MEMBERS PRESENT:                   Chairman Councillor Mrs. P. Guy.

Councillors  J. Guy, T. Snell, C. Jones, P. Hood-Williams, W. Smart, P. Tucker, Mrs J. Usher & G. Nicholls.

Apologies were received from Councillors R. Cooper, P. Place, Mrs. S. Davis & Mrs. A. Lewis-Pudduck.

87.         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:

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

88.         CHAIRMAN’S REPORT/REMARKS:

The Chairman thanked all present for attending.

With an amendment to the date and location, the minutes of the Council meeting held on the 19^th September 2009 were confirmed as a true record.

Councillor P. Tucker confirmed he had spoken to the planning department of the City & County of Swansea, regarding the cemetery in Penclawdd. He reported that initially it appears that the Council will need to apply for planning permission to extend the cemetery but this needs to be confirmed.

The Clerk reported on a quote from the Councils contractor to replace the gate at the Recreation ground, Penclawdd, with a new self closing gate. It was unanimously approved that this be undertaken.

The Clerk reported that Remembrance Sunday would be on Sunday 8^th November. It was unanimously approved that the Clerk proceeds with the Councils contribution to this event. 

The Clerk reported on the resignation of Councillor N. Davies from the Three Crosses Ward, Councillor Davies felt the role of Councillor was ‘not for him’ and expressed his best wishes to the Council for its future endeavours. The Council voted to accept the resignation of Councillor Davies and to write to him and thank him for his contribution whilst a Councillor and express its regret over his resignation. The Clerk reported on the procedure for electing a new Councillor, a notice will be posted in Three Crosses advising of the vacancy. If notice is given to City & County of Swansea requesting an election then this will proceed, otherwise the Council will be free to co-opt a new Councillor.

The Clerk reported on a meeting with Councillor P. Tucker, a safety officer from City & County of Swansea and the local P.C.S.O. about water safety at the Foreshore Penclawdd. In the opinion of the safety officer no action is needed at the Foreshore.

The Clerk reported on correspondence from City & County of Swansea regarding an application for a grant for seating in Three Crosses. The Clerk informed the Council that regrettably the application had been unsuccessful. Councillor P. Hood-Williams reported that he was unhappy with this decision and had contacted the grants officer concerned. Following discussions the application would be amended and resubmitted. It was unanimously agreed that Councillor Hood-Williams proceed in this matter.

Councillor Mrs. P. Guy reported that the littering situation at Penclawdd playground needed attention. The Clerk advised the Council of the contractor’s recommendation for the installation of two new bins. It was unanimously approved to instruct the contractor to proceed in this matter.

Councillor W. Smart presented the Council with a maintenance pack from Wicksteed Ltd. for the attention of the Councils contractor.

Councillor J. Guy requested an update on the play equipment for Three Crosses and Llanmorlais. The Clerk reported that he had been advised that the work should be completed in about 4 weeks and that invoices would be submitted to City & County of Swansea on receipt from the contractor.

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

Councillor Mrs. P. Guy reported on concerns forwarded to her regarding the Memorial garden at Penclawdd cemetery. The concerns regarded access to the plots as the garden is filled. Councillor J. Guy proposed the Penclawdd Councillors and any interested parties attend a meeting at the cemetery to assess the situation and report back at the next meeting. This was unanimously approved and Councillor Mrs. P. Guy agreed to arrange the meeting.

Councillor J. Guy requested an update on the progress of the plans for the proposed building to accommodate the bowls, weights and tennis clubs at Penclawdd recreation ground. The Clerk reported that he had spoken to Mr N. Aubrey concerning the plans and that they were not complete at this time. Councillor Guy proposed the Llanrhidian Higher Sports Association be approached to accept this project as it is in a better position to seek funding. Councillor Guy proposed this be added to the Agenda for the next meeting. This was unanimously approved.

Councillor W. Smart reported on meetings of the hall management committee for Crwys Community Centre, Three Crosses. He referred to the successful set up of a website to market the centre, promote it in the community and draw the community into increased involvement with the centre. He also referred to ideas from the committee involving increasing the light in the building by modifying the front windows, improving the running costs of the building by investigating the use of solar energy and improving the exterior of the building by the use of timber decking. He asked the Council that the committee be allowed to consult with the project manager on the ‘fitting out’ of the hall to ensure the facilities the hall will provide will complement the existing and future users of the hall.

The Clerk referred to a letter from the project manager detailing a request from the committee enquiring if a change to the windows at the front of the building was possible.  The project manager enclosed a sketch of the proposed changes and advised that a planning application would be required to incorporate said changes.

