GOWERTON COMMUNITY COUNCIL
CYNGOR CYMUNEDOL TREGŴYR

Minutes of a Meeting of Council held on Wednesday 21st April 2010
PRESENT: Cllrs. Peter Johns, Susan Jones (left at 8.10pm), Mike Egan, Lynne Carey, Gareth Morgan, Barbara Small, Ann Guard, Gareth Evans, Mike Sander, Colin Staples John Fitzjohn and Linda Bolchover.
ALSO PRESENT: Clerk Serena Thomas.
105 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE: Cllr Ros Holt

106 DISCLOSURES OF INTEREST FROM MEMBERS:

In relation to minute number 108 - Personal Interest - Councillors John Fitzjohn and Barbara Small declared an interest and took no part in discussions or decisions on subsequent action.
Councillor Susan Jones declared interest in all planning matters, however Cllr Jones left meeting at 8.10pm before agenda item for planning was discussed)
In relation to planning application 2010/0393 - 2 Gower Rise - Cllr Gareth Evans declared personal interest and took no part in discussion of application and subsequent decision.
107 MEETING WITH: None arranged.
108 PUBLIC REPRESENTATIONS:

One received - Mr. Griffiths - Former Chairperson of Swansea District Model Car Club

Mr Griffiths is making representation as the club which meets on the Elba site every Sunday between March-October have been issued with a noise abatement order from City and County of Swansea. A complaint was received over Easter weekend from the Caravan Club site - which is adjacent to the racing site, and inspectors from CCOS have been out and have deemed this noise to be a ‘nuisance’.
To enable them to continue to race there, an acoustic barrier would need to be designed and erected, which would considerably cost, or they can move venue for which they would need planning approval. They are attempting to go through the planning process however this seems far more complicated and time consuming that was initially thought.
The readings for the noise were taken from the caravan site and track, and four plots on the caravan site were affected. Mr. Griffiths stated it seems so surprising that after 13 years that this club has been running, attracting people from ages 4-71, that after one complaint they are no longer able to race even though many racing there are Gowerton residents, and everyone attending paying council tax would have contributed towards the development.
Council suggested that County Councillor Susan Jones would possibly be able to contact Council to establish what may be done. It was also suggested that they try to liaise amicably with the Caravan Club site/warden to discuss issues. Mr. Griffiths stated that this has been attempted.
Clerk also to write letter of support to Environment Department; however the noise abatement order has already been issued so it may have limited effect, unless an appeals process is allowed.

109 COUNCIL MINUTES - 3^rd March 2010

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 gave the following report:

Visits, Conferences and Civic functions made in March.
1.      Cwmbwrla Day Service – a facility for people who suffer from Mental Illness.
2.      Freedom of the City with the Welsh Guards.
3.      Dynevor Centre viewing of a film made by young people on their experiences of being a NEET (Not in Education or Employment Training)
4.      North Gower Partnership Concert at the Brangwyn Hall where all schools in the area took part – (Tregwyr Infants and Junior Schools were really great and well supported by the parents).
5.      The West Glamorgan Theatre Company’s production of Billy Elliot.
6.      The West Glamorgan Orchestra’s Concert at the Brangwyn Hall.
7.      A consultation exercise for a new strategy on Childrens Services.
8.      The National B.M.E. Youth Conference held at the Liberty Stadium.
There have been a number of meetings with the Governors in both the Comprehensive and Primary Schools. The Comprehensive School have great concerns on the ability to deliver good education within the constraints of the budget. The Primary Schools are now in the process of the Amalgamation of the Schools and all the challenges that this brings.
The ongoing work I have been involved in with the Child and Family Overview and Scrutiny Board in a Task and Finish Group looking at the Eligibility Criteria for Disabled Children.
Looking at Youth Facilities throughout the City on the Children and Young People’s Overview Board.
Also in the Health, Social Care and Well Being Scrutiny Board looking at the Life Line provision through out the city.
There has also been Full Council Meeting where Councillors have had information on the Serious Case Reviews and the recent inspection report by the Care Standards Inspectorate of Wales on the Children’s Services in Swansea. This is ongoing where Councillors will look at the consequences and the lessons learnt.
Thee have been a number of local issues, which affect local residents that I have dealt with. The ongoing issue about the grass verge in Elba Street – an order has been registered to carry out the installation of bollards and the re-seeding of the grass. I’m using some of my environment money to pay for this work.
There is still some investigation about the issues in Clos Bevan and the ownership of the wasteland.
I have looked at the ownership of the triangle at the end of Fairwood Terrace and asked Rees Richards Partners who act on behalf the Penllegaer Estate to tidy up that area.
The Chapel on Gorwydd Road has been an on going issue that officers are trying to address, and the empty shop vacated by the Halifax Building Society has now been sold and hopefully a new business will occupy this building.
The Pelican Crossing should be in use in the near future.
The new Crossing Patrol person should be in place in the new term – the safety of the children outside the Junior School has been a concern.
There has been another problem with the sewage leaking from a manhole near the Library which has been addressed.
Pot holes are being reported through out the village – because of the excess weather of the Winter this work is being carried out through out the city.
I have meet with the Crime Reduction Officer (Kevin Evans) in connection with the Anti Social Behaviour incidents in Woodlands Terrace. I have passed his report onto the relevant officer in County to give his comments and action any recommendations. I have also had graffiti removed from the top of Woodlands Terrace.
The last meeting of the Swansea Community Health Council has been held. The reduction of the number of C.H.C’s has been reduced from 22 to 8. The new C.H.C. will service Swansea, Neath, Port Talbot and Bridgend.
Longfields has merged with Walsingham to deliver day services to the clients who attend Longfields.
The next of my surgeries will be held in Gowerton Library in conjunction with the Community Police Team on
Saturday the 24^th. Of April from 11.00 a.m. – 12.00noon.
Saturday the 8^th. Of May    …………………………….
Saturday the 5^th. Of June ……………………………….

