MEMBERS PRESENT:                         Chairman Councillor Mrs. A. Lewis-Pudduck

                                                                  Councillors R. Sweet, P. Hood-Williams,        D. Morgan, G. Nicholls, J. Guy, Mrs. P. Guy,  P. Tucker, Mrs. S. Davis, R. Cooper,                A. Godfrey, R. Griffiths,

Present were Dr. N. Eales and Mr. P. Place candidates for the vacancy Three Crosses Ward.

137.     APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE:

Apologies were received from Councillor T. Snell and advisor Dr. P. Rees.

138.     TO RECEIVE DISCLOSURE OF PERSONAL INTEREST FROM MEMBERS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE CODE OF CONDUCT ADOPTED BY LHCC ON 13^th DECEMBER 2001:

Councillor Mrs. S. Davis declared an interest in respect of the contractors account for grounds maintenance, agenda item 8.

City & County Councillors Hood-Williams and Tucker declared an interest in respect of matters relating to the City and County of Swansea.

The Clerk declared an interest in planning application 2007/0199.

The Chairman suspended Standing Orders

in respect of the following matters.

139.     CO-OPTION OF MEMBER, TO FILL VACANCY, THREE CROSSES WARD:

The Chairman reported that an election had not been requested to fill the vacancy and that two candidates had come forward seeking co-option.  They would in turn address Council.

Dr. Eales gave a presentation on his background, interests and invited questions from Members.  He withdrew and Mr. Place addressed Council in respect of his background, experience and interests.  Members asked questions relative to the presentation.  The candidates withdrew and following a ballot Mr. P. Place was elected and signed the declaration of acceptance of office.

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Two members of the public Mr. Eynon and Mr. Stuckey (weightlifting club) asked to address Council in respect of the Memorial Hall.  They advised that they had occupied the building using it as a gym for many years and requested continued use due to the non-availability of an alternative venue.  Members were sympathetic but advised that the hall must be demolished, due to condition.  It was suggested that contact be made with the City and County of Swansea in respect of an extension to the community centre for their purpose.  This had been given approval some years ago and a further application would be supported by this Council.  Councillor Tucker advised that funding was not available but was asked to investigate the matter.  The club was seeking suitable premises but would equip at their cost.  Councillor Guy moved that the item on the agenda be brought forward and that a decision be deferred on re-development until a new facility was provided.  Councillor Cooper referred to Health and Safety issues within the building and the Chairman asked the Clerk to advise in this respect.  The Clerk advised that the interior was lined with an asbestos containing material and that users were aware and had accepted the situation.  The representatives left the meeting.

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Standing Orders reinstated.

There was further discussion in respect of the a.c.m. and the Clerk advised that the Council had a duty to manage the building for the said reason.  Councillor Morgan asked whether, irrespective of the user’s acceptance of the situation, Council was still responsible and this was confirmed.  It was resolved that the a.c.m. be analysed to determine type before a decision was made on the future of the hall.

141.     CHAIRMAN’S REPORT/REMARKS:

The Chairman advised that a donation had been given to Llanmorlais School Council and over the next few weeks she would visit Penclawdd and Crwys Primary Schools for the same purpose.

The minutes of the Council meeting held on Thursday 18^th January, 2007 were confirmed as a true record.

The minutes of the Finance Committee meeting of the same date were also confirmed.

Councillor Mrs. Guy was pleased to note that grit bins had now been provided as requested and referred to the poor condition of the road surface,

The Clerk advised that a planning application had been submitted in respect of works to the pavilion and store at the Recreation Ground, Penclawdd and that the offer of grant from the Welsh Assembly had been accepted.

The grounds maintenance contract had been advertised in the Evening Post on 9^th February.  Notices had also been placed on village notice boards.  Two letters expressing interest had been received to date.

The accounts as detailed and agreed by the Clerk were passed for payment.

Councillor J. Guy advised that he had spoken with Mr. A. Bailey, rural affairs SCVS and arranged that he would visit on Tuesday 20^th February, 2.15 pm at Crwys Hall and 3.00 p.m. at Llanmorlais Recreation Ground, to discuss avenues available for grant funding.  Support had been received from Mrs. E. Hart AM and Mrs. A. Ellis, Chairman, Sports Council for Wales.  Councillor Guy proposed that plans be prepared for the extension of Crwys Hall and for the Llanmorlais multi-sports facility.  This was seconded by Councillor Hood-Williams and agreed unanimously.

