GOWERTON COMMUNITY COUNCIL

CYNGOR CYMUNEDOL TREGŴYR

87 DISCLOSURES OF INTEREST FROM MEMBERS: 

None received

90 COUNCIL MINUTES   –   6^th January 2008

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

91      REPORT BY THE WARD MEMBER

Cllr Ron Thomas reported the following:

• For clarification and in response to some general comments in local newspapers speculating on ticket allocations for the Liberty Stadium supplied to County Councillors, Cllr Ron Thomas wished to advise members that in total he was given 29 tickets for the stadium, all of which were given to various children’s clubs within Gowerton, such as the Junior Cricket Club.
  
• Concerned in relation to safety around schools in the area.  It seems extremely difficult to get someone to police the area.  It is reported that there have recently been two incidents involving year 7 pupils nearly getting knocked over.  Possible cause is not enough controlled crossing areas, and a general problem  in recruiting manned ‘lollipop’ crossings, particularly by Talbot Street and Cecil Rd.  Council asked to be kept informed of any progress made. Community Council to request attention to area from Jeff Green at City and County of Swansea.
  
• In due course there will be spent considerable funds on erecting posts and fencing by Park rd to stop cars going onto the grassed area.  This work has already been started.
  
• Time has been spent by Cllr Thomas giving some attention to the road to the rear of Gorwydd Rd-  which have been left in a sub-standard state after the Drovers Point development.  Hopefully some progress will be made. 
  
• The sheltered accommodation which has recently been developed on the Drovers point site has 13 vacancies to allocate. 6 x Gowerton residents are currently under consideration for residency (over 55’s)
  

92      PLANNING MATTERS

The Clerk commented upon her written report.  RESOLVED:

93      CHAIRMAN’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

No report

94      REPORT OF THE CLERK

RESOLVED that:

1. Community Council Forum - Date of next meeting - 4th March 2008 Noted
   
2. Invite to a safer Swansea Strategy Consultation Event - 11th  February 2008. Noted
   
3. Community Council informal buffet evening (paid for by Councillors) 20.02.08. Noted
   
4. Borrowing by Community and Town Councils in 2008-2009 - Guidelines if required. Noted
   
5. New Police Newsletter. Circulated and noted.
   
6. Letter received from Edwina Hart Am in relation to Community Facilities and Activities programme - Grant Funding criteria. Noted
   
7. Grant funding for less CO2 emissions in area - ideas needed. Ongoing. Clerk to research.
   
8. Complaints Handling Seminar - 21st February 2008 - Miskin Manor, Llantrisant. Noted
   
9. City and County of Swansea Householder Design Guide -Consultation. Circulated.
   
10. Letters received re: review of Community Boundaries in the City and County of Swansea. Noted
    
11. Gowerton School newsletter. Circulated and noted.
    
12. Lack of response from City and Council of Swansea to issues raised at issues.  Issue raised once again to the lack of response from the Education department.  Cllr Ron Thomas will chase this up initially, however, if still no response, or if there are any problems encountered in the future with a lack of response, Council will complaint via the official complaints process.
    
13. Appropriation Sum under Section 137(3) of Local Government Act 1972.  Amount for 2008-09 has increased from £5.64 per elector - £5.86 per elector. Noted.
    
14. Community Council elections.  Nomination period will open up on Thurs 27^th March - Noon Friday 4^th April 2008. Noted.
    

.

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

a)       the following payments are authorised:       

                                                                                       VAT

Goweton Cricket Club - £200.00

Childline Cymru - £50.00

Urdd Cymru - £10.00

Gowerton music/drama group. Organiser Joan Lewis - £250.00

Temple URC - £250.00

The items of correspondence were noted.

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

a.    Inspection needed of road surface on Cecil Rd, particularly outside no. 38, some large pot holes in this area.  Also some problem areas on Mansel St and Shaw Street.  Clerk to contact Highways.

b.   Road Sweeping does not seem to be done as regularly, particularly outside the schools by park Rd and Cecil Rd.  Clerk to contact environment to request cleaning frequency.

c.    A barrier has been erected by park rd to stop cars gaining access to green area, this was done in response to complaints.  Clerk to thank as this was done very quickly. Contact Terry Drove.

d.   Opposite Elba entrance gates, where a post box was previously sited there is a metal pole, which has ripped a child clothing, this needs to be made safe.  Clerk to advise environment.

e.    Pathways around Elba seem to have a lot of dog muck littering area.  Clerk to advise environment.

f.     Cllr Lynne Carey - newly appointed Community Councillor Governor for Tregwyr has been invited to the Brangwyn Hall for a music festival.  She has attended her first meeting with the Governors, including County Councillor Ron Thomas, who she found to be very supportive in her role.

g.    There is a dog mess and litter problem in the lane from the infants school up to the top of the Public Footpath by park Rd.

h.    Car park by doctors surgery is still having problems with kids congregating late in night.  Clerk to advise police.

i.      Mount Street drains are still blocked, and filled in gulley is still causing problems with surface water during rain.  Clerk to contact highways to report.

j.     It appears that since the new flats have been built by Station Rd the Council tax inspectors have de-valued the housing. i.e the band has been put down.  Residents are not happy regards this fact. Noted

k.   The general area of Gowerton is seemingly getting a dog mess problem across the areas.  A cleaning ‘blitz’ is needed on area, and extra dog bin dispensers need to be increased.

l.      The Conservative Club is interested in advertising in our next newsletter.  Clerk to contact to advise of information needed and costs.