Councillors  J. Guy, Mrs. S. Davis,  Mrs. A. Lewis-Pudduck, P. Place, Mrs. J. Usher,  C. Jones, T. Snell

Councillor Mr. Nigel Davies was sworn in.

A member of the public Mr Andy Stoppard spoke briefly regarding online issues and the precept.

Councillor Mrs. A. Lewis Pudduck spoke on behalf of the Llanmorlais Primary Action Group.

113.       APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE :
Apologies were received from Councillors P Hood-Williams, P. Tucker, R. Cooper, W. Smart and G. Nicholls

114.     TO RECEIVE DISCLOSURE OF PERSONAL INTEREST FROM MEMBERS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE CODE OF CONDUCT ADOPTED BY LHCC ON 2^nd MAY, 2008:

Councillor Mrs. S. Davis declared an interest in respect of the contractors account for grounds maintenance, agenda item 7.

Councillor Mrs. A. Lewis Pudduck declared an interest in respect of Planning Application 2008/2295

115.     CHAIRMAN’S REPORT/REMARKS:

The Chairman thanked all present for attending and as this was the first meeting of 2009 took the opportunity to wish everyone a belated Happy New Year.

The Chairman reported that the Clerk wished to hold a Finance meeting on Thursday 22^nd January 2009. This was agreed.

116.     TO CONFIRM THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 20^th NOVEMBER 2008:
The minutes of the Council meeting held on Thursday 20^th November 2008 were confirmed as a true record. 

117.     MATTERS ARISING:
Councillor J. Guy reported on the receipt of a petition supporting the development of Crwys hall. He advised that the application was going to the grants committee soon and that a committee would need to be formed to oversee matters. The Councillors from Three Crosses agreed to handle this matter.

Councillor J. Guy enquired over progress regarding the Council’s playgrounds, in light of the absence of Councillor W. Smart it was agreed to defer this until the Finance meeting on January 22^nd.

Councillor J. Guy proposed the Council should concentrate efforts on (i) Crwys Community hall, (ii) development of facilities at Llanmorlais, (iii) the Council’s Play areas, (iv) need for Storage areas at Council facilities, (v) development of facilities at the Recreation ground Penclawdd. Councillor T. Snell agreed with Councillor Guy and reported future Council projects should be realistic considering the Councils current commitments and the level of funding required for even a small project.

Councillor Mrs. A. Lewis Pudduck expressed the thanks of the congregation of Zoar chapel and the residents of Crofty for the new Christmas tree.

The Clerk reported that safety inspections were ongoing at Crwys Community Hall and hoped they would be completed by the next meeting.

The Clerk reported that legal advice had been sought regarding the playing fields at Dan y Lan and he was awaiting further communications.

118.     CLERK’S REPORT:
The Clerk reported that the City and County of Swansea had enquired further about the land at Graig y Coed playing fields.  It was agreed that on examining the documentation that the Council grant permission for the leasing of the land to the Woodland Trust.

The Clerk requested permission to pay Honorariums to the key holders at the Council’s Cemeteries, this was agreed.

119.     ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT/FINANCIAL REPORT:
The accounts as detailed and agreed by the Clerk were passed for payment.

It was agreed to investigate the Council’s water bills and check meter readings.

Councillor Mrs. Ann Lewis-Pudduck requested a donation for Llanmorlais School to assist the school in its campaign against closure. Donations are usually handled at the start of the financial year and Councillors were concerned that any donation to the school would set a precedent for future requests. After some debate it was agreed that “In exceptional circumstances, regarding a community facility, the Council will consider an emergency donation.” This was approved unanimously and a grant of £50-00 was also approved unanimously.

120.     COUNCIL PROPERTY, LOTTERY FUNDING AND COMMUNITY PROJECTS:
Councillor J. Guy reported he would be attending a meeting with the Sports Association of Wales regarding grants on the 22^nd January 2009.

Councillor J. Guy reported on a leak at the Pavillion at Penclawdd and that repairs were being carried out.

Councillor T. Snell reported on the continuing damage to Council property in Penclawdd and the need to pursue preventative measures to limit this damage and the associated costs. It was agreed that Councillor Snell investigate further.

The Chairman thanked Councillor Snell for his work on behalf of the Council.

The Clerk reported that planning permission has been granted for the Council’s projects involving storage facilities at the Council’s playing fields.

The Clerk reported that Mr N. Aubrey has circulated a tender for the extension to Crwys Community Hall, Three Crosses and five replies had been received to date. It was agreed to defer any decisions regarding this matter until news on the grant application has been received.

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Councillor Mrs. A. Lewis-Pudduck withdrew.

121.       PLANNING APPLICATIONS:

Applications received from the Local Planning Authority were read out.  The applications considered were:

2008/2302; 2008/2295; 2008/2357; 2008/2383;2008/2428

With regard to Application 2008/2295, Councillor Mrs. S. Davis reported on concerns within the community regarding this application. The concerns regarded the diversion of a public footpath with ongoing issues regarding flooding, the development of the applicant’s garden and the precedent this would set, the reduction of “green space” in the community and the proximity of the development to a bus stop. The Clerk agreed to write to City and County of Swansea outlining the Council’s objections to this application.

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Councillor Mrs. A. Lewis-Pudduck returned.

