks, reminding them of the restrictions they must follow in accordance with current legislation. They will also be checking for illegal bonfires in the area.
Council reported to the PCSO of the following local issues:
? Parking problems on Talbot St outside shoe shop obstructing vision, PCSO Garrington stated she will check this area regularly, and book and offenders found parking in this manner
? House at bottom of Park Rd, there are youths still breaking in to this unfinished house, the PCSO will also investigate this
? New lights on Mill Street, (outside doctors surgery) seems that drivers are constantly jumping these lights, and Council is concerned regards potential accidents
? Rottweiler by train station, PCSO stated this problems is still being addressed and they are currently investigating this.
? Llys Elba- there are disturbances behind the surgery and area is being littered by cans etc.
? Garage behind Elba Flooring has been burnt down.  Council is advised that owner is waiting for insurance to rectify.  Also lane behind this area needs a gate to stop any unauthorized persons gaining entry to this area.

Council commented that in receipt of these crime figures, this is a very positive step and there is a much improved police presence in the area and it is hoped this will be a continuing trend.  Also there is a decided improvement with the schools.

49 PUBLIC REPRESENTATIONS: None Received

50 COUNCIL MINUTES   –   5th October 2005
a)  the Minutes were accepted as a true record.- subject to addition of the following chairmans report: Clerk successfully completed her probationary period.
b)  Matters arising: Noted.
The written report of the Clerk regarding matters arising and subsequent actions taken was noted.

51 REPORTS BY THE WARD MEMBER
None received

52 PLANNING MATTERS
The Clerk commented upon his written report.  RESOLVED that:

Registered Applications
1. 2005/1965 - 4 Cae Mansel Lane, Gowerton - No Objection
2. 2005/1913 - Land next to George Manning Way - Against - not in-keeping with size of houses in locality.
3. 2005/1902 - 9 Clos Bevan - No Objection

53 CHAIRMAN’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Chairman made the following announcements:
1. Cllr Morgan attended the Swansea in Bloom awards ceremony.  Gowerton won the Bronze Award.
2. The Chairman attended the Mayors Civic Service and the Gowerton Cricket veterans match both of which he enjoyed.
3. Chairs Charity - A payment of £50 is to be donated to the Swansea and District MS Society.

54 REPORT OF THE CLERK

(A)  MISCELLANEOUS
The Clerk further commented upon his report, previously circulated with the agenda. 
RESOLVED that:

a) Eisteddfordd Presentation- Clerk to contact representative to invite to show short presentation
b) South Wales West Community Rail Forum - Cllr Sanders to attend - Clerk to arrange.

(B)  FINANCIAL MATTERS

The written report submitted by the Clerk was noted.  RESOLVED that:
a) the following payments are authorised:
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    VAT
a) NTL Telephone advance charges  28.49  Yes
b) Gorseinon Photocopying Photocopying - Sept Agenda 25.92  Yes
c) Serena Thomas Office Allowance 97.48  No
d) British Gas Final Bill - 89 Sterry Road 6.28  Yes
e) Bay Landscapes Inv no: 00116 160.00  No
f) Clerks Expenses Mileage Allowance 40.05  No
g) Bay Landscapes Inv No : 00120 297.00  No

Council Resolved to make a £50 grants in accordance with S137 of Local Government act to the following beneficiary:
Bobath Childrens Therapy Centre

An application was also made from Gowerton Rugby Football Club - Council resolved to make investigations into cost of kits before considering a contribution.
.
(C)  CORRESPONDENCE
The   items of correspondence were noted and the Clerk informed Members of the 2 additional items received. 

55 QUESTIONS RELATIVE TO COUNCIL BUSINESS
Following questions raised by Members it was RESOLVED that:

1. Hedge height when crossing road by library - request health and safety assessment by Highways
2. Bus stop outside Aunty Ivy’s day nursery - In bad state, sand everywhere Clerk to contact highways.
3. Parking outside Shoeshop on Corner of Talbot Street - possibility of bollards, request from highways.
4. AONB 50 year Anniversary - Ideas for commemoration for Gower area.  Clerk to advise Richard Beale Council recommends a stained glass window to be installed in church in the Gower area.
5. Cattle Mart development entryway - Large lumps of mud etc.  Some effort being made to clean area but not seemingly efficiently. Clerk to advise Cleansing dept. at Council.
6. Mount St by Junior School - Brambles coming onto rd - causing hazard to pedestrians Clerk to contact highways.
7. Lamp post Banners - Clerk to investigate costs.
8. Inner relief Road - Overhang of trees that due to health and safety issues Council will not maintain.  Clerk to contact highways to check why this was designed in this way.
9. Talbot/Cecil Road - Bump taken out of road - No lollipop person to supervise area - no pelican/zebra crossing - potentially very dangerous.  Clerk to contact highways.
10. New information on telecommunication masts can be located on www.swansea.gov.uk website via planning.

Meeting closed at 9:05pm            …………………………………