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

                                                                  Councillors D. Morgan, J. Guy,   Mrs. P. Guy, Mrs. S. Davis, R. Cooper, A. Godfrey,             R. Griffiths.

ADVISOR:                                               Dr. P. Rees.

Mr. S. Moran, Penclawdd Junior Football Club and 2 members of the public were present. 

The Chairman referred to Mr. Moran and outlined the background to the application for use of Llanmorlais tennis courts by the junior football club.  She confirmed that Council had resolved that sports facilities were to be used for their specific purpose only.  There followed general discussion in respect of the resolution between members and Mr. Moran wherein it was stated that the Council was accountable for the facilities and must protect the public purse.  In discussion, the Clerk advised that a prepared surface measuring 25m x 15m with lights could be made available at reasonable cost, at Llanmorlais.  Councillor J. Guy suggested that lights be provided to the existing training facility at the Hendy Road field and Mr. Moran  indicated that this would be acceptable to the junior club.  The Chairman advised that the proposal had to be agreed by Council.

120.     APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE:

Apologies were received from Councillors P. Hood-Williams, P. Tucker, T. Snell and R. Sweet.

121.     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 7.

122.     CHAIRMAN’S REPORT/REMARKS:

The Chairman advised that she had attended and opened the carol service held in Penclawdd prior to Christmas.  The Chairman had attended school council at Llanmorlais Primary, the idea being to teach children the principles of democracy.  The Chairman stated that she would like to make a donation to the three school councils, in Llanrhidian Higher.  Councillor J. Guy moved a rolling donation of £100 per school per annum.  This was seconded and agreed by majority.

The minutes of the Council meeting held on Thursday 23^rd November, 2006 were confirmed as a true record.

There were no matters arising.

The Clerk advised that the vacancy, Three Crosses Ward had been advertised and that the Electoral Services Officer had confirmed that a request for an election had not been received and that Council could proceed to co-opt.  Two interested parties had come forward and it would therefore be for members to decide upon the successful applicant.  It was agreed that the candidates make a presentation prior to a ballot being undertaken at the next meeting.

Notification was received from Council’s insurers that an increase in fidelity guarantee from £12,000 to £75,000 would provide for an increase in premium of £183-33, this year.  But on a pro-rata basis this would be £67-29 to the June renewal date.  It was agreed by majority to proceed.

The Clerk referred to the planning application submitted in respect of the Memorial Hall.  The Environment Agency had advised the Local Planning Authority of a potential flood risk, but had accepted that there was a building on site and had not objected to the proposal.  They required a letter of acceptance of the situation from the Council.  This had been provided.  The Clerk confirmed that planning permission had been granted for re-development to provide a retail shop (class A1) (outline), consent granted 11^th January, 2007.  It was agreed to agenda this item for further consideration at the next meeting.

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

The issue of the provision of lights at Hendy Road field was raised and it was agreed unanimously, that these be provided.

Councillor J. Guy made reference to the yew tree in Parc Hendy Cemetery and made a request that it be felled.  Following discussion, members agreed the tree be retained, but pruned.

There was no information in respect of this matter and it was agreed to remove this from future agenda.

Councillor Cooper had requested this item and advised that PACT meetings were being well attended.  He made reference to The People’s Estuary publication which had recently been distributed and that issues/articles were required for the next publication.  It was noted that some of the Community Councillor’s details had been omitted and it was agreed that future issues should identify Councillors by name and telephone number only.  Councillor Morgan referred to the agreement that Three Crosses would be provided with copies distributed to commercial outlets, but this had not been undertaken until his intervention.  The next issue to provide a summary of the work of this Council since the last publication. 

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

2006/2704; 2006/2710; 2006/2745; 2006/2814.

Penclawdd members made reference to application 2006/2710 – change of use from retail to restaurant/take away at the Emporium, Blodwen Terrace.  Residents had expressed concern in respect of the lack of parking, litter problems, opening times, noise and pollution.  These observations to be conveyed to the Local Planning Authority.

Three Crosses members referred to application 2006/2814 – new dwelling rear of 38, Chapel Road and raised objection in respect of overlooking of the school yard and poor access arrangement.

Amended plans were received relative to application 2006/1014 – 14,

(i)                       One Voice Wales, copy of presentation given by Projects and Funding Officer, City and County of Swansea at Area Committee meeting 14^th October.  Noted.

(ii)                     City and County of Swansea – new date for next Community Council Forum, 30^th January, 5.00. p.m., County Hall.  Noted.

(iii)                    Welsh Assembly – meeting of South Wales West Regional Committee, March 2^nd, 9.30. a.m., North Cornelly Community Centre, Bridgend; subject – maintaining the health, wellbeing and independence of older people.  Noted.

(iv)                   City and County of Swansea, Environment Department – Park Road, Penclawdd, the Council is aware of the need to extend the pavement.   There is a cost implication in forming the footway and new boundary wall.  Funding is not available at present, but concerns are noted and provision will be made for the work when funds are available.  Noted.

(v)                     City and County of Swansea, Environment Department – New Road, Llanmorlais and speed of traffic; plans for ‘speed activated reminder signs’ to be introduced near Westend which will be an effective tool in reducing the speed of traffic.  Noted.

(vi)                   City and County of Swansea, Environment Department – waiting restrictions near Penclawdd Health Centre; this request will be kept on file until funding is available.  Noted.

(vii)                  City and County of Swansea, Environment Department – village nameplate for Crofty; this will be provided but timescale not known.  Noted.

(viii)                Copy correspondence from Mr. D. R. Davies, Gowerton Road, Penclawdd to Environment Department concerning traffic calming work at Waun Y Felin junction.  Confirmed that electronic speed signs are to be installed, in the present financial year.  Noted.

(ix)                   Safer Swansea Partnership – next meeting 6^th February, 9.30 a.m., Liberty Stadium.  Noted.

(x)                     Spotlight on Police – meeting 29^th January, Towers Hotel, Jersey Marine.  Noted.

(xi)                   Coastwatch – request for donation towards setting up of Worms Head Station, funds required to equip and operational costs.  Noted.

(xii)                  Application for financial support, J. Parkhouse, Crofty, representing West Glamorgan U15’s and Wales U14’s cricket teams.  Touring South Africa, February and required to raise £1,800 toward costs.  A donation of £100 was agreed.

(xiii)                Application for financial support, Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.  Noted.

Councillor Mrs. Davis advised that the gate on footpath number 1, near Pullmans had been removed, such that motorbikes were being ridden through this access.  She asked for the wall to be rebuilt and the gate reinstated to restrict access.

Councillor J. Guy stated that road gutters were not being cleaned and on

There were no reports.

The next meeting of the Council will be held at Penclawdd Community Centre on Thursday 15^th February, 2007 commencing at 7.00.p.m.