MEMBERS PRESENT:                         Chairman Councillor P. Hood-Williams

                                                                  Councillors R. Sweet, J. Guy, Mrs. P. Guy,        P. Tucker, P. Rees, W. Smart.

In the absence of the Chairman Councillor Cooper, Councillor Hood-Williams took the role of Chairman.

Members were addressed by representatives of the bowing clubs.  Three clubs use the bowling green.  Collectively they called for upgrading of the pavilion to provide adequate w.c. facilities, including provision for the disabled and for separate male and female changing rooms.  Councillor J. Guy said the existing facilities were disgraceful and that he would move the foregoing, including the provision of showers.  He called for plans to be prepared in order that grants could be sought.  Councillor Tucker suggested the purchase/hire of portable disabled w. c. facilities, in the interim.

1.             APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE:

Apologies were received from Chairman Councillor R. Cooper, Councillors Mrs. S. Davis, P. Place, R. Griffiths, G. Nicholls and Mrs. A. Lewis-Pudduck.

2.             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.

3.             CHAIRMAN’S REPORT/REMARKS:

The Chairman confirmed the appointment of Mr. A. Cross, as the new Clerk to the Council, from 1^st August, 2008.

The minutes of the Council meeting held on Thursday 20^th March, 2008 were confirmed as a true record.

The Clerk confirmed the legal status of the Council continues until 1^st May.  Therefore business conducted throughout April has legal standing.

Councillor Rees advised that the wreaths at the Memorial had been nailed to timbers and accordingly had been left in-situ.

In respect of the use of the Recreation Ground for the siting of tents, the Clerk confirmed that planning consent would not be required.

The Clerk apologised for missing the March meeting, the first in his 8 years in the position.  He thanked Councillor Sweet for taking the minutes and the Chairman and Councillor J. Guy for keeping him up to date.

He confirmed that this was the last meeting of this Council and thanked the Chairpersons, Councillors Mrs. A. Lewis-Pudduck, P. Hood-Williams and R. Cooper (two terms) for their help and support.  He thanked those he had badgered to sign cheques and Councillor J. Guy for his support in relation to the procuring of grants for development.

He noted the achievements of the Council in the provision of tennis courts at a cost of £45,000; bowling green irrigation and refurbishment to surroundings and the pavilion frontage; refurbishment of the male changing rooms at the Recreation Ground and construction of new female/disabled facilities; improved accessibility in paths and ramps; a Memorial Garden had been created at Parc Hendy Cemetery; new play equipment and refurbishment of Crofty playground; trees at the Pond Field had been felled and new fencing would be erected shortly and progress had been made in preparation for the extensions to Crwys Community Centre.  In addition healthy reserves and bank balances were available for the new Council to continue the good work of this Council.  He said that Members could feel proud of their achievements.

He had been advised by Electoral Services of the position in respect of the three wards, for the forthcoming election.  In Llanmorlais, there were 3 nominations for 3 seats and all were elected.  In Three Crosses, there were 3 nominations for 4 seats, the three nominated were elected and there was one vacancy.  In Penclawdd there would be a contested election on 1^st May, where there were 9 nominations for 7 seats.  He wished all seeking election best wishes.

The Chairman thanked the Clerk for his efforts throughout the term of the Council.

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

The Clerk made reference to correspondence received from the Swansea Building Society offering a Premier Savings Account for deposits over £25,000 at an interest rate of 5.15%.  Currently Council was receiving 3.69% through Lloyds TSB.  Further information to be sought.

There followed further discussion on the improvements required in respect of the Bowls Pavilion.  The existing structure was in poor condition and it was resolved unanimously that plans be prepared for a new building.  It was agreed that Mr. N. Aubrey be appointed in this respect.  The Clerk advised that he had made contact with Welsh Water to investigate the lack of water pressure in the pavilion, from the existing source and assess the feasibility of bringing in a new supply.  The Chairman and Clerk were given plenary powers to resolve the matter.

Councillor J. Guy moved that a bid for grant aid be submitted in respect of proposed work at Crwys Hall, letters of support were required from users and a public meeting was required to show the strength of support for the proposal.  This was seconded by Councillor Sweet and agreed unanimously.

