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March 2023

Minutes of Monthly Meeting of Llangunnor Community Council held remotely at Babell Zion Newydd at 6.30 pm on Thursday 16th March 2023

PRESENT: Councillor Geraint Bevan (Chair), Paul Totterdale, Lee Whatley(*), Elwyn Williams, Joan Evans, Jennifer Slate, Charlie Evans, Matthew Williams, Ally Wadeward and Graham Slate >

APOLOGIES: None

Also present Howard Davies (Clerk) and three members of the public present Robin Griffiths(*) and ? ?

Declaration of Interest

To be recorded during agenda items

3. Chair's Announcements

• I met with Sandra Thomas on the instruction of this council, and she has agreed to put her name forward to continue to be our representative on the governing body of Ysgol Llangynnwr
• I had a long conversation with a resident of Nantycaws who was seriously impacted by the recent oil spill following the theft of diesel from the local service station
• I met with Cllr Edward Thomas (Executive Board member) and Mr Ainsley Williams CCC. The clerk and Cllrs Elwyn Williams and Paul Totterdale were in attendance to discuss the access point from the mini roundabout to the car park by Charlies. We expressed our concerns relating to flooding, the car park gridlock on busy days, disable access and the current problems wheelchair user face. We also raised the issue of climate change and ways we can build resistance into our community. The county agreed to undertake a feasibility with the view of installing a one-way emergency exit with a pillar controlling access. This would allow wheelchairs to access the shops all the time
• Pared Dydd Gwyl Dewi. I was very pleased to be invited to represent Llangynnwr at the annual St David's Day parade in Carmarthen. It was lovely to see so many people from Llangynnwr there. I was particularly pleased to see the large group from Ysgol Llangynnwr and I was informed by the town mayor that well over 1,000 people attended which is the largest number ever recorded
• I’m pleased to say the school has agreed to join us at our annual community Spring litter pick which will take place on the 21st of April at 14.00. All members are welcome to join us if they are able to do so
• I was invited to meet with the town mayor to explore ways we could co-operate as councils to deliver services more effectively. We looked at the current areas of co-operation and looked at areas where there may be further potential co-operation. The town was particularly interested in how we had progressed the Financial Tool kit and in particular the sustainability aspect. I was interested to explore how they were developing their five-year plan. I suggested that our clerk and their new clerk should meet up to see how this could be progressed
• I was extremely pleased that we were able to unveil a plaque to remember the work of former Cllr Alun West. We were joined by by Mrs West, the Chair of the school council a large number of pupils and the Head. Our special guest Nigel Owens shared with us his memories of Alun. He noted that as a young referee Alun had been a huge supporter and helped him to become the most senior rugby union referee in the world. I was also pleased to hear that Nigel is now supporting another Llangynnwr boy, Aled Evans on his journey in the refereeing world

4. Public Questions

Robin Griffiths wished to bring to the Council’s attention that some of the lights on Carmarthen Bridge were still working. He was also concerned with the increasing number of potholes on the road approaching Carmarthen Railway Station. Action Point: Clerk agreed to report the outage to Carms C C Public Lighting and will check who owns that stretch of road running immediately outside the train station, as from local knowledge it could well be owned by Network Rail.
Robin Griffiths wished to advise the Council that Llangunnor residents were worried that the community bus service operated by Morris Travel was under threat, following the withdrawal of the Covid Grant at the end of next month. Chair advised that this would be dealt with under point 16 of tonight’s agenda where County councillor Elwyn would update Council

5. Minutes

It was agreed and RESOLVED to approve as a correct record the minutes of the monthly Council meeting held on the 16th of February 2023. (Minute 03/23 – 5i) Noted 9 Councillors voted in favour with Cllr Whatley voting against.

ii) It was also unanimously agreed to approve the minutes of the E G M held on the 8th of March 2023. (Minute 03/23 5ii)

6. Committees

i) Finance

Noted that a meeting took place on the 26th of January. Draft minutes had been circulated and uploaded to our webpage. Further meeting to be arranged

ii) Park & Environment

Noted the minutes of the meeting held on the 25th of January had been circulated and uploaded to our webpage. Further meeting to be arranged

Update

The dangerous trees at the entrance to the park have been removed and the hedge laid. Following consultation with our neighbours it has been agreed to relocate the toilet, to where the defibrillator is located, and to move the defibrillator to the entrance

iii) Web & Media

Noted the minutes of the meeting held on 1st February had been circulated and uploaded to our webpage. Further meeting to be arranged

iv) Events

Noted the minutes of the meeting held on the 22nd of February had been circulated and uploaded to our webpage. A further meeting had been arranged for Wednesday 22nd March

:: Cllr G slate left the meeting at 7.30pm ::

7.