There has been a slight issue with the electrics on the Pelican Crossing by school, but this should be rectified soon.
New paper caddy’s for green food bins should be supplied shortly, and also pink recycling bags given out for plastics.
Road resurfacing to take place on Cecil Rd in poor areas.
The Gorseinon food festival will be taking place on 24.04.10.
And finally Sue has been put on the new Community Health Council and on shadow governing body of the amalgamation of the two colleges Tycoch and Gorseinon.

Cllr Sue Jones left meeting at 8.10pm.

111 PLANNING MATTERS

The Clerk commented upon her written report. RESOLVED:

2010/0379 - The Spinney,
Gorwydd Rd
, Gowerton. Amendment to planning permission No: 2007/2774 - to raise the ridge height and eaves height of the two storey side extension. No Objection
2010/0393 - 2 Gower Rise, Gowerton. Single storey rear conservatory. No Objection
Land at Gurnos House, Gowerton. Further to outline approval, this is an application for approval of reserved matters of - four detached dwellings on outline plots 1-4. No Objection.
2010/0338 -Land to rear of Gurnos House. Detached dwelling. No Objection
2010/0543 - 7 Clwyd Wen, Gowerton. Proposed single storey, pitched roof. Rear sun lounge and utility room extension. No Objection.

112 CHAIRMAN’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

Cllr Gareth Morgan (Vice-Chairman) gave the following report on Cllr Holt’s behalf as follows:

Councillor Holt attended the following functions/meetings:

1. Gowerton Comprehensive Senior Awards evening ceremony to present the Community Council shield for best result in Art. Cllr Holt received a letter of thanks from the headmaster for showing continued interest.
2. One Voice Wales meeting. All councils still experiencing problems with City and County of Swansea not replying to letters and requests. Also some Councils are querying the value of belonging to One Voice Wales, suggestion made of Lyn Llewellyn and other members visiting Town and Community Councils to promote One Voice Wales.
3. Two concerts attended for the Hangleton Youth Brass Band - a touring band forum Brighton aged 7-18. These two excellent nights raised £1500.00 for the Neonatal unit at Singleton Hospital. The first concert was held in the Welfare Hall featuring the band, and Gorseinon players, and Harry Secombe youth and local boy soprano Noah Waters. The second concert was held in Gowerton Comprehensive, with the band plus Voices in Harmony with local youngsters Sophie and Ryan Colebrook and Jade Meredith - wind instrumentalists, plus young girl soprano and boy singing baritone.

Cllr Holt concluded report by stating that’ it was a privilege and pleasure to be in the company of such talented young people. We hear of all the problem youth every day and do not hear enough of youngsters who are involved in music and arts and give their time freely for fundraising. Well done to them all!’

(Due to feedback received in relation to value of membership of One Voice Wales in item 2 of report Council members decided that when membership comes for renewal, this will be discussed in further detail to establish viability of continued membership.)