122.       CORRESPONDENCE:
i.        Welsh Assembly Government – Review of financial support for Assembly Members. - noted

ii.      Alzheimer’s Society – Request for donation. - noted

iii.    One Voice Wales – Notification of Meeting on 11^th December 2008. - noted

iv.    National Association of Local Councils – Newsletter. - noted

v.      City and County of Swansea – Notification of Lord Mayor’s Charity Ball on 13^th February 2009. - noted

vi.    Play for Wales – Newsletter. - noted

vii.  One Voice Wales – Notification of training programme for Councillors. - noted

viii.   Welsh Assembly Government – Request for update on Crwys Hall extension. – Clerk to reply.

ix.    National Trust - Peninsular Newsletter. - noted

x.      City and County of Swansea, Legal and Democratic Services  - Notification of closure of Footpath 41 for maintenance. - noted

xi.    Funding your Police Service – Consultation. - noted

xii.  Edwina Hart A.M. & Martin Caton M.P. – Notification of surgery dates for 2009. - noted

xiii.     One Voice Wales  -  Newsletter. - noted

xiv.     Clerk and Councils Direct Newsletter. - noted

xv.  Wicksteed Playgroups – Product Information. - noted

Councillor Mrs. J. Usher raised the ongoing issue of the crossroads at Wernffrwd, Llanmorlais. She reported on progress made to date regarding this matter with City and County of Swansea. It was agreed that the Clerk write to City and County of Swansea outlining the Council’s concerns.

Councillor Mrs. Ann Lewis-Pudduck reported on traffic concerns regarding the main road through the villages of Penclawdd, Crofty and Llanmorlais. It was agreed that the Clerk write to City and County of Swansea outlining the Council’s concerns.

Councillor Mrs. Sandra Davis reported on concerns regarding School buses in the villages. Councillor Davis observed that children are being dropped off on the wrong side of the main road and then have to cross the road to proceed home. Councillor Davis observed that the Llanmorlais and Crofty bus then proceeded to turn around and proceed back to its depot. It was proposed that if the bus turned round before dropping the children, it could drop them on the safe side of the road. Councillor Davis expressed the opinion that this should be investigated in regard to the other buses and in the interests of the children’s safety.

123.       FOOTPATHS, CYCLE PATHS AND BRIDLEWAYS:
The Clerk agreed to write to City and County of Swansea regarding the diversion of  Footpath Number 2.

Councillor Mrs J. Usher reported on the stream at Wernffrwd and its deteriorating banks. It was agreed to pursue this with Councillor P. Tucker.

124.     DELEGATES’ REPORTS:
No reports were submitted.

125.     DATE, TIME AND VENUE OF NEXT MEETING:
The next meeting of the Council will be held at Penclawdd Community Centre on Thursday 19^th February, 2009 commencing at 7.00.p.m.

                                                Councillors  J. Guy, Mrs. S. Davis,  Mrs. A. Lewis-Pudduck, P. Tucker, Mrs. J. Usher,  C. Jones, T. Snell, N. Davies, G. Nicholls & W. Smart.

126.       APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE :
Apologies were received from Councillors P Hood-Williams, R. Cooper and P. Place.

127.       TO SET THE PRECEPT FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 2009/2010:

The Clerk circulated a financial report. This was accepted.

Councillors unanimously agreed to keep the current precept unchanged.

The precept for 2009/2010 was set at £94,995-00.

128.        CONSIDERATION OF WARD PROJECT LISTS AND GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:

Councillor J. Guy reported on a meeting with representatives from the Sports Association of Wales, from this meeting Councillor Guy proposed.

   The Llanrhidian Higher Community Council will provide £37,500 towards the development of an all weather, flood–lit, multipurpose recreational facility at Llanmorlais, including ladies changing rooms and drainage for the sports field, to the Llanrhidian Higher Sports Association.

   This proposal was carried unanimously.

Councillor J. Guy proposed

   The Llanrhidian Higher Community Council seeks permission from the Welsh Assembly Government to borrow £50,000 for its development of an all weather, flood–lit, multipurpose recreational facility including ladies changing rooms and drainage for the sports field at Llanmorlais.

   This proposal was carried unanimously.

Councillor J. Guy proposed

   Llanrhidian Higher Community Council will grant a lease of forty years at a peppercorn rent of £1-00 per annum to the Llanrhidian Higher Sports Association for the land at the Llanmorlais recreation ground, for the development of an all weather, flood–lit, multipurpose recreational facility with ladies changing rooms and pitch drainage at Llanmorlais. The Council will maintain all the facilities so erected. The facilities will be managed by the Llanrhidian Higher Sports Association, all Community Councillors will be on the management committee of the Llanrhidian Higher Sports Association by right, together with appointed members from each club.

   This proposal was carried unanimously.

Councillor J. Guy proposed

   Councillor J. Guy be given plenary powers to draw up the lease with Mr. Tony Lewis on behalf of Llanrhidian Higher Community Council and to bring back to the Council said lease for discussion, amendment and approval.

   This proposal was carried unanimously.

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Councillor P. Tucker declared an interest in matters concerning City and County of Swansea and left the meeting.

Councillor J. Guy reported

   Swansea City Council have received £350,000 from the Welsh assembly and European bodies for Gower Villages and community projects. Penclawdd is one of the areas that qualifies for grant aid under the enhancement of village facilities.

Councillor J. Guy proposed that

Llanrhidian Higher  Community Council apply for £25,000 to fence and enhance the playground area at Penclawdd. The Council agrees to match the £25,000 grant for a total budget of £50,000. Councillor J. Guy to receive plenary powers to draw up the bid. Councillors W. Smart, P. Guy, T. Snell, C. Jones and the Clerk to draw up the plan and investigate fencing and play equipment.

This proposal was carried unanimously.

Councillor P. Tucker returned.

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Councillor W. Smart reported that grants were still being sought for the tennis courts in Three Crosses.

129.       STAFF ISSUES:
The Clerk reported no staff issues were outstanding.

………………..
Chairman