September 2006

Minutes of Monthly Meeting of Llangunnor Community Council held in 'Yr Aelwyd', on Thursday 21st September 2006 at 7.00pm

PRESENT: Councillor Robin O Griffiths (Chairman), John David James Morgan, Clifford Merlin Jones, Denzil Williams, Sarah J Howells, Doreen Valentine, Geraint P Bevan, T Alun West, Audrey M Jones, Catherine James, Willian Denzil Vivian Evans and Mair Lloyd

APOLOGIES: Councillor D Elwyn Williams

IN ATTENDANCE: R Workman, Director of Technical Services, Carmarthenshire County Council and PC M Richardson

The Chairman reported on the meeting held that afternoon attended by him, the Vice Chair, Chair of Planning and the Clerk, Police Inspector C Parmenter and PC M Richardson and Mr Staines, Head of Housing, Carmarthenshire County Council to discuss progress with the setting up of the Neighbourhood Police Team base at 60 Bron y Dre, Tregynnwr. At the meeting Mr Staines confirmed that the County Council would release the house for Police use and progress the change of use planning application requirement. The Police will meet the cost of any adaptations necessary to satisfy building regulations. Inspector Parmenter indicated that the base would be staffed from 9.00am to 10.00pm daily

Mr Workman was welcomed for his attendance to discuss matters raised by Members. The main points and responses were:

i) Care & Attention of Verges - Llangunnor Road and Carmarthen Bridge Roundabout
The County Council are planning for additional cuts to the normal annual maintenance cut and on a regular basis in the future and seeking more care and attention to the main highway gateways into Carmarthen from the Trunk Road Agency

ii) Gritting Local Side Roads
The County Council operates a priority gritting programme that is incorporated in the County Council's Policy document on road gritting. Agreed that the Community Council would receive a copy of the policy

iii) Trashing of side roads
Attention was drawn in particular to the vegetation growth on Babell Hill and Church Lane. On road safety grounds Members argued that driver visibility was significantly impaired due to the growth and both these roads require regular cuts. Mr Workman noted the concern but Members were advised that a countywide programme for mechanical trashing was constrained by biodiversity demands, set time schedules, contractor agreements and the level of resources available

iv) Traffic matters
a) Eastern end of Penymorfa Lane - A Member pictorially illustrated the serious dangers to pedestrians on this very narrow lane. Discussion focussed on ways of moderating traffic speed and to raise driver awareness that pedestrians also use the roadway.
b) Llangunnor Road and Login Road and other main roads - Mr Workman referred to a recent traffic survey conducted to monitor vehicle speeds along Llangunnor Road. It was reported that 85% of all traffic travelled at 44mph or less. On this basis, together with the general presentation of the road, it would be difficult to argue for a reduced speed restriction on this road. Members also queried when the results of the planned traffic speed survey in Login road would be available. Mr Workman agreed for a site meeting between County Council Traffic Engineer and representatives of Llangunnor Council and discuss these points

v) Vehicle Queues at the Pensarn Roundabout
Mr Workman reported that the Welsh Assembly has commissioned an analysis of traffic volumes at Pensarn roundabout. There is a possibility that traffic lights control system may be introduced. Members welcomed conducting an analysis of the situation

vi) Pont King Morgan Bridge
a) The recent media reported structural problems were explained and Members were assured that the contractor would undertake the repairs with no cost falling upon the County Council.
b) The Bridge official opening is planned for later in the year, possibly late November2006, and will involve the Welsh Assembly Government and local school pupils.
c) A Member reported that the audible function at the new traffic lights crossing on the town end of Pont King Morgan Bridge is not operational. Mr Workman agreed to investigate

RESOLVED: reinstate standing orders following the summer recess

Chairman reminded Members to declare any pecuniary interests and record accordingly in the attendance register

Chairman welcomed Cllr WDV Evans to the meeting following absence through illness. He referred to the revival of Llangunnor carnival and Members congratulated Cllr Howells as Chair of the organizing committee for rearranging to hold the carnival at a later date following cancellation due to atrocious weather. Chairman thanked Cllr Williams for representing Council at the 150th anniversary celebration of 'Yr Hen Ysgol', Capel Dewi. He had attended the annual Admiral's Court evening. The Chairman confirmed that Ysgol Llangynnwr pupil school council will attend the October meeting and he will present the pupils with dictionaries to note the occasion

