MEMBERS PRESENT:                         Chairman Councillor P Hood-Williams

                                                                  Councillors Mrs. P. Guy, G. Nicholls, J. Guy,   R. Cooper, Mrs. A. Lewis-Pudduck,             Mrs. S. Davis,  P. Tucker, P. Place, W. Smart,   C. Jones, Mrs J. Usher.

ADVISOR:                                               Dr. P. Rees.

Also present was Mr A. Cross, Clerk designate.

There were two members of the public present.

Councillor Mrs. Usher was sworn in.

34.         APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE:

Apologies were received from Councillor T. Snell.

35.         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:

Councillor Mrs. S. Davis declared an interest in respect of the contractors account for grounds maintenance, agenda item 7.

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

36.         CHAIRMAN’S REPORT/REMARKS:

The Chairman referred to two meetings held at the Recreation Ground, Penclawdd concerning future development.  The meetings were well attended.

The minutes of the Council meeting held on Thursday 15^th May, 2008 were confirmed as a true record.

There were no matters arising.

The Clerk advised that he had met with Mr. Evans, Business Development Executive, Swansea Building Society, in relation to the opening of an investment account.  Due to legislation, proof of identity would be required from the Chairman and Vice-Chairperson and a mandate required with specimen signatures from all Members.  The Clerk suggested that this be deferred until Mr. Cross was in post due to change of address details.

Correspondence had been received from Knight Frank, agents for the Somerset Trust, in respect of the foreshore lease.  They suggested that the arrears were £40-00 but this was incorrect and a statement dated March, 2008 indicated the sum to be £15-00.  This would be presented to Council for payment under agenda item 7.

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

Notification had been received from the Welsh Assembly concerning ‘Borrowing Approval for 2008/2009’.  The scheme “extension and alterations to the Community Hall in Three Crosses” was acceptable as a purpose to borrow not exceeding £50,000 in the current financial year.  The approval was subject to borrowing for that purpose only and the money must be drawn down by 31^st March, 2009.  The period for repayment must not exceed 10 years.  If the borrowing does not take place before 31^st March, 2009 the original letter must be returned to the Welsh Assembly.

Applications were received from various groups/organisations for grant assistance under s.137, Local Government Act 1972.  The following grants were agreed:

Councillor Mrs. Guy referred to two meetings held at the Recreation Ground, Penclawdd.  The first meeting viewed the site and condition of property.  It was well attended and brought forward complaints and ideas.  The second meeting was attended by representatives of sporting bodies, they provided ‘wish’ lists.  The requirements were a bowls pavilion with separate male and female facilities, a weights room and facilities for the disabled.  It was moved that a feasibility study be prepared and that Mr. N. Aubrey be engaged to prepare such details. It was agreed to proceed on this basis.  Reference was made to the provision of a club house but Councillor J. Guy stated that this would not attract grant aid. 

The Clerk made reference to correspondence from Mr. Dixon of Knight Frank, concerning the foreshore lease.  He proposed that the current lease be brought to an end on 28^th September, 2008.  A longer term lease be granted for the play area and an annual licence for use of the car park.  The agent requested information in relation to proposed investment in the pay area and would then make arrangements for fuller terms to be produced.  The Clerk reminded Council that prior to the July meeting the public would be consulted on playground location.  Investment in playground equipment would proceed when grant funding was made available.

A complaint was received from Mr. Watkins of Llanmorlais concerning grass cutting and the emptying of the refuse bin, at Hermon.  Councillor Mrs. Davis confirmed that grass was being cut according to the contract, that is monthly.  Councillor J. Guy suggested that this should be two weekly during the growing season.  Following discussion it was agreed that additional cuts be undertaken in May and June as required.  Additional cuts to be considered on all sites during the growing season.

Councillor Guy confirmed that the Recreation Ground, Penclawdd had been used for camping the previous weekend and that £280-00 had been raised.  Council had been complimented on the facilities.  Councillor Tucker said that vehicles had been taken onto the pitch and that this must be avoided.

Councillor Cooper made reference to the position of hanging baskets and suggested that if they could not be located in the right place then Council should not have the full quota.  Mr. Sweet had spent considerable time agreeing locations which were limited due to the form of construction of some lampposts.  Many posts could not be used, for health and safety reasons.  Some communities were disadvantaged, as a result.  It was agreed that a representative from each Ward resolve locations before ordering for next year.  

Concern was expressed regarding the disabled w.c. at the Recreation Ground, Penclawdd.  It was being targeted by vandals, had been damaged, over turned and fouled internally.  It was agreed that it should be removed. 

Councillor Guy referred to correspondence received from Sports Council for Wales concerning the floodlit facility at Llanmorlais.  The application was now at stage 2.  He sought consent to meet a representative of the Sports Council and Llanmorlais Ward Councillors on 9^th July at 10.00 a.m. to discuss the submission.  This was agreed unanimously.  He also referred to correspondence received from Tribal and that he and Councillor Mrs. Guy would attend a meeting on 26^th June to discuss the Big Lottery Bid, for Three Crosses Hall.  It was also agreed that an application for Building Regulation consent for extensions at the Hall be prepared and that Council meet professional and statutory costs.

