MEMBERS PRESENT:                         Chairman Councillor R. Cooper

                                                                  Councillors Mrs. A. Lewis-Pudduck, T. Snell,             P. Hood-Williams, G. Nicholls, J. Guy,        Mrs. P. Guy, R. Sweet,  P. Tucker,.

There was one member of the public present.

1.             APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE:

Apologies were received from Councillors Mrs. S. Davis, R. Griffiths, A. Godfrey, Ms. J. Birch and D. Morgan.

2.             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.  Councillor Tucker declared an interest in respect of planning application 2006/0610.

The Clerk declared an interest in respect of planning application 2006/0610.

3.             CHAIRMAN’S REPORT/REMARKS:

The Chairman referred to the issue of value for money and complaints received concerning the increase in precept together with a claim for compensation lodged against Council.  He stated that constituents need to know of Council’s assets which are for public use but in providing this, the public should advise the Council of any damage that has occurred since Councillors cannot undertake regular inspection.  He proposed a newsletter for distribution and produced a draft copy for members to consider.  There followed discussion on the dissemination of information with sources being the website, People’s Estuary magazine and a Council newsletter.  It was said that communication is two way and since there have been no election in Penclawdd and Llanmorlais wards for some years there had been no public involvement.  The Clerk advised that he had received several telephone calls regarding the level of precept and one written complaint to which he had responded and copied this information to the Chair and Vice-Chair.  It was agreed to place the matter on the agenda for the next meeting.

The minutes of the Council meeting held on Thursday 16^th March, 2006 were confirmed as a true record.

Councillor J. Guy enquired of the foreshore lease.  The Clerk advised that there had been no further communication from Knight Frank.  Councillor Guy also enquired of the conditions in respect of use of the Hendy Road football pitch by the junior club and was advised that the representatives who attended last months meeting had been made aware of their responsibilities and the Clerk advised that this had been confirmed in writing.  He also referred to vandalism that had recently occurred at the field and stated that Mr. G. Small had picked litter and broken glass from the field.  The Clerk advised that Council’s contractor would be asked to undertake this if required.

Councillor J. Guy also referred to ownership of the football field and had obtained information that it was acquired in a land swap between the former Parish Council and the Gower RDC.  The situation was to be clarified. 

The Clerk advised that issues concerning the precept and complaints received had already been considered.

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

Reference was made to overgrowth of vegetation on the banks surrounding the tennis courts.  It was agreed unanimously that these areas be cut back.  It was stated that the tennis club was to be reformed and the issue of priority for play was considered.  A formal approach had not been received from the tennis club and this and insurance issues would be considered at the appropriate time. 

Redevelopment of the Memorial Hall site was raised but the Clerk advised that he was still awaiting information from the Charity Commission.  There could be no further action until this was resolved.  The Clerk advised that he had received correspondence from the user that he was aware of the condition and wished to continue use until such time that the future of the hall was determined.  He had enquired if the Council had land upon which a gym could be constructed. It was resolved that Council supported the venture and had identified areas for a community sports project and would press the City and County of Swansea to provide a site.

Councillor Hood-Williams asked that the hedge on the Banc at Three Crosses be cut back and this was agreed.

End of season maintenance at the recreation grounds was considered and it was agreed that the Clerk be given plenary powers to resolve this with Council’s grounds maintenance contractor.

Councillor J. Guy asked that the fence between the gate and the rear of the chapel be reinstated to prevent horses from entering the recreation ground.  This was agreed.  He also asked that the fence erected at the end of Greenacres be extended to the kissing gate.  This was agreed.

Correspondence was received from the secretary Blue Anchor Ladies Bowling Club advising that the w.c. and wash hand basin in the ladies toilet were damaged.  It was resolved that the Clerk institute replacement as necessary.

The Clerk referred to the claim made against Council, referred to earlier and that he was in communication with insurers. 

Application was received from 7^th Cwm Newydd Scout Group requesting use of the pond field for their fete on 10^th June.  It was agreed that the Clerk deal with this matter.

The Clerk referred to the junior’s rugby tournament to be held at the Recreation Ground on 14^th May.  Consent had been granted together with consent for sponsorship from a motor dealer.  Organisers had been advised of their need to insure.

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Councillors Tucker and Hood-Williams withdrew.

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

2006/0522; 2006/0551; 2006/0556; 2006/0577; 2006/0610; 2006/0619; 2006/0631; 2006/0680; 2006/0786; 2006/0789.

There was discussion in respect of application 2006/0551 for an agricultural storage/machinery shed at Tir Gil Farm, Llanmorlais.  Council accepted the need for diversification but were concerned in relation to the volume of traffic using Station Road.  It was resolved by majority to offer no objection to the building but to leave the siting of same to the Local Planning Authority.

Amended plans were received in respect of 2005/0577, replacement bungalow at Blaencedi, Penclawdd.

