After a short discussion it was agreed to go for the dark brown colour, with a tinge of red from the samples provided for the mulch surface to be applied to the upper play area. (Minute 10/23–10)

The clerk reminded Councillors that he had circulated The Independent Remuneration Draft Annual Report – February, being a consultative document, where feedback from Councillors would be most welcome, and this would need to be received before the closing date of December 8th 2023

Cllr Whatley gave a detailed report of his attendance at the recent One Voice Wales Area meeting, and the Innovative Practice Conference. For further information on The Innovative Practice Conference please see Appendix 2 attached

The draft CCTV policy drafted by the clerk was discussed at length. The clerk emphasised that he had followed the format of policies drafted by other local Community Councils, and it had also been scrutinised by Carmarthenshire County Council as part of our Sustainable Community Grant. And had been accepted without further comment

He advised that this was a fluid document, and would be populated with further information if required, prior to commissioning, as it became available from our installer Dyfed Alarms. As a small number of Councillors had some points that they sought clarification on the Chair suggested that these be emailed to the clerk, so that he could respond to them, and the item be relisted on the Agenda for our November meeting for adoption.

Cllr D E Williams declared an interest as his brother is handyman

It was Resolved to approve with (Minute 10/23–14)

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

Extra Meetings
Events Committee - 9th October 2023

1 X £50 = £50 this equates to £40.00 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

The following correspondence be noted/action taken:

The email received from Robin Griffiths was discussed, and it was agreed to place it on the agenda for the next Park and Environment Committee meeting

Clerk advised that the item was being reported as low risk on both the Annual Inspection Report carried out in September 2022 by an Independent Inspector for Carmarthen C C, and by our own Internal Inspector Dragon Play, with the recommendation being to monitor usage, which is currently low, and to consider the provision of a barrier. The provision of such will now form part of an overall risk assessment review of the skateboard arena, which will now be undertaken by the Park and Environment Committee, taking advice from our Safety Inspectors, HSE, and our Insurers, to reach a balanced conclusion here. From his initial research the Clerk advised that it needs to be borne in mind here that when it was installed it met all safety standards at that time, and standards do change over time. If a new one was built today, then it would require a barrier to comply with the requirements of BS EN 14974 Secondly this is a basic facility put in place for a novice user some 15 or so years ago, where there is a more challenging and modern skateboard facility available at Carmarthen Park a five-minute drive away being more suited to the more experienced and advanced user. An initial quote for the provision of railings has come in at £1500

Cllr Ally Wadeward introduced her vision for a “Halloween Safe Trick or Treat trail poster” where the intention was to complete a digital map of addresses, where children would be welcomed to call. Cllr Whatley advised that Dyfed Powys Police had in the past produced leaflets and stickers to promote this theme, and it may be worth checking with them. Due to the amount of work required to produce a digital map, and the window for action was short, as Halloween was fast approaching, it was felt that consideration should be given to donate a prize for the best decorated door, window or porch within Llangunnor. Cllr Wadeward thought that this was a good suggestion, and that she could approach the Chair to see if she would provide the prize from her Community Budget. It was further agreed for Cllr Wadeward to progress discussions here, with a view to delivering a Halloween competition similar to what had been outlined above. (Minute 0923-12)

This was discussed at length

The Clerk explained that for many years Sam Hodson had cut the grass on this extensive area voluntarily at their cost, where their eldest son Harri Hodson, along with his friend Albie Redpath have repaired and reseeded an area within this green through their own endeavours, which had not been sorted following the removal of an uprooted tree by Carmarthenshire County Council. This entailed several hours of work carting topsoil from the Hodson’s nearby property, spreading and levelling the ground, and then reseeding the area. This repair was much needed as this area was rough and could cause damage to the ride on mower when the grass was being cut

The Clerk subsequently spoke with Sam Hodson back in July, to thank him for “Community Spirit” in getting this sorted, which was much appreciated. During the conversation it became evident that Harri and Albie were working towards their Duke of Edinburgh Awards, and he suggested a letter of appreciation from the Council for this type of initiative and voluntary work would be well received as part of the assessment process. Mr Hodson advised that he had undertaken this work to make cutting the grass easier for him to undertake, and was not seeing any recognition, however the boys would very much appreciate an acknowledgement of their community efforts as part of DOE portfolio review

Clerk advised that he would be placing it on the Agenda for our September Council meeting. Given their contribution to help maintain a community green for the benefit of the community, and that they had done this of their own volition, it was felt that we as a Council should be recognising the efforts of our young people within the community, and writing a letter of appreciation would be a good way of recognising their efforts and could well encourage others to carry out similar works

It was resolved that the Chair write to both young men expressing our appreciation as a Council for their work. (Minute 0923–13) It was further suggested that we could consider Sam Hodson as a suitable candidate for next year’s Community Awards subject to nomination, to recognise his contribution in cutting the village green adjacent to the Memorial Stone at his cost for many years for the benefit of the community to enjoy. Clerk agreed to diarise this suggestion forward to next March when nominees will be considered.

Cllr Williams advised that whilst August had been quiet, activity had significantly ramped up this month with numerous meetings, some of which he had been unable to attend due to clashes. He has nothing further to impart

• Cllr Joan Evans asked if we could assist a resident of Llygad Yr Haul who had approached her, with the application he has made to Carmarthen C C to get a dropped curb installed outside his property, which seems not to be progressing. The Clerk advised that he had indeed spoken to this resident over the summer months, and following his research had sign posted him to the appropriate department within the Carmarthenshire County Council. C Cllr Elwyn Williams offered to call to see the resident to see if he could help progress matters here which was accepted.
• Cllr Bevan asked if we had received any update from Carmarthenshire County Council re the proposed feasibility study on creating a new controlled exit out of Charlie’s car park onto Pensarn Road. The Clerk advised that he had recently emailed C Cllr Edward Thomas Cabinet Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, to be told that Ainsley Williams whom we had met, was currently away on holiday, and that he would be in contact on his return from annual leave. Action point: The Clerk agreed to keep on short diary to ensure that a timely update is received on this proposal.
• Cllr Wadeward advised that she had been approached by several of the mum’s group at Llangunnor School about the possibility of extra seating being provided within the upper toddlers play area, so that mums could sit and watch whilst their children play. Public feedback suggests that there is perceived to be insufficient seating within this area. Given that we are shortly to re surface the playing surface within this area with a resin mulch, it would be timely to investigate the costs of placing extra seating within this area prior to works commencing. Action point. Clerk agreed to take on board this request and will discuss with Wayne Hock of Dragon Play to see what he suggests, as the amount of seating that could be placed within this area is restricted and would depend on the amount of free space available as a certain distance must be kept clear around all equipment for safety reasons.

The next meeting will be held on Thursday 19th October at Babell Zion Newydd

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