MEMBERS PRESENT:                         Chairman Councillor P. Hood-Williams

                                                                  Councillors R. Griffiths, J. Guy, Mrs. P. Guy,  Mrs. S. Davis, P. Tucker, P. Place.

ADVISOR:                                               Dr. P. Rees

The Chairman welcomed Mrs. Linda James, Chairperson of the Gower Website and Mr. G. Gregory who gave a presentation to Council.  The presentation set out the purpose and benefits of the website, showed what it contains in respect of minutes and agendas, archive details, current and past planning applications and contact details for Councillors.  It was hoped that in the future it could expand to cover all Community Councils and be made more accessible and provide links to other sites.  Initially, Council paid a fee of £200-00 for start up costs which included design, licences and the domain name.  Funds still exist.  An example was given in respect of the pages of Pennard Community Council.  Following questions, Councillor Hood-Williams thanked the representatives, who left the meeting.

69.         APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE:

Apologies were received from Chairman Councillor R. Cooper and Councillors R. Sweet, G. Nicholls, Mrs. A. Lewis-Pudduck and A. Godfrey.

70.         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 8.

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

71.         CO-OPTION OF MEMBER, TO FILL VACANCY, PENCLAWDD WARD:

It had been confirmed by Electoral Services that an election had not been called for.  The Clerk advised that interest had been shown from four parties but subsequently three had withdrawn for various reasons.  It was proposed by Councillor J. Guy, seconded by Councillor Mrs. P. Guy that Dr. P. Rees be co-opted to fill the vacancy.  This was agreed unanimously and Dr. Rees signed the declaration of acceptance.

72.         CHAIRMAN’S REPORT/REMARKS:

The Chairman referred to the recent sad death of Councillor David Morgan and Members stood in a minutes silence.  Councillor Hood-Williams said that he would be missed, he had involvement not only in the Community Council but Gower Voluntary Transport and National Coastwatch Institution.  He suggested that a donation be given to NCI in his memory and it was agreed unanimously that a sum of £200-00 be given, an indication of the respect in which he was held.

The minutes of the Council meeting held on Thursday 19^th July, 2007 were confirmed as a true record.

Councillor J. Guy advised that applications for grant assistance must be submitted by 19^th October.  Councillor Mrs. Davis advised that Llanmorlais tennis courts had been completed and were open.  Councillor J. Guy remarked that a meeting had not been held with the Leader of the City and County of Swansea.  Councillor Hood-Williams refereed to an article in the South Wales Evening Post concerning the closure of Three Crosses Surgery and that patients were moving to other doctors.

The Clerk, in referring to the sad loss of Councillor Morgan, read a letter from Mrs. Morgan and family thanking Council for the support given, adding that ‘he would be missed for many and various reasons, having the community at large and Three Crosses in particular as his concern’.

The vacancy had been advertised and if an election was not called for, Council could co-opt.  This would be placed on the agenda for the next meeting if appropriate.

In respect of audit, accounts for the year 2003/2004 had been approved by the External Auditor, Wales Audit Office.  The accounts for the year ended 31^st March, 2007 had been approved by the Internal Auditor, Mr. Lyn Llewellyn and would be submitted to the External Auditor, Mazars LLP by 30^th September.

The Clerk had arranged for the attendance of Chief Supt. Mathias, Divisional Commander South Wales Police at the next meeting 18^th October.

Reference was made to a claim lodged against Council concerning an injury to a minor at Penclawdd playground which occurred 14^th July, 2005.  The Clerk had argued contributory negligence due to lack of supervision but Insurers had agreed settlement due to the costs of fighting the case.  Council has an obligation to pay and reclaim the VAT element of the legal costs. 

It was understood that Mrs. Evans, resident of Three Crosses would celebrate her 100^th birthday on 1^st October.  It was agreed that Council’s congratulations be conveyed.

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

Councillor Guy asked for details in respect of completion of the pavilion at the Recreation Ground.  The Clerk advised that the Building Control Officer had signed the building off and that the only outstanding work was external window protection which was in hand.  Councillor Guy would speak with Mrs. Hart AM concerning official opening.

Councillor Guy referred to applications for grant assistance in respect of proposed extensions at Crwys Hall and multi-purpose facilities in Llanmorlais.  Letters of support were needed from groups/organisations who use or would use the facilities.  Plans showing the proposals for Crwys Hall were agreed.  Mr. Ian Beynon, Regeneration Department would be contacted to arrange a meeting relative to the Llanmorlais application.  Councillor Guy also asked in respect of estimates for fencing at Parc Dan-Y-Lan, figures had not been obtained.

Councillor Tucker advised that the showers in the visitors changing room, rugby pavilion were not functioning. 

The Clerk advised that a problem had been identified relating to the water supply to the bowling green.  This was to be investigated and remedial work undertaken.

Councillor Tucker referred to the ‘Dock Area’ in Penclawdd where improvements were needed to flood defences and the car park.  Whilst this was not directly in the control of the Community Council a meeting would be arranged with the Leader of the City and County of Swansea.

