MEMBERS PRESENT:                   Chairman Councillor Mrs. P. Guy.

Councillors  J. Guy, T. Snell, C. Jones, Mrs. S. Davis, W. Smart,  P. Hood-Williams, D. Jones, P. Tucker, R. Cooper, G. Nicholls, Mrs. J. Usher & Mrs. A. Lewis-Pudduck.

Also present at the meeting were a group of residents and shop owners from Belle Vue and Sea View Terraces, Penclawdd.

The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting and invited the group to speak, their representative Mr. B. John addressed the meeting.

Councillor Mrs. J. Usher & the Clerk declared an interest on personal grounds. Councillor P. Tucker declared an interest in matters relating to the City and County of Swansea.

Mr. John raised objections to the funeral parlour operated by the ‘Co-Operative P.L.C.’ in 3 Belle Vue Terrace, Penclawdd, storing deceased persons and/or coffins. He detailed a petition containing 286 signatures supporting this objection that had been presented to the City & County of Swansea. Mr. John expressed the resident’s opinions that 3 Belle Vue was not suitable for storing deceased persons and/or coffins due to the following reasons.

(i)                  Its geographical location and the problems arising due to access to the property.

(ii)                Its proximity to businesses in the village and the effect the movement of coffins in and out of the property would have on those establishments.

(iii)               Environmental concerns over the storage of bodies for viewing in an unrefrigerated establishment and the movement of bodies in the heart of the village.

Mr. John requested the Community Councils support and the support of the communities City Councillor, Mr. P. Tucker at any meetings arising regarding this issue.

Councillor J. Guy endorsed Mr John’s comments and called for the Councils wholehearted support of the local residents.

The Council voted on providing a letter of support and representation where necessary for the residents. The vote was carried by 7 votes in favour and 2 abstentions.

Mr. John thanked the Council for its time and the group left the meeting.

Apologies were received from Councillors C. Jones & P. Place.

154.     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. Tucker & P. Hood-Williams 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.

Councillor Mrs. A. Lewis-Pudduck declared an interest in regard of planning application 2010/0149

155.     CHAIRMAN’S REPORT/REMARKS:

The Chairman reported on the successful opening of the extension to Three Crosses Community Centre. She thanked all who attended especially representatives from the Hall Committee, Mr. Mike Walsh from ‘The Big Lottery’, Mr. Martin Caton M.P, Mrs. Edwina Hart A.M, the Community Councillors, The Joiners Arms and the residents of Three Crosses.

Councillor D. Jones confirmed his attendance at the last meeting and with this amendment, the minutes of the Council meetings held on the 18^th February, 2010 was confirmed as a true record.

Councillor J. Guy proposed that the Council make a gift of £100 to Mr. B. Phillips, the former key holder at Parc Handy cemetery in respect of his many years of service. This was unanimously approved. It was confirmed that the new key holder would receive a gratuity of £100 annually.

The Clerk reported that the miss-aligned ashes plot at Hermon cemetary did not appear to be one authorised by the Council and that he would make efforts to contact the owners.

The Clerk reported no progress had been made contacting the owners of the crumbling gravestone at Parc Hendy cemetery.

The Clerk reported the Council’s membership of ‘One Voice Wales’ was now due. The Council voted unanimously to renew this membership.

The Clerk reported on correspondence from Mr. N. L. Aubrey regarding the progress of the development at Penclawdd Recreation Ground.

The Clerk reported on the Council’s Ground Maintenance Contract, which was now due for renewal.

           At this point Councillor Mrs. S. Davis reminded the Council of her interest regarding the Ground Maintenance Contract and left the meeting.

            The Clerk requested clarification regarding any new items to be added to the contract. It was agreed that the extra cuttings that had been required since the last contract and the annual pitch treatment of the Councils grounds would be added to the new contract. It was agreed that all applicants should be aware of the Llanmorlais MUGA and the costs that would need to be added when the facility becomes operational.       

Councillor Mrs S. Davis rejoined the meeting.

No sub committee reports were submitted.

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

Councillor J. Guy reported on the opening of the new MUGA at Llanmorlais. This would occur on Thursday 22^nd April, 2010.

Councillor R. Cooper confirmed the Council had ordered hanging baskets for the Spring/Summer 2010 and that work on placement of baskets was ongoing.

Councillor Mrs. S. Davis reported that litter in the villages was still a concern.

Councillor P. Tucker reported that the Council litter pickers could only pick where a pavement was present and that litter picking in rural areas was affected by this. He reported that picking had taken place from Wernfrwd cross towards Penclawdd.

Councillor Tucker reported on a meeting with representatives from City & County of Swansea’s highways department, regarding the handrail between Wernffrwd and Penclawdd. He agreed the railing was inadequate and the pavement narrow but problems are ongoing with the adjoining landowners. It was agreed the Council write to City and County of Swansea expressing the Council’s concerns and requesting that the Council rectify matters.

Councillor P. Hood-Williams apologised for his lateness in attending the meeting and explained his attendance had been required concerning Child safety issues and advised the Council of these issues. He advised the Council of a report nearing publication regarding children’s services in Swansea.

Councillor J. Guy advised the Council of the closure of Llanmorlais School. Councillor Mrs. A Lewis-Pudduck reported that children were already moving from the school and expressed the opinion that the situation was simply tragic. The Council unanimously wishes to record its regret and sadness over the closure of Llanmorlais school.

Councillor P. Tucker reported on the records and memorabilia associated with Llanmorlais School that should remain in the community.

Councillor Tucker & Councillor P. Hood-Williams withdrew.

164.     PLANNING APPLICATIONS:

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

2009/1407; 2010/0314; 2010/0149; 2010/0247; 2010/0325

Regarding application 2010/0149, it was agreed to object to this application on the same grounds as the previous objection.

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Councillor Tucker & Councillor P. Hood-Williams returned.

No outstanding business.

Councillor P. Hood-Williams reported on development plans for Swansea and the development of a Charter between City and Community Councils.

The next meeting of the Council will be held at Penclawdd Community Centre on Thursday 15^th April, 2010 commencing at 7.00.p.m.