MEMBERS PRESENT:                         Chairman Councillor R. Cooper

                                                                  Councillors P. Hood-Williams, G. Nicholls,       J. Guy, Mrs. P. Guy,  Mrs. A. Lewis-Pudduck,  Mrs. S. Davis, P. Tucker, P. Place, W. Smart,    C. Jones.

Also present were Mr. A. Cross, Clerk designate and Dr. P. Rees.

Members present declared acceptance of office in accordance with the Code of Conduct.

15.         APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE:

Apologies were received from Councillors T. Snell and Mrs. J. Usher.

16.         CHAIRMAN’S REPORT/REMARKS:

Councillor Cooper thanked all Members and the Clerk for their support and commitment throughout the year.  He believed that all had the best interests of the Council and Community at heart.

17.         TO ELECT A CHAIRPERSON FOR THE MUNICIPAL YEAR 2008/2009:

Councillor J. Guy enquired of Councillor Hood-Williams of any perceived conflict in him taking the role of Chairman.  Councillor Hood-Williams advised that he had discussed the matter with the Monitoring Officer, City and County of Swansea and that there were no problems or conflicts in his taking the position.  Accordingly, Councillor Guy nominated Councillor Hood-Williams as Chairman, seconded by Councillor Nicholls.  This was agreed unanimously.  Councillor Hood-Williams declared acceptance of office.

18.         TO ELECT A VICE-CHAIRPERSON FOR THE MUNICIPAL YEAR 2008/2009:

Councillor Nicholls thanked Councillor Cooper for his efficiency as the retiring Chairman and nominated him as Vice-Chairman.  This was seconded by Councillor Mrs. Guy.  Councillor Cooper declined.  Councillor Tucker nominated Councillor Mrs. Guy as Vice-Chairperson.  This was seconded by Councillor Mrs. Davis and agreed unanimously.  Councillor Mrs. Guy declared acceptance of office.

19.         TO CONSIDER THE ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS FOR THE YEAR:

These were agreed.

20.         TO APPOINT A STANDING COMMITTEE:

Councillor J. Guy nominated Dr. P. Rees, this was seconded by Councillor Tucker and agreed unanimously.  Dr. Rees accepted the position.

21.         TO AGREE DATES OF MEETINGS FOR THE MUNICIPAL YEAR 2008/2009:

The Clerk had circulated proposed dates for the forthcoming year.  These dates were agreed.

22.         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 13.

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

23.         CHAIRMAN’S REPORT/REMARKS:

Councillor Hood-Williams said that he hoped the forthcoming four years would be as productive as those of the last Council and was certain that all would work to that end.

The minutes of the Council meeting held on Thursday 17^th April, 2008 were confirmed as a true record.

There were no matters arising.

The Clerk referred to Council’s insurance renewal, reported at the last meeting, and advised that he had undertaken a re-valuation of Council’s assets.  This had resulted in an increase in the premium, due principally to Council’s investment of £34,000 in the female/disabled changing facilities provided at the Recreation Ground.  The rebuild cost of this facility was now £174,000.  The new insurance premium amounted to £5,200.

He advised that he had met with an inspector from Welsh Water at the Recreation Ground, Penclawdd on 25^th April.  The low water pressure at the bowling green was caused by the deteriorating supply pipe.  Two courses of action were possible, namely the renewal of the pipe, 130m in length at approximately £3,500 or a new supply at approximately £1,000.   Members agreed that a new supply should be sought.

The employers Inland Revenue annual return for 2007/2008 had been submitted and P60 notices had been issued to staff.

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

The Clerk referred to correspondence from the Swansea Building Society concerning their premier savings account.  The account was instant access, no notice of withdrawal required.  The present rate was 4.90% effective 1^st May following the Bank of England base rate change.  Following discussion, it was agreed unanimously that Council transfer its investments to a new account to be opened in the Swansea Building Society.

The Clerk advised that the Council had a number of projects at various stages and sought to bring Members up to date. 

