February 2015

Minutes of Monthly Meeting of Llangunnor Community Council held in 'Yr Aelwyd', Tregynnwr at 6.30pm on Thursday 19th February 2015.

PRESENT:Councillor Glenda Lloyd (Chair), David J Watson, Lee Whatley, Robin Griffiths, Paul Totterdale, Dafydd Williams, Alun West, Geraint Bevan, Elwyn Williams and Sandra Thomas.

APOLOGIES: Councillor Sarah Howells, (Elwyn Williams from item 12)

The Chair reported that she had attended a meeting of the Tregynnwr Social Club and had received an invitation to St Cynnwr WI centenary thanksgiving service.

It was moved by Cllr Dafydd Williams and seconded by Cllr Totterdale (minute 0215-2) and RESOLVED to approve as a correct record the minutes of the monthly Council meeting and Planning Sub-Committee held on 15th January 2015.

Matters raised/resolved outside meetings:January/February 2015

a) Tree planting in Capel Dewi Road - Clerk hoping to meet with supplier in next week to ten days.
b) Noticeboards - Agenda item.
c) Traffic in and around school Meeting at Llangunnor School - Thursday 23rd January. (Present Aled Davies, Cllr Elwyn Williams, Clive Thomas, PC Craig Roderick and PCSO Jade Jones.)
Matters agreed School to arrange to carry out a mail drop in Penymorfa and neighbouring streets to inform residents of 'voluntary' one way system at start/end of school. Police to visit school start/end to check on any illegal/inconsiderate parking, particularly in Clos Sticle and Haulfryn. Headmaster to meet with John McAvoy to discuss possibility of having a bus stop located outside school. The majority of cars parked all day outside school are staff. there were reports that some parents were leaving cars outside school and sharing lifts into town where they worked, could also be general public parking and walking into town - none of this is known for sure. These cars are not parked ilegally. The continued success of the school means more children and therefore more staff, this will only increase the need for parents/public to be patient, obey the voluntary one way system and park sensibly.
d) Meeting with Technical Services to discuss bus stop in Penymorfa Lane - I met with CCC to further discuss the position of the proposed bus stop. Initial examination had indicated that cutting into the bank would increase the cost substantially, there could also be an issue with the land ownership and getting permission. An alternative is to have a cantilever bus stop which could be incorporated with the minimum of excavation. CCC currently exploring this alternative and coming back with proposals / costs. "I'm afraid that due to the close proximity of the Penymorfa side road junction, the proposed side less cantilever bus shelter can only be installed at the rear of the footway area (between the BT pole and the existing bus shelter time table). Unfortunately the bus shelter could not be installed with the covered side facing the road purely because (a). The remaining footway area is not wide enough for pedestrians to use and (b). The visibility for vehicles exiting the side road junction will be affected". Estimate of cost - Supply and installation £3750. Before taking this forward Clerk to ask if a shelter similar to the one put in Elder Grove would not comply.
e) Graffiti - Tunnel into town, CCC have acknowledged receipt of complaint.
f) Old Print Works Pensarn - Council was very concerned that no response had been received. Clerk instructed to take up with Chief Executive both the condition of the building and its surroundings and also why Healthy Planet were not being considered to use it.
g) Fallen Tree - Not removed.
h) Blaengwastod Road Speeding Traffic - With reference to the Community Council's concerns regarding traffic speeds in the vicinity of the park and further to my telephone message this week, please be advised that arrangements are being made for the placement of speed gathering equipment at 2 locations near to the park entrance. These should be in situ within the coming 2-3 weeks and will be in place for a period of 7 days; we would anticipate being in receipt of this data during the following 2 weeks. By undertaking the above, together with retrieving data from the 2 Driver Feedback Signs along Heol Blaengwastod for the same 7 day period, we will then be in a position to analyse both speeds and driver behaviour - this will facilitate our assessment /progression of any further course(s) of action, as appropriate. Clerk ask one of the monitors be placed in between the 2 speed humps.
i) Streetlights - Reported as being out of order (update Cllr Howells).