The Clerk provided brief updates to the Council on the following matters: a. The dangerous trees at the park entrance had been completed along with the laying of the hedge, He has visited our next-door neighbours, who were very happy with the work undertaken, and commented on the professional and courteous way our contractors undertook the work. They were very happy with how the Council had engaged with them over this issue and had kept them always informed. A job well done. b. Following ongoing discussions between the clerk and Carms C C he was extremely pleased to advise that they having reconsidered their qualifying criteria would now allow the balance of our 106 funds to be used towards providing CCTV cameras at the park, having turned our application down last year. He was now researching further match funding and would report back shortly. If this was achievable then a CCTV system could be installed, the cost of which being covered from our 106 funds, and match funding at no recourse to our cash reserves. c) Legal papers had now been sent out by Carmarthen C C and National Grid re Electricity supply to the park, where National Grid would place their best endeavours to have this in place for our Community Event although this could not be guaranteed. d. The first inspection report, risk assessment, and schedule of remedial works had been received from our new contractor Dragon Playgrounds and had been circulated electronically to all Councillors

8.

Following the retirement of Cllr Sandra Thomas, various Councillor nominated representatives and committee vacancies were discussed, and the following nomination to fill them was unanimously agreed. (Minute 03/23–8) Cllr A Wadeward to become Council’s nominated representative to sit of the Governing body of Llangunnor School, with immediate effective, as whilst Cllr Sandra Thomas had been approached to carry on as a Non-Governor representative, following her retirement and had agreed subject to ratification by the full Council. With Cllr Wadeward now declaring an interest, it was felt that this role would be better served by a full-time serving Councillor. Cllr G Slate agreed to join the Park & Environment Committee. Cllr J Evans agreed to join the Finance Committee. Cllr J Slate to be added to the Barclays Bank Mandate

9.

Following a brief discussion it was unanimously agreed to renew our Membership of One Voice Wales for a further year. (Minute 03/23–9)

10.

A long discussion took place around the public consultation exercise that is currently been undertaken by Hywel Dda Health Board, to engage with the public, regards candidate sites for a new hospital to replace Glangwili to be situated to the west of Carmarthen. Cllr C Evans advised that he had attended one of the consultation meetings, which had left attendees with more questions and answers, There were major concerns about location, being so far away from towns such as Llanelli to the east, and access via an already dangerous main A40 road, where a number of accidents continue to occur along this stretch of road, especially now that the speed limit was to reduce to 50 mph. Recruitment of staff, and job retention at the old Glangwili sites was another key issue, along with possible flooding risks. It was agreed that all Councillors, further consider our response by our next meeting in April. Action point: Clerk to place on the Agenda for our April meeting

11. Community Awards

11.Having further considered the nominations received, the Council unanimously agreed to present Community Awards to: a) Emma Reynolds for help with Council run Community Events. b) Staff at Llangunnor School – keeping the school operational during the ongoing Covid pandemic. c) Jacqui Smith -Brynmeurig Stores- Services to the Community of Llangunnor. d) Kevin Green – for keeping Roman Park and Rhodfa Morgan Drive pavements tidy and clear of weeds at his own cost. e) Clive Thomas former clerk for his 10 years of service to the Community of Llangunnor, and the ongoing assistance provided to our new clerk Howard Davies, when required. f) Members of St Cynnwr W I for their support in organising Community Events. G) Sandra Thomas for a lifelong of service to the Community Of Llangunnor, Llangunnor Church, and the Community Council itself where she had served all the major offices with propriety and dedication. The awards with be presented at our summer Community Event which will take place on Sunday 16th July. (Minute 03/23–11) Action point: Clerk to write to recipients advising them of their award.

12.