In respect of the proposal at Llanmorlais Recreation Ground, Councillor Guy advised that a grant application had been submitted in the name of Llanrhidian Higher Sports Association.

Councillor Tucker referred to the kissing gate at the Recreation Ground, Penclawdd.  It was inadequate and wheelchair accessibility was poor.  It was agreed that replacement gates and ramped access should be provided.  There followed discussion on the provision of a disabled w. c. and it was resolved to look at the costs in respect of purchase or hire.

Councillor J. Guy advised that the shower heads in the male changing rooms, rugby pavilion, should be replaced.  This was agreed.

Councillor Hood-Williams asked that overgrowth be cut back around all seats in Three Crosses.  Councillor Tucker referred to the poor condition of the seat outside Penclawdd Health Centre. There followed discussion on ownership of seats and it was resolved to enquire of the City and County of Swansea in respect of ownership.  It was also resolved that those seats known to be in this Council’s ownership be inspected for repair or replacement as necessary.

Correspondence was received from the Secretary Penclawdd AFC requesting that goal mouths be re-turfed together with general works to the playing surface.  In addition, they requested re-decoration of the changing rooms both interior and exterior and the provision of a steel container to house mowers and equipment.  In respect of the latter the quotation for a 20 feet container was provided which including delivery amounted to £1,230-00 plus V.A.T.  Councillor J. Guy suggested that these should be provided on all sites.  The Chairman raised the issue of planning permission which should be investigated.   In respect of redecoration, it was agreed that Council would meet the cost of materials.  Accounts to be provided by the club.

The Clerk advised that details of the insurance premium had been received from Allianz in the sum of £4,271-00.  However, a revaluation of some assets was required and this would inevitably increase the premium.  Further information be provided at the next meeting.

Councillor J. Guy referred to damage to the roof of the pavilion, Recreation Ground, Penclawdd, but that repairs were in hand.

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Councillors Tucker and Hood-Williams withdrew.

Councillor Sweet assumed the role of Chairman in the absence

 of Councillor Hood-Williams.

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

2008/0335; 2008/0511; 2008/0524; 2008/0532; 2008/0577; 2008/0581; 2008/0591; 2008/0626; 2008/0665; 2008/0683.

There were no issues raised in respect of these applications.

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Councillors Tucker and Hood-Williams returned.

It was agreed unanimously that Council adopt the New Code of Conduct with effect from 2^nd May, 2008.  Members present signed the appropriate declaration of acceptance.  All Members must sign up to same by 1^st May, 2008.

(i)                  Welsh Assembly – Local Vision – statutory guidance on developing and delivering community strategies.  Noted.

(ii)                M. Caton M.P. – press release relating to compensation paid to miners and legal costs.  Noted.

(iv)              Welsh Assembly – Draft Fire & Rescue Service National Framework for Wales for Consultation 2008 – 2011.  Noted.

(v)                Mid & West Wales Fire & Rescue Authority – Draft Risk Reduction Action Plan 2009/2010, available at www.mawwfire,gov.uk from 6^th May, 2008.  Noted.

(vi)              George J. Isaac & Son Ltd. – (Monumental Masons) – offering Services to Community Councils in maintenance of memorials and provision of new.  Noted.

(vii)             Wales Rural Forum – Developing the Village Shop – event to be held 17/18 May at Bont Pavilion, Pontrhydfendigaid, Ceredigeon.  Noted.

(viii)           Swansea Citizens Advice Bureau – setting up new office accommodation in former central police station and seeking financial contribution from Community Council.  Noted.

(ix)              Alzheimer’s Society – seeking donations to continue with their support services.  Noted.

(x)                Gower Society Newsletter & Programme until September, 2008.  Noted.

(xi)              National Trust – Peninsula.  Noted.

(xii)             Festival of the Tides Committee, seeking financial support for the event on 2^nd August.  Clerk to advise that the application will be considered in the June meeting.

Councillor Smart referred to the condition of footpath 56, crossing land at Tirmynydd, Three Crosses.  This to be brought to the attention of the City and County of Swansea.

There were no reports.

The Annual General Meeting and the next meeting of the Council will be held at Penclawdd Community Centre on Thursday 15^th May, 2008 commencing at 7.00.p.m.

It was agreed that Council write to retiring Members, thanking them for their contribution to Llanrhidian Higher Community Council.