The Clerk reported that the sub-committee had met, he outlined their discussion and it was proposed by Cllr Selwyn Thomas and seconded by Cllr West and unanimously resolved (minute 0215-4) that:
• Gym Equipment - Installation 16th March, should take 2/3 days.
• Extending path - CCC be appointed to oversee CDM (Construction, Design & Managements Regulations) requirements. Estimated Cost £300 - £400.
• CCC be appointed to provide a full survey of the park. Estimated Cost £550.
• Building at Park - Following an inspection James Boucher be appointed to carry out repairs as follows (i) strengthen the floor in the corner where it has come apart, (ii) repair/replace the missing or damaged cladding around the side and roof. Estimated cost of £350 for materials and labour. The Council to draw up a long term plan for the refurbishment of the building.
• Improvements be made to the 'kiddies area', spinning pole needs renewing, looking at putting in further swing and repair surface in some areas
• Cllr Watson to provide Clerk with names of three companies so he can seek estimates for 'older' children swings, picnic tables, seats and bins.

The Clerk reported that there had not been a request for an election hence the Council could co-opt a new member. It was proposed by Cllr Bevan and seconded by Cllr Sandra Thomas and unanimously resolved (Minute 0215-5) that the Clerk request letters of interest for the role of Councillor with a closing date of 11th March 2015, advert to be put in noticeboards and on website.

The Clerk circulated information in respect of the above,
a) Babell Hill - Clerk to ask if actual numbers of cars exceeding the speed limit could provided.
b) Pensarn - Concern was expressed at the number of cars using the junction. One way of alleviating this was to provide a connection between the two retail areas. Clerk to write to officers of CCC and the Town Forum asking them to explore i) interest from Dunelm in assisting with any costs ii) whether the old railway line could not be utilised.
c) Penymorfa Lane - The previous Clerk (Mr Wyn Davies) who lives on this stretch had looked at the figures and his thoughts and recommendations were considered it was proposed by Cllr Bevan and seconded Cllr Dafydd Williams and unanimously (Minute 0215-6) that the Council support Mr Davies' observations viz. (i) Clearly there is a speeding problem in both directions that is a matter of great concern. (ii) As the vast majority of vehicles travelling along Penymorfa Lane is regular traffic, frequent police monitoring needs to happen coupled with enforcement - should have an impact. (iii) The introduction of some form of permanent traffic calming measure eg a Vehicle Activated Sign displaying actual vehicle speed could be effective. (iv) The school's 'voluntary one-way' needs to be promoted.

Clerk also to contact the police with a view of further monitoring issues around the school.

Cllr Watson presented a report on the Council opening a Facebook page (appendix 1). He outlined the protocol that would be followed. Following a lengthy discussion where concern was expressed regarding who would have Council access, would there be any obvious benefits, how it would allow access to a far wider audience.

The Council voted to accept the report and its contents For 5 Against 4 Abstention 1

Following a brief discussion it was unanimously agreed that the Clerk write to the Police Commissioner expressing its opposition to removal of monitoring of CCTV in Carmarthen/Llangunnor.

Cllr Griffiths stated that the family of Cllr and Mrs Merlin Jones wished to place a seat with a plaque to commemorate them in the park. Clerk to liaise.

It was unanimously resolved (Minute 0215-10) proposed Cllr Dafydd Williams and seconded Cllr David Watson that Lyn Llewelyn be appointed as Auditor for 2014/15 Accounts.

"Llangunnor Community Council ask the Welsh Assembly Government to change legislation so that a contingency plan is introduced of saving a small number of places in each year group Wales to cater for new children moving into a school's catchment area".

The motion was seconded by Cllr Sandra Thomas. Cllrs supported the thinking behind the motion and expressed support for its sentiment. Others however were concerned of the financial impact it may have on school finances. The motion was not supported For 4 Against 5 Abstention 1.

The Clerk presented a report on the alternatives (appendix 2) it was proposed Cllr Selwyn Thomas and seconded by Cllr Lee Whatley and unanimously approved (minute 0215-12) that the estimate submitted by Earthanchors be accepted - Anodised Aluminium finish Post Mounted Single door 830mm high x 980mm wide x 30mm depth (8 x A4) Notice Board complete with matching Sign written* (lettering only) header board and posts £367.00 each. Total for two boards including £35.00 carriage to Wales £769.00 Excluding VAT.

Before placing any order the Clerk to check with CCC Planning Dept of any requirements and make enquiries in respect of installation.

Cllr Watson reported that the River Festival would be held on July 11th 2015

It was Resolved (minute 0215-14) proposed Cllr West and seconded Cllr Totterdale that the following schedule of accounts be approved (unanimous):

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

Chair's Fund Donations

B) Council to note receipt of income: None

It was RESOLVED (Minute 0215-15) that the following correspondence be noted/action taken.

Cllr West raised a couple of issues which the Clerk agreed to send on to Cllr Elwyn Williams.

The next meeting will be held on Thursday 19th March 2015 at 6.30pm at Yr Aelwyd.

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