Cenarth Community Council

The monthly meeting of the Council was held on Thursday the 3rd of January 2019 at Y Ganolfan, Capel Iwan at 7:00 p.m.

Members Present:-

William Davies, Don Griffiths, Samuel Jones, Nigel Williams, Jeff Lewis, Guto Jones, Hywel Bowen, Meurig Thomas, Anthony John, County Councillor Hazel Evans  and PCSO Jeff Kedward from Newcastle Emlyn Police Station. Apologies were received from Richard James. The Chairman Anthony John welcomed everyone to the first meeting of the year and wished everyone a Happy New Year. All the members were glad to see Hazel at the meeting and wished her well in her last few weeks of hospital treatment. They also wished the Clerk Ken Davies a speedy recovery and were glad to see him reading the minutes again. Anthony  thanked PCSO Jeff Kedward, Newcastle Emlyn Police Station for his presence and asked Jeff whether he had anything special to report. Jeff stated that he had paid a visit to the persons who had been speeding in and out of the village of Capel Iwan recently. He had given them a last verbal warning. THe Police has also been called out to a disturbance in a house down in Cwm Morgan village during the Christmas period. It had all ended peacefully. Jeff had also brought posters and information sheets regarding the Dyfed Drug and Alcohol Service DDAS. Members were asked to display the notices and the clerk to place one in the village notice board. It noted “Are you concerned about yours or someone else’s drug/alcohol use? Call DDAS for free and confidential support, advice and information. Phone 0330 363 9997”  The exhibition van would be visiting the centre of town Newcastle Emlyn on Saturday 2nd February between 11:00-3:00.

Members informed Jeff that a white van had been seen in the district on Boxing Day and had been looking into local farm yards and fields. The registration number of the vehicle had been noted and it was given to Jeff Kedward who would trace it on the Police Information SIte. Anthony then  thanked Jeff for his visit and hoped to see him next month.

The clerk then read the minutes of the November  meeting as the December meeting had been cancelled due to the clerk being unwell. The minutes were proposed as being correct by Don Griffiths and Guto Jones.

Matters Arising: -

1. Fractured surface water drain pipe below Black Oak square on the road leading to Tanglwst. Guto Jones stated that nothing had been done so far. Councillor Hazel Evans stated that she had sent the photographic evidence to the office of the County Highways Dept. She would take up the matter again. Members also asked whether the road surface by Black Oak Farm could be levelled off - full of potholes.  Hazel noted the fact. The same was true about the road surface from Fly-on /Meribah down to Tanglwst square - full of potholes.

2. Don Griffiths also noted that all the surface water drains from Mount Square, Capel Iwan down to Maesgwyn entrance were all blocked with water running down the roadway. The clerk and Hazel asked to contact the Highways Dept. and also remind them that nothing had been done to remove the Japanese Knotweed growing on the road down to Pentref Isaf, Capel Iwan,

3. Members stated that during the last heavy rain storm surface water had collected at the Bryngolau Farm bend and the water ran down the road and entered all the houses on the right hand side flooding their drives and entrances and leaving mud deposits everywhere.  The chairman had made a video of the scene and would forward it to the Highways Dept. Councillor Hazel Evans suggested that all the houses involved should write letters of complaints to the Highways Dept. Hazel and the clerk to also send letters of complaints.

4. Samuel Jones also pointed out that the surface water drains on the hill down from Blaengwyddon Fach to Plain junction were blocked and needed clearing.

5. Meurig Thomas also noted that the large areas of surface water was collecting in front of Ty Cerrig, Capel Iwan Road and not entering the drainage cover there. Also a deep pothole had formed on the T junction leading towards Blaenachddu. Contact Highways again.

6. The drainage grill on the bend below Gorwel, Capel Iwan Road was still causing traffic danger problems with vehicles attempting to avoid the sunken gutter and hence travelling in the middle of the road on the bend. Send another letter of complaint.

7. William Davies noted that a deep pothole had developed in front of Pantybwlch Chapel. Someone had placed a red and white cone in the centre. No help to traffic. Report the matter to Highways.

8. Councillor Hazel Evans stated that she had spoken to Mr Stephen Thomas - Head of the Enforcement Dept regarding the containers and vans at Gellidywyll Hill Forestry SIte. Also she had been noted that the Paint-Ball Site at Gellidywyll Woods could be used as a business property but no living accommodation. In a letter dated 22nd November the Dept. stated that the vans and containers were owned by different people and they were attempting to trace the owners. One of the buildings had been approved for Forestry use only. Hazel would again chase up the matter.

