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January 2012

Minutes of Monthly Meeting of Llangunnor Community Council held in 'Yr Aelwyd', Tregynnwr at 6.30pm on Thursday 19th January 2012.

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

APOLOGIES: Councillors LK Carmody, S Thomas.

1. Chair's Announcements.

The Chair reported:

• Cllr K Carmody was in hospital in Cardiff following a fall outside his home. It was not clear the extent of his injuries but it was apparent that he suffered a serious back injury. It was unanimously agreed that a letter wishing him a speedy recovery be sent.
• As reported in the last meeting PC Mike Richardson had moved to the Llwynhendy/Llangennech area, the chair thanked him for his 5 year service to this community and stated that he would be a 'hard act to follow'. Cllr Merlin Jones presented PC Richardson with a certificate in recognition of his service to the community.

2. Rural Community Inclusion Project.

Peter Beynon / John Hancock from CCC outlined the details of the above project. The project is designed to help increase the availability and accessibility of basic services in rural areas. The types of projects that are eligible include:

• Development of community transport schemes
• Developing new ways of delivering services using new technologies
• Improving access to IT and providing training for low use users.
• Increasing access to debt and benefit advisory services
• Developing 'green projects' within the community.
• Debt / Benefit Advice Sessions.

Financial assistance of 80% currently available up to a maximum of £20,000. Assistance will be provided to groups to develop projects and to make submissions to the approving panel.

The chair thanked both Peter and John for their attendance and for explaining what was available. The Clerk will contact them when assistance is required.

3. Minutes

RESOLVED to approve as a correct record the minutes of the monthly Council meeting held on 8th December 2011 - (minute 0112 - 3): Proposed by Cllr D Watson and seconded by Cllr R. Griffiths.

In considering the minutes the following points were raised:
i) The Clerk noted the following from previous meetings:
• names forwarded by council for Carmarthenshire young / disabled sports personality of the year had both been shortlisted.
• He had received email from John McAvoy Re: Cwmffrwd Bridge - 'A priority give-way sign will be provided in this location in 2012'.
ii) Concrete bus shelter by Maes y Lan Cottages, Heol Capel Dewi - Clerk reported that three companies had been invited to submit estimates for the work. The following estimates received:

Caswell Group £1225 + VAT

Phoenix Asbestos £1912 + VAT

Cuddy Group £5200 + VAT

A fourth estimate had also been received. It was RESOLVED (minute 0112 - 3(ii)) that as this fourth estimate had been received after the other estimates had been submitted and made known it could not be considered. It was further RESOLVED that the work be awarded to the lowest estimate i.e. Caswell Group and they be asked to carry out the work as soon as is convenient, the Clerk to check that no specific planning or other permissions are required.
iii) Diamond Jubilee - It was stated that some sort of commemorative item was to be given to all schoolchildren. The Clerk to check on this and report to next meeting.
iv) The Old Smithy - CCC Planning Dept. had confirmed that they were awaiting a re-submission from the applicant as there had been 'substantial' changes to the original application.
v) Lesvenen Bridge - CCC had confirmed works in hand to repair lights and clean areas of the bridge.
vi) Nantycaws landfill site - CCC had reported that no recent issues or complaints attributed to Nantycaws, it was RESOLVED (minute 0112-vi) that clerk contact CCC environmental section and make a formal complaint.
vii) Towy View, Llangunor, CCC Response: 'The majority of the remediation was carried out voluntarily last Spring. The landowner was unable to complete because some of the properties had mature gardens and did not want their flower beds etc dismantled. We agreed to suspend works, and the residents were more than happy with this, and it is hoped that the remaining gardens will be addressed before next Spring. Good progress has again been made over the last two weeks, and we are still working with the landowner and hope to finalise before March. There are some minor issues which we are dealing with, the site will not be signed off until officers are satisfied that remediation is complete'. This response was noted by the meeting.
viii) Response from CCC Chief Executive:
a) specific speed restrictions, details further on in minutes.
b) The Park - Enforcement officers had visited park on 11 occasions and had given advice to dog owners, they will continue to do so.
ix) Traffic issues - Clerk reported on:
• Letter received from S.Pilner (Acting Head of Transport and Engineering) informing the council that
a) The 40mph speed restriction in Llangunnor Road be extended to the vicinity of the Chapel of Rest.
b) A new speed restriction of 30mph be placed on Capel Dewi Road and this will be extended to the vicinity of the old Toll House. The council will write to 'statutory consultees', this will allow them to introduce a traffic regulation order - No timescales given.
• Email received from John McAvoy: asking whether the Council would consider the provision of prohibition of waiting restrictions on some residential streets, these would be on one side only, access to private drives would be protected. Following some discussion it was RESOLVED (minute 0112 3(ix1)) that the council could see some advantages to such a scheme, however they had some reservations of the impact within the community. Mr McAvoy be invited to meet with members to discuss the proposals in more details.
• General traffic issues - Although welcoming the above improvements the council still felt very strongly that the community of Llangunnor was being, in the main, ignored by CCC when it came to traffic calming measures. Although these matters had been raised over many years with CCC there appears to be no progress being made. It was RESOLVED (minute 0112 3(ix2)) that the clerk write to the director of technical services and invite him to a meeting with the Council where these concerns can be aired.
• The Clerk to contact the Carmarthen Journal to discuss whether they would be interested in doing an article on this matter.