·        Instructions had been given to Spencer ECA Ltd., to erect ball-stop fencing at Parc Dan-y-Lan.  This work would be undertaken during the summer.

·        Instructions had been given to Council’s contractor in respect of improved disabled access and gates at the Recreation Ground, Penclawdd.

·        Instructions had been given to Council’s contractor to undertake end of season maintenance to the football pitch, Parc Dan-y-Lan.  Discussion to be undertaken with the contractor concerning a car parking area at Parc Dan-y-Lan.

·        Instructions had been given to undertake repairs to the showers/valves male changing facilities Penclawdd rugby pavilion.

·        A request from Penclawdd AFC for internal and external redecoration had been agreed.  The club were advised that Council would meet the cost of materials, subject to receipts being provided by the end of the month of purchase, to re-claim VAT.

·        Repairs to the roof of the pavilion, Penclawdd Recreation Ground were in hand.

·        Penclawdd AFC had requested consent for a storage container at Parc Dan-y-Lan.  This Council was consulting with Planning Services, City and County of Swansea. 

·        A grant application was in hand, relative to Crwys Hall.

·        A grant application had been submitted in respect of multi-purpose facility at Llanmorlais.  A planning application had been prepared and it was agreed to discharge the account of Foote and Halfpenny in this respect.

·        A brief was required in respect of the replacement bowls pavilion and it was agreed that a meeting be arranged with relevant parties.

·        Councillor J. Guy and the Clerk had met with Mr. Dixon of Knight Frank, agents for the Somerset Trust, concerning the lease of the foreshore.  Two proposals were considered, firstly the grant of a long lease, say 25 years, in respect of the playground area at a modern ground rent of £100 p.a.  Secondly an annual lease at a nominal rent in respect of the foreshore car park.  The latter would provide ease of surrender should proposals be forthcoming for redevelopment.  The discussions that took place were subject to approval by the freeholder and the agent would advise accordingly.  Council agreed that both proposals be accepted and the Clerk was given plenary powers to implement.   Councillor Tucker advised that the Environment Agency had suggested that in any redevelopment the level of the car park should be raised by 1metre.

·        It was considered that the children’s playgrounds required upgrading and Councillor J. Guy advised that grants were available.  It was agreed that Council explore this situation and contribute up to £5,000 per play area if grants can be obtained.  This was agreed.  There followed discussion on the location of Penclawdd playground and possible re-siting at the Community Hall, Dunraven Close, the Recreation Ground and Graig-y-Coed.  It was agreed that public opinion be sought and that an invitation be given to interested parties to attend the July meeting.  Councillor Cooper stated that following consultation the matter must come back to Council for debate.  This course of action was agreed unanimously.

·        Instructions had been given to Council’s contractor to strim around seats at Three Crosses and repair the seat at the Health Centre, Penclawdd.  In addition, to report upon the condition of all Council owned seats.  Councillor J. Guy advised that grants were available for seating and following discussion Council agreed to fund a total of £3,000 assuming that such grants would be realised.

The Clerk referred to correspondence received from the Headteacher, Llanmorlais Primary School seeking consent to use Llanmorlais Recreation Ground for sports lessons when the opportunity arose.  In addition, to mark out a rounders pitch on the field.  This work to be undertaken by the City and County of Swansea.  Councillor J. Guy suggested Council look into the possibility of the LEA paying for the use of these facilities.  Councillor Mrs. Lewis-Pudduck agreed with asking the question but said that the school should deliver its programme and that budgets were tight.  It was agreed that the City and County Members ask the Local Authority to compensate this Council for the facilities it is providing free of charge. In the meantime it was agreed that permission be given to the Headteacher, Llanmorlais School.

The Clerk referred to discussion on the provision of a portable disabled w. c. at the bowling green, in compliance with current legislation.  He had obtained three quotations.  These were based on provision of the facility for 14 weeks.  Brandon Hire quoted £840-00 plus VAT; Elliott Loo Hire £713.90 plus VAT and Abba Loos £420-00 plus VAT.  The latter providing a two weekly service schedule compared with weekly by the others.  It was agreed that the quotation from Abba Loos be accepted.  Use of the facility be limited to disabled persons.

