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October 2010

Minutes of Monthly Meeting of Llangunnor Community Council held in 'Yr Aelwyd', Tregynnwr at 6.30pm on Thursday 21st October 2010

PRESENT: Councillor Sarah Howells (Chair), DI Davies, D Elwyn Williams, SH Thomas, L Keith Carmody, Paul E Totterdale, C Merlin Jones, Alun West, E A Jones, Geraint Bevan and James Anthony Green

APOLOGIES: Councillor Robin O Griffiths and PC M Richardson

IN ATTENDANCE: Mr John McEvoy, County Traffic Management and Parking Services Manager , 1 Elector

58. Road Safety Concerns - Mr J McEvoy

Cllr Howells welcomed Mr McEvoy to the meeting and referred to the concerns within the community on the increasing volume of vehicles and their speed using local roads. She also drew attention to the various requests made by Council for the introduction of safety measures but none appear to have been actioned.

Mr McEvoy explained that financial constraints coupled with the volume of demand countywide forces a priority listing of schemes. He advised that requests to set new speed limits are decided by the Speed Limit Working Group and the speed limit programme for each financial year is set at the start of the year (March/April). The Group is a joint initiative by Dyfed Powys Police [Roads Policing Unit] and the County Council's Traffic Section to pool their respective expertise on road safety engineering and speed enforcement to decide on speed limit requests. Policy is to introduce measures that would be 'self enforcing' by deploying speed humps, narrowing of carriageways etc.

With regard to Llangunnor the following schemes have been approved by the Working Group or are to be considered in the near future:-
Nantycaws: Introduction of a 40mph speed limit scheme with measures to ensure the limit would be self enforcing.
Heol Capel Dewi: Introduction of a 40mph speed limit up to the Glantywi Lodge.
Penymorfa Lane: Introduction of a 20mph speed restriction in front of the school - work is underway to progress this scheme during the current financial year. Mr McEvoy circulated a design showing the configuration of the scheme that proposes a coupled pedestrian pathway [alongside the section protected by safety barriers - Rhiw Babell end] with a speed restriction to 20mph and associated traffic calming measures between Clôs Sticle and the junction with Rhiw Babell.
Llangunnor Road: The request to reduce the speed limit to 30mph has not yet been decided by the Speed Limit Working Group but is confident that this scheme if approved, could be resourced under 'safe routes to school' and would provide an uncontrolled pedestrian crossing.
Llangunnor Road past the junction for Login Road: Council Traffic Engineers agree in principle with this request to extend the existing gateway 40mph speed limit beyond Login Road and is to be considered by the Speed Limit Working Group.
Parking restriction under Carmarthen Bridge, Old Llangunnor Road: traffic order consultation completed and approved; now awaiting yellow lines to be marked on the road

The forward work programme for 2011-12 onwards to deliver new speed limit schemes (from the list of 40+ schemes approved by the Speed Limit Working group) will be set in March 2011. Funding will only provide for an average of 5 schemes per year and a priority system has been developed to assist with the selection of speed limit schemes to be delivered. Priority is based on the history of injury related accidents, proximity to pedestrian generators and the volume of traffic, the level of speeding above the posted speed limit and the category of the road.
Discussions focused on the ranking of the approved schemes for Llangunnor and the time scales when only 5 schemes are possible every year. Other points pressed by Members were the need to extend the 20mph zone to cover the narrow east end section of Penymorfa Lane, marking the rear of the northern side pavement along Pensarn and traffic speeds on Babell Hill. It was noted that a site meeting had been held to consider the speeds on Babell Hill. Mrs Deacon, a resident of Brithdir in attendance at the meeting presented her concerns in writing for consideration by Council

Cllr Howells thanked Mr McEvoy for his attendance and for responding to the issues concerning Llangunnor in an open and lucid manner.
RESOLVED: i) Formally request the full list of approved schemes by the Working Party; ii) Formally request a site meeting to consider marking the rear boundary of pavement in Pensarn; iii) Formally request the extension of the 20mph zone in Penymorfa Lane to cover the narrow east end section; iv) Express views on the design proposals for the Babell end of Penymorfa Lane; v) Support Mrs Deacons' concerns relating to traffic speed on Babell Hill and convey to the County Head of Transportation

