February 2008

Minutes of Monthly Meeting of Llangunnor Community Council held in 'Yr Aelwyd', on Thursday 21st February 2008 at 7.00pm

PRESENT: Councillor D Elwyn Williams (Chair), Catherine James, Richard S Thomas, Sarah Howells, Selwyn H Thomas, Alun West, Geraint Bevan, Robin O Griffiths, D Williams and Doreen Valentine [Councillor Valentine left the meeting after item 108]

APOLOGIES: Councillor C Merlin Jones and Audrey M Jones

IN ATTENDANCE: I Pollock, Carmarthen Journal, Police Inspector P Roderick, Sgt. R Anthony, PC M Richardson, Christine Harrison and Patricia Tyler, Tenants Networks, Les James, Area Housing Officer, Carmarthenshire County Council and 6 local electors

The Chairman in his opening remarks welcomed all to the meeting and stated he was pleased that the main agencies involved in the matter of locating a police base in Yr Aelwyd were present, as well as interested members of the public. He outlined the underpinning rationale for a police base in the community and expressed his hope that the meeting would provide a way forward for securing a base in Llangunnor. Cllr R Griffiths detailed the efforts made so far, over three years, and expressed disappointment that due to financial constraints and the lack of premises available in Llangunnor a base had not been established, as had been successfully set up in other places in the County. Rooms in Yr Aelwyd would seem appropriate but realised they were already occupied as the Tenants Networks Resource Centre. In his view, the Community would be pleased if the base could be accommodated in the Resource Centre and appealed to the Networks to recognise the benefits of such a base for the whole of the Llangunnor Community

Police Inspector Roderick believed the resource centre rooms would serve their needs in providing greater accessibility for the public and increasing the confidence of the community in neighbourhood policing. He emphasised, however, that it was important the Networks and the Community welcomed their prescence in the Centre. Mr Les James outlined County Council support for a base and explained that a bungalow, together with finance for adaptations, had been kept available for a year, but due to financial reasons the Police had withdrawn that option. He explained that the County Council was required to provide a resource centre for its Tenants Networks and Inspectors and the rooms in Yr Aelwyd were now fully occupied. Ms P Tyler on behalf of the Tenants Networks endorsed Mr James' views and confirmed that the Welsh Assembly Government had directed the establishment of tenants' resource centres. After 5 years of seeking suitable premises, though preferring a more 'central' position, rooms in Yr Aelwyd were provided by the County Council and are used everyday. They would be inappropriate for a 'drop-in' centre and confidentiality, security and meeting times, denied the opportunity for shared occupancy

In open discussion, with the Chairman inviting the residents present to express their views, various possibilities were broached, including part-time occupancy, together with the need for good will and the encouragement of a partnership approach in order to find a solution. It was agreed that the Tenants Networks representatives would ask the Area Networks and the Inspectors to consider permitting the Police to use the Centre for 4 hours per week at pre-arranged fixed times. The Networks Committees and the Inspectors would be offered the opportunity of having representatives from the Community Council present in their meetings for discussion.
The Chairman thanked all for their attendance and appealed for their positive support in enabling the Llangunnor Community to become more fortunate and have a Police base

::Councillor Valentine left the meeting::

Chairman thanked Cllr D Williams and the Clerk for organising the Annual New Year Dinner and Members requested the Clerk to thank the College for the excellent meal. Chairman congratulated Cllr Howells on being presented with the Council Certificate of Merit, acknowledging her contribution in successfully reviving the Annual Llangunnor Carnival

