April 2007

Minutes of Monthly Meeting of Llangunnor Community Council held in 'Yr Aelwyd', on Thursday 19th April 2007 at 7.00pm

PRESENT: Councillor Robin O Griffiths (Chairman), Sarah J Howells, Doreen Valentine, D Elwyn Williams, Clifford Merlin Jones, Audrey M Jones, Geraint P Bevan, Catherine James, T Alun West, Richard S Thomas and Selwyn H Thomas

APOLOGIES: Councillor Willian Denzil Vivian Evans, Denzil Williams and Police Inspector Roderick

IN ATTENDANCE: PC M Richardson, I Pollock, Carmarthen Journal and 10 Local Residents

The Chairman welcomed Mr Bruce McLernon and Mr Matt Miller to the meeting. Mr McLernon outlined his responsibilities and duties for the health and well being of the communities in Carmarthenshire. He confirmed that Yr Aelwyd features in the Social Services strategy for supporting the elderly in the community and acknowledged the desperate need to upgrade the building. Funds had been made available for the work and would commence after consultation with the residents. Members emphasised the importance of Yr Aelwyd as a community facility where functions are held and groups meet. Mr Mclernon recognised the situation but reminded all that it was foremost a residential centre and respecting resident sensitivities, the letting aspect needs careful management.
Mr Miller detailed County proposals for generating more affordable housing aimed especially at young couples and families for purchase or renting. The strategy includes partnerships with the Housing Associations and private sector developers and utilising Section 106 agreements for sale of houses substantially below market values. Applications can be registered via the County Council website and a points system will determine allocations

During open discussion Mr McLernon was thanked for allocating 60 Bron y Dre as a community base for the Neighbourhood Police Team. In thanking Mr McLernon and Mr Millar for attending the meeting and allaying fears relating to the future of Yr Aelwyd the Chairman reaffirmed the importance of addressing the serious lack of affordable housing in the community.
[Cllr CM Jones declared an interest in this item and did not take part in the discussions]

The Chairman had attended the opening of the new boxing gymnasium established by Mr Kevin Evans, Heol Login, in Woods Row, Carmarthen. Members were informed of the ceremony in Ysgol Llangynnwr School on 25th April for the presentation and dedication of the Council's donation of a 'Chain of Office' for the Chairperson of the School Council. Chairman and Leader of the County Council and Canon Reverend Aled Griffiths are invited guests

Chairman welcomed retired councillor Mrs Mair Lloyd to the meeting and presented her with the Council's Certificate of Merit in recognition and appreciation of serving as a Member of Llangunnor Community Council for almost 30 years and elected as Chairman on two occasions. He paid tribute for her commitment and immense contributions to the community over the years. Mrs Lloyd said that it had been a privilege to serve the community but unfortunately had to retire on health grounds. She thanked all for their companionship over the years and offered her best wishes to the Council. Members and the Clerk conveyed their good wishes for the future

PC Richardson reported on action to deal with speeding in Penymorfa Lane and Babell Hill, parked vehicles causing obstructions in Heol Blaengwastod and car racers in Pensarn. Police are also targeting anti-social youth behaviour in the Rhoslas and Y Talar area and the hitting of golf balls in the park. In discussion Members claimed that the high numbers of learner drivers practising on roads in residential areas of Llangunnor was unreasonable and dangerous for pedestrians and children playing outside. PC Richardson will explore the situation and report at a future meeting. Chairman thanked PC Richardson for his report

RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the following meetings as a correct record:
i) The Monthly Council meeting held on 15th March 2007
ii) The Planning Committee meeting held on 15th March 2007

Minute 126 - Cleaning bus shelters. RESOLVED: Approve the price of £57 per month as per current frequency.
[Cllr DE Williams declared an interest in this item and left the room]

The Chairman welcomed Mr Richard S Thomas, Underhill, 7 Llygad yr Haul, Llangunnor and Mr Sulwyn H Thomas, Ffynnon Las, Nantycaws to the meeting and invited them to address the Council. RESOLVED: co-opt both as Members to represent the West Ward on Llangunnor Council. Both signed the 'Declaration of Acceptance of Office' and were provided with supporting material on the role of the Community Councillor

Clerk had distributed to Members a letter received from the County Council setting out the current position with regard to the provision of pupil transport to Ysgol Bro Myrddin and QE High School and confirming the national policy and guidelines on free school transport. After a detailed discussion Council invited one representative of the local residents present in the meeting to present views to the Council. After further deliberation of the circumstances Council RESOLVED:
i) Appeal to the County Council to reduce the 3-mile rule to 2 miles on health and safety grounds.
ii) Refer the apparent unequal transport arrangements applied to Llangunnor pupils attending the Secondary Schools in Carmarthen to the Children's Commissioner for Wales

