CYNGOR CYMDEITHAS LLANGATHEN / LLANGATHEN COMMUNITY COUNCIL
Minutes of the meeting of Llangathen Community Council held on Tuesday, 17th March 2015 at The Reading Room, Court Henry.
Present: Cllrs. C. Moses (chair), E. Morgan, M. Wynne, H. James, S. Collins and L. Hughes.
In attendance were County C. Campbell and Mrs M. Rees (clerk).
14/67 APOLOGIES
Apologies for absence were received from Cllrs. G. Davies and M. Williams.
14/68 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Declarations of interest were received from Cllrs. L. Hughes and S. Collins as governors of Ysgol Cwrt Henri and Cllr. C. Moses as his wife is a committee member of the Llangathen Village Hall.
14/69 MINUTES
It was proposed by Cllr. C. Moses and seconded by Cllr. L. Hughes that the minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday, 20th January 2015 be accepted as a correct record of proceedings.
14/70 MATTERS ARISING
Min 14/50 (1) STABLE BLOCK IN FIELD NEAR RHYD YR AFON / GLANDDU, BROAD OAK
A planning application E / 31647 had been received for a timber field shelter for agricultural purposes.
Min 14/50 (2) DRYSLWYN SQUARE, DRYSLWYN
Correspondence had been received in February from Edwina Hart, Welsh Government, regarding safety issues on the A40 trunk road, near Dryslwyn Square. Most Councillors had accessed the link http://www.traffic-wales.com/Trunkroadsafetyreview.aspx and examined the results of the road safety review. However, the clerk was requested to write again to Ms Hart and appeal to the following:
Due to fading, existing hatch markings be re-painted red
Speed to be monitored at the Dryslwyn Square junction in unmarked cars to prevent motorists warning other motorists so that a true record of speed be recorded.
It has been noted that Emergency Services using this stretch of road now use the siren as it is felt that they perceive this area of the A40 to be dangerous and requiring other road users to be aware of their presence.
Min 14/50 (3) BRIDGE OVER RIVER MYDDYFI, NEAR GLANMYDDYFI, PENTREFELIN
Since the last meeting, the bridge had been damaged and this had subsequently been reported to CCC. Also, Cllr. E. Morgan had met with John McEvoy of CCC at the bridge site and the damage was inspected and recorded. It was observed that there are already “Road Narrow” signs on the approach to the bridge but Mr McEvoy agreed to arrange for additional linings over the bridge from SLOW markings and additional SLOW markings. This work has since been completed.
Min 14/60 ( 5) AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENTS, LAN FARM, BROAD OAK
A lengthy e-mail had been received from Kevin Jones, Planning Enforcement / Monitoring Officer, CCC., regarding breaches of planning control and consideration given to enforcement action. Members had been concerned regarding the different actions and decisions taken on breaches of planning control. Mr Jones explained that local planning authorities have discretion to take enforcement action, when they regard it as expedient to do so having regard to the development plan and any other material considerations. The clerk was asked to reply to Mr Jones’ e-mail and thank him for his explanation. However, it was noted that there was no evidence of the replacement of hedgerows which were planned to be completed by February 2015. The clerk was also asked to explain to Mr Jones that it is the responsibility of Community Councillors to act on any local information that is brought to their attention and to report any issues to CCC.
Min 14/60 (7) ROAD CONDITIONS NEAR SUNNY BANK, LLANGATHEN
Cllrs. G. Davies and C. Moses met with Ms Ann Thomas, CCC., regarding the suggestion of providing warning signs “Unsuitable for Large Vehicles”. Ms Thomas indicated that it might be necessary to provide a number of signs at a cost of £600 – £900 each. Following consultation with some local residents, their opinion was that they were unaware of large lorries frequenting the small country road in question. It was therefore felt that the report made of a large vehicle causing hedge bank damage was a one off and did not justify the cost of the signs which would need to be met by the Community Council.
14/71 CORRESPONDENCE
The following items of correspondence were presented to council and duly discussed/noted:
1. BT – Adopt a Kiosk
2. CCC – Bank Holiday Bin Collections – the clerk to display locally
– Devolution, Democracy and Delivery White Paper – Reforming Local Government: Power to Local People – http://wales.gov.uk/consultations.localgovernment.power-to-local-people **
– RDP AND Rural Inclusion Project Case Studies – CD ROM
– Authority’s Third Sector Funding Review
– Review of the Private Sector Empty Properties – members discussed this matter and collectively completed the questionnaire.
– CCTV – http://ilocal.carmarthenshire.gov.uk.consultations/ – members were advised that they may comment on the matter via this link.
3. Lloyds Bank – January Statement – £11044.50
February Statement – £10993.50
4. One Voice Wales – Carmarthenshire Area Meeting (28/10/14) – Minutes of meeting
Next meeting 29/1/15 – St Peter’s Civic Hall, Carmarthen
– Membership 2015 – 16
– Town & community Council Liaison Forum – to put forward at the AGM
5. Society of Local Council Clerks – Finance Course
– West Wales Branch Meeting 7/3/15
6. HMRC – Request to quote UBODS number on all correspondence
– Paying your PAYE electronically
7. D Jones a A Jones – Bwrdd Hysbysebu i Drigolion ac Ymwelwyr – The clerk was asked to reply to the letter and indicate the councils full support in securing an information board.
