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

                                                                  Councillors R. Sweet, P. Hood-Williams,        D. Morgan,    R. Griffiths, G. Nicholls, Mrs. P. Guy,  R. Cooper, P. Tucker, P. Place.

152.     APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE:

Apologies were received from Councillors Mrs. S. Davis, J. Guy, A. Godfrey, T. Snell and advisor Dr. P. Rees.

153.     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:

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

Councillor Griffiths declared an interest in planning application 2007/0432, as did the Clerk.

154.     CHAIRMAN’S REPORT/REMARKS:

The chairman advised that she had attended a recent PACT meeting in Penclawdd.  Three issues were raised; speed of traffic, indiscriminate parking of vehicles and youth annoyance. 

The chairman advise that she had made contact with the Head Teachers of Penclawdd and Crwys Primary schools and confirmed that each had a school council.  She proposed to visit each school and present cheques for £100 to the school councils.  Councillor Griffiths advised that grants were available from the Assembly to schools for travel plans and Councillor Hood-Williams advised that such a scheme was being formulated by Crwys Primary.

In addition, the Chairman advised that Mr. Eynon, user of the Memorial Hall had made contact with her and provided a copy of a report obtained in respect of asbestos analysis in the building.

The minutes of the Council meeting held on Thursday 15^th February, 2007 were confirmed as a true record.

There were no matters arising.

The Clerk advised that notification had been received from Wales Audit Office of change of external auditor.  It is proposed that the audit of annual returns for 2006/2007 and the foreseeable future be undertaken by Mazars LLP.  The work to be carried out by their public services audit team based in Southampton.  Fees will stay within the scales previously published.  Response stating no objection if this will expedite completion but no mention of outstanding audits for the last three years.

Arrangements had been made with Wicksteed Leisure for annual safety inspections /risk assessments to be undertaken in respect of playgrounds and playground equipment.  The total cost was £195-00 plus VAT.

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

The Clerk advised that the grant of £20,000 had been credited to Council’s bank account.  In addition, he advised that the precept for 2007/2008 would be paid on 30^th April, 31^st August and 31^st December.  Each tranche would be £30,705.

The tender was advertised in the Evening Post on February 9^th and on local notice boards.  Three expressions of interest were received and tender documents were forwarded.  The Clerk reported that three tenders had been received by the closing date.  The tender figures were:

               £23,131-81;     £26,514.50;     £48,190.00.

Councillor Hood-Williams asked if all contractors could undertake the project.  The Clerk advised that all documentation requested and references had been received.  Councillor Hood-Williams proposed acceptance of the lowest tender, this was seconded by Councillor Cooper.  Councillor Mrs. Guy asked whether Council had to accept the lowest tender and the Clerk confirmed that it did not have to.  Members thought that the present contractor had given good service. Councillor Cooper suggested that adding inflation to the present contract sum, a figure in the region of the lowest tender was in order.  Councillor Tucker asked if there were additional works within the contract, this was confirmed, these works being additional grass cutting to land at Gowerton Road, Three Crosses and an increase in the quantity of bark to playgrounds.  It was agreed unanimously to accept the lowest quotation, whereupon the Clerk advised that the successful contractor was Spencer E. C. A. Ltd.

Councillor Mrs. Guy asked the status of applications for works at Llanmorlais Recreation Ground and Crwys Community Centre.  The Clerk advised that information had been received in respect of lottery funding and other grants and this was to be considered.

Councillor Tucker asked that hedges at Parc Hendy Cemetery be cut and that the path to the Remembrance Garden be completed.  Councillor Mrs. Guy referred to loose stones to the wall near the top gate, Victoria Road.  The grounds maintenance contractor to be asked to undertake these works.

Councillor Sweet enquired of the addition of names to the war memorial.  The Clerk advised that this was being researched.

The Chairman asked for a refuse receptacle to be provided at Crofty playground. 

Reference was made to the Memorial Hall and asbestos analysis undertaken by the users.  They were concerned about the future of the building and for the people using it.  The Clerk advised that an analysis had revealed that the building contained chrysotile asbestos, referred to as white asbestos in the ceiling and wall panelling.  There was general discussion in respect of the report, options for displacement of the users and the future of the building.  It was agreed that the matter be considered at a finance meeting to be held after the April Council meeting.  The Clerk advised that members acted as trustees and it was the trustees responsibility to decide the future of the hall.

