MEMBERS PRESENT:                   Chairman Councillor Mrs. J. Usher.

Councillors  J. Guy, T. Snell, C. Jones, P. Hood-Williams, N. Davies, W. Smart, P. Tucker, Mrs. S. Davis & Mrs. A. Lewis-Pudduck.

Apologies were received from Councillors P. Guy, R. Cooper & G. Nicholls.

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

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

73.         CHAIRMAN’S REPORT/REMARKS:

The Chairman thanked all present for attending.

The minutes of the Council meeting held on the 16^th July and the extraordinary meeting held on the 25^th August 2009 were confirmed as true records. 

Councillor J. Guy proposed a vote of thanks to all involved in the new playground at the Foreshore, Penclawdd. This was unanimously approved.

Councillor Mrs. S. Davis enquired as to progress on the new equipment for Llanmorlais and Three Crosses. The Clerk reported on communications from Mike Scott, City & County of Swansea, requesting a report on the status of the new equipment. The Clerk agreed to deal with this as a matter of urgency.

Councillor J. Guy reported that everything was now in place for the Crwys Community Hall project to proceed. Councillor P. Hood – Williams reported that meetings had occurred in Three Crosses to form a committee to oversee the running of the hall, in line with the grant application.

Councillor P. Hood – Williams reported he had received assurances regarding the walking leaflet and that it would be produced during this financial year.

Councillor J. Guy reported on the importance of the documentary evidence for the Big Lottery Fund with regard to the Crwys hall. He reminded the Council that it was the duty of the Council as a whole to ensure that this evidence was provided.

The Clerk read a letter from ‘Awards for all Wales’ thanking the Council for meeting with its officers, for a monitoring visit. The letter stated the officer’s pleasure at observing the difference the benches have made to the community and their satisfaction with the project. Councillor J. Guy reported that he intended to apply for another grant on behalf of the Llanrhidian Higher Sports Association for training first aiders for the community and purchasing a defibrillator. Councillor Guy clarified the position on applying for ‘Awards for all Wales’ grants i.e. any organisation can apply for a grant once a year.

The Clerk reported on the playground inspection reports for Three Crosses and Llanmorlais. He suggested that he and Councillor W. Smart meet with the contractor to discuss the recommendations within the report. This was unanimously approved.

The Clerk reported Penclawdd School had requested permission to use the Recreation Ground for sports activities. Permission was granted to use the ground during school hours and after school hours upon liaising with the rugby club.

The Clerk reported on a complaint regarding overgrown trees at Hermon cemetery. He advised the Council he has asked the Councils contractor to report on the situation.

The Clerk advised he had received correspondence from Welsh Water requesting assistance on a matter at Penclawdd docks. Councillor W. Smart declared an interest and the matter was noted.

No reports were submitted.

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

Councillor J. Guy reported that on the projects where the Council had received grants no V.A.T. can be reclaimed.

Councillor J. Guy requested a progress report on extending the Cemetery at Parc Hendy. Councillor P. Tucker agreed to pursue this matter with City & County of Swansea.

Councillor P Hood–Williams reported on the drainage at the ‘Bank’ in Three Crosses. It was agreed to defer any decision until the project at Crwys Hall was complete and the Council could allocate any surplus funds.

Councillor P. Tucker requested the Councils contractor provide an estimate for a new kissing gate at Penclawdd recreation ground. This was seconded and approved.

Councillor Mrs. S. Davis reported on the condition of the roads around the playground in Crofty. She drew the Councils attention to a number of problems. Councillor P. Tucker reported that the matter had been investigated by the environment and highways department. He reported that the road had been patched but that this is just a short term repair until the drainage issues can be resolved. The matter of the drainage is an ongoing issue involving a dispute with the landowner. He agreed to investigate the potholes that had been brought to his attention.

Councillor Mrs. S. Davis reported on the spread of Japanese Knotweed in the Wernffrwd stream. Councillor Davis has contacted the Knotweed officer but has had no response. Councillor P. Tucker agreed to pursue this.