RESOLVED to approve as a correct record the minutes of:
i) The Monthly Council meeting held on 17th January 2008;
ii) The Planning Committee Meeting held on 17th January 2008;
iii) Special Council Meeting held on 7th February 2008

i) Minute 99ii) - Referring to previous minute 93a); Tywi View Residential Park. RESOLVED:The response received from the County Council to be copied to the affected residents.
ii) Minute 101) - Street Lighting in Nantycaws: Clerk reported that the lights had been installed and power would be connected by the end of February
iii) Minute 106ii) - 'Youth Council Seminar'. Seminar was oversubscribed and place reserved on a repeat seminar to be held later in the year
iv) Minute 106viii) South Wales Trunk Road Agency - Request removal or cover up of a sign on the A48 signifying availability of vehicle fuel at Nantycaws village.
v) Special meeting-minute 4 - Clerk reported completion of new lighting in Heol Capel Dewi

The discussion reported in minute 108 was reviewed and Council RESOLVED:
i) Community Council to request the opportunity of presenting its views on locating a Neighbourhood Police Base for Llangunnor in the Tenants Networks Resource Centre in Yr Aelwyd, Tregynnwr, at area meetings of the Tenants Networks and Inspectors.
ii) Councillors C James and G Bevan to represent the Community Council at the meetings.
iii) Thank the Tenants Networks representatives, the Police and the Housing Officer for attending the meeting

Under the terms of section 52 of the Local Government Act 2000, all elected members and those co-opted members with voting rights must give an undertaking to observe the code of conduct adopted by their Authority. A member may not act in that office until such undertaking has been given and all members are required to give a fresh undertaking by May 1st 2008 RESOLVED: All members to sign the form of words provided by the Welsh Assembly Government

Cllr R Thomas, Secretary of the Park Committee reported that following the Community Council Special meeting held on 7th February 2008 the Park Committee had considered its position with regard to its leasehold agreement with the County Council and had resolved as follows:
i) Give 3 months formal notice in writing to the County Council of the Committee's intention to surrender the lease with effect from 31st May 2008, with a copy supplied to Llangunnor Community Council.
ii) Propose by letter to Llangunnor Community Council that it should consider becoming the Park leaseholder.
iii) Note that the Committee was established by the Community Council with the brief to access grants for improving the park but all operational costs continued to be funded by the Community Council

Following consideration of the report, RESOLVED:
i) Following receipt of the letter from the Park Committee copy to all Community Councillors and include on the agenda of the March 2008 Council Meeting
ii) Refer the position of the Park Trustees who are Community Council Members to the County Council Monitoring Officer for clarification in terms of their participation in discussions regarding the lease

Tywi Riverside Improvement Committee: Cllr D Williams reported that he had been appointed Vice Chairman and confirmed that a meeting has been scheduled with the Design Consultants. Phase 1 of the improvement scheme will focus on the riverside between Pont Lesneven and the Tywi Heritage Centre
Police Community Liaison: Cllr D Williams reported on the meeting he had attended and the views expressed concerning the proposed Police precept increase. The Police explained the increase was mainly due to cover rising fuel prices, the cost of medical attendance/examinations and language interpretators
County Council Planning Seminar: Councillor S Howells reported on the seminar and indicated that consideration is being given to formal Community Council representation at Planning Authority meetings

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

A) Council is requested to consider and approve the following items of expenditure:

B) Council to note receipt of income:

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

a) Refer to County Council:
Request reconsideration of refusal to cover loose stones on the roundabout near Morrisons Supermarket, Pensarn on grounds of road safety.
Walking man sign required at entrance to footpath 28/16 by Towy Cottage, Llangunnor Road and steps in need of repair.
Request relocation of litter bin at the east end of Penymorfa Lane to the bus stop nearby in Llangunnor Road

b) South Wales Trunk Road Agency
Request update on the position of introducing traffic lights at the A48/A40 Pensarn Roundabout
Request review of the current lane markings on the A484 approach at the Pensarn roundabout

c) Learner Drivers - Brynmeurig
It was reported that Schools of Motoring continue using the junction by Brynmeurig Stores for learner reverse manouvering despite its withdrawal for driver testing. Clerk confirmed that appropriate notices had been displayed in the Test Centre. RESOLVED: Request the press to publicise the Council's concern, with emphasis on public safety

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