MEMBERS PRESENT:                         Chairman Councillor R. Cooper

                                                                  Councillors P. Hood-Williams, J. Guy,                  Mrs. P. Guy,  P. Tucker, Mrs. S. Davis,           A. Godfrey.

There were approximately twenty members of the public present together with Mr. C. Peregrine, Evening Post reporter.

The Chairman welcomed everyone and invited all to stay for the Council meeting, advising that there was a vacancy for a Member in Penclawdd.  The public response was in relation to the future of the Memorial Hall. The Chairman outlined the situation, which had been set out in a leaflet distributed to nearby households.  The Trustees would make a decision on the future of the site but they welcomed public opinion.  Concern was expressed in respect of car parking, congestion and deliveries to a future commercial premises.  A petition of some 50 signatures was submitted from residents of Cae Folland and Glanmor Terrace.  The matter of potential grants for demolition was raised and this would be investigated by the Trustees.

It was stated that the building was in poor condition and contained white asbestos.  Following demolition the issues were either to re-develop or provide public open space.  The Chairman read out a letter from a local resident concerned with the matter of costs to be borne by the Council Tax payer should the open space option be agreed.  This was a matter for all of Penclawdd, not just those resident nearby.

Councillor J. Guy said the feeling was unanimous and that the site should be left as open space, in view of concerns expressed relative to parking issues.  He further commented that anyone could apply to purchase the site not only the chemist but the only benefit to the community was public open space, but taxpayers must bear the cost.

The Chairman summed up the discussion.  The majority of residents left the meeting, three remained for the Council meeting.

55.         APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE:

Apologies were received from Councillors R. Sweet, R. Griffiths, G. Nicholls, Mrs. A. Lewis-Pudduck, D. Morgan, P. Place and advisor Dr. P. Rees.

56.         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.

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

57.         CHAIRMAN’S REPORT/REMARKS:

There was no report.

The minutes of the Council meeting held on Thursday 21^st June, 2007 were confirmed as a true record.

The minutes of the Finance Meeting of the same date were also confirmed as a true record.

The minutes of the Trustees Meeting of 21^st June were confirmed as a true record.

Reference was made to the hanging basket scheme and an article for inclusion in the People’s Estuary explaining that the City and County of Swansea Street Lighting section had banned the use of steel poles for the support of baskets.  This is in addition to previous requirements that they cannot be mounted on wooden or concrete poles.  This has severely limited the choice of locations for baskets in Penclawdd and Llanmorlais Wards.

The vacancy in Penclawdd Ward had been notified to Electoral Services, City and County of Swansea and advertised on the notice board, effective date 9^th July.  The Clerk advised that if an election was not called for within 14 working days, then Council could co-opt to fill the vacancy.  It was agreed to place this matter on the agenda for the September meeting.

Building works had commenced at the pavilion/store, Recreation Ground, Penclawdd.  It had proved difficult to find a contractor, in a position to undertake the project.  The project cost was estimated at £31,860 plus V.A.T. but this could rise due to unforeseen works.  It was anticipated that work would be completed early September and plenary powers were granted to the Chairman, Councillor J. Guy and the Clerk to agree the final account, if required.

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

Councillor Mrs. Davis enquired of the situation in respect of Llanmorlais tennis courts.  Up to 30 oak saplings had risen through the tarmacadam.  This had been reported to the contractor who advised that repair works would be undertaken.  The Clerk to investigate the delay.

Councillor J. Guy referred to the ball-stop fencing to be erected at Parc Dan-Y-Lan.  It was agreed to advertise for tenders for the work.  In addition he asked for the overgrowth at the rear of the bowls pavilion to be cut down.  Reference was also made to proposals to extend Crwys Hall.  Plan preparation was in progress, estimates were to be sought.  Proposals for a multi sports facility in Llanmorlais were also being considered.  Councillor Guy referred to an article in the local press concerning play activities in Upper Loughor.  Financial support was to be given by the City and County of Swansea because the community lacked a designated play area.  This was one of the few areas without such facility.  Local Councillors were asked to enquire whether financial assistance could be provided for this Council to provide and improve existing playgrounds, because none were provided by the City and County of Swansea.

