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November 2022

Minutes of Monthly Meeting of Llangunnor Community Council held 'remotely' at 6.30pm on Thursday 24th November 2022.

PRESENT: Councillor Geraint Bevan (Chair), Graham Slate, Paul Totterdale, Elwyn Williams, Sandra Thomas, Jennifer Slate, Matthew Williams, Joan Evans and Charlie Evans

APOLOGIES: Councillor Lee Whatley and Ally Wadeward

Also present Howard Davies (Clerk) and one member of the public present (Robin Griffiths)

Declaration of Interest

None

3. Chair's Announcements

• Attended the Remembrance service at Llangynnwr church with the clerk and three other community councillors. Our County Councillor was in attendance with the Chief Fire Officer at the county memorial. Rev Shirley Murphy delivered a thought-provoking sermon and called on everyone to reflect on peace, reconciliation, and remembrance. The Chair of the school council and I laid wreaths at the altar of the church. This was followed by a ceremony at the Cross close to the Police HQ. Wreaths were laid by the community, school, and a veteran's family. I was pleased to be able to briefly speak to one of the parents of a soldier from our community who died on active service in the Middle East. Later that day I attended a ceremony at the railway station on behalf of the community council to remember those members of staff who were killed on active service. Wreaths were laid by Llangynnwr, the town, ASLEF, RMT, West Wales signals, TfW, the Round Table and veterans’ organizations. The last post was played by a member of the town band. Later in the month I represented our community at the Christmas tree lights event in Guildhall Square. A few days ago, I joined the clerk and Helen Gibbon at a site meeting at Babell Chapel to finalise the arrangements for our Xmas lights ceremony.
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4. Public Questions

Mr Griffiths wished to advise The Council that Mrs Lloyd the oldest surviving retired member of the Council had recently fallen, having broken her hip in several places, and was currently a patient at Glangwili Hospital. The Chair asked him to advise the clerk, once she was out of hospital and up to receiving visitors, as he wished to visit her, and would be taking a “get well” card and flowers on behalf of the Council.
Mr Griffiths again brought up the “setting up of warm places in the Community initiative” and was disappointed that Carmarthenshire County Council had not included the “Aelwyd” under this initiative. The Clerk had previously written to Carmarthenshire County Council asking if they were considering opening the “Aelwyd” as part of this initiative, where they had responded to say no, reminding us that “Carmarthen Public Library” was available as a “warm place” for people to meet up. Cllr Elwyn Williams responded that it was his understanding that the residents of the “Aelwyd” were against opening the premises to members of the public, as they were concerned about the transmission of Covid. Chair also responded by saying that he and the clerk had sign posted Babell Chapel to the Council’s “Poverty Fund,” which were accepting application for grants from individuals and groups who had opened their premises offering a warn place for people to meet and have a chat, and to receive food and refreshments. Babell did apply but were unsuccessful as their “Friendship Club” and Alzheimer’s singing group were established pre Covid. The Chair concluded that sadly we as a Community Council could do no more, and if RG felt that strongly on the issue, then he should respectfully write expressing his concerns directly to the Chief Executive at Carmarthenshire County Council

5. Minutes

It was agreed and RESOLVED (minute 1122–5) to approve as a correct record the minutes of the monthly Council meeting held on 20th of October 2022

6. Committees

i) Finance

Noted the minutes of the meeting held on the 27th of July had been circulated. Further meeting to be arranged for December

ii) Park & Environment

Noted the minutes of the meeting held on the 29th of September had been circulated. Further meeting to be arranged for January

iii) Web & Media

Noted the minutes of the meeting held on the 10th of November had been circulated. Further meeting arranged for 18th January 2023

iv) Events Committee

Noted the minutes of the meeting held on the 10th of November had been circulated. Further meeting arranged for early 18th January 2023

