MINUTES OF THE MEETING

 

HELD AT PENCLAWDD COMMUNITY CENTRE

 

ON THURSDAY 16th APRIL, 2009 AT 7.00p.m.

 

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:                    Chairman Councillor P. Hood-Williams

Councillors  J. Guy, Mrs. P. Guy, Mrs. S. Davis,  Mrs. A. Lewis-Pudduck, T. Snell, P. Tucker, R. Cooper, C. Jones & W. Smart.

 

Also present was a  member of the public, Mrs. D. Morgan.

 

The Chairman invited Mrs. Morgan to speak and she addressed the Council regarding the old children’s’ playground in Llan-y-Newydd, Penclawdd. Mrs. Morgan brought to the Council’s attention the lack of facilities for the children since the removal of the playground and the poor state of the site. She requested action on this matter, specifically the construction of a new playground. Councillors reported that the site was not the property of Llanrhidian Higher Community Council and the responsibility for the playground belonged to the City and County of Swansea. It was also reported the Council had approached Swansea Council regarding this issue on a number of occasions since the playground has been removed without success. The Council felt that if a petition could be raised on this matter Llanrhidian Higher Community Council would be happy to submit it to Swansea City Council on behalf of the residents.

 

1.             APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE :

 

Apologies were received from Councillors G. Nicholls, P. Place, N. Davies & Mrs. J. Usher.

 

2.             TO RECEIVE DISCLOSURE OF PERSONAL INTEREST FROM MEMBERS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE CODE OF CONDUCT ADOPTED BY LHCC ON 2nd MAY, 2008:

 

Councillor Mrs. S. Davis declared an interest in respect of the contractor’s account for grounds maintenance, agenda item 172.

 

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

 

3.             CHAIRMAN’S REPORT/REMARKS:

 

The Chairman apologised for being unable to attend the meeting on the 31st of March and thanked the Vice Chair for deputising on this occasion.

 

4.             TO CONFIRM THE MINUTES OF THE MEETINGS HELD ON THE 19th MARCH & 31st MARCH 2009.

 

The minutes of the Council meetings held on Thursday 19th March and Tuesday 31st March, 2009 were confirmed as true records. 

 

5.             MATTERS ARISING:

 

Councillor J. Guy reported that the Council had been successful in grant applications for playground equipment for Three Crosses and Llanmorlais. It was unanimously approved the Clerk accept the grants on behalf of the Council.

 

Councillor Mrs. Ann Lewis-Pudduck thanked Councillor W. Smart on behalf of the residents of Llanmorlais and Crofty for his excellent survey and report on the pavements along New Road. Councillor Mrs. Lewis-Pudduck also reported the survey would be extended to cover the route up to Penclawdd Primary School in light of the proposed closure of Llanmorlais Primary School.

 

The Council agreed to meet after the main meeting to discuss the Playground in Penclawdd.

 

It was proposed that the Council’s limit on spending without the seeking of tenders be increased to £10,000, after debate this was amended to £5,000. Nine Councillor’s voted in flavor and one abstained. The proposal was passed.

 

Councillor Mrs. Ann Lewis-Pudduck commented on Child care services in the City and County of Swansea. Councillor P. Hood-Williams reported on the formation of an all party working group and expressed the hope and intent that progress would be made on this issue.

 

6.             MEMORIAL HALL, PENCLAWDD:

Councillor T. Snell proposed that the site of the ‘Memorial Hall’ be sold to allow the removal of a potentially dangerous building and the construction of a suitable retail unit to benefit the community. A discussion followed detailing the history and  issues regarding the site.
i) It was agreed to contact the Miners Welfare and the Charities Commission to establish the Council’s options regarding the site.
ii) It was agreed to contact the weights club and inform the club that following a review of circumstances at the hall the Council requires confirmation that all members using the hall are aware of the risks involved.
iii) It was agreed to commission a new survey of the hall by a vote of seven to one (one abstention).
iv) It was agreed to arrange a site meeting before the next Council meeting.


7.             CLERK’S REPORT:

The Clerk reported on the Council’s application for borrowing approval for the Penclawdd Playground. The Welsh Assembly Finance Division has suggested the loan is withdrawn and resubmitted later in the year if the council requires additional funding. They will be happy to accept a deferred application providing acceptable reasons are given. This was approved.

 

The Clerk reported the Council had been successful in its applications for grants from City & County of Swansea for the Crofty and Three Crosses playgrounds. It was agreed to accept these grants.

 

The Clerk reported that correspondence had been sent to Mr. Tony Lewis of Sheehans solicitors advising him of the current situation regarding the deeds at Crwys hall, Three Crosses.

 

The Clerk reported on the Llanmorlais Sports Association development at Llanmorlais, the lease should be completed imminently and the Council agreed that the Clerk should pay the Council’s contribution to the scheme on the application of the Sports Association.

 

8.             SUB COMMITTEE REPORTS:

 

Councillor W. Smart reported that the sub committee for Playgrounds met on the 31st March. Discussions on the equipment required for the playground in Penclawdd occurred and it was agreed to proceed to detailed quotes for the equipment selected.

 

The sub committee on benches reported that the Council were expecting delivery in the week commencing 27th April.