RESOLVED to approve the minutes as a correct record, subject to noting that Cllr C James was present:
i) The Monthly Council meeting held on 20th July 2006.
ii) The Planning Committee meeting held on 20th July 2006.
iii) Approve the minutes of the Special Planning Committee held on 24th August 2006

a. Minute 25) Awaiting response from County Coucil to the request for a replacement bus shelter in Blaengwastod Road.
b. Minute 14c) Clerk reported that the damaged fence in Pensarn Road has been repaired.
c. Minute 29d) Pant Farm hedge: County Council initiating enforcement procedure.
d. Minute 29f) Capel Dewi Road lighting proposal: Western Power seeking way leaves agreement from landowner for power supply.
e. Minute 29h) Public meeting with the Police confirmed - to be held in Yr Aelwyd on 10th October, commencing at 7.00pm.
f. Minute 40) Eldergrove/Glanffynnon Boundary: letter tabled at meeting confirming that the County Council will re-fence. RESOLVED: no further action.
g. Minute 41) New footpath lighting on Sticle Path adjacent to school. County Council confirmed that the new lighting would not be to adoptable standard. RESOLVED: Llangunnor Community Council to add the lighting to its lighting inventory.
h. Minute 42iv) Rhodri. Glyn Thomas AM will be attending the October meeting

RESOLVED: Christmas tree in Pensarn only

The Chairman proposed the formation of a sub committee to discuss the report he had available. RESOLVED: Chair, Vice Chair and Chair of Planning to form the sub committee and to report back to full Council

RESOLVED: Council Monthly meetings to commence at 7.00pm in future

Cllr C James reported on progress with the planned improvements. Chairman thanked Cllr James for the report

Clerk reported on the document received from Un Llais I Gymru/One Voice Wales and the request to set training priorities and delivery mode for the Council. RESOLVED: Sub committee comprising the Chair, Vice Chair, Chair of Planning and Clerk to respond

i) Carnival Committee: Cllr S Howells reported that due to the poor weather the Carnival was postponed and held at a later date. The Clerk reported on a letter received enquiring whether Council is monitoring the carnival finances following making a donation to the Carnival Committee. RESOLVED: to note that the donation was made in the interest of the community and the inhabitants. [Cllr S Howells declared her interest as she is Chair of the Carnival Committee and withdrew from the discussions.]

ii) Eisteddfod yr Urdd 2007 - Appeal Committee:
Cllr Bevan reported that the Llangunnor financial target had been exceeded. Already over £6k had been raised. Members congratulated Cllr Bevan and the appeal committee for the achievement

iii) Environmental Improvement Project:
Cllr Bevan reported on the response to the Lottery Heritage Fund application and that a further meeting of the project group is planned

Certification was received from the External Auditor confirming successful completion of the Audit for the year ended 31st March 2006 and there were no matters for the Council to address. The Certified Annual Return was accepted and approved by the Council. The Auditor noted one advisory point recommending that Council should review its Fidelity Guarantee Insurance cover in order to protect against potential loss. RESOLVED:
i) to request the Council's insurer to quote the cost of raising the guarantee from its current level [£25k] to £35k.
ii) To enquire with the Council's Banker the procedure for placing a ceiling on Council cheque payments.
iii) To record the Council's congratulations to the Clerk on the successful completion of the audit

RESOLVED to approve the monthly expenditure schedule presented by the Clerk:

B) Council to note receipt of income:

Clerk reported on communication from a resident living adjacent to the path complaining of the unpleasant behaviour of some path users and that the police had been called on numerous times. RESOLVED: Clerk to review progress of the dedication process with the County Council

RESOLVED: Cllrs DE Williams and/or Cllr S J Howells to attend the AGM at Llandrindod Wells on 14th October 2006

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

i) Refer the following matters to the County Council: poor condition of seats on the riverside footpath opposite Carmarthen Quay; need to increase the illumination power of lamp outside Philadelphia Chapel, Nantycaws; reminder of reported complaint regarding signage of Rhoslas, Tregynnwr; removal of diseased tree in Llangunnor Road; tree branches obstructing pedestrians on footpath behind Clôs Sticle; report encroachment by Penymorfa property into Bron y Dre.
ii) Make representations to the Post Office objecting to the proposal reported in the media that it might relocate counter services to upstairs premises in King Street, Carmarthen.
iii) Request the Careers Wales West Company to tidy the vegetation growth outside its Pensarn offices.
iv) Request the County Council to clarify the difference between the pupil transport policies applied to Llangunnor pupils attending Bro Myrddin and QE High secondary schools. [Cllr G Bevan declared interest as his children attend one of the schools. Cllr C James declared interest as the County Council employs her as a policy advisor. Both withdrew from the discussions].
v) To note that Community Youth Workers will be taking a number of Llangunnor youths to a youth camp

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