Notification received that a hearing into the appeal against refusal of Local Planning Authority to grant consent for new dwelling adjacent to 61, Gowerton Road, Three Crosses, will be held 25^th April at The Guildhall, 10.00. a.m.

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Councillors Tucker and Hood-Williams returned.

(i)                       National Assembly – copies of ‘A Good Practice Guide for Community and Town Councils in Wales’.  Copies distributed.

(ii)                     City and County of Swansea – copy of draft consultation plan, ‘Welsh Education Scheme 2006-2011’.  Views required by 26^th May.  Noted.

(iii)                    South Wales Police – reference to letter from City and County of Swansea reported at last meeting and advising that speed reduction officer will attend at Gowerton Road, Penclawdd on a regular basis to deal with transgressions.  Noted.

(iv)                   National Assembly – copy of publication ‘Risk Reduction Planning Guidance for the Fire and Rescue Authorities – Wales a Safer Country’.  Noted.

(v)                     Martin Caton MP – Post Office Card Accounts – intention of Government to withdraw Post Office Card Account option in 2010.  He shares this Council’s concerns that some elderly people will be disadvantaged and has made the case.  Government does not seek to close rural Post Offices.  Noted.

(vi)                   Ombudsman – important changes from 01/04/2006 – Public Services Ombudsman for Wales created by Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005.  Complaints about maladministration by Community Councils will come within the new ombudsman’s jurisdiction – in respect of actions that took place after 01/04/2006.  A complaint must firstly be drawn to the Council’s attention and they are given reasonable opportunity to respond.  Situation in respect of breaches of code of conduct has not been altered.  S.33 of the new Act creates a duty on all authorities to advise the public of their right to complain.  S.34 of the Act provides for compensation for aggrieved persons.  Noted.

(vii)                  St. John Cymru – Wales – invitation for Chair to attend fundraising concert at St. Mary’s Church, 2^nd July, 6.00. p.m.  Councillor Mrs. Lewis-Pudduck to attend.

(viii)                West Glamorgan Association of Local Councils – general meeting of member councils agreed that assets be transferred to One Voice.  Noted.

(ix)                   Wales Air Ambulance – seeking financial support.  Noted.

(x)                     Swansea College – representative would like to attend future meeting of LHCC to discuss any needs or problems concerning adult community learning.  Noted.

(xi)                   Swansea in Bloom – invitation to attend next meeting 26^th April 6.30. p.m., Committee Room 5a, The Guildhall. Noted.

(xii)                  Local Health Board – publications – Better Health Service for Swansea: consulting on the future shape of local health care – executive summary; Designed to Deliver – shaping our acute hospitals in Mid and West Wales – summary leaflet.  Councillor Hood-Williams referred to the reorganisation of health services and the proposed closure of Ward 1 Hill House and Fairwood Hospital.  He referred to proposals to reduce the stay in hospitals and queried then the reasons for such closure.  Any potential benefits from the sale cannot be used for revenue and monies would be returned to the treasury.  He suggested that the reasons for closure were not clinical but financial.  A meeting of the Health Board was scheduled for 4^th May at Upper Killay Community Centre.  He proposed a response to the consultation objecting to the closure.  Councillor J. Guy urged retention of Fairwood and referred to the incompetence of the trust and the need to retain hospitals with an ageing population.  Councillor Mrs. Lewis-Pudduck also referred to the ageing population and the increasing bureaucracy of the trusts which were no longer patient orientated.  It was agreed to respond formally to the consultation.

(xiii)                The Gower Society – Public Inquiry into dredging at the Helwick Bank, the society has formed a coalition of itself and Save our Sands and interested Community Councils, C.P.R.W., the National Trust, Penrice Estate and individuals/groups; they have obtained the services of a consultant/advocate to present their case; they have set up a Fighting Fund to raise the sum necessary.  They seek the support of Gower Community Councils by writing to the Inspector and/or joining the coalition/contributing to the appeal fund.  Councillor Snell proposed a donation of £100 to the fighting Fund and this was seconded and agreed by majority.

(xiv)                Penrice Community Council – seeking support re: the above and donations to the fund for the cost of representations at the forthcoming inquiry.  As above.

(xv)                 Invitation for Chair to attend inauguration of Lord Mayor on 12^th May at the Brangwyn Hall.  Councillor Mrs. Lewis-Pudduck to attend.

(xvi)                Peninsula – National Trust Newsletter.  Noted.

(xvii)              Gower Society Newsletter and programme.   Noted.

There was no report.

Councillor Snell referred to the lack of investment in Gower and the need for access for the elderly and disabled including provision of car parks. 

The Clerk referred to the prize categories still available in the Male Voice Choir and Brass Band competitions.  It was resolved by majority that the Council would offer 2^nd prize of £300 in section 2 of the Brass Band competition.

There were no reports.

The next meeting of the Council will be held at Penclawdd Community Centre on Thursday 18^th May, 2006 commencing at 7.00.p.m.  The meeting to be preceded by the AGM.

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Chairman