113 REPORT OF THE CLERK

(A) MISCELLANEOUSE
RESOLVED that:

Feedback from City and County of Swansea Highways, Parks and Environment department. Clerk met with representatives from both departments. The drains in
Gorwydd Rd
are on work schedule for coming Friday, and Parks department have advised they have no objection to cutting hedge to maintain visibility. Highways advised of a new pot hole filling system that takes out and repairs in a more thorough way. Clerk to establish when this system will come into effect.

Newsletter articles needed. Also prior to next meeting, it would be of benefit to take photo of full council to advertise new Chairperson, and any new members.
Invitation to parade for the proclamation ceremony of the URDD National Eisteddfod..
Community/Town Councils Forum - Strategic Framework Presentation.
Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Authority Annual Action Plan 2011-2012, due for release for consultation on 11^th May. Draft plan available for views via questionnaire - www.mawwfire.gov.uk, a hard copy will be sent out in due course.
Invitation to the Inauguration of The Right Worshipful, The Lord Mayor of the City and County of Swansea at the Brangwyn Hall, Swansea on Friday 14^th May 2010 - 10.15am.
E-mail received in relation to proposed reduction in cover of Sea and Rescue service based at RAF Chivenor near Barnstaple. Clerk to write letter of support for continuance of service.
Feedback from Gower website meeting Tuesday 20^th April 2010.
Letter received from South Wales Police in relation to anti-social behaviour at ‘The Dip’, Gowerton.
Damage to Gowerton Information Point. New one will be installed when Community Safety team have received insurance payment to cover costs.
Rail travel vouchers received from Arriva Trains in relation to adopt-a-station scheme. It was decided that these would be offered to local organisations in need on a first come first served basis and would be advertised in newsletter.
Next meeting is AGM on 5^th May.
As an ongoing plan, the clerk will be reporting back to council in due course the viability of setting up independent website.
Further to meeting with parks department, clerk to seek advice on ideas for making ‘the triangle’ a more landscaped area - i.e. flowers and shrubs.
Village appraisal to be sent out with next newsletter, to be returned to councillors.
Carl Watkins from Environment department has removed pole sticking out of bank in inner relief rd car park.

      .
(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	35.00	Yes
Office Allowance	First Quarter	139.90	No
Clerk	Mileage Allowance	37.26	Yes
Bay Landscapes	Monthly Cutting Charges	384.30	Yes
Woodland Trust	Annual Membership	42.00	No
Allianz Insurance Plc / Aon	Annual insurance	676.09	No

S137 Payments
Tregwyr Junior School - £100.00

(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)   Letter received from Arriva in relation to coming conference. Cllr Mike Sander to attend on 24.04.20.
b)   Large pothole on Gorwydd Rd by Tabernacle Chapel. Clerk to advise highways.
c)   Pot Hole on Cecil Rd near junction with Mansel Street, keeps being refilled but is not done sufficiently and keeps breaking up. Clerk to contact Highways.
d) On Marsh Rd - Pont y Cob edge of road drops away considerably at edge leaving on some places a foot deep. Clerk to contact Highways.
e)   Overgrown bush on Woodlands by turning point at end. Encroaching onto road. Clerk to contact highways.
f)    Natural history society in village clarifies that as a local authority Community Council have s duty to conserve biodiversity in the village, especially in relation to bats. Something Council should always be aware of and take into account when making relevant decisions which could effect environment.
g)   On triangle at Fairwood terrace - there are trees all around streetlight blocking area. Councillor Sue Jones to establish ownership and then progress issue. For info.
h)   Welcome to Gower RFC has been broken into. For info.
i)     There have been posts put up on small parcel of land. Unsure of what they are for. It is understood Western Power have carried out work, however the current condition of area needs to be ‘made good’ once this work is completed. Ongoing.
j)     The bench on Glanmorfa was removed and since then residents have stated there is no more vandalism being experienced. For info.
k)   On inner relief rd, new trees have been planted - on same side as surgery. For info.
l)     Concern was expressed that in doctors car-park, there may be a lot of staff cars taking up spaces, and patients are not then able to park. Clerk to write to check what progress has been made with plans of new car park at rear.
m) On Park rd, the buses are driving down road mounted on the pavement as cars are parked one side. Clerk to write to school to inform.
n)   An officer was seen taking photos of traffic build up during day in Gowerton. Unfortunately this as during day at 11.20am, and for accurate assessment, it would be beneficial to check area at school rush times. Clerk to advise highways.
o)   The lights sequence has changed by Brynymor Rd/Pont y Cob. The opposite direction is not in synchronization. For info.
p)   On Bryneithen Rd there is a further problem with horse manure. Clerk to contact Environment.