MEMBERS PRESENT:                         Chairman Councillor Mrs. A. Lewis-Pudduck

                                                                  Councillors D. Morgan, G. Nicholls, J. Guy, Mrs. P. Guy,  Mrs. S. Davis, R. Cooper,           A. Godfrey

There were 5 members of the public present.

The Chairman opened the meeting to the members of the public.  Mr. J. Matthews, referring to Tir Gil Farm, reported that since the Environment Agency had advised Council of their opinion, they had altered their position.  They suggested that the cost of a full FDA was unfair and recommended that the Local Planning Authority accept correspondence from the applicant that they would negate any flooding.  They had asked for free flow of water through a barn where the doors were of unequal size.  The application had been deferred by the Local Planning Authority.  Residents were concerned at the risk of flooding.  Mr. Matthews advised that he had been served with an Enforcement Notice in respect of loose sheeting that could give rise to flooding.  He asked LHCC to enquire why the Environment Agency took a different approach and failed to advise.  In addition, he expressed concern in respect of the volume of traffic using Station Road.

The latter was echoed by Mr. H. Thomas who claimed that the road is too narrow for the large trucks being used and that they have caused damage to parked vehicles, the road surface, cables and trees.  He claimed that his house vibrates and that the road was not designed for the volume of traffic.

Mrs. P. Beynon of Tir Gil Farm asked for evidence to support these claims and suggested that the traffic was bound for another farm.  In respect of the Enforcement Notice she suggested that this did not relate to one sheet but rubbish that had been in-situ for some time.

Mr. Thomas countered, stating that the traffic was going to Tir Gil; this was visible from his property.  These were trucks containing cockle shells.  Mrs. Beynon advised that these were for drainage.  She reiterated her earlier statement that the information given was inconclusive and there was nothing to support the claim.  This was further disputed by Mr. Matthews.

Mrs. G. Matthews claimed that the level of the land had increased one side of the river, causing flooding to gardens.

Penclawdd Members in whose ward Tir Gil Farm lies, advised that the complaints would be referred to those agencies that were empowered to resolve such issues, LHCC was not.  Whilst this Council sympathised with the situation in respect of both parties, it was unable to resolve the matter.  Matters would be referred to the Local Planning Authority, Highways and Environment Agency.

75.         APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE:

Apologies were received from Councillors P. Hood-Williams, P. Tucker, R. Sweet, Ms. J. Birch, T. Snell and advisor Dr. P. Rees.

76.     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.

77.     CHAIRMAN’S REPORT/REMARKS:

          The Chairman advised that she and the Clerk had attended the opening day of the Eisteddfod which was very pleasant.  The Chairman also advised that she had attended an exhibition of children’s art, initiated by a local resident who had travelled to Botswana.  Links had been created for exchange of the work by children and organisers.  A donation of £30-00 had been given.

          In addition reference was made to complaints received concerning the speed of traffic between Penclawdd and Crofty.  This to be reported to the Local Authority and police, traffic calming to be requested.

The minutes of the Council meeting held on Thursday 20^th July, 2006 were confirmed as a true record.

There were no matters arising.

The Clerk advised that Council’s accounts were presently with the Internal Auditor, Mr. Lyn Llewellyn.  The Wales Audit Office had called in the audit, year ended 31/3/2006 for 23^rd October.  This is an amended date, following original notification of a date that could not be achieved.  The Clerk was critical of the External Auditor who had yet to agree to sign off accounts for year ends, 2004 and 2005.  This suggests a false picture in terms of cash flow.

Re-surfacing of the Llanmorlais tennis courts commenced on 12^th September.  Progress was a little slow to date and hence the Clerks surprise to receive an account for almost £11,000.  This to be held until such time as 60% of the work had been completed.

The Clerk attended a training course at Cwmbran on 14^th September, with Councillors D. Morgan and R. Sweet.  Very informative day, address by Sue Essex AM and her head of policy, together with discussions on budget and town planning.

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

82.     TO RECEIVE REPORT RELATIVE TO THE MEMORIAL HALL:

          Councillor J. Guy commented that this was a small site and called for a site meeting before any decision was made.  Concern was expressed at the cost of demolition if the site was to be retained and that despite efforts; quotations for such work had not been obtained.  It was agreed that a site meeting should be called.  The date to be arranged.

Councillor J. Guy referred to replacement goal posts at the football field and requirement for replacement seats and was advised that these were on order.  He referred to hedges at the recreation ground, where works would be undertaken shortly.  The surfaced path from the pavilion to the tennis courts would be attended to in the coming months.

The Clerk referred to a request to report upon a possible extension between the pavilion and store at Penclawdd recreation ground.  This appeared feasible although roof work to the pavilion would increase the cost.  Plan preparation and planning permission was required.  The estimated cost for the project was in the region of £15,000.  Councillor J. Guy said that there were no ladies changing facilities or disabled facilities.  Grants were available from various sources.  The Clerk and Councillor Guy to discuss further.