The request from Brithdir Residents Association for the supply of an additional grit bin to be located near its junction with Llangunnor Road, was again discussed, where the clerk was able to update the Council following looking into the matter further: 1. Carmarthen C C has a policy not to grit or supply grit bins to private estates where the estate road is unadopted. 2. From speaking to the former clerk, and our long serving Councillor’s he has established that Llangunnor CC has in the past purchased grit bins for Ger Y Nant, another small estate road off Llangunnor road, and possibly the original grit bin at Brithdir. 3. For guidance- as part of Carms C C own assessment an application for a grit bin would have to meet key criteria such as, the location is considered high risk, due to the steep gradient of the route surface, traffic speeds, route hierarchy and traffic volumes for that particuilar location. 4. The cost of sourcing a grit bin from Towy works would be circa £165 plus VAT, but subject to price confirmation. 5. If agreed the grit would have to sourced and paid for by the residents themselves. To move discussion, forward the clerk was asked to write again to The Secretary to ascertain: 1. Can the existing grit bin be relocated down to the estate entrance. 2. Have they secured a location for the new proposed bin at the junction with Llangunnor Road and have the necessary permissions in place. 3, Confirmation that the width of the pavement would be preserved at the proposed location thereby ensuring pedestrian safety,

13.

Following the Council’s earlier agreement to purchase a Laptop for the clerk to undertake his work, thereby being fully compliant with GDPR, and IT regulations, clerk advised that he had been working with Cllr M Williams to source quotes for suitable equipment. The following quotes had been sourced:

i) Currys currently had on offer an Acer Aspire Laptop for £699, which was a mid-priced and offering a good spec to match clerk’s requirements
ii) Carmarthen C C own preferred supplier – Centerprise International – could offer a Lenovo L15 again meeting our spec requirements at £637 plus VAT which would be recoverable and comes with a 3-year warranty

The clerk further advised that he has a meeting arranged for the 28th of March with Carms C C ICT to discuss our SLA with them, and he would establish what IT support would be available and at what cost to support the Laptop if the new Laptop was sourced through their preferred supplier. Clerk agreed to report back to our April meeting to enable a final decision to be made on supplier, support package, and transfer of data and licences across etc. Action point: clerk to place on the agenda for our April meeting)

14.

An estimate from Iwan Green, I G Construction had now been received for slabbing the surround at the memorial stone site, which came in at £5510 if undertaken in gravel grid grass, and £6010 if completed in natural stone slabs. It was unanimously felt that these quotes were too expensive, and the clerk was asked to source further quotes. (Minute 03/23–14) Action point: clerk to source alternative quotes

15.

Due to time constraints, it was decided that a discussion on the new National Speed limit of 20 mph would be deferred until our April meeting

16. County Councillor Report

County councillor E Williams responded to the question raised earlier by RG during “Questions from members of the public Agenda point 4” by saying that Carms C Current position was as follows referring to questions tabled by Local Councillors, and answers given at Carms C C meeting of the 8th March, as reported in the minutes Following a lengthy discussion, the following motion was proposed by Cllr C Evans:

“Llangunnor Community Council to make formal representations to Carmarthenshire County Council to support and maintain existing bus services in the community of Llangunnor.” Actions: - clerk to write email to County council expressing support for existing services -encourage members of the community to write directly to executive board member for transport to support bus services. Community council to provide draft letter - facilitate petition online/in person for residents to support.

The motion was seconded by Cllr M Williams. A vote was taken with 8 Councillors supported the motion, with Cllr Whatley Abstaining. (Minute 03/23–16) Action point: Chair and clerk to prepare written response to be sent to Carms C C outlining the concerns of Llangunnor Community Council and its residents over the possible withdrawal of this service , and to provide support for the retention of the existing bus service. He had nothing further to impart.

17. Reports from Members Representing Council on other Bodies

Riverside Association -

One Voice Wales -

School Governors -

Carmarthen Town Forum -

Training -

18. Approve the Schedule of Accounts

Resolved to approve with (Minute 03/23–18) Councillor Elwyn Williams declared an interest as his brother is the handyman.

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

Payee	Info	(£) Amount
E Williams	Playing Field (28/02/23)	97.00
E Williams	Hedge laying at Park entrance	250.00
Howard Davies	Salary - March 2023	667.18
	Office Allowance - March 2023	100.00
	IT Allowance - March 2023	40.00
	Zoom Monthly Payment	14.39
	Stamps	13.04
	Extra Meeting	120.00
	Travelling Q1	243.00
Geraint Bevan	Flowers to mark Cllr Sandra Thomas’s retirement	10.00
One Voice Wales	Membership renewal 2023-24	485.00
Dynevor Tree Services	Tree work undertaken on entrance hedge as per accepted quote	660.00
Bowen & Weaving	Ink and stationery	206.40

Extra Meetings
Events 26th Feburary 2023
Site Meeting re: Ainsley Williams Carms CC at County Hall - Charlie’s car park exit 2nd March 2023
Extra Council Meeting 8th March 2023

