MEMBERS PRESENT:                   Chairman Councillor Mrs. P. Guy.

Councillors  J. Guy, T. Snell, C. Jones, Mrs. S. Davis, W. Smart,  P. Hood-Williams, P. Tucker, R. Cooper & Mrs. A. Lewis-Pudduck.

Apologies were received from Councillors Mrs. J. Usher & P. Place.

120.     TO RECEIVE DISCLOSURE OF PERSONAL INTEREST FROM MEMBERS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE CODE OF CONDUCT ADOPTED BY LHCC ON 2^nd MAY, 2008:

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

Councillor Mrs. S. Davis declared an interest in respect of the contractor’s account for grounds maintenance.

121.     CHAIRMAN’S REPORT/REMARKS:

The Chairman welcomed everyone to the newly extended and refurbished hall in Three Crosses and wished to take the opportunity to thank the Big Lottery for their invaluable support and help with the extension. She thanked all present for attending and welcomed Mr. Daniel Jones to the meeting.

Councillor P. Hood-Williams spoke on behalf of the residents of Three Crosses and expressed their pleasure with the extension and their hope that the new extension would enhance the community.

It was agreed the summary of the meeting with representatives from the City and County of Swansea regarding footpaths, should be amended to include Councillor R. Cooper’s comment endorsing the condition of the paths. It was also agreed that Councillor J. Guy’s comment condemning the condition of the paths should also be included.

A correction regarding the spelling of Mr Daniel Jones’s name was approved.

With the listed amendments, the summary of the meeting regarding footpaths and the minutes of the Council meetings held on the 19^h November 2009 were confirmed as a true records.

The Clerk reported he had been unable to meet with the Council’s contractor to discuss the Cemetery Memorial gardens, but was meeting with him in the week following this meeting to outline the Councils proposals.

The Clerk reported he contacted other Cemeteries to seek guidance on the production of  a set of ‘Rules & Regulations’ for the cemeteries.

Councillor Mrs. S. Davies commented that she had received complaints concerning access to the cemetery at Parc Hendy. Councillor P. Tucker reported that the key holder Mr. Phillips had fallen during the bad weather, but that problems concerning access were not unknown. Councillor Tucker reminded the Council that Mr. Phillips opened the gates for a nominal sum, that he could not be expected to open and close the gates every day and that the gates must be kept closed when the cemetery was not in use due to the damage wild horses entering the cemetery causes. Councillor Tucker took the opportunity to thank Mr. Phillips for his service.

Councillor J. Guy proposed a sign on the gates informing the public as to the location of the key might be a solution. Councillor Tucker agreed to investigate.

The Clerk reported that the playground equipment was being installed by the Council’s contractor at Llanmorlais and Three Crosses.

Councillor P. Tucker reported that regarding the footpath at Graig-y-Coed, the footpath had not been adopted by City & County of Swansea. Councillor Tucker reported he was pursuing this matter further and would report back with more information.

The Clerk reported on a request by the City & County of Swansea, Parks department that  the Council indicate whether it will be continuing with the hanging basket scheme in the community this year. This would assist them in the ordering of baskets. A discussion followed during which concerns were raised over the available lamp posts in Penclawdd and the lack of suitable sites in Llanmorlais. Councillor Mrs. A. Lewis-Pudduck reported she felt the community of Wernffrwd always suffered due to the lack of available sites and this should be addressed. It was agreed to confirm the Council’s participation in the scheme and request a meeting to discuss siting and alternative containers.

The Clerk reported that following correspondence with the City & County of Swansea, regarding the playing fields at Graig-y-Coed, the Community Council was in possession of all paperwork concerning the site. Councillor J. Guy proposed the Council invite the Woodland trust & representatives from City & County of Swansea to the Council’s next meeting to discuss the project and resolve the issues.

The Clerk reported on complaints from members of the public regarding overhanging trees at Hermon cemetery. He informed the Council of a quote from the Councils contactor to address the problem. It was unanimously approved that the Clerk inform the Contractor to proceed and that he also ask the contractor to do an inspection and proceed with any work required at Parc Hendy cemetery.

The Clerk reported that the Council’s contractor had requested clarification on the Christmas Tree in the War Memorial gardens, following vandalism over the Christmas period. Councillors P. Tucker and T. Snell reported on the poor condition and appearance of the tree and expressed the hope that the tree could be removed and a new tree sited there every year. Councillor Mrs. A. Lewis-Pudduck reported the residents of Crofty and Llanmorlais were very happy with the tree provided outside the Chapel this year and thanked the Council. The Council unanimously approved the removal of the tree and the provision of a new tree every year.

The Clerk reported the pump had burst in the Parc Hendy changing rooms and he had instructed a plumber to complete repairs.

The Clerk reported on a miss-allocation of a grave at Parc Hendy cemetery, he was pleased to advise that with the help and understanding of the family involved the situation had been resolved. He apologised to the family for any distress that had occurred.

