MINUTES OF THE MEETING

HELD AT CRWYS COMMUNITY CENTRE
ON THURSDAY 18^th SEPTEMBER, 2008 AT 7.00p.m.

92.       APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE :
Apologies were received from Councillors T. Snell and G. Nicholls

93.              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 contractors account for grounds maintenance, agenda item 8.

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

94.  CHAIRMANS REPORTS REMARKS:

The Chairman welcomed the new Clerk, Mr A. Cross and proposed the Council write to Mr  N. L. Aubrey and his wife thanking them for the services and support. It was agreed that a small gift be purchased for Mr Aubrey and the Chairman and Councillor R. Cooper agreed to attend to this.

95.              TO CONFIRM THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 17^th JULY, 2008:
The minutes of the Council meeting held on Thursday 17^th July, 2008 were confirmed as a true record. 

96.  MATTERS ARISING:
Councillor J. Guy proposed that the plans prepared by Mr N. Aubrey, for storage facilities at Penclawdd Recreation Ground and Parc Dan-y-Lan be submitted for planning permission. The proposal was agreed unanimously.

In respect of the development at Llanmorlais. Councillor J. Guy reported that the Councils bid for funding with ‘Communities First’ had failed but that the Council could address the failures and resubmit the application on the 17^th October. The bid would be revised to include ladies changing rooms and a storage area. The work required to resubmit was detailed as (i) plans would need to be prepared and submitted (ii) the lease would have to be submitted (iii) a public survey would need to be conducted (iv) a timetable for the facility be prepared (v) other grants be applied for (vi) investigation of other possibilities for the provision of the sports facilities. Councillor J. Guy stated his confidence that these matters could be addressed in time and proposed that N. L. Aubrey be retained to prepare plans and submit the application. The proposal was agreed unanimously.

Councillor Mrs P. Guy reported that the Penclawdd Councillors held a site meeting to discuss the requirements of the playground. It was agreed that the playground needed urgent attention; in respect of this Councillor T. Snell is investigating playground equipment. Councillor P. Tucker reported on the condition of the playgrounds interior wooden fence and voiced concerns over the fences safety. A proposal to remove the wooden fence was submitted and agreed. Councillor J. Guy agreed to investigate grants for playground equipment.

Councillor J. Guy reported that Mr N. L. Aubrey had finished his report on the Bowls Pavilion. His recommendation that the pavilion be retained on its existing site was agreed. Councillor J. Guy proposed that Mr Aubrey be retained to produce detailed sketches for the Council to consult further with the interested parties. The sketches to be based on a modular approach to allow the development to proceed as funding becomes available. Concerns over the multi purpose use of any new facility were raised and the Council agreed that consultation with all parties during the planning stages was included in any instructions. It was agreed to instruct Mr Aubrey to proceed in this matter.

Councillor W. Smart confirmed that the Banc site in Three Crosses was unsuitable for the provision of Tennis Courts.

Councillor J. Guy raised the matter of public seating in the Wards and expressed the opinion that the seating was the responsibility of Swansea City Council. Councillor P. Tucker agreed to investigate the matter further. Councillors expressed the opinion that the matter not be allowed to drag on and a resolution be sought as soon as possible.

Councillor J. Guy reported on the site meeting held by the Penclawdd Councillors with representatives of Penclawdd A.F.C. regarding maintenance of Parc Dan-y-Lan. The Councillors reported the problem at the Parc was the contractor does not cut the grass short enough for football use or collect the cuttings from the pitch. The Councillors proposed a further grant of £250–00 be awarded to Penclawdd A.F.C. for maintenance costs.  The proposal was agreed unanimously.

97.   CLERKS REPORT
The Clerk added his thanks to that of the Chairman’s for the work done by the outgoing Clerk Mr N. L. Aubrey and expressed his intention to continue the high standards set by the previous Clerk.

The Clerk advised that the Councils accounts had been amended to reflect the authority of the new Clerk.

The Clerk reported that the new Councillors were not yet authorised to sign accounts on behalf of the Council and he would address that as soon as he was able.

The Clerk reported notification of the completed 2005/2006 audit and undertook to post details of the audit on the Councils notice boards.

The Auditor has advised that the current audit is nearly complete and hopes to deliver it on Monday 22^nd September.

The Clerk reported on quotations received from Spencer E.C.A. for work regarding the Councils playgrounds.

(i)             Three Crosses Playground – Concrete slabs around the gate at entrance.

(ii)           Crofty Playground – Work identified by Wicksteed report.

(iii)          Three Crosses Playground -  Work identified by Wicksteed report.

(iv)         Penclawdd Playground - Work identified by Wicksteed report.

Councillors passed all the repair work for the playgrounds.

The Clerk reported on quotations received from Spencer E.C.A. for work maintenance work on the Hedges in the Parc Hendy Cemetery. This work was passed by the Council.

Councillor J. Guy commented on the burial of Urns in the Councils memorial gardens. He raised concerns that bare earth from some burials was not capped by a suitable stone or turf and that Council should consider this as a requirement for the burial of Urns.

The Clerk reported on quotations received from Spencer E.C.A. for work replacing the Rugby posts at Penclawdd Recreation ground.  Concern was expressed over the ownership of the posts and the Councils responsibilities regarding replacement. The motion to replace the posts was passed and a second motion to ask the Rugby club for a contribution to the costs was defeated on the Chairman’s casting vote.

The Clerk reported on a letter from the City & County of Swansea asking whether the Council wished to participate in a winter hanging basket scheme.  The Chairman suggested we defer any decision on this scheme and wait to see the response from other councils and the standard of baskets provided. This was agreed.

74.              ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT/FINANCIAL REPORT:
Thanks were made to Councillor T. Snell for the repairs at Penclawdd Recreation Ground.