Councillor Guy referred to a scheme, ‘Awards for All Wales’ and the provision of public seats.  The cost per seat was £1,000, guaranteed for 10 years and installed by the Local Authority.  It was agreed that funding be sought.

Reference was also made to the provision of a storage container at the football pitch.  A formal response had not been received from Planning Services.  City and County Members to discuss with Planning Department.  It was agreed to site this as soon as possible.

Councillor Jones referred to litter at the tennis courts and asked that a bin be provided.  This was agreed.   Councillor Mrs. Davis had been approached by Llanmorlais Senior Citizens who advised that they had to pay for brown garden waste bags and enquired when garden waste, food waste and plastics would be collected.  Councillor Hood-Williams advised that the composting facility would be extended throughout the City and County of Swansea this financial year, white and green containers would be provided free of charge.

Councillor Mrs. Lewis-Pudduck referred to the erosion of services in post offices and the need to preserve the facilities in all villages.  She urged Council to support the local MP in this regard.

A quotation was received from M & P Plumbing to replace shower heads and valves at the male changing rooms, Penclawdd Recreation Ground.  Recent legislation required self cleaning heads and the cost of materials was £2,550-00, the labour cost was £300-00.  It was agreed that this work should be undertaken.

------------ // ------------

Councillors Tucker and Hood-Williams withdrew.

Councillor Mrs. P. Guy Chairperson.

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

2008/0903; 2008/0913; 2008/0959; 2008/0970; 2008/0991; 2008/1063; 2008/1133; 2008/1182; 2008/1196.

There were no issues raised in respect of these applications.

------------ // ------------

Councillors Tucker and Hood-Williams returned.

(i)                       Public Services Ombudsman – Annual Report 2007/2008.  Noted.

(ii)                     Swansea Metropolitan University – event to Celebrate Conferment of University Status, 4^th September, 11.00 a.m., Brangwyn Hall, invitation to represent this Council.  Noted.

(iii)                    South Wales Police Authority – wish to recruit five new Independent Member posts.  Closing date for applications, 27^th June.  Commitment of between 7 – 10 hours per week for which an allowance and expenses are payable.  Noted.

(iv)                   Royal National Eisteddfod, 2-9 August at Cardiff – would welcome assistance from members of Council to man activities.  Noted.

(v)                     Alexandra Lloyd-Hamilton of Three Crosses – seeking to raise funds to attend The National Youth Theatre course in London, in August for which costs amount to £864-00.  Noted.

(vi)                   Annual report of the County Archivist 2007/2008.  Noted.

(vii)                  Western Power Distribution – stakeholder consultation in respect of business plan 2010-2015.  Noted.

(viii)                Countryside Council for Wales – copy of publication ‘Working Together in Swansea’.  Noted.

(ix)                   Mencap Cymru – seeking donation.  Noted.

(x)                     Childline – seeking donation.  Noted.

(xi)                   Campaign for the Protection of Rural Wales – Notice of AGM, 28^th June, at Plas Dolerw, Milford Road, Newtown, 2.00 p.m.  Noted.

(xii)                  City and County of Swansea, Transportation and Engineering – consultation on Safer Routes to Schools and proposed 20 mph zone in Three Crosses.  Councillor Hood-Williams advised that work would start in the autumn.  Councillor Guy asked if Llanmorlais and Penclawdd were making similar applications and it was confirmed that both had applied for inclusion next year.

(xiii)                Correspondence was received concerning litter at Wern Bwll.   This was passed to Councillor Tucker.

(xiv)                Correspondence was received from Mrs Smart, Blue Anchor concerning recycling.  This had been discussed.

Councillor Mrs Lewis-Pudduck referred to overgrowth on paths 2 and 3.  The Clerk advised that this had been referred to Planning Services.  Councillor Tucker advised that the work had been put out to contractors and would be undertaken shortly.  Councillor Mrs. Usher referred to litter and overgrowth, footpath 20.  This to be referred to the City and County of Swansea.

Councillor Nicholls suggested that a crossing should be provided on

Councillor Jones referred to footpaths at Graig y Coed which were muddy and advised that due to damaged fencing horses were entering Graig y Coed.  Councillor Cooper said that there were 72 paths in Llanrhidian Higher Community Council and half were not useable.

Councillor Mrs. Davis referred to raw sewage and oil on footpath 1.  Councillor Tucker advised that these issues were being investigated.

Councillor Hood-Williams advised that he had attended the Swansea Branch AGM,  One Voice Wales.  The Chairperson elected was Mrs Sue Jones of Gowerton and Vice-Chairman J. Mathias of Pontarddulais.  He referred to a training programme that was being set up by One Voice Wales and that further information would be available soon.

The next meeting of the Council will be held at Penclawdd Community Centre on Thursday 17^th July, 2008 commencing at 7.00.p.m.