7. Matters Arising

The Clerk provided brief updates to the Council on the following matters:

a. Regrettably Cllr Edward Thomas, Cabinet Member for Transport, Waste, and Infrastructure Services, was still trying to arrange a site meeting between us and Mr Pillner Head of Transport & Engineering at Carmarthen C C re new exit at top of Charlie’s carpark onto Pensarn Road.

b. The chaser letters asking for support for creating a new exit off the top of Charlie’s carpark from those businesses on Pensarn Retail Park will be going out in advance of next month’s meeting.

c. Clerk advised that he was ready to apply to Carmarthen C C for 106 funding to cover the installation works associated with getting an electricity connection into the park, once agreed by the Council – please see item 10.

d. He was pleased to advise that following our requests a new salt grit bin will be provided at Brynmeurig, in readiness for any severe weather, and that a new “Welcome To Llangunnor” sign had been erected on Bolhaul Road.

e. Regrettably he did not have an amended timeframe for the return of the speed limiter sign again on Bolhaul Road, but was continually chasing,

f. In answer to Cllr Wadeward ‘s query he had ascertained from the Carmarthen C C Planning that the undeveloped plot of land located between 17 and 19a Penymorfa, does not currently have any planning attached to it, remains within the LDP Plan, neither has it been classed as a community area, and remains in private ownership. As I do not have access to HMLR, I am unable to check ownership details.

g. He confirmed that his research into the complaint received about the ongoing safety of the skatepark, and other park related matters was ongoing and he would be issuing a full and final response shortly.

h. He had reported to South Wales Transport Agency that some of the lightening at Sticle path were not working.

i. He was having discussions with Sunshine Playgroups re the provision of some seating for parents to sit on within the toddlers play area and has asked for their input/suggestions.

j. He had also chased Arwel Price at Carmarthen C C Public Lightening regarding the street light outage near Llangunnor church who in turn was awaiting a response from Western Power, as to the cost of reinstating the supply and who would be responsible for this cost.

k. As the park is now very wet, the service tanker cannot reach the toilet to carry out its monthly servicing. The Clerk suggested that the toilet be moved to the entrance to alleviate this problem” This was unanimously accepted by the Council. (Minute 1122- 7k) Action point: The Clerk will now look at cost effective options to move the toilet across.

8. Cllr Graham Slate introduced his motion –

“I would like to instigate discussion for the provision of a public toilet in Pensarn”

Whilst everyone thought it was a good idea, they were mindful of Cllr Elwyn Williams comments that given the current climate and the fact that Carms C C now only owned and operated 6 toilets across the County and were likely to return theses to community ownership once their existing servicing contracts came to an end, there would be no interest from the Council in providing a toilet facility.

Cllr Jenny Slate suggested perhaps the trading businesses themselves should be canvassed to see if would be prepared to “club together” to supply a temporary toilet like the one that the Council has provided at the park. Cllr Bevan then posed the question who man and service it. Both points were further discussed, and it was felt that in the current climate it would be difficult to progress at this time.

As there was no seconder to this motion, it did not proceed.

9.

After a brief discussion it was agreed to support a time critical funding request from Eisteddfod Gadeiriol Llandyfaelog which was taking place on the 3rd of December by way of a £60 donation. (Minute 1122 – 9)

10. After a robust discussion it was unanimously agreed to accept a quote from Charles Sams Electrical in the sum of £3410.50 plus VAT to carry out the electrical works to extend the electrical connection some 100 metres into the park and to connect both electricity pillars. (Minute 1122-10) By way of comparison Western Power had recently quoted the Council £7500 to bring a new connection into the pillar opposite the Range from which our Christmas tree is powered up from, to allow the Christmas Lights to operate independently from the Street Lights. Charles Sams is a Carmathen County Council approved Contractor working extensively for Carmarthen C C and given the specialist nature of the works, the Council were content to go with his quote as he has the necessary licences to work within the pillars and has worked for us satisfactorily before. A deal has been agreed with Western Power where they will bring an electricity connection into a pillar at the entrance to the park free of charge, in exchange for allowing them to move the Glanffynnon substation to the bottom of the park, but we will have to pay for the connection to a second pillar as per above quote. The connection will be able to a support three phase connection if required in the future. It was further agreed that the Clerk apply to Carmarthen County Council, for the net installation costs to be funded from our 106 monies where there remains a balance of £3991.54 (Minute 1122 – 10) Cllr Graham Slate left the meeting at 7.20p.m. 6. The Park / Environment Committee