9. A letter received from Mr Martin Murray regarding the Ash Tree with rotten branches overhanging the St Llawddogs Well and Picnic area which was causing safety concerns to the public. Martin had spoken to the Tree Preservation Officer  - Steven Edwards who stated that he would need to survey the tree in the summer in order to assess whether the Ash Trees were infected with the Ash Dieback disease. Rangers were happy with the situation but Martin suggested that the Community Council fixed a date with Steven for a site visit in the next month.

10. The clerk stated that he had received letters from the Boundary Commission for Wales regarding the Electoral Arrangements for the County of Carmarthenshire and the proposals to combine the Communities of Cenarth, Llangeler and Newcastle Emlyn. The Cenarth Community Council had sent a letter of objection which had been received by the Commissioners. Also a similar letter had been sent to Carmarthenshire County Council Chief Executive Mr Mark James. He also noted the Cenarth Community Councils objection to the amalgamation.

11. The clerk read a letter from Mr John Thomas, Frondeg, Newcastle Emlyn - treasurer of the Ysgol Gerdd Ceredigion showing the financial balances of the choir. After a discussion members decided to donate a sum of £150 towards the running costs of the choir.

Correspondence:-

1. A letter of thanks was received from Mrs Alice Barratt  - secretary of the Carmarthenshire Committee of MacMillian Nurses thanking the Community Council for their donation of £150 towards the Merched y Wawr Capel Iwan Afternoon Tea. A total sum in excess of £1000 was raised on the day. The Councils continued loyal support has not gone unnoticed and the committee appreciate this. Diolch yn Fawr i bawb.

2. A letter received from Mr Steffan Evans, Hawddamor, Adpar, Newcastle Emlyn aged 17 years. Steffan has a great interest in Touch Rugby and has played for Wales in International Tournaments. In 2018 he played for the men’s European team which was filmed by the BBC Nottingham. Steffan has now been chosen to play in the men’s team in  the World Championship in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia this coming April. Steffan writes “As there are no funds available for the trip I have to raise my own money to pay for the event. I am asking the Community Council kindly whether they would be willing to support me financially”. Members discussed the application and felt that the locality should support this local boy in his achievements. It was agreed to send Steffan a cheque for £150 and wish him every success in his tournament.

3. A letter was received from Mr Jean Harries Secretary of the Capel Iwan branch of the Merched y Wawr. Discussions had taken place as to how they would celebrate 50 years as a branch. Several suggestions had taken place and members stated that Winjen - Blaenbowi Wind Farm had Sponsored Bangor Teifi Merched y Wawr to arrange a community coach to an historical location. It was proposed that the branch would ask the council whether they would be prepared to provide a coach outing to St. Fagans Historical Museum, Cardiff and using some of Winjen’s Community Grant payment. After discussion members agreed to donate money towards the coach hire.

4. A letter received from Carmarthenshire County Council Director of Corporate Services, County Hall asking for the Community Precept Requirement for 2019/2020. The clerk had prepared an estimated Precept Requirement for 2019/2020. After discussion members agreed to keep the same amount as last year - that is a sum of £9000. The Chairman Anthony John and the Clerk Ken Davies signed the Precept Request upon the Billing Authority.

5. Guto Jones presented a letter from Jennings Building and Civil Engineering Ltd, Colwyn Bay which included a cheque to cover the Community Grant from Windjen Blaenbowi Wind Farm.

Planning Applications:-

1.  W/38026 - Full planning single storey extension to provide bedroom and wetroom - Llys Prydderch, Capel Iwan. Applicant Mr David Davies. No Objection.

2. W/38069 - outline planning - proposed erection of a single affordable local needs dwelling adjacent to Addewid Haf, Tanglwst for Ifan Davies and Miss Nia Currado, Meribah Farm - No Objections.

Any Other Business:-

1. Members agreed that the Council should send a letter to Mr Jamie Neplan, Dragon Storage Depot, Capel Iwan Road expressing the Councils appreciation of the way he had decorated the large Christmas tree in front of the Depot. Everyone passing the site agreed that Jamie should be congratulated on his effort. Thank you for setting the Christmas Spirit.

The meeting ended at 9:15. The next meeting will be on Thursday 7th February   2019 at Y Ganolfan, Capel Iwan at 7:00 p.m.