The Clerk reported that no progress had been made on extending Parc Hendy cemetery. Councillor J. Guy proposed that the Council engage Mr. N. Aubrey to act for the Council in this matter and this was unanimously approved.

No sub committee reports were submitted.

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

Councillor J. Guy reported on the Three Crosses hall extension, he detailed the purchase of carpet, furniture and computers for the Hall.

Councillor Guy reported on the official opening of the Hall. Following the Big Lottery Funds instructions the Hall would be opened on Saturday, 6^th March 2010 at 12.30 p.m. Official invitations will be sent to The Big Lottery, Mr. Martin Caton M.P, Mrs. Edwina Hart A.M, Mr. N. Aubrey (Project Manager) and Mr. R. Bessent (Builder).  The Community Council and Hall Management Committee will be invited personally and a notice placed in the Council notice board inviting interested residents to attend. The Hall Management Committee will be requested to organise a buffet or a local caterer contacted. Councillor W. Smart agreed to organise a selection of schoolchildren to attend.
Councillor W. Smart reported on the Hall Management Committee’s meetings during which ideas for an official opening had been proposed, including the invitation of local celebrities (sportsmen and women etc). It was agreed that the official opening had to follow the specifications set down by the Big Lottery Fund and that a second opening could be held if desired by the Management Committee.
It was unanimously agreed to proceed with the opening as detailed by Councillor Guy.

Councillor W. Smart reported on issues concerning the Hall at Three Crosses raised by the Hall Management Committee including, the need for a notice board, new hall furniture, blinds for the windows, suitable sign to identify the building, relocation of existing fence, broadband supply, secure storage for hall, repairs and alterations to access gates, trimming of trees and car parking.

Councillor J. Guy reported that the issues raised by Councillor Smart should be handled out of the budget of £2,000 allocated to the Hall Committee.

It was agreed that Councillor Smart should seek quotations and estimates for the work and liaise with Councillor Guy.

Councillor Tucker reported on possible planning issues concerning some of Councillor Smart’s proposals.

The Council debated the role of Grants officer and Councillor C. Jones proposed that Councillor J. Guy proceed as Grants Officer with plenary powers to act in these matters. This was approved unanimously.

Councillor C. Jones reported on damage to the pavilion at Penclawdd Recreation ground. The Clerk undertook to advise the contractor of this and to further investigate the use of anti vandal paint.

Councillor P. Hood-Williams reported on re-locating a bench in Three Crosses. It was agreed the contractor would look into this.

Councillor W. Smart reported on the spread of Knotweed at Wern Olau. Following discussions with the Somerset trust the residents at Wern Olau are seeking the Council’s support in the resolution of this matter. Councillor J. Guy agreed with Councillor Smart and questioned the need for the Council to lease the land. Councillor Smart proposed that the land was cleared for use by the community. It was agreed that the Council request the land owner clear the land. It was further agreed the Clerk provide a suitable letter of support for Councillor Smart.

Councillor T. Snell reported on a meeting between the bowling, tennis and weights clubs concerning the approval of the plans for the new facility. He informed the Council that the plans had been approved and that progress could now be made with this project as agreed in the previous meeting.
Councillor J. Guy clarified the Councils position in respect of this project, the Council would be funding the planning application, any legal fees for the transfer and any costs up to the awarding of any grant for the project.

Councillor T. Snell proposed that Councillor J. Guy be given plenary powers to act on the Council’s behalf for this project. This was approved unanimously.

Councillor P. Tucker reported the City & County of Swansea had started repairing the roads after the recent bad weather. He informed the Council that due to the scale of repair necessary the repairs would take some time.

Councillor Mrs. A. Lewis-Pudduck referred to the work done by parents in Crofty, Penclawdd and Llanmorlais in regard to the retention of the 6^th form at Gowerton Comprehensive School.
Councillor Lewis-Pudduck proposed that a letter of congratulation be sent to the Chairman of Governors at the school. This was approved.

Councillor Mrs. A. Lewis-Pudduck requested clarification on the Boundary Commissions Report regarding Three Crosses. Councillor P. Hood-Williams replied that the report was overdue but expected by the end of January.

Councillor Mrs. S. Davies reported on problems with the renewal of light bulbs in the community. Councillor P. Tucker indicated he would see to any outstanding issues if the details were passed on to him.

Councillor Tucker & Councillor P. Hood-Williams withdrew.

130.     PLANNING APPLICATIONS:

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

2009/1805; 2009/1885; 2010/0018;2010/0021; 2010/1852

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Councillor Tucker & Councillor P. Hood-Williams returned.

No matters were raised.

No reports were submitted.

The next meeting of the Council will be held at Crwys Community Centre, Three Crosses on Thursday 18^th February, 2010 commencing at 7.00.p.m.