Brochures / Circulars
1. Clerks & Councils Direct
2. Realise Futures – Eco Furniture
3. Wicksteed Playgrounds
4. Play for Wales – Play news and briefing from the national charity for play
5. Yr Ardd
Requests for Financial Assistance
1. Walk for Life – Kidney Wales Foundation
2. Y Lloffwr
3. Cymdeithas Rhieni a Ffrindiau Ysgol Cwrt Henri
4. Teenage Cancer Trust
5. Cruse Bereavement Care
E-mail correspondece
Wendi Huggett [wendi.huggett@onevoicewales.org.uk]
* The Council as an Employer Training at Neath Community Centre – 18/2/15
* Understanding the Law Training at Llanerch Community Centre
* Understanding the Law Training at St Peters Civic Hall,
* IT, Website and Social Media at Civic Center, Oystermouth Road, Swansea
* Data Protection and FOI Training at Picton Community Centre, Freemans Way, Haverfordwest.
* Making Effective Grant Applications Training at Ammanford Indoor Bowls
* Chairing Skills Training at Llanerch Community Centre
* Latest Training Brochure
* Introduction to Community Engagement Training, Brecon 12/3/15
* One Voice Wales April Trainings
* Introduction to Module 7 – Health & Safety Training – Ammanford
Tracy Gilmartin-ward [tracy.gilmartin-ward@onevoicewales.org.uk]
* Appointment of Chair & Members to Upland Forum
* Appointment of Independent Members – Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board
* FCFCG Wales – January Newsletter
* Invitation to a Welsh stakeholder event on the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) Programme of Measures consultation
* Devolution, Democracy and Delivery White Paper – Reforming Local Government: Power to Local People
* Draft Revised National Training Strategy 2015-2019 /
* Launch of the New One Voice Wales Website
* Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales Annual Report – February 2015
* Women in Public Life Invitation
* Government Consultation Document – Tax Devolution in Wales – Landfill Disposals Tax
* Consultancy Services Available to Member Councils
* Natural Resource Management Bulletin – February 2015
* Fuel poverty forums- March 2015
* Consultation: Evidence on the general principles of Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Bill
* Local Democracy and Boundary Commission for Wales – Board Member Opportunity
* Resource Efficient Wales – Advice and information on energy, waste and water
* Come on Board Invitation
* Town and Community Councils across Wales given new advice to help residents in fuel poverty
* Consultations on Council Tax Exemptions for Long-Term Empty Homes and Second Homes in Wales
[RLGProgramme@Wales.GSI.Gov.UK]
* Devolution, Democracy and Delivery White Paper – Reforming Local Government: Power to Local People
* Accounts and Audit (Wales) Regulations 2014
Finance Committee | Y Pwyllgor Cyllid [SeneddFinance@Assembly.Wales]
* enquiry into Consideration of powers: Public Service Ombudsman for Wales
Welsh Government [WelshGovernment@public.govdelivery.com]
* Advice, Information, Funding and Financial Support for Businesses
* Celebrating St David’s Day with Business Wales
14/72 ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT
The following accounts were approved for payment and cheques duly prepared:
£
C Raymond – grass cutting village green,
March – October 2014 275.00
One Voice Wales – Membership 63.00
Clerks Expenses 124.38
Clerks Salary 266.66
Hire of Hall – Ystafell Ddarllen, Cwrt Henri 105.00
CCC – Footway Lighting Charges
1st April ‘14- 31st March ‘15 1576.36
14/73 PLANNING APPLICATIONS
The following applications were considered by the Council and their observations noted:
APPLICANT DEVELOPMENT LOCATION
E / 31647
Hafod Organic Food Siting of a timber field shelter Land at Cae Dderwen, Broad Oak,
Robinson-Redman for agricultural purposes Llandeilo, SA32 8QR
Information to be requested regarding the base of the proposed shelter.
Members did not regard a 6.2 acre field and 6-10 sheep to be a viable agricultural holding.
Planning history indicated that similar structures were refused in August 2007
It was resolved to object to this application.
E/31612
Mr & Mrs Davies Amend the existing planning Crug Mawr, Dryslwyn,
consent (ref. E/30759) to include the Carmarthen. SA32 8RW
rebuilding of the stone walls of the
existing host dwelling and adjoining
barns as part of the works to extend
and Refurbish the house
No objections
14/74 COUNTY COUNCILLORS REPORT
Cllr. C. Campbell advised members that CCC Chief Executive had made an application for voluntary redundancy but the application had been subsequently withdrawn.
Following the announcement that CCC were looking to make savings of £45 million over three years, it was requested that £30 million be withdrawn from the reserves held. This was refused and as a result major cut backs will be necessary and the probability of an increase in Council Tax.
14/75 FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE / DONATIONS
A list of organisations requesting financial assistance was issued to members. After discussion, it was resolved to donate funds to the following:
£
Yr Ystafell Ddarllen 300.00
Cylch Meithrin a Ti a Fi Cwrt Henri 500.00
Ysgol Cwrt Henri 500.00
Llangathen Village Hall 500.00
C.Ff.I / YFC Sir Gâr 100.00
C.Ff.I / YFC Clwb Llanfynydd 150.00
Y Lloffwr 50.00
Wales Air Ambulance 300.00
This year, it was concluded to increase the figure given to good causes as it was felt that a too high a balance was being kept in the Llangathen Community Council bank account.
The clerk to arrange for the cheques to be forwarded to the relevant organisations.
DATE OF NEXT MEETING
It was resolved that the next meeting together with the Annual General Meeting of Llangathen Community Council would be held on Tuesday 19th May 2015 at the Reading Room, Court Henry at 7.30pm.
Signed…………………………….
Date…………………………………. .