A request had been received from the Head Teacher of Llanmorlais Primary School for use of Llanmorlais Recreation Ground for school activities on Tuesdays between 1.00 pm and 4.30 pm and Fridays between 1.00 pm and 3.30 pm.  This was agreed subject to necessary insurance provision.

Application was received from Western Power Distribution to install equipment at Hermon Cemetery car park.  Council held the land under an annual tenancy and it was understood that wayleave rental was payable.  It was agreed that this should proceed.

Application was received from Mr. O. Lewis and family to site a 2/3 seater wooden bench to the lower section of Hermon Graveyard.  Subject to design and positioning, this was agreed.

The style of seats recently provided in Penclawdd and Llanmorlais had drawn criticism from one local resident in respect of comfort but this had been countered by a request from Reynoldston Community Council whose Members were pleased with the style and details of the supplier had been requested.

It was agreed that additional keys be made available for Parc Hendy Cemetery.

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Councillor Tucker withdrew.

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

2007/1521; 2007/1528; 2007/1561; 2007/1603; 2007/1618; 2007/1675; 2007/1693; 2007/1705; 2007/1708; 2007/1738; 2007/1761; 2007/1786; 2007/1917.

Amended plans were received in respect of 2007/0781 retention and completion of 4 detached dwellings, land between Dunraven Close and Maes Yr Haf, Penclawdd.

Notification was received from the Local Planning Authority that application 2007/0703 change of use of first floor C.K’s Supermarket, Penclawdd to hotel, had been approved subject to conditions and 2007/1239, development at 14, Gowerton Road, Three Crosses also approved, subject to conditions.

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Councillor Tucker returned.

(i)                       One Voice Wales – copy correspondence, Democratic Services Manager, City and County of Swansea relative to Community/Town Council Forum.  Chair and Vice-Chair can attend forum and up to three representatives from each Council and this can be flexible, and include the Clerk.  Attendance better at 5.00 p.m. than 7.00 p.m.  Opinion sought on time of future meetings.  Noted.

(ii)                     One Voice Wales  - copy of draft Constitution of the Swansea Area Committee.

-         motions for debate at the 2007 AG.M., to be held 13/10/2007.

-         Agenda for next meeting 11/10/2007 and minutes of last meeting 9/8/2007

-         Swansea Area Bulletin dated 21/8/2007 advising that Chief Supt. Mathias will attend on 11/10/2007.  Noted.

(iii)                    Childline – application for financial support.  Noted.

(iv)                   Morriston Phoenix Choir – application for donation in the sum of £200.  Noted.

(v)                     The Gower Society – Design Awards – seeking nominations for consideration.  Noted.

(vi)                   Environment Department – City and County of Swansea – provision of 30 m.p.h. roundels, Tirmynydd Road, Three Crosses – plan of proposals.  Councillor Hood-Williams advised that the Welsh Assembly had approved provision of roundels as a trial.  These were in position.

(vii)                  Local Health Board – Three Crosses Surgery – response to issues raised, practice will close 30/9/2007.  Noted.

(viii)                Letters of acknowledgement, s. 137 payments:

-         Crwys and District Sports Association

-         Llanmorlais and District Community Centre

-         Penclawdd AFC

-         St. Gwynours Church

-         Penclawdd Primary P.A.

-         St. Davids Church

-         Cor Penclawdd

-         Llanmorlais Mother and Toddler Group

-         Penclawdd Tennis Club

(ix)                   Marie Curie Cancer Care – application for financial assistance.  Noted.

(x)                     Welsh Assembly

-         Consultation – Local Vision, Preparing Community Strategies

-         Consultation – A Shared Community  Noted.

(xi)                   Gower Society – e-mail concerning Helwick Bank, noting that WAG had granted consent for 150,000 tonnes of sand a year over next 7 years.  Thanking all for their support and financial support.  Noted.

(xii)                  City and County of Swansea – notification of review of polling districts and stations and questionnaire on use of Crwys Hall, as polling station.  Questionnaire completed and returned.

(xiii)                Swansea College – details of part time courses.  Noted.

(xiv)                Age Concern – Invitation to attend A.G.M., 25^th October, Dolphin Hotel 1.45 p.m., guest speaker Chief Supt. Mathias.  RSVP by 11/10/2007.  Noted.

(xv)                 Welsh Water – Essential Water Upgrades – refurbishment of mains, Three Crosses, Blue Anchor, Penclawdd and Crofty.  Noted.

(xvi)                City and County of Swansea – Welsh Education Scheme 2006 – 2011.  Noted.

(xvii)              British Red Cross – application for financial assistance.  Noted.

Councillor Tucker advised that the City and County of Swansea were considering the installation of an additional turn-gate on the footpath above Graig-Y-Coed, Penclawdd to prevent use by motorbikes.

There were no reports.

The next meeting of the Council will be held at Penclawdd Community Centre on Thursday 18^th October, 2007 commencing at 7.00.p.m.

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