February 2006

Minutes of Monthly Meeting of Llangunnor Community Council held in 'Yr Aelwyd', on Thursday 16th February 2006 at 7.15pm

PRESENT: Councillor John David James Morgan (Chairman), D Elwyn Williams, Denzil Williams, Robin O Griffiths, Sarah J Howells, Doreen Valentine, Geraint P Bevan

APOLOGIES: Councillor Audrey M Jones, Mair Lloyd, Clifford Merlin Jones, Catherine James, Willian Denzil Vivian Evans, Police Sergeant M Maynard, PC Jo Davies and Ian Lewis, Carmarthen Journal

IN ATTENDANCE: 1 Community Resident

The Chairman welcomed all to the meeting and reminded Members to declare any pecuniary interests and record accordingly in the attendance register. He informed Members that condolences had been conveyed to the family of the late Mr Tom Phillips who had served as Clerk to the Council. He also mentioned his assistance with reuniting lost relatives associated with Llangunnor. Chairman paid tribute to the excellent standard of the New Year Dinner served at Coleg SirGar Restaurant, Pibwrlwyd. RESOLVED: Congratulate the College and Students

RESOLVED to approve the minutes:
i) The Monthly Council meeting held on 19th January 2006
ii) The Planning Committee meeting held on 19th January 2006

a. Minute 91a) Lighting Improvements: Capel Dewi Road - awaiting quotation
b. Minute 91b) County Council vehicles Parking in Blaengwastod Road - Cllr RO Griffiths will be referring the matter to County Cllr Palmer, Technical Services Cabinet Member, Carmarthenshire County Council
c. Minute 91d) Bus Shelter near Yr Aelwyd - report to County Council that the replaced panel needs to be refixed again.
d. Minute 92) Exclusion of Public from meetings - RESOLVED: Obtain views from Carmarthenshire County Council.
e. Minute 94) Objective 1 project - Clerk reported that he had met with the Business Associate allocated to the project following the collapse of the ACTT Agency. A meeting of the project sub-group to be convened.
f. Minute 97) Clerk reported that refurbishment of the 4 milestones had been completed.
g. Minute 105i) Hedge at Pant Farm - County Council to invoke legal action if further consultation fails.
h. Minute 105iii) Penymorfa footpaths - Awaiting map of registered local footpaths from County Council

The Chairman presented a report on the meeting and summarised the main points:
i) Those present concluded that it was a positive meeting and of benefit to the community.
ii) The main issues were: Police should target times of patrols and visibility; need to improve the exchange of information between police and community; more public lighting and greater facilities for the young people.
iii) Community Council requested to organise similar meetings on a regular basis - say every 3 months

RESOLVED: To receive the report and agreed to convene further meetings

Following the collapse of the ACTT Agency, progressing the entrance enhancement project is uncertain and will be reviewed in the next meeting of the Park Committee. The Park annual insurance invoice was tabled and in view of the substantial premium increase RESOLVED: i) Cllr DE Williams to query the increase with the Insurance Company ii) Cllr DE Williams and Chairman delegated discretion to pay, subject to the response of the insurance company

The Clerk reported that landfill operators could allocate up to 20% of their landfill tax liability, which was introduced in 1996, through a tax credit scheme to fund up to 90% of the cost of environmental projects. The Wales Environmental Trust regulates the scheme in Wales. One category of projects that could attract funding is 'the provision, maintenance or improvement of a public park or other public amenity'. RESOLVED: to note the potential of the tax credit scheme to support projects in Llangunnor, as the Nantycaws landfill site is located in the community

Deferred to a future meeting

The Clerk reported on the capital borrowing facility available to Local Councils. RESOLVED: to note the borrowing arrangements but to introduce additional lighting incrementally and to fund from revenue

Clerk reported on the possibility of obtaining public outdoor seats/benches from the County Council. RESOLVED: Members to identify potential locations for seats/benches in the community and to consider in the March meeting

i) Carmarthen Forum:
Cllr R Griffiths reported on the plans for the 2006 Merlin Festival

ii) Eisteddfod yr Urdd 2007 Appeal Committee:
Cllr Bevan thanked Council for sponsoring the recent issue of 'Cennad Cynnwr' and informed Members of the forthcoming St David's Youth Concert in Llangunnor Church on 2nd March 2006

iii) Police Liaison Committee:
Cllr D Williams reported that there was great concern expressed at the committee over the Home Office plans to form one police force in Wales. A 6.7% rise is probable in the Dyfed-Powys Police Force precept for 2006/7

RESOLVED: approve the monthly income and expenditure schedule presented by the Clerk:

B) Council to note receipt of income:

RESOLVED to receive the monthly schedule of correspondence and agreed action as follows:

i) Cllr RO Griffiths expressed disquiet that Llangunnor Community Council had not been notified of the formation of the 'Community Rail Partnership'. He had contacted the Partnership and appealed for improved passenger facilities on platform 2 at Carmarthen Station. RESOLVED: a) support Cllr Griffiths' action and Clerk to contact the Partnership Officer - Mr Youngman; b) include on March meeting agenda.
ii) Cllr Bevan drew attention to the rubbish and a damaged hydrant on Old Llangunnor Road and queried whether County Council would cut the grass area in Bryntywi. RESOLVED: Clerk to refer to County Council.
iii) Cllr DE Williams questioned whether Llangunnor Community Council should be divided into three Wards. RESOLVED: include on the April agenda.
iv) Cllr Griffiths referred to the vacant development land to the rear of the Morrisons Store, Pensarn and the absence of promotional signs. RESOLVED: Invite County Councillor C Scourfield Carms CC, Executive Board Member with responsibility for Economic Development to attend a future Council meeting

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