Councillor Cooper referred to the construction of a pavement outside Penclawdd Primary School.  It had not extended to the most dangerous area.  It was agreed to agenda this for the next meeting.

Councillor Mrs. Davis informed Council that there were no road signs leading into Crofty and called for additional lighting to footpath no. 2. 

Councillor Morgan advised that Councillor Sweet was sorting through historic minutes and other information, some of which required sensitive disposal.  He requested the purchase of a robust shredder.  This was agreed.

Councillor J. Guy said that Penclawdd tennis club wished to play winter league games and asked for the nets to be left in place and the courts be open year round.  There followed discussion wherein it was agreed that nets be left in situ but that the gates be locked when not in use.  Appointed key holders were Councillors G. Nicholls, J. Guy, R. Cooper and the tennis club.

Reference was made to a complaint received from the ladies bowls club concerning the green.  Following discussion it was agreed that the secretaries or a representative of each club, together with the contractor, be asked to attend the next meeting of Council to resolve these issues.  Councillor Nicholls advised that the green had been closed one week earlier than was anticipated in order that the contractor could undertake fungicidal treatment.

A letter of complaint was received concerning Penclawdd playground.  The site was attracting continual vandalism.  It was alleged that the site was poorly maintained but this was not accepted.  The Clerk advised that Council’s lease would terminate 29^th September.  There was a call to re-site the equipment within the grounds of the Community Centre and that this be referred to Councillor Tucker.   It was also suggested that the City and County of Swansea be asked to take on the foreshore and develop as a car park.  Correspondence to be forwarded to the Cabinet Member, with copies to the Chief Executive and the police.   Previous correspondence to the Regeneration Department concerning playgrounds had been ignored.

84.     TO CONSIDER APPLICATION FOR LAND TO SITE SPORTS FACILITY:

          This item was deferred to the next meeting.

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

2006/1805; 2006/1853; 2006/1917; 2006/1930; 2006/1962; 2006/1968; 2006/1971; 2006/1975.

In respect of 2006/1805, there was a call for time constraints if this application was approved.  Llanmorlais ward members objected to application 2006/1971.  Concern was expressed at the proximity to the existing dwelling and overlooking issues.

(i)                       Adjudication Panel for Wales – Annual Report 2005/6.  Noted.

(ii)                     M. Caton M.P. – agrees with Councils position re continuing loss of business to Post Offices and opposed the loss of T.V. licence renewals.  The Government wish to retain the rural network but has accepted the Post Office argument for reducing the number of urban and suburban offices.  Agrees Councils argument that Government policy is contradictory.  Noted.

(iii)                    Welsh Assembly – Active Lifestyles Community Capital Programme – Sports Council for Wales is distributor of this fund of almost £4M for small works to enhance sports facilities.   Councillor J. Guy and the Clerk to investigate.

(iv)                   One Voice Wales – AGM 14^th October, motions for debate.  Noted.

(v)                     Red Cross – request for funding.  Noted.

(vi)                   Shelter Cymru – request for funding.  Noted.

(vii)                  Marie Curie – request for funding.  Noted.

(viii)                Campaign for Protection of Rural Wales – membership renewal request @ £20-00.  Noted.

(ix)                   Penclawdd A.F.C. – acknowledgement of grant awarded.  Noted.

(x)                     Swansea College – Mrs. Hussey advises that level 1 plumbing course not offered, but levels 2 and 3 are.  Placements found for half of last years students, but they do not promise placements in all cases.  Noted.

(xi)                   Welsh Assembly – Commissioner for Older People in Wales Draft Regulations.  Noted.

(xii)                  One Voice Wales – copy of publication ‘National Training Strategy for Community & Town Councils in Wales’.  Feedback requested by 25^th October.  Noted.

(xiii)                Sarah Vine – questionnaire distributed to some members at last meeting including sae, not yet returned.  Some members to return questionnaire, thanks to those that had.

(xiv)                Welsh Assembly – The Local Government Partnership Scheme – Annual Report 2005-2006.  Noted.

(xv)                 Resident of Glanmor Terrace, Penclawdd – complaint re double parking outside Health Centre.  Matter to be referred to Highways and copy to Councillor Tucker.

Reference was made to dog fouling on footpaths in Crofty and Llanmorlais.  Additional bins to be requested.

Councillor Morgan referred to the disappearance of footpath 72, caused by development of the Gower golf course.  There had been discussion between the Local Authority, residents and the owner of the golf club and the matter was under consideration.

Councillor Godfrey referred to the casual path at the rear of Pencaerfenni estate.  Requests had been made for its adoption and it was agreed to make further contact with the Local Planning Authority.

There were no reports.

The next meeting of the Council will be held at Penclawdd Community Centre on Thursday 19^th October, 2006 commencing at 7.00.p.m.

…………………

Chairman