MEMBERS PRESENT:                   Chairman Councillor P. Hood-Williams

Councillors  J. Guy, Mrs. P. Guy, Mrs. A. Lewis-Pudduck, P. Tucker, R. Cooper, C. Jones, W. Smart, N. Davies, P. Place & Mrs. J. Usher.

A member of the public Mr. N. L. Aubrey was also present.

Apologies were received from Councillors  T. Snell & Mrs. S. Davis. 

18.         CHAIRMAN’S REPORT/REMARKS:

The Chairman gave a brief report on the last year’s events. He referred to the election of a new Council containing four new Councillors and described the following year as busy, productive and exciting. The Chairman related how the Council has laid the groundwork for improving facilities in all its Communities and importantly put the finance via grants and loans into place to achieve these projects. He thanked Councillor J. Guy for his work in this respect and expressed the Councils thanks to him. He further expressed the hope that this Council’s work can successfully demonstrate the benefits an active Community Council can bring to the community it serves. The Chairman reminded the Council of the change of Clerk that occurred this year and expressed his thanks to both the new and old Clerks. He took the opportunity to remind the Council of the previous Clerk, Mr. N. L. Aubrey’s exemplary service and presented him with a memento from the Council. Mr Aubrey thanked the Council and wished it success in the future. Finally the Chairman thanked the members of the Council for their work and conduct in the year and the Vice Chairman Mrs. P. Guy for her support.

19.         TO ELECT A CHAIRPERSON FOR THE MUNICIPAL YEAR 2009/2010:

Councillor Jones nominated Councillor Mrs. P. Guy as Chairman, seconded by Councillor Cooper.  This was agreed unanimously.  Councillor Mrs. P. Guy declared acceptance of office.

20.         TO ELECT A VICE-CHAIRPERSON FOR THE MUNICIPAL YEAR 2009/2010:

Councillor Mrs Lewis Pudduck nominated Councillor Mrs. Jill Usher as Vice-Chairperson.  This was seconded by Councillor J. Guy and agreed unanimously.  Councillor Mrs. Usher declared acceptance of office.

21.         TO CONSIDER THE ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS FOR THE YEAR:

          These were agreed.

22.         TO APPOINT A STANDING COMMITTEE:

Councillors agreed to seek representatives from the community.

23.         TO AGREE DATES OF MEETINGS FOR THE MUNICIPAL YEAR 2009/2010:

          The Clerk had circulated proposed dates for the forthcoming year.  These dates were agreed. Councillor Smart brought the Councils attention to the extension of Crwys Community Centre and the possibility it would not be available for meetings, it was agreed that any meetings affected be rescheduled to Penclawdd.

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

25.         CHAIRMAN’S REPORT/REMARKS:

The new Chairman thanked Councillor Paxton Hood Williams for his excellent work over the past year and expressed the hopes that this year would be a satisfying and productive one.

The Clerk reported an amendment to the minutes regarding numbering, this was approved and the minutes of the Council meeting held on Thursday 16^th April 2009 was confirmed as a true record. 

The Clerk reported on the Memorial Hall in Penclawdd. Enquiries regarding the Councils options on the site have been sent to the Charity Commission and the Council awaits a response. Mr. D. Foote has been instructed to proceed with an updated survey and evaluation. The Weights club has been instructed to inform current and new members of the situation with regard to saftey and the Councils concern’s about the hall.

Councillor Mrs. P. Guy reported the benches ordered for Penclawdd had been delivered and were ready to be installed. The Council approved unanimously that the Councils contractor proceed with the installation of the benches.

Councillor W. Smart reported on the latest plans for the playground in Penclawdd. The Council viewed the plans and costings and unanimously approved the purchase of the equipment from Wicksteed Ltd and the fencing and associated work from Spencer E.C.A.

The Council unanimously approved that the sub committee on playgrounds deal with any matters arising as they occur to facilitate the rapid introduction of the playground.

The Chairman expressed the Councils thanks to the sub committee but especially to Councillor Smart for his work on this matter.

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

Councillor J. Guy reported that the development of the MUGA at Llanmorlais should be reported to the insurance company and their advice sought. The Clerk agreed to proceed with this.

Councillor J. Guy reported that progress was being made with the application for new deeds for Crwys Hall and that hopefully the process will be completed within six weeks.

Councillor J. Guy reported that the lease will soon be available for the Llanmorlais Mugger and the trustees will have signed it by the next meeting.