3 X £50 = £150 this equates to £120.00 after tax. (Extra meetings - @ £50 meeting – salary includes 11 meetings + AGM, all others treated as extra meetings over 4 hours will be paid at £100. (Minute 0920-F4)

B) Council to note receipt of income: None Income Vat Refund £2370.32

19. Correspondence

The following correspondence be noted/action taken:

No	Nature of Correspondence	Agreed Action
1	Carms C C Community Review	Circulated
2	Thank you, e mail, from Sandra Thomas	Circulated
3	Planning Aid Wales/One Voice Wales online Event	Circulated
4	Oil Spill into Nant Pibwr	Circulated
5	Carms C C revised Development Plan	Circulated
6	Cyber awareness training for Councillors	Circulated
7	1VW Training courses Feb/March	Circulated
8	Independent Remuneration Panel Annual Report Feb 2023	Circulated
9	Launch of public consultation on Location of new planned and urgent care hospital	Circulated
10	Thank you for 20. Diolch am 20	Circulated
11	Meeting with your Police and Crime Commissioner	Circulated
12	Promoting Scrutiny in Carmarthen	Circulated
13	Planning Aid Cymru- Online event – 22nd March	Circulated
14	Police Report February	Circulated
15	Completion of 21-22 Audit	Circulated
16	Towy Usk Pilon Consultation	Circulated
17	Consultation dates from Hywel Dda Health Board re drop in sessions and Email from Cllr C Evans who attended one of their meetings this week	Circulated
18	MENCAP Carmarthen Roadshow details	Circulated
19	Community Review of Town/Community Councils	Circulated
20	Taxi Private Hire Wales Bill	Circulated
21	Planning Policy Wales Consultation	Circulated

20. Councillor's Report

• Cllr Whatley wished to report that tree saplings had been planted on the grass verge near to Bwythyn Penrhiw, Church Road, Llangunnor, apparently enclosing an area of public verge. Action Point: Clerk agreed to report to Carms C C

:: Cllr Jenny Slate left the meeting at 8.50pm ::

. Date of Next Meeting

The next meeting will be held on Thursday 20th April at Babell Zion Newydd Vestry, with option to join virtually if required

Meeting closed 8.55pm QUESTIONS BY MEMBERS: - 10.1. QUESTION BY COUNCILLOR HEFIN JONES TO COUNCILLOR EDWARD THOMAS, CABINET MEMBER FOR TRANSPORT, WASTE, AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES “It’s concerning to hear of the Welsh Government’s intention to remove the Emergency Bus Subsidy scheme. Despite a short extension to the scheme, it’s worrying that the Welsh Government seems quite content to cut the essential travel lifeline for many. Though it’s not exclusively a rural problem, as we’ve heard by colleagues in the chamber, it’s likely that rural areas will suffer the brunt of this, and the consequences could be far reaching. Will the cabinet member responsible for transport please outline the potential impact here in Carmarthenshire please?” Response by Councillor Edward Thomas – Cabinet Member For Transport, Waste, and Infrastructure Services: - “The Bus Emergency Scheme has provided vital support for the public transport sector throughout the pandemic and during the process of recovery. However, patronage levels on public transport networks have not yet recovered to anywhere near the pre Covid levels. This, combined with uncertainty in the sector from ongoing bus reform, critical supply chain pressures around fuel and driver shortages is leading to unsustainable pressure on the sector particularly the Small and Medium Size Enterprises [SMEs]. Public Transport in rural counties cannot operate without subsidy. Circa 78% of our routes operated require a subsidy to provide the most basic of services. The Bus Emergency Support [BES] scheme is critical whilst the sector recovers. It is helpful that the Welsh Government has announced that BES has been extended for three months which I don’t think is enough. However, wider investment into the public transport system is also vital for rural areas if the Welsh Government is to achieve the objectives on modal shift as set out in Llwbyr Newydd – the Wales Transport Strategy. Initial modelling indicates that upwards of fifty percent of our existing bus routes will be lost if the sector does not recover when funding for the Bus Emergency Scheme runs out. Rural areas and SMEs are likely to be the hardest hit. So not good news and I do wish the Minister would review the Llywbr Newydd.” Supplementary Question by Councillor Hefin Jones: “Can I ask if there is an ongoing dialogue with service providers, with bus companies, and will there be a communications plan so that should the axe fall on some services and some services lost that residents and wards are informed through a process as opposed to hearing on the grapevine? Response by Councillor Edward Thomas – Cabinet Member For Transport, Waste, and Infrastructure Services: - “The simple answers are yes and yes.”