The Clerk agreed to check the Councils current spending against the Financial Report provided earlier in the year to monitor the Councils funds.

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

75.              COUNCIL PROPERTY, LOTTERY FUNDING AND COMMUNITY PROJECTS:
Thanks were expressed to the Councils contractor for the installation of the fencing at Parc Dan-y-Lan.

Councillor Mrs J. Usher raised the issue of fencing in poor repair around the green at the bottom of Pencaerfenni Lane in Crofty.  Councillor P. Tucker agreed to investigate further.

Councillor Mrs J. Usher raised the issue of a Litter bin at Llanmorlais tennis courts. Council agreed the matter should have been attended to at the same time as the bin was placed in Penclawdd and instructed the Clerk to issue instructions to the Councils contractor.

Councillor Mrs J. Usher raised the issue of street lighting in Wernffrwd and the failure of some of the lights. Broken lights to be reported to Swansea City Council.

Councillor Mrs J. Usher raised the issue of the grid blocking the stream in Wernffrwd. Councillor P. Tucker agreed to investigate.

Councillor Mrs J. Usher raised the issue of Japanese Knotweed in Wernffrwd . Councillor P. Tucker agreed to investigate.

Councillor W. Smart voiced concern over the climbing frame in Three Crosses, the Chairman agreed to meet the Council’s contractor, examine the frame and report back to the Council at the next meeting. The Clerk agreed to contact the Wicksteed inspector and discuss the Councils concerns.

Councillor P. Tucker proposed the Clerk produced some business cards with his details on for distribution in the communities. This was agreed by Council.

Councillor W. Smart reported on the poor drainage on the lower areas of the Banc in Three Crosses. Further investigation is on going as regards the ownership of the storm drains.

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Councillors Tucker and Hood-Williams withdrew.

Councillor Mrs P. Guy assumed the role of Chairman

76.     PLANNING APPLICATIONS

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

2006/1696; 2008/1484; 2008/1512; 2008/1550; 2008/1554; 2008/1569; 2008/1609; 2008/1620; 2008/1625; 2008/1638; 2008/1707; 2008/1795; 2008/1796; 2008/1800

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Councillors Tucker and Hood-Williams returned.

77.     CORRESPONDENCE:
(i) Letter from R. Sweet of Penclawdd – Notification of road sign failure regarding flashing sign at entrance to village of Penclawdd from Gowerton.  Noted.

(ii) St David’s Church, Gwernffrwd – Acknowledgment and thanks for donation.  Noted.

(iii)  Welsh Assembly Government – A Shared Community, guide to relationship building in local government.  Noted.

(iv) Llanmorlais Mother and Toddler Group - Acknowledgment and thanks for donation.  Noted.

(v)  Peoples Estuary Publication - Acknowledgment and thanks for donation.  Noted.

(vi) Capel-y-Crwys, Three Crosses - Acknowledgment and thanks for donation.  Noted.

(vii)  St Gwynour’s Church, Penclawdd - Acknowledgment and thanks for donation.  Noted.

(viii) Letter from P.Senger of Gwernffrwd – Regarding grass outside St David’s Church and condition of Footpath 20.  Land is owned by National Trust and outside Councils control, Councillor Mrs J. Usher to advise Mrs Senger on this matter. Councillor P. Tucker advised work on Footpath 20 is due to commence this month.

(ix)  Gowerton School – Requesting help of council regarding removal of free transport for 6^th Form pupils.  Clerk to write to chair of governors confirming abolition of free transport for 6^th form pupils. Should transport be removed Council supports your campaign.

(x)   Penclawdd Primary School Parents Association - Acknowledgment and thanks for donation.  Noted.

(xi)  City and County of Swansea, Environment Department – Notification of traffic survey for

(xii) Nottsport Ltd – Information on Design, advice and supply of Synthetic sports surfaces.  Noted.

(xiv)    Wales Air Ambulance – Request for donation.  Noted.

(xv)     City and County of Swansea, Deputy Leader John Hague – Request for councils meeting dates with regard to attending r.e. issues council raised regarding Affordable Housing Policy. Clerk to write to Deputy Leader John Hague requesting a meeting at his convenience.

(xvi)    Festival of Tides Committee - Acknowledgment and thanks for donation.  Noted.

(xvii)  Welsh Assembly Government – Details of Value Wales scheme.  Noted.

(xviii) One Voice Wales – Notification of Conference and AGM.  Noted.

(xix)    National Trust – Peninsula Newsletter.  Noted.

(xx)     Swansea Council for Voluntary Service – questionnaire for services for young people in Swansea.  Noted.

(xxi)    City and County of Swansea, Legal Services  - Training on Members code of Conduct.  Noted.

(xxii)       Welsh Assembly Government – Consultation on Post Office Development Fund.  Noted.

(xxiv)     City and County of Swansea, Legal Services  - Request that council allow change in use of land at Craig y Coed, Penclawdd to permit lease of land to Wildlife Trust for use as Nature Reserve.  Clerk to write to City and County of Swansea to request full copy of Covenant.

(xxv)       One Voice Wales – Details of Notice of Motions for debate at AGM.  Noted.

(xxvi)     Gower Website – Notice of next meeting.  Noted.

78.  FOOTPATHS, CYCLE PATHS AND BRIDLEWAYS:
Correspondence was received from City and County of Swansea, Legal Services  – Notification of Closure of Footpath number 6 for repairs to bridge.

79.     DELEGATE’S REPORTS:
The Chairman reported he had attended the Swansea branch meeting of One Voice Wales, The Community Council Forum meeting and the Community Health Council meeting.

80.     DATE, TIME AND VENUE OF NEXT MEETING:
The next meeting of the Council will be held at Penclawdd Community Centre on Thursday 16^th October, 2008 commencing at 7.00.p.m.