 

9.             ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT/FINANCIAL REPORT:

 

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

 

10.         COUNCIL PROPERTY, LOTTERY FUNDING AND COMMUNITY PROJECTS:

 

Councillor J. Guy proposed the Council proceeds with the spring/summer renovation works for the sports field at the Recreation ground, Penclawdd. This was approved with Councillor Mrs. S. Davies abstaining.

 

Councillor J. Guy proposed that the Chairman and Clerk examine the quote for renovation works at the Pond field and proceed up to a budget of £3,000. This was approved with Councillor Mrs. S. Davies abstaining.

 

Councillor T. Snell reported that the Bowls Pavillion was in need of redecoration. He proposed that in line with the Football and Rugby clubs the Council would provide materials if the Bowls Clubs provided the labour. This was approved and Councillor Snell agreed to liaise with the Bowls clubs on this matter.

 

Councillors reported on repairs to the Bowls pavilion following a leak.

 

Councillor R. Cooper reported on access problems to the Cemetery at Parc Hendy whilst the key holder Mr. Phillips is away. It was agreed the Council would seek an alternative key holder to cover Mr. Phillips on these occasions.

 

Councillor P. Tucker reported on access problems at the Recreation Ground, Penclawdd reported by the Bowls teams. It was agreed to provide a key to the Bowls teams on the understanding that the gate is locked after use.

 

11.         SWANSEA CITY COUNCIL:

 

Councillor P. Tucker reported that the railings at West End, Penclawdd have been fixed and that the railings on Gowerton road would be examined again.

 

Councillor P. Hood-Williams reported on the procedure for reporting a defective street light.

 

 

Councillors Tucker and Hood-Williams withdrew.

 

Councillor Mrs P. Guy assumed the role of Chairman.

 

12.           PLANNING APPLICATIONS:

 

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

 

2009/0397; 2009/0412; 2009/0380; 2009/0513

 

 

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Councillors Tucker and Hood-Williams returned.

 

13.           CORRESPONDENCE:

 
  1. One Voice Wales – Membership Information, request for details on a Councillor for representation at meetings. – Current representative Councillor P. Hood-Williams to remain.


  2. City and County of Swansea, Communications Division – Invitation for Chairman and Clerk to attend Inauguration of Councillor Alan Lloyd as Lord Mayor of Swansea. – noted.


  3. City and County of Swansea, Regeneration Department -  Information Pack. – noted.


  4. Information Commissioners Office – Freedom of Information Act, DVD. – noted.


  5. City and County of Swansea, Cabinet Office – Letter from Councillor Mike Day acknowledging Council’s concerns regarding closure of Llanmorlais Primary School. – Clerk to reply expressing Councils disappointment at lack of a personal and adequate response to this Councils correspondence.


  6.  Mr. Martin Caton M.P. - Letter acknowledging Council’s concerns regarding closure of Llanmorlais Primary School. – noted.


  7. Mr. Peter Black A.M. - . Letter acknowledging Council’s concerns regarding closure of Llanmorlais Primary School. – noted.


  8. National Assembly for Wales, Jane Hutt’s Office – Letter acknowledging Council’s concerns regarding closure of Llanmorlais Primary School. – noted.


  9. National Assembly for Wales, Dr D. Lloyd – Letter acknowledging Council’s concerns regarding closure of Llanmorlais Primary School. – noted.


  10. City and County of Swansea, Planning Department – Notification of planning appeal, r.e. vehicular access, Pant-Glas Three Crosses. – noted.

 
  1. City and County of Swansea, Education Directorate – Notification of proposal to close Llanmorlais Primary School. – Clerk to re send Councils letter over closure of Llanmorlais Primary.


  2. One Voice Wales – Notification of meeting on Thursday 9th April 2009. – noted.


  3. City and County of Swansea – Notification of development of  ‘Local Development Plan’ and request for views on Delivery agreement document. – noted.


  4. Llanmorlais Carnival Committee – Request for use of playing fields on Saturday 27th June 2009. – Clerk to reply giving permission, subject to usual conditions.

  5. Penclawdd Ward Labour Party – Copy of letter of support of Llanmorlais Primary School. – noted.

  6. Mrs. Edwina Hart A.M. – Congratulations on Councils grant from ‘Awards for all Wales’ for benches in Penclawdd village. – noted.

14.           FOOTPATHS, CYCLE PATHS AND BRIDLEWAYS:

 

Councillor R. Cooper reported on the production of a guide to all the footpaths in the community. The project in conjunction with Chris Dale, Swansea Council\'s Countryside Access Officer would require match funding of £750-00. The guide would retail at 50p and Councillor Cooper reported that he hoped the Council would recoup most of this money. The Council unanimously approved the project and thanked Councillor Cooper for his work.

 

Councillor Cooper was also thanked for his work submitting reports on the Council’s behalf to ‘The Peoples Estuary’.

 

Councillor C. Jones reported on signage problems on certain of the Council’s footpaths. Councillor P. Tucker reported that the footpaths concerned were those most infrequently used and it was impractical to have signs on these footpaths. This was accepted by all the Councillors.
15.         DELEGATES’ REPORTS:

 

No  reports were submitted

 

16.         DATE, TIME AND VENUE OF NEXT MEETING:

 

The next meeting of the Council will be held at Penclawdd community centre on Thursday 21st May, 2009 commencing at 7.00.p.m. The meeting will be the Annual general meeting.

 

 

 

 

…………………..
Chairman