4. To consider the introduction of a 'Welcoming Pack'.

Cllr Bevan informed the meeting that due to the xmas break the group had not met. Update to be provided to the February meeting. Members asked if information could be circulated prior to the meeting so that they had time to look at it.

5. Finance Sub Committee budget proposals

The chair of the sub-committee highlighted that the only major change in the budget was to put all development monies under one heading thus allowing more flexibility.

6. Determine the Council's Precept for 2012/13

Following a discussion on the budget and the current financial climate it was unanimously RESOLVED (minute 0112-6) that a precept of £35,000 be set for the financial year 2012/13, this equates to a rise of 0.9%.

7. Olympic Torch

Clerk reported that the Olympic torch will travel from Swansea to Aberystwyth on Sunday 27th May, the route is via Kidwelly so will enter Carmarthen through Pensarn. Following a discussion it was agreed that:
a) Clerk to check with CCC whether bunting can be attached to lamp posts
b) Members that are on the schools board of governers bring up the matter at their next meeting to explore whether the Council/School can pool their ideas,
c) Local business had indicated their desire to assist, Cllr Watson to approach them to see "what was on offer",
d) further discussions at future meetings.

8. Reports from Members representing Council on other Bodies.

a) No reports, Riverside Association have meeting arranged for 30th January.

9. Approve Schedule of Accounts December 2011/January 2012

Council is requested to consider and approve the following items of expenditure: it was resolved (Minute 0112 - 9) that the following payments be made:

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

Payee	Info	(£) Amount
E Williams	Bus Shelters (31/12/11)	57.00
	Playing Field (31/12/11)	70.00
C.J. Thomas	Salary - Dec 11	507.88
	Office Allowance - Dec 11	80.00
	IT Allowance - Dec 11	25.00
HMRC	Third Quarter	419.96
Bowen & Weaving	Paper & Toner cartridge	147.58
CCC	Fit "Night cells"	450.00
Society of Local Council Clerks	Membership	116.00
Wyn Davies	Provision of xmas tree	80.00
Clive Thomas	Provision of xmas tree	40.00
Caswell Envir	Demolition of bus shelter	1470.00

B) Council to note receipt of income:

Payee	Info	(£) Amount
CCC	Precept	11,500

10. Correspondence (Minute 0112 - 10)

No	Date	Nature of Correspondence	Agreed Action
i	Dec 8th	Consultation on Local Government Byelaws (Wales) Bill	Information with Clerk
ii	Dec 2011	Macmillan Cancer Research	Consider in April meeting
iii	Jan / Dec	Acknowledgement letters from all organisations that received a financial donation	Noted
iv	Dec 20th	Conclusion of audit of accounts Dyfed Powys Police	Displayed in noticeboards - Noted
v	Jan 16th	CCC - New complaints procedure Copy with Clerk / CCC website	Noted
vi	Jan 2012	Insp Lee - Re: Community Police Officer. Confirmation from Insp Lee that role will be re-filled.	Noted
vii	Jan 2012	The Range - Invitation for chair to attend opening	RESOLVED (minute 0112 - 10(vii)) - The Chair attend as a representative of the Community Council
viii	Jan 2012	One Voice Wales - Training	Council notified of training courses available
ix	Jan 2012	CCC/Age Concern/Menter - Help with Recycling	Poster to be placed in noticeboards
x	Jan 2012	Welsh Assembly - Proposal to move local elections from 2016 to 2017	Future proposals noted
xi	Jan 2012	CCC - Notification of footway lighting charges	Noted
xii	Jan 2012	Plant Dewi - donation to coffee morning, Feb 18th	Chair to consider supporting
xiii	Jan 2012	Kidney Wales Foundation - Requesting support for "opt-out" change in law	RESOLVED (minute 9(13) - The council to support WAG's proposals on organ donor's "opt out" system

11. To consider any other urgent matters Minute 0112 - 9

i) The footpath leading from Park down to Glanyffynnon has become covered in moss Clerk to contact CCC.
ii) A lot of rubbish being left around the recycling area, Clerk to contact CCC to see if litter bins could be put in place.
iii) CCC had offered to put up street light behind Bron y Dre (no 46), clerk to follow up.
iv) Sticle Bach footpath - Problems with litter and dog fouling, Clerk to contact CCC
v) Public footpath around the Range becoming flooded, Clerk to contact them to ask if they could identify problem, possibly toilet block leaking.
vi) Clerk to contact CCC to ask whether better signage can be put up identifying the Stephens Way retail park.
vii) Pensarn Roundabout - Clerk to write to CCC/Highways agency to see if markings could be improved.
viii) Police Sign on Yr Aelwyd - Clerk to make further enquiries.
ix) Recycling area in Penymorfa Lane - Clerk to contact CCC about rubbish being left in this area.
x) Concern expressed with regard to closing of Carmarthen Town Police Station - Clerk to write to chief constable.
xi) Roman Road becoming more and more covered in mud from new site, clerk to contact CCC.

12. Date of Next Meeting

To note that the next meeting will be held on Thursday 16th February at 6:30pm

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