October 2011

Minutes of Monthly Meeting of Llangunnor Community Council held in 'Yr Aelwyd', Tregynnwr at 6.30pm on Thursday 20th October 2011

PRESENT: Councillor A West (Chair), DE Williams, S Howells, DJ Watson, DI Davies, RO Griffiths, LK Carmody, GP Bevan, CM Jones, G Lloyd, P Totterdale

APOLOGIES: Councillors S Thomas and EA Jones

• The Chair welcomed Steffan Williams to the meeting and congratulated him on his achievements in the sport of Water Polo, having both Wales and Great Britain. Steffan was presented with a Llangunnor Community Council Achievement Certificate.

RESOLVED to approve as a correct record the minutes of the monthly Council meeting held on 15th September 2011 - (minute 1011-2): Proposed by Cllr Williams and seconded by Cllr Howells.

In considering the minutes the following points were raised:

i) Bus Shelter by Maes y Lan, Cottages - Clerk reported that he had now received an estimate for its demolition and carting away. This amounted to £180 for the asbestos survey, and £1,400 for its demolition. Following a discussion among members it was RESOLVED (minute 1011-2(i)): the Clerk to make enquiries whether there are any insurance issues if the bus shelter is not demolished, and to get further estimates.
ii) Daffodil Planting - It was noted that the daffodils had been bought and planted by children from the school
iii) Traffic Calming - A letter had been received from a local resident expressing concern at the position of the "raised humps". Unfortunately the consultation date had now passed so it would not be possible to comment at this late stage. A general discussion took place on traffic calming generally in the community, particularly in and around Tregynnwr, all the local Cllrs expressed their concern about speeding traffic on the estate. It was RESOLVED (Minute 1011-2(iii)): the Clerk write to the Chief Executive of Carmarthenshire County Council expressing the Council's extreme concern regarding the speeding traffic in Llangunnor.
iv) Planted Trees in Nantycaws - The Clerk reported that he had received two estimates for cutting around newly planted trees in Nantycaws. Carmarthenshire County Council Road Maintenance Section £1050, and Carmarthenshire County Council Countryside Section was more on a day-day rate and would equate to approximately £300-£350. It was RESOLVED (Minute 1011-2(iv)): that any works in connection with this work be deferred to the spring, and considered again at that time.
v) Telephone Kiosk Nantycaws - Clerk in the process of getting response from BT., will continue to keep Cllr Davies informed.
vi) Grant Schemes supporting Landscape and Heritage in Carmarthenshire - Cllr Watson summarized what grants were available, these included a) landscaping, b) heritage, c) biodiversity d) Collaboration fund, it was RESOLVED (Minute 1011-2(vi)) - Cllr Watson further explore what may be available, Clerk to make enquiries whether there is any progress with Eirian James regarding previous applications.
vii) Carbon-Zero Llangunnor Pamphlets - Clerk reported that pamphlets had been posted to all interested parties. He sought clarification on how many had been delivered to residents, couple of areas still to be done. Cllrs to contact Wyn Davies so that last properties can be targeted. It was agreed that no need to provide church/chapels with copies as households will have now received them. It was also agreed that Clerk liaise with Eurgain Powell Carmarthenshire County Council to provide publicity for the initiative.
viii) One Voice Wales - Cllr Watson reported that he had recently attended a couple of training courses, the module on the Law was particularly informative (copies of module were circulated to Cllrs).
ix) The Queen's Diamond Jubilee - The Clerk reported on adjacent council's proposals, it was RESOLVED (minute 1011-2(ix)): the Clerk liaise with the school with a view to presenting the children with some sort of commemorative 'memento' of the occasion.
x) Bus Stop Nantycaws - Clerk reported that cleaning of roof on hold until trestle scaffolding was provided.
xi) Traffic Issues - As a follow up to minute 2(iii), a few issues were raised, it was RESOLVED (minute 1011-2(xi)) that) the Clerk write to both Carmarthenshire County Council (John McAvoy) and Dyfed Powys Police (Mike Richradson) a) expressing deep concern regarding the parking in Pensarn, recent visits by Cllrs suggest that parking is taking place on both sides of the road, it would appear that this is to avoid paying parking fees in the Town Centre. b) cars were still parking under Carmarthen Bridge, it was feared that this would obstruct access for emergency vehicles.
xii) It was noted that the a) The rotten tree in Llangunnor Road had been removed b) The paths had been strimmed as requested.

It was RESOLVED (minute 1011-3): that the Community Council provide a xmas tree as has been the practice in the past. The Clerk to liaise with the handy man regarding getting it to its usual site. It was further agreed that the "lights be turned on" on Thursday 17th November at 6.00pm and that a donation of £100 be made to the charity designated by Mr E Evans (Bwlch y Mynydd) who provides the tree.

To discuss with "old" Clerk the issue of a PA system.

Cllr Bevan briefly went through his idea for a Welcoming Pack for people moving into the Community. It was RESOLVED (minute 1011-4): that Cllrs Bevan, Watson, Lloyd and Totterdale meet to put some ideas together, it was also suggested that they include putting this information on the Council's Website. Report back to the next meeting.

a) Cllr Watson reported that he had attended (i) Riverside Assoc. - Slightly fragmented at the moment different groups acting independently, groups attempting to work together. Discussion still taking place with Carmarthenshire County Council in connection with both sides of the river and the slipway.
(ii) Tourist Cluster - One meeting had taken place, its aims being promoting Carmarthenshire and its main towns.
b) Cllr Howells had attended the One Voice Wales AGM and would also be attending the next meeting on the 2nd November.
c) No other reports.

It was resolved (Minute 1011-6) that the following payments be made

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

B) Council to note receipt of income:

It was Resolved (Minute 1011-7) that the following correspondence be noted / action taken.

i) Remembrance Sunday - Clerk brought to the attention of the meeting that the Remembrance service will be held on Sunday 13th November @ 11.00am
ii) Audit Return - Clerk reported that he had received the draft accounts back from the BDO, one minor issue that has been resolved. It was RESOLVED (Minute 1011-8(ii)) that the Chair sign the return and it be returned.
iii) Llangunnor Park - Clerk reported that he had been in correspondence with Carmarthenshire County Council regarding the Dog Control Orders, apparently officers are setting up a meeting to resolve the issue County Wide. Due to the number of approaches that members are getting it was RESOLVED (Minute 1011-8(iii)) that the Clerk write to the Chief Executive of Carmarthenshire County Council expressing residents worries about dogs in the park, in particular the problem of excrement and its associated dangers.
iv) One of the street lamps in Blaengwastod Road not working - Resident to inform Carmarthenshire County Council of lamp number.
v) Clerk to follow up issue of one way prioritising on Cwmffrwd Bridge, initially taken up by Llandyfaelog Community Council.
vi) Clerk to enquire about "sympathetic pruning" of trees in Penymorfa Lane leading to Old Llangunnor Road.
vii) Adjacent to Old Smithy, Login - local farmer moving livestock across main road, Clerk to enquire about the possibility of having traffic lights installed.
viii) Clerk to make enquiries regarding "No Cold Calling" in Penymorfa Lane.
ix) Clerk to ask Carmarthenshire County Council that salt bins in the locality are replenished before the winter.

It was RESOLVED (Minute 1011-9) that Cllr Sarah Howells take up the vacancy on the Finance Sub Committee.

It was noted that the next meeting will be held on the 17th November 2011 at 7.00pm, slightly later due to Xmas Light "switch-on".

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