8 applications received for grant aid. RESOLVED: £30 each to: Megan and Trevor Griffiths Trust, Carmarthen CAB, Wales Air Ambulance Trust and CRUSE Carmarthenshire

i) Playing Field Grass Cutting
Only one tender received and opened in the meeting RESOLVED: award the contract for the 2007 season to the County Council at the quotation price of £980.80. Remind Council to cut the grass right up to the hedges

ii) Provision of Internal Audit for year 2006/7
The Clerk reported that the 2005/6 Auditor, Mr Lyn Llywellyn, would be prepared to audit at the same fee - £150. RESOLVED: refer to the AGM

iii) External Audit
The Auditor General for Wales proposes that BDO Stoy Hayward, continues as the appointed External Auditor for the foreseeable future. Council is advised that the audit fee for the 2006/7 accounts will be £285. RESOLVED: refer to AGM

RESOLVED:
i) Request 'walking man' signs on registered footpaths, referenced 28/2 and 28/3 [Sticle footpath].
ii) Repairs to broken styles along path 28/6 [Login to Cilweunydd]

Cllr D Williams and Cllr R Thomas reported that the County Council is currently reviewing its Public Parks policy and the Association had been advised to await the outcome of the review before proceeding further with relinquishing the Park leasehold. RESOLVED:
i) Council to be kept informed of progress.
ii) Apply to the Standards Committee for dispensation for Cllr R Thomas to speak and vote in Council on Park matters

Clerk detailed the work done by the Rights of Way/Access Manager of the County Council in respect of securing the dedication of the footpath. It would seem that progress currently rests with the owner's solicitors. Cllr CM Jones has discussed the delay with the path landowner, Mr TI Davies, who confirmed that the matter was in the hands of his solicitors. RESOLVED: Review progress at the May meeting

a) Carmarthen Forum:
The Chairman tabled a sketch plan of the landscaping work underway at the roundabout near Morrisons Supermarket.
b) Eisteddfod yr Urdd 2007:
Clerk reported that bunting would be put up after the May Day bank holiday. RESOLVED: purchase a banner [bilingual] conveying the best wishes of the Llangunnor Community to all attending the Eisteddfod but the wording universal for use on other occasions. Chairman, Cllr G Bevan and the Clerk to organise.
c) Riverside Group:
Cllr D Williams reported that the group's 'wish list' for the Llangunnor side of the river had been submitted to the design consultants and plans for quayside flood protection and a new boat ramp access to the river were being considered

RESOLVED: i) approved the monthly expenditure schedule presented by the Clerk and the statement confirming the Clerk's salary for 2007/8.
ii) Authorised 25% of the Clerk's salary be commuted for general office and word processing support. The Clerk to make arrangements for the office support

B) Council to note receipt of income: Nil

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

i) Refer to County Council:
Need for grass cutting on the Pont Cynnwr and the 'Tywi Ford' roundabouts and the verges in-between; pot holes in the footpath between Haulfryn and Sticle Close and along Rhoslas; litter and rubbish under Carmarthen Bridge and along Old Llangunnor Road

ii) Items for the May Council meeting:
Public lights along Old Llangunnor Road; Button hole mementos for ex-Councillors; changes to the green waste collection arrangements

iii) AGM:
The Chairman's Dinner will be held in the Drovers Arms Hotel, Lammas Street on 10th May 2007 following the AGM at 6.45pm in Yr Aelwyd. RESOLVED: Canon Reverend Aled Griffiths be invited as the Chairman's guest

iv) Environmental
a) The Chairman expressed his wish for more daffodil bulbs planted in the community. He had identified suitable locations and would request Council to commit the remainder of the Chairman's fund [£250] to provide for the purchasing and planting bulbs in the autumn of 2007. RESOLVED: Agreed and Clerk to make provisions in the accounts.
b) Ysgol Llangynnwr Pupils have cleared rubbish and litter from the plantation in Pensarn. RESOLVED: Commend the pupils for their action and notify FOCUS Store of the litter problem and advise the Environment Agency of the pupils' action

iv) Standing Orders
Cllr Bevan inquired of the existence of Council Standing Orders. RESOLVED: Clerk to investigate and report at a future meeting

Every effort has been made to check the above for accuracy however if you find a mistake please contact us.