Councillor Tucker advised that he had been speaking with the Leader, City and County of Swansea concerning the purchase of the foreshore car park and upgrading of the playground.  Penclawdd playground was used by tourists more than local children.  It was thought that the Tourist Board should be contributing to the upkeep.  Councillor J. Guy moved that an urgent meeting be arranged with Councillor Holley to explore development on the foreshore and a short term lease be obtained in respect of the land on which the playground stands.  Councillor Tucker to speak with the Leader, City and County of Swansea.  The re-location or improvements to the existing playground were essential and to this end land at Dunraven was considered since the former Parish Council had acquired the land in 1974 for amenity and children’s playground purpose.

Councillor Godfrey referred to land at Pencaerfenni Lane.  Two parcels of land that were not fenced were being used for indiscriminate parking.  Ownership details were not known.  Councillor Tucker would look into the matter.

Councillor Tucker referred to his earlier request for improved access to the Recreation Ground with the provision of a new gate.  Estimates to be obtained.

The Chairman enquired of the situation concerning addition of names to the War Memorial.  This was being pursued.  Councillor J. Guy stated that the existing stonework needed cleaning and the inscriptions highlighting.  The Chairman and Clerk were given plenary powers to arrange necessary cleaning, in a sum up to £300-00.

The Clerk referred to the annual safety report received in respect of playgrounds.  Two pieces of equipment; the swings at Crofty and the slide at Three Crosses were in need of urgent repair.  Subsequently, it had been found that the Crofty swings could not be repaired, the frame was obsolete.  A quotation had been obtained from Spencer E. C. A. Ltd., for the supply and installation of one set of cradle swings, six feet high at a cost of £2,209.50 plus VAT and at eight feet high £2,436.75 plus Vat.  Following consideration it was agreed unanimously that six feet high swings be provided.

Replacement seats had been installed at four locations.  The Clerk had received notification that there was some surface corrosion to the seat near St. David’s Church.  Council’s contractor had been advised.

Councillor Hood-Williams enquired whether Council had written to the Local Health Board.  This was confirmed by the Clerk but a response had not been received.  Councillor Hood-Williams reminded Members of an application for a Pharmacy at the site.  This had been rejected by the LHB and an appeal made to the Welsh Assembly.  A decision was expected late August.  If consent was forthcoming, it was anticipated that the doctor and pharmacist could share the cost of premises which had now been identified.  However, the LHB had stated that they were moving away from single doctor practices to multi-practices although the public were still in favour of the former.  Councillor Hood-Williams asked for the continued support of LHCC in pressing for the retention of the practice.  This was agreed.  Plenary powers were given to the Chairman, Vice-Chairman and Clerk to respond to the situation during the summer recess.

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Councillor Tucker withdrew.

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

2007/1380; 2007/1453; 2007/1471; 2007/1474; 2007/1484; 2007/1497.

Amended plans were received in respect of application 2006/0151.

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Councillor Tucker returned.

(i)           Martin Caton MP – notification of summer surgeries to be held Monday 30^th July           - 10.30 a.m. Penclawdd Community Centre

                                                   - 12.00 noon Llanmorlais Community Centre

                                                   - 2.00 p.m. Crwys Community Centre

(ii)                Public Services Ombudsman for Wales – Copy of Annual Report 2006/2007.  Noted.

(iii)               Pennard Community Council – request that representatives of Gower Website attend at a future Council meeting to provide 15 minute presentation on what has happened over the last year and thoughts for the future.  This was agreed, dates for September, October and November meetings to be provided.

(iv)              One Voice Wales:

-         Notice of Conference and AGM 2007, Saturday 13^th October at Metropole Hotel, Llandrindod Wells, Council may send up to two delegates, cost £50-00 each, registration form returnable by 28^th September.

-         Copy of ‘The Voice’, July 2007.

-         Details of model policy on ‘Unacceptable Actions of Individuals’ which individual Councils may wish to adopt.

It was reported that footpath number 6 was overgrown.

Councillor Mrs. Guy reported that the footpath near Tirzah Chapel was overgrown but the Chairman advised that it was not a public footpath.

Councillor Hood-Williams had attended the Town and Community Council Forum held on 3^rd July.  A presentation was made in respect of the Contact Centre to be set up at County Hall and agreement had been reached with Cardiff City Council in respect of upgrading of the web-site.  He also advised that a new Archive Centre was to be opened and that the central library would close in December 2007 with a new facility at County Hall opening March 2008.

The next meeting of the Council will be held at Crwys Community Centre on Thursday 20^th September, 2007 commencing at 7.00.p.m.