. Web Committee

. Committee

13. County Councillor Report

Cllr Williams advised that the Council were still catching up, and he was now attending an average of two meetings a day, and that he has been unable to attend three meetings due to clashes. He stated that he had still not received any contact from Mr Pillner, Head of Transport and Engineering. He advised that the County Council were becoming increasingly concerned with the financial crisis, being fuelled by rising inflation that seemingly continues to worsen daily, and this will impact on their ability to deliver the same level of key services going forward, and they were facing challenging times ahead. He himself had been advocating to the Council for some time the dangers of rapidly rising inflation. Cuts to services amounting to between 6 and 20 Million were now being spoken of in County Hall to “balance the books” for the next financial year. He also advised that there was growing concerns within the Mid & West Wales Fire Authority about recruiting sufficient “on call” part time firefighter’s as they were currently operating with 90 unfilled vacancies. He had nothing further to impart.

14. Reports from Members Representing Council on other Bodies

Riverside Association -

One Voice Wales -

School Governors - Cllr Sandra Thomas had attended the school Harvest and Remembrance Day Services. She had also taken part in a Literacy Walk at the school. This was an exercise to monitor the teaching of literacy and an opportunity to look at their work. There was also a Governor’s Meeting coming up

Town Forum - Cllr Charlie Evans advised that he had been unable to attend meetings of The Town Forum, as theses had taken place during working hours, however, would strive to attend future meeting if his work schedule allowed. (Minute 1122–14)

Training -

15. Approve the Schedule of Accounts :: Cllr Elwyn Williams declared an interest as his brother is the handyman::

It was Resolved (minute 1122–15) that the accounts submitted be approved.

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

Payee	Info	(£) Amount
E Williams	Playing Field Works at Park £97,
	Painting football wall as per accepted quote £110,
	strim/ cut area around woodland fence to access fence, £66,
	new posts, Labour, and Materials £424 undertaken urgently to address H &S concerns at Park	£697.00 total
Howard Davies	Salary - Clerical Duties - £627.25 net (After new Payroll Mgr.’s adjustment for overpayment to clerk of £49.93 in Tax and NI for last financial year following recalculation of payroll on setting up new payroll account to pay clerk. Phased reduction of overpayment agreed over 4 months Sept – December to address total overpayment of £199.71 in the 21/22 Tax year.) £861.64
	Office Allowance -	100.00
	IT Allowance -	40.00
	Zoom Monthly Payment £14.39
	Extra Meetings £80.00- see below.
J R B Enterprise Ltd	Purchase of Dog gloves for park	42.84
Carms C C	Grounds maintenance at park now moved to Quarterly Invoicing for Quarter 2	731.02
Clive Thomas	Payment of Microsoft 365 Licence Renewal off his credit card. In process of getting Concem to take over and sort for future.	135.36
Sandra Thomas	Printing of Remembrance Service Leaflets from Proprint	12.00
	Carms Town Council Purchase of 8 Hanging baskets and maintenance and care over summer	400.00
	Babell Zion Donation from Chair’s visit following recent attendance to open their Coffee morning. £50 to help with their charitable works within the Llangunnor Community, and £50 to Babell Friendship Centre as a contribution towards the cost of tea and coffee for those attending their weekly sessions, from within our community. £100.00
	Geraint Bevan Chocolates to mark Ann Muir’s.100th Birthday. £4.50
City Loo Hire	Servicing of toilet

