UPPER  KILLAY  COMMUNITY  COUNCIL MINUTES  of a meeting held at The Recreational Hall on the 4th day of September 2006 PRESENT. Mr. R. Oliver  ( Chairman ), Mr. J. Baiss , Mrs. J.Williams, S.Phillips , L. Holmes, J. Birch and B.Talbot.and Mr. R.K.Evans ( Clerk ). APOLOGIES  FOR  ABSENCE  None  THE  MINUTES   of the previous monthly meeting were approved as a true record and signed by the Chairman.   MATTERS  ARISING The Clerk said that Mr Lindsey Jones of Swansea Environmental Health Department had responded to the enquiry about possible pollution of the stream at Hen Parc Lane. Although Swansea would look into this, because of other pressures upon their time, and the difficulty of investigating, this would not be a matter of priority.   RECYCLING Mr Chris Mowbray, who lives opposite the Hall, was present and requested to speak on the issue of a possible recycling collection facility near to the Hall. He felt strongly that this would be inappropriate at this location. The Clerk said a letter had been received from Swansea Council to the effect that the drawbacks were such that this facility could not sensibly be provided, and so the matter was not pursued. However the need for better collection for recycling in the Community was emphasized.   COMMUNITY BOUNDARIES AND MEMBERSHIP Following a discussion, it was agreed to respond to a Swansea Council consultation that:- ·       Dunvant RFC and field would more naturally be a part of Dunvant than Upper Killay, as would the dwellings at the Dunvant end of the Ddol Road, subject to the views of their residents ·       The Council should continue with 10 members, and without wards and not combine with any other Council. It was also agreed that Cooption to the Council would be on the agenda for October At this point Cllr P. Hood-Williams joined the meeting     SWANSEA  COUNCIL  MATTERS Cllr Hood-Williams reported that work on pavements and road resurfacing was due to be completed this month, and he would look into provision of new road signs for the village. Mr. W. Morris joined the meeting at this point. Mrs Talbot mentioned mud on the road near the Post Office, and Cllr Hood-Williams will make enquiries about this. It was noted that progress was expected with landscaping the Summerland Park roundabout. Appointments to the vacancies on the Standards sub-committee were noted.   HALL  MANAGEMENT Mrs Talbot said that there were new Hall bookings for band practice, a slimming club and a junior drama group. Although there was currently no regular football, a club from Gowerton had expressed interest, and the Uplands RFC were using Hall facilities for their junior sides. She further reported that repairs had been needed to the main door , new keys provided and also some new crockery ordered. It was noted that some users of the Hall were not leaving it as clean and tidy as others, and in particular problems were caused of black bags were left out overnight. It was agreed that the terms of hire be reviewed, and consideration be given to the forfeiting of deposits. However it was also noted that the area around the Hall was tidier as a result of the litter picking by the caretaker. The Chairman advised that a report had been received from Wicksteed Leisure that the chains on the swings needed shortening, and there was corrosion on top and wearing of the bushes to be dealt with. It was resolved to accept their quotation of £465 for this work, as the necessary action had been marked as medium priority. Quotations would be sought for other works to the play area, and the Chairman would approach more that one contractor for this purpose. The Clerk was instructed to write to Mr Clive Knox advising of the specific work to be carried out, and seeking support from the Community association. The Chairman further advised that a detailed quote had been received from John Weaver Ltd for the following:- Boiler room ventilation                                            £850 ( provisional) Metal covering for galvanised fascia                        £382 Overhead guttering                                                  £410.20 Galvanised mesh for kitchen door                           £393 Replace damaged tiles to rear                                   £561.40 It was agreed to instruct these contractors to proceed. The standard of their previous work was considered to have been good, and other local contractors had proved reluctant to quote. The Chairman would however speak to Weavers again about the boiler room, and obtain an alternative quotation if appropriate. The fascia, guttering and rear would be dealt with as soon as the contractors were able, but before the galvanised mesh was installed, the use of deterrent paint as an alternative would be investigated. Also a further inspection would be requested of the contractors for the lower end of the roof. It was resolved that signs needed for the Hall would be ordered. It was noted that the Caretaker was unlikely to be willing to continue to be self employed, but might nevertheless agree to become an employee of the Council. Although the Council would prefer to continue on a contract basis, nevertheless in order to accommodate the present caretaker, it was resolved to consider employing him if he did terminate his present contract. He is also likely to need time off shortly for an operation.   PLANNING At this point Mr. Hood-Williams left.  An application for three new dwellings to the rear of 754/6/8 Gower Road was discussed. Mr. Morris declared an interest as a distant relative of the applicant, and Mrs Williams declared a pecuniary interest as living opposite. Ms. J. Birch left the meeting at this point. Following a discussion, it was resolved to oppose this application as being undesirable in-garden development, over intensive, and eroding the character of this part of the Village. Further, an unfortunate precedent could be set for similar developments in adjoining rear gardens, thus affecting the amenityof dwellings generally on the Gower Road. Also the proposed access appeared insufficient for emergency services and rubbish collection. Mr. Hood-Williams returned at this point. Further revisions to the Draft Unitary Plan were noted, and did not appear to adversely affect the Village.   FINANCES It was resolved to pay the following:-                         £     p        Caretaker  ( August )                                                378     00 Caretaker                                                                 378     00 Wicksteed Leisure                                                      76    38 County Supplies                                                        59    78 County Supplies                                                         2     10 Gestetner                                                                    23    01 Celtic Mowers                                                             8     23 One Voice Wales ( Conference )                              50     00                                              The following payments direct from the Bank in both July and August were ratified :- SWALEC                                                                   63    00 Swansea Council ( Rates )                                         68    00 Welsh Water                                                              32    50 In July Alone:- Security Centres                                                         47    68 Powergen                                                                 606     91 In August alone:- Security Centres                                                         49    20 Powergen Gas                                                            24    27   CHRISTMAS LIGHTS The Clerk reported enquiries of Killay Community Council had revealed a cost of between £2000 and £3000 for Christmas lights, but with a grant available from Swansea Council to match community spending. Steps had to be taken to protect children from the lights, and to maintain them in accordance with regulations. It was resolved to consider this further in October.   ANY  OTHER  BUSINESS 1.     It was noted that a Village bonfire was unlikely, because of the cost of insurance. 2.     Mr Morris said the School bell was now working 3.     Cllr Hood-Williams reported on a recent Community council’s Forum comprising presentations by Swansea Council upon the City Centre Strategy Framework and the proposed Housing Stock Transfer 4.     It was noted that the Police and Fire Authority were seeking a meeting with local communities to discuss a safety strategy 5.     It was noted the memorial bench had been restores by the pond.   There being no further business, the meeting was closed. The date of the next meeting would be October 2nd 2006.