59. Chair's Announcements

Cllr Howells reported that she had not undertaken civic duties since the previous meeting

60. Minutes

RESOLVED to approve as a correct record the minutes of:
i) The Monthly Council meeting held on 16th September 2010.
ii) The Planning Committee meeting held on 16th September 2010

In considering the minutes the following points were raised:

i) Minute 44): Councillor Vacancy - West Ward - Vacancy posters had been displayed and the statutory number of 10 electors had requested an election to fill the vacancy. It was noted that the electors were registered on the east ward electoral list. RESOLVED: Obtain clarification on eligibility of the request for an election.
ii) Minute 46a): Voluntary one-way traffic flow in Penymorfa Lane - The Head of Llangunnor School has conveyed support for the proposal.
iii) Minute 46b): Bus Shelter, Elder Grove: Site meeting arranged for 10th November. Cllr West, Cllr Bevan and Clerk to attend.
iv) Minute 49: Earth mound at entrance to Llangunnor Park - Western Power Engineer has agreed to review when undertaking further work at the entrance.
v) Minute 50: Zero Carbon Project - The application to be submitted by 28th October for determination by the County Council on 19th November.
vi) Minute 52: Christmas tree lights - Clerk confirmed that the Christmas tree lights will be switched on at 6.00pm on Thursday, 25th November.
vii) Minute 57i): Sewerage on verge by Penlan, Nantycaws: Environmental Officer is investigating the matter

61. Request by Porthcawl Town Councill to support the Campaign Against Reduction in the Search and Rescue Service

Clerk referred to correspondence received from the Chair of Porthcawl Town Council drawing attention to a campaign opposing the proposal to reduce the Search and Rescue Helicopter Service covering South and West Wales from RAF Chivenor, North Devon. RESOLVED: Convey Council support to the campaign.

62. Llangunnor Park

No matters to report

63. Free Pupil Transport to Secondary Schools

Clerk reported on the successful walk to QE High School on 24th September and the attendance of the Assembly Member, Member of Parliament and Council Members and many pupils and parents. Clerk reported that the distance along the County designated safe route from Elder Grove to the school measured 4705.3 metres [2.92 miles]. The march was met by both the Head and Deputy Head at the school and reporters from the Carmarthen Journal. Cllr Howells reported on Cllr Merlin Jones' successful presentation of the Council's motion at the AGM of Un Llais Cymru/One Voice Wales calling on the Welsh Assembly to reduce the statutory 3 mile limit. The motion was carried unanimously and will now be taken forward by Un Llais Cymru/One Voice Wales.
Members congratulated Cllr Jones on his successful presentation

64 External Audit of Accounts 2009-10

Clerk reported that the External Auditor intends issuing an unqualified audit certificate but noted that Council should annually review its level of fidelity guarantee cover as it appears to be low at £35k in light of the current bank balances. RESOLVED:
i) Clerk to obtain cost of increasing guarantee cover to a band level that includes £50k.
ii) Approve the Annual Return and authorise the Chair and Clerk as the Responsible Finance Officer, to sign section 1 and section 2

65. Christmas Tree and Lights 2010

Various ideas were expressed on ways of developing the lights and engaging greater community support to the switch-on evening but it was agreed to defer further consideration to next year. RESOLVED: obtain an additional light string to strengthen luminance and portable public address unit for the switch-on ceremony

66. Public Lighting Plan

Clerk reported that the cost obtained from the County Lighting Officer for a new installation near Tir Pound, Nantycaws was £2300. Members also began to identify other candidate locations for inclusion in the plan. Clerk presented the costs and potential savings that would accrue when lights are converted to part-night lighting. RESOLVED:
i) Approve the installation at Nantycaws fitted with the part-night control;
ii) To consider the following at the November meeting: - Clerk to draw up list of lights that could be considered for part-night control and Members to identify additional locations for inclusion in the lighting plan

67. Reports from Members Representing the Council on other Bodies

i) Un Llais Cymru/One Voice Wales: Cllr Howells reported on the AGM meeting held in the Pavilion, Pontrhydfendigaid.
ii) Ysgol Llangynnwr School, Governors meeting: Cllr DE Williams reported on recent meetings