B) Council to note receipt of income:

Payee	Info	(£) Amount
	reimbursement from 106 balances held at C CC re Ger Y Nant Lights	5360

16. Correspondence

The following correspondence be noted/action taken:

No	Nature of Correspondence	Agreed Action
1	Annual Park Inspection	Circulated
2	Complaint re land near to 19 Elder Grove	Circulated
3	Letter from The Urdd requesting financial assistance towards the 2023 Eisteddfod to be held in Llandovery	Circulated
4	Draft Minutes Carmarthen Area Committee 19.10.22	Circulated
5	Independent report of Independent Remuneration Panel For Wales	Circulated
6	Welsh Scams	Circulated
7	NHS Wales. Community Pharmacies Initiative	Circulated
8	Training November/December 1VW	Circulated
9	Quote from Charles Sams for electrical work at the park re Pillar installation and associated works	Circulated
10	Vision ICT: Our Vision with you	Circulated
11	British Rail signalling update	Circulated
12	Network Rail Briefing	Circulated
13	Confirmation from Carms C C of the provision of a new grit bin for Brynmeurig	Circulated
14	Carms C C consultation of 20mph speedlimits	Circulated
15	Treasure Hunt 26.11.22	Circulated
16	Bar & Navigation Agenda – Meeting – 14.11.22	Circulated
17	OPCC Bulletin	Circulated
18	Welsh Government: Consultation on Council Tax proposals for second homes	Circulated
19	NHS Report Living with Covid
20	1VW: The Importance of Community & Town Councils-Resource Pack	Circulated
21	PCSO Recruitment	Circulated
22	Section 137 Limit 2023-24	Circulated
23	Traffweb	Circulated
24	Clerks Salary awards wef 1st April 2022	Circulated
25	Courier Fraud	Circulated
26	Update from Rachael Carter re Building Resilience	Circulated
27	The Finance And Government Toolkit latest version November 2022	Circulated
28	Amended Quote from Charles Sams re electrical work at park	Circulated
29	Amended quote from National Grid formerly WPD re providing new electricity supply to the park	Circulated
30	CPAG Handbooks	Circulated

17. Councillor's Report

• Cllr Sandra Thomas was pleased to advise that the Remembrance Services had gone well. She was concerned that as our local PCSO had been unable to attend several recent community events due to staff shortages, that the Clerk be asked to write to her asking if a monthly email update could be provided for our meetings to keep us abreast of what was happening in Llangunnor from a policing and crime perspective. Action point: Clerk agreed to write to Nicola Walters our Local PCSO to ask if this monthly report can be reinstated. She also wished to remind the Chair, that it was customary for the Chair to provide selection boxes to all classes at Llangunnor School. The Chair confirmed that he had this in hand. Finally, she reminded the Council that there was a need now to push forward and to complete the surround for the memorial stone that had been agreed to some two years ago, however delayed due to covid, and the Councils feeling that it was too soon currently to place a second Covid memorial, alongside the existing war memorial and the builder utilized by G Williams Monumental Masons being inundated with work. Following public consultation, it was felt that other options such as the placing of a friendship bench at the site would be more appropriate. This could be placed outside the surrounds of the current memorial stone. Action point: Clerk agreed to approach another builder for an alternative quote to pave and concrete a path a surrounding area, and that the item be placed on the Agenda for our January meeting.
• Cllr Matthew Williams expressed his concern about the amount of falling leaves being currently seen on our pavements and side roads. Action point: Clerk to advise Highways Dept of our concerns.
• Cllr Jenny Slate wished to highlight the build up of service water along Pensarn Road from the Bassets Citroen Garage to the Babell roundabout. Action point: Clerk to advise Highways Department of our concerns.
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18. Date of Next Meeting

The next meeting will be held on Thursday 15th December 2022 with format and location to be agreed Clerk to confirm in advance

Meeting closed 8.25pm