The Clerk referred to a rent demand notice received from Knight Frank, agents for the Sommerset Trust, in respect of the foreshore.  He believed that the lease terminated 29^th September, 2006.  Mr. Royal had responded advising that they were dealing with related issues and once resolved he would make further contact.  He suggested that the lease was ‘holding over’ and asked that Council continue to pay at the present rate.  Following discussion it was agreed that the issues be examined and that payment be withheld.

Planning permission had been received for works to the pavilion and store, Penclawdd Recreation Ground.  An application for consent under the Building Regulations would be submitted in order that works could proceed.

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Councillors Tucker and Hood-Williams withdrew.

Councillor Griffiths withdrew in respect of application

2007/0432 and took his leave.

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

2007/0223; 2007/0228; 2007/0247; 2007/0271; 2007/0279; 2007/0307; 2007/0324; 2007/0348; 2007/0357; 2007/0384; 2007/0404; 2007/0428; 2007/0432; 2007/0477.

Prior to his departure, Councillor Griffiths referred to applications in respect of Cwm Mawr Isaf Farm and Firdene, Dunvant Road, Three Crosses, stating that the proposals were too large and out of character with the village.  Three Crosses members considered his thoughts and agreed to note the observations only.

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Councillors Tucker and Hood-Williams returned.

(i)                      Interim Director of Finance, City and County of Swansea – replacement of rural rate relief with small business rate relief scheme, presently receiving 50% mandatory relief in respect of Parc Hendy Cemetery, Memorial Hall and Llanmorlais Recreation Ground. The new scheme provides that properties with an R.V. of £2,000 or less will receive 50% rate relief.  No change.  Noted.

(ii)                     Letter from occupier Archway Cottages, Station Terrace, Penclawdd disappointed at response to planning application.  The building is not listed.  Councillor Tucker advised that the arch is not listed, the letter was noted.

(iii)                   Safer Swansea Partnership – minutes of meeting held 6^th February, 2007.  Next meeting 9.30 a.m. 14^th June, Dylan Thomas Centre.  Noted.

(iv)                   Contact the Elderly Wales, National Development Officer looking to re-launch Swansea group and seeking volunteers.  Drivers needed and hosts to provide companionship for 8 elderly people once a month.  Noted.

(v)                    South Wales Police – letter from Chief Supt. M. Mathias introducing himself as new Divisional Commander, to replace Chief Supt. Jehu.  Councillor Hood-Williams asked that Supt. Mathias be invited to address Council.  There was concern that PCSO’s were not covering Three Crosses.

(vi)                   Lliw Valley Racing Pigeon Society – has a number of members resident in Penclawdd area and making application for grant assistance.  Copy of balance sheet provided.  Noted.

(vii)                 Welsh Assembly – The Strategy for Older People in Wales.  Noted.

(viii)                Carmarthen Bay and Estuaries European Marine Site Liaison ‘Surgery’ to be held Monday 26^th March between 3.00 and 7.00 p.m. at the National Wetland Centre, Penclacwydd, Llanelli.  Noted.

(ix)                   City and County of Swansea, Regeneration Department – Climbing Higher National Sports and Physical Activity Strategy Local Consultation and Funding Update Events – invitation to attend one of four events 6.00 to 7.30 p.m. on:

19^th March – Penyrheol Leisure Centre

20^th March – Bonymaen Community Centre

21^st March – The Guildhall

27^th March – Penlan Leisure Centre

         Bookings to be made by 18^th March to steven.osborne@swansea.gov.uk  Noted.

The Chairman referred to drainage problems at Riverside, due to the cycle path and had referred the matter to Sustrans. 

Correspondence had been received from the footpaths officer concerning footpath 1 where the kissing gate was to be reinstated. 

Councillor Hood-Williams advised that he had attended a recent Community Council Forum.  The issues considered were new planning procedures, where additional delegated powers had been given to officers.  Applications would be reported to committee when called in by the ward member or where there were a number of objections.  The other issue considered at the forum was the budget increase in Council Tax set at 3.5%.

The next meeting of the Council will be held at Penclawdd Community Centre on Thursday 19^th April, 2007 commencing at 7.00.p.m.

…………………….

Chairman