68. Approve Schedule of Accounts

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:

Payee Info (£) Amount
E Williams Bus Shelters (Sept 2010) 57.00
Playing Field (Sept 2010) 70.00
I W Davies Salary - October 2010 480.38
Office Allowance - October 2010 80.00
IT Allowance - October 2010 20.00
Office Support - October 2010 160.12
Reimbursement - Printer Ink 19.57
Reimbursement - ADSL filter 8.50
Carmarthenshire County Council Planning Seminar Fee 17.02
Footway lighting Charges [4 months] - Energy 476.56
Footway lighting Charges [4 months] - Maintenance 1151.11
HM Revenue & Customs NI Contributions [July - Sept 2010] 3.12

69. Correspondence

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

Item From Nature of Correspondence
i Llywodraeth Cynulliad Cymru/Welsh Assembly Government Questionnaire to gather basic information on Community Councils - Clerk to complete
ii Un Llais Cymru/One Voice Wales Papers for area meeting - forward to Chair.
Noted application for 'Tidy Wales Awards 2010-11'
iii Carmarthenshire County Council Response to Rhoslas street nameplate: RESOLVED: request a site meeting.
Noted that a prescribed sign deterring vehicles parking at Old Llangunnor Road junction with Llangunnor Road is not supported and did not warrant a parking restriction Traffic Order.
Noted that requested litter bin has been located by bus shelter in Nantycaws
Noted Community Challenge celebration of sustainable/carbon footprint reduction projects.
Noted invitation to Chairman's Charities event at Felinfoel on 22/10/10
Noted name of new house in Nantycaws - 'Tre Coed' - forwarded to Cllr DI Davies and Cllr SH Thomas.
Application form to register proposed festive decorations on County Council land - Clerk to complete.
Formal notice of election - minute 60i) refers
Noted Tree Preservation Order on 8 mature trees on boundary of the Brynheulog housing development, Roman Park, Llangunnor
iv Financial aid appeals: Ty Hafan, Ysgol Berfformio Dyffryn Tywi, Air Ambulance Wales, Bobath Children's Therapy, Victim Support, National Eisteddfod. RESOLVED: Refer to December 2010 meeting
v BDO[External Auditor]: Annual Return report - minute 64 refers
vi Porthcawl Town Council: Appeal to support campaign - minute 61 refers
vii Royal British Legion Remembrance Service: Noted invitation to attend service at 2.30pm on 14th September at St Peter's Church, Carmarthen
viii Valuation Office Agency: Noted provision of property services
ix L Thomas Elector: Requesting information re: minutes of July 2010 Planning Committee meeting - copy provided via email
x Elsa Davies, LVO, Bancyfelin: Noted advice regarding registering the Park under the Queen Elizabeth 2012 Fields Challenge
xi Carmarthen Town Council: Invitation to Chair to attend Annual Mayor's Ball.
Noted programme of events linked to the town Christmas lights switch-on at 7.30pm on Friday 26th November
xii Ysgol Llangynnwr School: Invitation to the School Remembrance Service at 9.30am on 11th November - circulated to Members
xiii Dwr Cymru/Welsh Water: Noted update on Capel Dewi Treatment Works
xiv Residents, Elder Grove: Concern regarding location of Bus shelter - RESOLVED: invite to site meeting with County Officer responsible for bus shelters
xv Society of Council Clerks: Annual Membership renewal £95 RESOLVED: Renew
xvi Noted all other correspondence

70. Any Other Matter: - RESOLVED

(i) Refer to County Council:
Fly-tipping by Parc y Swn, Heol Login.
Request relocation of salt/grit bin from Penymorfa to Awel Tywi
Report sewerage seepage in Brynglas Crescent, Heol Capel Dewi
Poor surface condition of lane and parking area behind Rhoslas, Tregynnwr

(ii) Ms Rosie Wood, Tregynnwr
Members wished to note the success of Ms Wood in winning a gold medal at the Halliwick Association of Swimming Therapies National gala in Sevenoaks, Kent and there is now a chance to compete at an international event in Holland. RESOLVED: Clerk to contact Ms Wood regarding the success and Chair to congratulate the success


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