It was reported that posts and lights had been erected at Dan Y Lan but the lights were dim and a request was made that white lights be provided at a cost of £28-00 each.  Councillor Tucker suggested that the lights closest to the road not be changed due to possible distraction for motorists.  It was moved by Councillor Guy that appropriate lights be changed and this was agreed.

Councillor J. Guy suggested that tenders for fencing at Dan Y Lan be advertised but it was agreed that this be deferred until the information requested from Legal Services, City and County of Swansea, was available.

Councillor Godfrey reported a defective spring to the self-closing gate, Crofty playground.

Application details were received in respect of the City and County of Swansea hanging basket scheme 2007.  It was agreed to order 60 lamp standard baskets at a cost of £55-00 each plus VAT.  The location of some of the baskets to be amended.

An application was received from Western Power Distribution in respect of required works at Hendy Road, Penclawdd.  They required consent to install some 50m of earth wire together with an earth mat to an existing pole situate on Council land.  A future wayleave rental would be paid.  This was agreed.

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Councillors Tucker and Hood-Williams withdrew.

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

2007/0056; 2007/0136; 2007/0199; 2007/0247.

Notification received from Local Planning Authority, application 2005/0633, re-development of site of Railway Inn, Penclawdd, application withdrawn.

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Councillors Tucker and Hood-Williams returned.

Councillor Griffiths moved that Council write to the City and County of Swansea requesting that all new houses and public buildings contain provision such that development is moving toward carbon neutral requirements.  Councillor Hood-Williams advised that supplementary planning guidance was being prepared in this respect and Councillor J. Guy said that the Government was moving in this direction.  Following discussion it was agreed by majority that such a letter be sent.

(i)                  Welsh Assembly – notification of public meeting, 2^nd March, North Cornelly Community Centre, subject: Maintaining the Health, Wellbeing and Independence of Older People.       Noted.

(ii)                Welsh Assembly – Fire and Rescue National Framework (Wales) 2005 (revisions) Order 2007 and Intervention Protocol.  Noted.

(iii)               Welsh Assembly – Local Service Boards/Local Service Agreements – Consultation Paper, views by 2^nd April.  Noted.

(iv)              Welsh Assembly – Appropriate sum under s. 137, Local Government Act 1972 – maximum sum set for financial year 2007/2008 is £5.64 per elector.  The Clerk elaborated in this respect advising that the maximum sum would be in the region of £23,000.

(v)                Welsh Assembly – Borrowing by Community and Town Councils – application for loan sanction for 2007/2008 to be submitted by 16^th March.  Schemes will not be considered costing less than a figure produced by multiplying £5-00 by the number of people on the electoral register for the community.  The Clerk elaborated on this advising that the minimum sum was around £21,000.

(vi)              Environment Agency Wales – The Tawe, Loughor and Gower Catchment Abstraction Management Strategy (CAMS) Consultation Document, comments by 3^rd May.  Noted.

(vii)             City and County of Swansea, Legal Services – Community Council Forum postponed until 6^th March, 5.00. p.m. County Hall.  Noted.

(viii)           One Voice Wales – invitation to renew membership, for 2007/2008, fee £490-00.  Moved by Councillor Hood-Williams, seconded by Councillor J. Guy that the membership be renewed.  This was agreed.

(ix)              One Voice Wales – copy of latest edition of The Voice.  Noted.

(x)                Longfields Association – application for financial assistance.  A hydrotherapy pool has recently been built especially for disabled people, including wheelchair users.  The facilities are available to hire to groups or individuals, increasing income for the Association.  Noted.

It was agreed that the heading be altered to read footpaths, cycle paths and bridleways.

Councillor Sweet reported that tree roots had raised both the cycle path and pavement near Gower Timber, but the Local Authority had undertaken remedial works within a short space of time.  The problem of animal defecation on footpaths was of growing concern.  Councillor Tucker reported that footpaths 2 and 3, at Crofty, were to be inspected by City and County officers.

The Clerk reported upon correspondence received from Legal Services, City and County of Swansea concerning footpath 59.  It had been found that information in the definitive map and statement was incorrect and that the length between points C and F given as 500m was in fact 600m.  The Authority proposed an order to amend the particulars.  Council raised no objection.

There were no reports.

The next meeting of the Council will be held at Crwys Community Centre on Thursday 15^th March, 2007 commencing at 7.00.p.m.