Correspondence had been received from the secretary, Llanmorlais Community Hall concerning mud and slurry running onto the car park.  It was confirmed that this was emanating from the field occupied by Mr. Francis and it was agreed that Council write to this person to resolve the matter.

The Wicksteed annual playground inspection report had been received and a copy would be forwarded to Council’s contractor.  Councillor Smart advised that there was a broken swing at Three Crosses playground.

Councillor Jones stated that children were riding bicycles on the tennis courts at Penclawdd.  This was putting players in danger and Members stated that the courts would also be damaged.  It was agreed to introduce vertical bars to prevent bicycles being taken into the courts.

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Councillors Tucker and Hood-Williams withdrew. 

Councillor Mrs P. Guy, Chairperson.

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

2008/0691; 2008/0735; 2008/0756; 2008/0767; 2008/0804; 2008/0868; 2008/0894; 2008/0903; 2008/0942; 2008/0945

There were no issues raised in respect of these applications.

Notification was received from Planning Services concerning appeals:

refusal of new dwelling, land opposite 1-4, Blaen Cedi Cottages, Penclawdd and refusal of new vehicular access at Pant Glas, Brynhir.

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Councillors Tucker and Hood-Williams returned.

Councillor Mrs. Lewis-Pudduck referred to the provision of affordable housing in rural areas and policy on social housing in the inner city.  Following discussion it was agreed to write to the Cabinet Member for Housing with copies to local members and Mr. Graham, Planning Services asking that the Cabinet Member attend Council to advise of current policy.

(i)                       Mid & West Wales Fire & Rescue Authority – copy of Draft Risk Reduction Plan 2009/2010 for consultation, which closes 29^th  July.  Also available at www.mawwfire.gov.uk  Noted.

(ii)                     Dr Hilborne, Three Crosses resident – suggests that a significant part of her Council Tax is paid to L.H.C.C. and is not aware of receiving any communication and enquires to whom the Council is accountable.  Response given setting out details of Council and accountability with copies to Chairman and Vice.  Councillor Cooper suggested the need for Council to communicate further and should an annual report be produced?

(iii)                    One Voice Wales – Notice of Conference and AGM, to be held 11^th October at the Bont Pavilion, Pontrhydfendigaid, Ceredigion.  Cost per delegate £70-00 (£60-00 if booked by 1^st August).  Councillor Hood-Williams to advise if able to attend.

(iv)                   Second Life Products Wales – details of street and garden furniture manufactured from 100% recycled polythene.  Noted.

(v)                     Planning Services, City and County of Swansea – advising that application for non illuminted sign at 1, Glanmor Terrace, Penclawdd, approved subject to conditions.  Noted.

(vi)                   Planning Services, City and County of Swansea – details of modifications to the Unitary Development Plan (U.D.P.), for consultation, this ends 27^th June.  Noted.

(vii)                  Sports Council Wales, Active Lifestyles Capital Fund – congratulating Council on successful completion of the scheme at Penclawdd Recreation Ground and commitment to promoting healthier lifestyles.  Noted.

Councillor J. Guy asked Councillor Tucker to review the condition of the lane from Pen-y-Lan to Victoria Road.

Councillor Mrs. Lewis-Pudduck referred to footpath 3 where the surface was breaking up and the width reduced by overgrowth.

Correspondence was received from Planning Services relative to footpath 21.  An application had been received from the Wildlife Trust to install a pedestrian kissing gate to prevent the ingress and egress of animals and motor bikes.  This was agreed.

There were no reports.

The next meeting of the Council will be held at Crwys Community Centre, Three Crosses on Thursday 19^th June, 2008 commencing at 7.00.p.m.

This to be followed by a Finance Committee Meeting.