MEMBERS PRESENT:                         Chairman Councillor R. Cooper

                                                                  Councillors P. Hood-Williams, R. Sweet,

    G. Nicholls, J. Guy, Mrs. P. Guy, P. Tucker,  Mrs. A. Lewis-Pudduck, A. Godfrey, P. Rees.

The Chairman welcomed Chief Superintendent Mathias who addressed Council.  The Chief Superintendent advised that he had taken up his post in February, 2007.  He stated that there were a number of challenges to encounter, not least was a drugs problem which had seen the loss of 23 lives in the recent past, in the Swansea area.  Close to home, a cannabis factory had been found in Penclawdd.  The Chief Superintendent advised that there had been an increase in anti-social behaviour recently.  There had been a decline in crime but not everywhere and Penclawdd had seen an increase.  He stated that he had a belief in neighbourhood policing and that PCSOs had a roll as support.  He was of the opinion, overall, that the local police structure was not quite right and was intent on looking at this although resources were tight.  He admitted that call handling needed improvement but that ‘airwave’ had given better coverage across Gower.  Reference was made to the Safer Swansea Partnership Seminar to be held on 23^rd October in The Guildhall.  The Chief Superintendent answered questions from Members concerning policing throughout Gower and the roll of the PCSOs.  In respect of the latter, he advised that these officers were stationed in some Swansea comprehensive schools and that this policy would be expanded upon.  The Chairman thanked Chief Superintendent Mathias for attending and addressing Council.

83.         APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE:

Apologies were received from Councillors Mrs. S. Davis and R. Griffiths.

84.         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.

85.         CO-OPTION OF MEMBER TO FILL VACANCY, THREE CROSSES WARD:

This item was deferred to the next meeting.

86.         CHAIRMAN’S REPORT/REMARKS:

The Chairman welcomed Councillor Peter Rees, newly co-opted Member, Penclawdd Ward  The Chairman advised that the War Memorial had now been cleaned, but there was some slight damage to the surrounding grassed areas.

The minutes of the Council meeting held on Thursday 20^th September, 2007 were confirmed as a true record.

There were no matters arising.

The Clerk advised of the completion of building works at the pavilion in providing female changing/shower facilities, disabled facilities and a medical room.  An inspection of the existing pavilion had highlighted the poor condition and it was evident that the rugby club officials were still turning off the electrical supply at the incoming main despite having been advised in writing that this practice was not acceptable.  It was agreed to contact the Hon. Secretary and invite him to the next meeting, firstly outlining the issues to be discussed.

The Clerk reported receipt of a letter from Mrs. Mavis Morgan thanking Council for the donation given to NCI in memory of David Morgan.

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

Councillor J. Guy advised Members that Mrs E. Hart AM had agreed to open the new female/disabled facilities at the Recreation Ground on 9^th November at 2.30 pm.  It was agreed that Councillors sitting on the school governing bodies would arrange for representatives of the three schools to attend.  Female representatives of the various sporting organisations would also be invited.  It was anticipated that a small reception would be arranged at Penclawdd Primary school.

Councillor J. Guy advised that the closing date for receipt of grants was 19^th October.  A lot of work had gone into producing an application and numerous letters had been received in support.  However, there were issues that prevented the application being submitted.  These were the provision of an equal opportunities policy, title documents and the need to obtain planning permission for the scheme, prior to application.  A meeting had been arranged with a representative of a specialist company who would outline a multi-purpose sports facility, proposed at Llanmorlais.  This meeting to be held 24^th November at 2.30 pm.

Some sources of grant are not available to Community Councils.  The suggestion was made that Council consider the grant of leases ‘in trust’, in order that qualification for grants could be overcome.  The Community Council would need to allocate funds to commit to the project and provide a financial commitment to maintain the facilities in the future.  Councillor J. Guy moved that this be considered by all for discussion at the next meeting.

Councillor Mrs. Lewis-Pudduck said that young mothers had voiced concern in respect of Crofty playground.  The swings had been removed and not replaced and some equipment was looking ‘tired’.  She asked that play equipment be painted and that the playground was updated.  The Clerk advised that new swings had been ordered.  Estimates to be obtained in respect of redecoration of equipment.  It was suggested that Council consider the Young Offenders Scheme in respect of this work.

Correspondence was received from Penclawdd AFC requesting consent for the construction of a shelter for players and officials at the football pitch,

Following a recent claim made against Council in respect of the roundabout at Penclawdd, insurers ordered that the extended bolt threads beneath the platform be removed.  It was agreed that Council’s contractor be instructed accordingly.

Notification was received from SWALEC that the agreement to supply electricity at the Memorial Hall and Llanmorlais changing rooms was due for renewal.  The terms were set out and it was established that the agreement continue for a further period of 2 years.

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Councillor Tucker withdrew.

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

2007/2033; 2007/2036; 2007/2211; 2007/2212; 2007/2213; 2007/2219; 2007/2239; 2007/2270; 2007/2271.

Reference was made to application 2007/2219, conversion of store to dwelling, Archway Cottage, Penclawdd.  Council agreed to support the application subject to retention of the arch and date plaque fixed to the wall, to preserve the historical, industrial significance of the building.

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Councillor Tucker returned.

(i)                       Welsh Assembly – Fire & Rescue Authorities – Performance Measurement Framework and Performance Indicators – Consultation.  Noted.

(ii)                     Swansea Community Health Council – Annual Report 2006-2007.  Noted.

(iii)                    Welsh Assembly – copy of correspondence sent to Local Planning Authority granting consent for erection of AONB boundary marker on Tirmynydd Road, Three Crosses.  Noted.

(iv)                   Gower Society – Programme & Newsletter.  Noted.

(v)                     Commons Commissioners – decisions in respect of hearings.  Noted.

(vi)                   Macmillan Cancer Support – seeking donation.  Noted.

(vii)                  Safer Swansea Partnership Seminar 23/10/2007 9.00 am to 1.00 pm, George Hall, The Guildhall – neighbourhood policing – representative requested.   Councillors Hood-Williams and Rees to represent the Council.

(viii)                Copy correspondence by e-mail from Mr. D. Sage concerning various issues in Penclawdd.  It was agreed to support the comments and the relevant matters to be taken up by Councillor Tucker and the City and County of Swansea.  The letter to be acknowledged.

The Chairman produced a guide prepared by an English Parish Council detailing public footpaths in its administrative area.  It was agreed that the provision of a similar leaflet, be explored.

Councillor Hood-Williams advised that he had been appointed Chairman of the Local Access Forum. 

Councillor Hood-Williams advised that he had attended the recent Forum, City and County of Swansea.  He had also represented Council at the recent One Voice Wales Conference.  He gave a brief summary of the issues discussed including a young peoples Council set up in Ammanford and an address made by Brian Gibbon AM in respect of Local Authorities, stating that funds were tight and calling for greater efficiency.  Larger Councils’ grouping was being set up, to examine the benefits.

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

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Chairman