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

                                                                  Councillors R. Sweet, D. Morgan, T. Snell,       J. Guy, Mrs. P. Guy, P. Tucker, Mrs. S. Davis, R. Cooper, R. Griffiths

35.     APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE:

Apologies were received from Councillors G. Nicholls, P. Hood-Williams, Ms. J. Birch, A. Godfrey and advisor Dr. P. Rees.

36.     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.  Councillor T. Snell declared an interest in respect of planning application 2006/1276.

City & County Councillor P. Tucker declared an interest in respect of matters relating to the City and County of Swansea.

It was moved by Councillor J. Guy, seconded by Councillor Morgan that Councillor Sweet be elected to the office.  There were no other nominations and Councillor Sweet signed the declaration of acceptance.

38.     CHAIRMAN’S REPORT/REMARKS:

          The Chairman referred to T.V. Licences which cannot be renewed at Post Offices after 31^st July.  After 16^th July you cannot buy T.V. licence savings stamps and after 31^st July you cannot use the stamps to pay for your licence.  Stamps will be replaced with a new savings card and payment made at a ‘Pay Point’ outlet.  It was considered that there are insufficient ‘Pay Point’ outlets and these are some distance from outlying parts of Llanrhidian Higher.  It was resolved to write to Martin Caton M.P. concerning further loss to the post office network.

The minutes of the Council meeting held on Thursday 18^th May, 2006 were confirmed as a true record.

There were no matters arising.

Arrangements had been made for a representative of Swansea College to address Council at its next meeting on the subject of Adult Learning Requirements.

The Clerk advised that an order had been placed with Courtstall Services Ltd., for resurfacing of Llanmorlais Tennis Courts.  The company agreed to a reduced deposit of £2,000, work should commence late August/early September.

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

Applications were received from various groups/organisations for grant assistance.  The following payments were agreed:

          Councillor Snell referred to persistent damage at Penclawdd playground.  The litter bin had been removed and it was agreed to replace same with a robust receptacle.

          He also referred to 2012 Olympics and grants available to weight lifting and karate clubs.  A request had been received for assistance in respect of a suitable site, for a building to house these sports.  It was agreed to agenda this for further discussion.

Councillor Mrs. Davis advised that the fence around the skateboard ramp at Llanmorlais had again been damaged.  It was agreed not to replace but to make safe and grade the fall from the level of the playground to the surrounding grass.

The Clerk advised that the annual inspection report had been received from Wicksteed Leisure.  A copy had been forwarded to Council’s contractor instructing that medium risk matters be attended to.  The contactor advised that he was unable to undertake required painting works and the Clerk would instruct elsewhere.

A response had been received from Mr. Francis in respect of access over Llanmorlais Hall car park.  He agreed to enter into a licence agreement at a cost of £50-00 per annum.  He also agreed to meet the costs of drawing up the agreement.  It was agreed that the Clerk draw up the agreement. 

Councillor Tucker advised that regulars at the Royal Oak public house had asked for use of the pond field for matches on Sunday mornings.  The club to be asked to submit a formal request.

44.     ISSUES RELATIVE TO THE MEMORIAL GARDENS:

Councillor J. Guy stated that the inscriptions need upgrading on the memorial and that a request had been received that the names of the fallen in all wars be added.  It was resolved that details be obtained from the War Office and the matter be considered when this information was available.

The Clerk referred to correspondence from and to the Charity Commissioners in relation to the Memorial Hall.  He could not act for the trustees as a qualified surveyor and it was agreed to approach Messrs Foote & Halfpenny in this respect.  It was suggested that the Charity Commission be asked to fund a replacement war memorial.  Councillor Tucker referred to planning permission in respect of alternative use on the site.  This had not been considered to date.

------------ // ------------

Councillors Tucker and Snell withdrew.

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

2006/1113; 2006/1123; 2006/1130; 2006/1183; 2006/1196; 2006/1211; 2006/1265; 2006/1276; 2006/1277;

Councillor Morgan referred to a wall under construction at Joiners Road, Three Crosses and whether planning permission was required.  The Clerk to enquire of the planning department.

Penclawdd Members referred to application 2006/1276, proposed development at Tan Y Bryn Terrace and the concern of neighbours in respect of loss of view, privacy issues, parking constraints and on-site contamination.  These issues to be drawn to the attention of the Local Planning Authority.  Reference was also made to application 2006/1277, development at Old Colliery, Penclawdd.  It was considered that the extent of development was an overintensification of the site.  

Amended plans were received in respect of application 2006/0786, Woodstock, The Lane, Wernffrwd and 2006/0257, Hawthornes,

------------ // ------------

Councillors Tucker and Snell returned.

(ii)          Community Leadership and Democracy, City and County of Swansea – invitation for Chairman to attend the ‘Towards 2020’ event on 19^th June.  Purpose, to engage Council stakeholders in the budget process and share how City and County of Swansea is working towards the 2020 vision for Swansea.  Noted.

(iii)          ‘fairbridge’ Swansea – application for donation of £250-00 to fund work of young person from this area.  Noted.

(iv)         Welsh Assembly – Electoral Arrangements in Wales, discussion document.  Noted.

(v)          Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Authority – Draft Risk Reduction Plan 2007/2010, consultation exercise to be undertaken 4/7 to 26/9, draft plan available on website – www.mawwfire.gov.uk.  Hard copy will be provided.  Noted.

(vi)         The National Trust – notification of work to be undertaken on Llanrhidian Marsh; cleaning out ditches and cutting back vegetation.  N. T. intend to discuss with City and County of Swansea ditching works undertaken, without their knowledge and subsequently drained the roadside pond near Selwyns cockle factory.  Noted.

(vii)         One Voice Wales :

              - copy of The Voice

- notice of conference/AGM to be held 14/10/2006, Llandrindod Wells.  Council may send up to two delegates at £50-00 per delegate.

- notice of Swansea Area Committee AGM and ordinary meeting to be held 22/6, The Guildhall.

- looking for volunteers to assist at the One Voice Stand at the Eisteddfod, 5 – 12 August.  Noted.

(viii)        Safer Swansea Partnership – next meeting 22^nd June, The Guildhall.  Noted.

            (ix)       Charity Commission

- advising that online services now extended to all charities to provide: update of entry, complete and submit annual return and correspondence.

- News – summer 2006.  Noted.

          Councillor Mrs. Guy thanked the City and County of Swansea for cleaning the footpath from Pen Y Lan to the village.

48.     RECOGNITION OF 50^th ANNIVERSARY OF GOWER A.O.N.B.:

          Councillor Snell stated that no money was spent in North Gower.  He called for the City and County of Swansea to commission a survey asking holidaymakers why they come to Gower and which access road they use.  This was agreed.

          Councillor Tucker referred to the Gower Food Tasting Exhibition to be held at Penclawdd Community Centre on 9^th August.

          There were no reports.

50.     TO AGREE DATES OF FUTURE MEETINGS:

          Councillor J. Guy moved that a meeting not be held in December.  This was seconded by Councillor Snell and agreed by majority.

The next meeting of the Council will be held at Penclawdd Community Centre on Thursday 20^th July, 2006 commencing at 7.00.p.m.

………………………..