Councillor Smart questioned the Clerk regarding the Council’s deeds for its properties. The Clerk indicated that all such paperwork was kept in the Council’s store in Three Crosses and agreed that following the search for the deeds for Crwys Community Hall the Council’s paperwork appeared to be incomplete. Councillor Cooper proposed that at a future date work be undertaken to establish which land in the communities the Council owns. Councillor Guy proposed that existing paperwork be submitted to the Council’s solicitor for safekeeping and claims for ownership be submitted where no paperwork exists. This was approved unanimously.

The Clerk reported on a letter by Penclawdd A.F.C. on matters at Pond Field.

·        Possible erection of fencing adjacent to ‘bogs’ side of field – Clerk to seek costings.

·        Resolution of flooding concerns – Council advised that blockages in drains have now been cleared, removal of trees may be contributing to problem. Monitoring of situation is ongoing.

·        Storage Facility – Construction to commence when finance becomes available.

·        Positioning of Bench – To be agreed by all parties.

Councillor P. Tucker reported that the highways department has been examining and repairing the roads in Penclawdd and Crofty.

Councillor Tucker reported on attending ‘Safe routes in the Communities’ meetings in Penclawdd and Llanmorlais. An Engineer will be examining the routes to both schools and assessing the requirements of the villages prior to the submission of a bid for funding in September.

Councillor Hood Williams reported on the resurfacing of the

Councillor Mrs. Lewis Pudduck reported on the consultation meeting with the City and County of Swansea regarding Llanmorlais Primary School. Councillor Lewis Pudduck reported on feelings in the villages of Crofty and Llanmorlais, of huge disappointment regarding the security guards present at the meeting. How the residents had felt intimidated and how they feel it inappropriate considering the presence of children. Councillor Lewis Pudduck requested the Council write to City and County of Swansea on this issue. This was unanimously agreed.

Councillor J. Guy proposed that the Councils complaints regarding the closure of Llanmorlais School be re submitted to the Welsh Assembly at the appropriate time. This was unanimously agreed.

Councillors Tucker and Hood-Williams withdrew.

33.         PLANNING APPLICATIONS:

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

2009/0465; 2009/0582; 2009/0306; 2009/0597;2009/0664;2009/0606;2009/0630;2009/0637;2009/0702;2009/0705

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Concerns were raised regarding over the access for application 2009/0465.

Councillors Tucker and Hood-Williams returned.

1. City and County of Swansea, Communications Division – Invitation for Chairman and guest to attend Lord Mayor’s Civic Service on Sunday 31^st May 2009. -  Chairman and guest to attend.
   
   
   
2. Welsh Assembly Government – Guidance on Managing the Safety of Burial Ground Memorials. – noted.
   
   
   
3. Penclawdd Scout Group - Request for use of Pond Field for Scout Fete on Saturday 13^th June 2009. – permission granted.
   
   
   
4. Penclawdd Scout Group - Request for donation. – Scouts to submit to Finance meeting.
   
   
   
5. Dr P. Rees – Letter of resignation as advisor to Council. Dr Rees expresses his apologies for recent absences and wishes the Council great success in the future. – Clerk to write letter of thanks.
   
   
   
6. City and County of Swansea, Community Leadership and Democarcy – Notice of Poll re European Elections. – noted.
   
   
   
7.  Blue Anchor Bowls Club – Notification of repairs needed. – noted.
   
   
   
8. One Voice Wales – Notification of conference and AGM on Saturday 10^th October, 2009. – Councils representative Councillor Hood Williams to attend.
   
   
   
9. City and County of Swansea, Environment Department  –  Confirmation of Acceptance of Grant re Three Crosses and Llanmorlais play areas. – noted.
   
   
   
10. Penclawdd AFC – Letter of thanks for support over the past year. – noted.
    
    
    
11. Gowerton Home School Association – Proposed closure of Gowerton Comprehensive 6^th Form. – letter of support agreed.
    
    
    
12. City and County of Swansea, Environment Department – Notification of consultation Draft Planning Guidance on Planning Obligations. – noted.
    
    
    

Councillor Mrs. Lewis Pudduck reported the hedges and footpaths between Crofty and Llanmorlais need attention. Councillor Tucker agreed to investigate.

Councillor Mrs. Usher reported the railings between Wernffrwd were in poor condition and needed repair. Councillor Tucker agreed to investigate.

Councillor Cooper reported on a new gate at Pant Glas.

The next meeting of the Council will be held at Crwys Community Centre on Thursday 18^th June, 2009 commencing at 7.00.p.m. The meeting will be followed by a finance meeting.