Councillor J. Guy reported that he had spoken to the project manager and Councillors from Three Crosses regarding the committees enquiries and was opposed to any changes on the grounds of (i) confusion, (ii) the plans were agreed in August 2007, (iii) the plans have been approved by the lottery, building regulators and the project is to commence on Monday 19^th October. The architect disagrees with the changes and the committee was asked to look at the running of the hall and not the structure of the building. The project is to be completed by March 2010 and has already had one extension due to problems with the deeds. Councillor Guy feels that the project would be jeopardised by amendments that could be carried out at a later date after the project is complete.

Councillor Guy clarified the administrative process involved in the extension of the hall, Councillor Guy as the grants officer has to consult with the project manager as each stage of the project is completed and approved, he submits the bills to the big lottery grants officer who authorises payment to the Councils bank account. The Clerk then proceeds to pay the builder or contractor on receipt of the funds.

Councillor Guy proposed that in light of the necessity to consult with the big lottery fund for permission for alterations, the requirement and cost of a new planning application, the completion date of the project and the imminent start of the project the Council adheres to the existing plan and does not authorise any changes at this point in time.

Councillor Smart reported that the committee in place now was not necessarily involved at any previous stages of the project and that any suggestions made by the committee were made with the best intentions. He agreed that nothing must delay the extension of the hall.

Councillor Guy’s proposal was voted on and passed with seven Councillors in favour and two against.

Councillor P Hood-Williams proposed that a planning application be submitted for the alterations to the windows and the installation of decking, to allow these alterations to be completed at the discretion of the Council after the extension was completed. A discussion on the merits of decking followed during which concerns were raised over safety issues. Councillor Guy proposed an amendment to Councillor Hood-Williams’ proposal that no plans are submitted until after this project is completed.

Councillor Guy’s amendment was passed with six Councillors in favour, one abstention and two against.

Councillor P. Tucker reported that he had received a complaint from a previous councillor, Mr R. Sweet that his details were still on the website. The Clerk reported that changes had been made and that he would investigate.

Councillor P. Tucker reported that in the Councils wards a number of lamp posts had been taken down. He informed the Council that these removals were for health and safety reasons and that the posts will be replaced when funds become available.

Councillor P. Tucker reported on meetings with the Environment Agency concerning high tides at the Foreshore at Penclawdd. He explained that this was an ongoing situation and improvements would be made when funds were available but that he regrettably could not report any timescales.

96.         PLANNING APPLICATIONS:

No planning applications were received during this period.

1. The Environment Centre – Invitation to Swansea Waste Forum meeting – 15^th October – noted.
   
   
   
2. The Gower Society – newsletter – noted.
   
   
   
3. Mencap – Request for donation – noted.
   
   
   
4. Margaret Munn – Enquiry regarding naming of Penclawdd playground  ‘Davies Park’ – Clerk to reply explaining the Council has no record of this, has consulted previous Councillors who have no recollection and Council has no policy of naming Council property after individuals.
   
   
   
5. South Wales Police Authority – Survey – noted.
   
   
   
6. Welsh Assembly Government – Community Asset Transfer Programme – noted.
   
   
   
7. Alan Cairns A.M. – Letter regarding sand dredging off Gower Coast – noted.
   
   
   
8. ERM Ltd – Notice regarding dredging at ‘Nobel Banks’ and ‘Helwick Banks’– noted.
   
   
   
9. Gowerton Home School Association – Secondary School Options – noted.
   
   
   
10. Mr. J. I. Stock – Letter regarding diversion of footpaths in Llanmorlais – Clerk to reply informing of meeting with representative from City & County of Swansea on 19^th November.
    
    
    
11. Bethel Independent Chapel – Letter inviting Clerk to Induction Service – Chair confirmed acceptance.
    
    
    
12. Victim Support Cymru – Request for donation – noted.
    
    
    
13. City & County of Swansea – Invitation to Shoreline Management Plan Review – noted.
    

Councillor P. Tucker informed the Council that a representative from City and County of Swansea would be willing to attend the next Council meeting to address the Council on footpath issues. It was agreed to accept this invitation.

Councillor C. Jones reported on the footpath behind the Craig y Coed field in Penclawdd. Councillor Tucker reported to investigate.

Councillor P. Hood-Williams reported on attending the One Voice Wales, Swansea Area meeting and the One Voice Wales A.G.M.

The next meeting of the Council will be held at Penclawdd Community Centre on Thursday 19^th November, 2009 commencing at 7.00.p.m.