Councillor Mrs. S. Davis reported on traffic problems at Hermon lane, Llanmorlais. She referred to a request for an additional passing place in the lane.

Councillor P. Hood-Williams informed the Council of the Councils telephone number for reporting potholes – 01792 841625 and informed the Council this could also be done electronically via the City & County of Swansea website.

Councillor Mrs. S. Davis reported on littering problems in the Community.

Councillor P. Tucker reported on the successful cutting of overgrown hedges in Victoria Road, Penclawdd. He drew to the Councils attention the fact that the City Council will force landowners to cut hedges if necessary.

Councillor P. Tucker reported that access to footpath 2 in Crofty was being modified for better disabled access and the footpath was being cut again.

Councillor Mrs. J. Usher reported that the sign at the crossroads in Wernffrwd is inadequate and still hidden by foliage. Councillor P. Tucker agreed to investigate.

Councillor Mrs. A. Lewis-Pudduck requested an update on Children’s services in Swansea. She acknowledged the improvements that have been made but asked for further details on the progress and problems. Councillor P. Hood-Williams reported on the problems recruiting social workers and the large increase in the number of children being helped. He reported further progress had been made on this issue and the intervention board are happy that matters are proceeding in the correct manner.

Councillor Mrs. A. Lewis-Pudduck spoke on affordable housing and requested a representative from the City & County of Swansea speak to the Council on this. Councillor P. Tucker agreed to investigate this.

Councillors Hood-Williams & Tucker withdrew.

81.         PLANNING APPLICATIONS:

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

2009/0899 ; 2009/0912

Concerns were raised over applications 2009/0899 & 2009/0912 regarding the drainage of the development. The Clerk agreed to write to City and County of Swansea and raise these issues.

Councillors Hood-Williams & Tucker  returned.

1. Shelter Cymru – Request for donation - noted
   
   
   
2. Llanmorlais & District Community Association – Letter of thanks for donation - noted
   
   
   
3. Penclawdd Tennis Club – Letter of thanks for donation - noted
   
   
   
4. Penclawdd AFC - Letter of thanks for donation - noted
   
   
   
5. Cor Penclawdd - Letter of thanks for donation - noted
   
   
   
6. St Davids Church, Wernffrwd, Llanmorlais – Letter of thanks for correspondence - noted
   
   
   
7. Adjudication Panel for Wales – Annual Report - noted
   
   
   
8. National Assembly for Wales – Consultation regarding Community Councils and Councillor recruitment - noted
   
   
   
9. City and County of Swansea, Environment Department – Gower Countryside Forum Effectivness Study - noted
   
   
   
10. Commons Commissions – Correspondence regarding common land - noted
    
    
    
11. National Assembly for Wales – Local Government Partnership Scheme Annual Report - noted
    
    
    
12. City and County of Swansea, Regeneration Department – Launch of the Rural Development Plan, Invitation to attend on 24^th September - noted
    
    
    
13. Wales Air Ambulance – Request for Donation - noted
    
    
    
14. One Voice Wales – Motions for Debate at A.G.M. - noted
    
    
    
15. City and County of Swansea, Community Leadership and Democracy – Vale of Glamorgan Liaison Committee visit, 21^st October, 6pm - noted
    
    
    
16. City and County of Swansea, Legal and Democratic Services – Creation of Footpath in Crofty – Councillors applauded the creation of this footpath.
    
    
    
17. City and County of Swansea, Legal and Democratic Services – Diversion of Footpaths 7 & 8 – Councillors agreed to oppose this diversion.
    

Councillor Mrs. A. Lewis-Pudduck reported on drainage problems on Footpath 2 in Crofty. Councillor P. Tucker agreed to investigate.

The next meeting of the Council will be held at Penclawdd Community Centre on Thursday 15^th October, 2009 commencing at 7.00.p.m.