January 2015 Meeting

The January Meeting of the Council was held on Thursday 8^th January 2015 at 7:00 p.m. at “Y Ganolfan”, Capel Iwan.

Members Present:

Guto Jones (Chairman), William Davies, Don Griffiths, Nigel Williams, Richard James, Hywel Bowen, Meurig Thomas, Anthony John, County Counc.  Hazel Evans and Police Sgt Gideon Eastlake. Apologies were received from Samuel Jones and Jeff Lewis, due to illness.

The chairman Guto Jones welcomed everyone to the meeting especially Police Sergeant Gideon Eastlake who had recently been posted to Newcastle Emlyn Police Station. He gave us a brief personal history –he had been in the Police Force for the last 14 years and had spent time at Llanelli, Carmarthen and St. Clears. He wished to establish a good working relationship with the local people. He requested that anyone who had problems to contact the staff at Newcastle Emlyn. The police would be attending the council’s monthly meetings to discuss local problems. There were no issues raised so Guto thanked Police Sgt Gideon Eastlake for his visit and hoped that he would settle down in the Newcastle Emlyn area.

The Clerk was then asked to read the minutes of the December meeting and they were proposed as being correct by Nigel Williams and Meurig Thomas.

Matters Arising

1. Members reported that no action had been taken by the CC Carms Highways Dept regarding the grating below Blaengwyddon Fawr, the water collecting opposite Bryngolau Farm nor the collapsed gutter by the Blaenbowi Wind Farm entrance. Counc. Hazel Evans stated that she would attempt to arrange a site meeting with the Area Surveyor and also discuss the surface water running down towards Blaendyffryn Fawr Farm from Bwlchcaebrith Square.
2. Don Griffiths stated that the Highways gang had been working on the gutter carrying the spring water through Pentref Isaf. A new 8” sewer pipe had been laid and tarmac was to be laid on Friday morning. An excellent job of work stated Don. They had also constructed a new manhole to collect the spring water and lead it into the new sewer.
3. Members stated that the road sweeper had been seen on two days in the locality but no leaves and rubbish had been removed. William also stated that the road from Glenview, Capel Iwan up to Black Oak Farm was in a terrible state and needed sweeping and ditch clearances. The clerk and Counc. Hazel Evans to chase the Highways Dept again.
4. Guto Jones stated that Alan Jones, Tower Hill had told him that the Highways Maintenance gang had been working on the road from Tower Hill down to Pontseli. He stated that the quality of the work was very poor.
5. The clerk stated that the asbestos that had been dumped near the Penbuarth lay-by had been cleared.
6. Meurig Thomas stated that water was still collecting on the road outside Ty Cerrig. Also the road surface was bad from Bryngolau down to Pantygarn bend – deep potholes and verges needed clearing and gratings cleared. The clerk to contact the Highways Dept again.
7. Hazel stated that she had made a request for a rain shield to be placed on the bus stop at the Three Horseshoes Inn, Cenarth – no response so far.
8. Nigel stated that he had all the materials to repair the seat at Cenarth Argoed Meadow. We would wait for better weather.
9. Hazel was now checking with Carms CC as to who had erected the fishing platform for the disabled at St. Llawddog picnic area.

Correspondence

1. The clerk read a letter from the Post Office stating that there was a proposal to move the office to GS news, 6 Sycamore Street, Newcastle Emlyn. The present post office staff were retiring. There would be a 6 week public consultation period for comments from 2^nd Dec 2014 to 23^rd Jan 2015. It was hoped to open the new office in March/April with all the services being available. Hours would also change and be from 06:00 – 19:30 Monday to Saturday and 06:00 to 17:00 Sunday. Comments to Freepost, Post Office, 148 Old Street, London EC14 9HQ.
2. The Planning Dept requested the two names of the members attending the Planning Seminar at Carmarthen. After discussion it was agreed that the Chairman Guto Jones and Don Griffiths should attend.
3. A letter was received from Carms CC  - Financial Services Dept. requesting the Community Councils precept requirement for year 2015-2016 – amount to be submitted before 1^st March 2015. The clerk read a statement of accounts for year ending 31^st March 2014 and also a prepared estimate for the year 2015-2016. After a long discussion by the members, it was proposed by Richard James and Don Griffiths that the precept should remain the same as last year at a level of £8,500. The application form was duly signed by the chairman Guto Jones and Clerk Ken Davies.
4. A letter was received from Police Crime Commissioner – Mr Christopher Salmon regarding the financing of CCTV Systems throughout Dyfed Powys. The Police would no longer monitor CCTV information and would withhold a sum of £40,000 in Carmarthenshire. Also local authorities would be responsible of financing CCTV systems locally. The public could submit their comments to the Commissioner at Box 99, Llangunnor, Carmarthen SA31 2PF.
5. The Carmarthenshire Local Dev Plan had been adopted by Council on the 10^th Dec 2014. Further information on the LDP is available through the Council’s website or Forward Planning Section at the Council’s Planning Dept, 8 Spilman Street, Carmarthen SA31 1JY.

Planning

1. W/30630 – Variation of Condition 1 on Planning Permission – To extend the Planning permission by two years for out buildings at Gelli Gatti Farm, Newcastle Emlyn for Mr & Mrs R&P Evans.
2. W/30046 – Erection of two Endurance E3120 50kw wind turbines at land at Penbuarth, Newcastle Emlyn for Mr Ceirios Davies has been withdrawn.
3. W/31363 – Replacement of existing Radome and staircase access at Met Office weather Radar, Crug y Gorllwyn, Tanglwst, Capel Iwan - the council had no objections.

Any Other Business

1. Don Griffiths stated that a tree had fallen across the footpath from Pentref Isaf to the Pleasant View Junction. He had attempted to contact the Path Rangers but no reply. Counc Hazel Evans stated that she would send an e-mail. Don stated it was growing on the Pleasant Field boundary hedge. Richard stated that he would visit the site and cut some of the smaller branches to clear the path.
2. Hazel stated she was attempting to get improvements carried out to the road from Tanglwst to Gilfachmerson to Plasyrhafod.
3. Richard James stated that the Give Way lines at the bottom of Plygyrhiw hill had not been painted after road re-surfacing work.
4. A letter was received from the Committee of Cenarth Annual Eisteddfod (Sat 31^st Jan 2015) asking whether the Community Council would be willing to support the event financially. Members agreed to donate a sum of £150 towards the running costs.
5. Guto Jones stated that his sister had been visited by two men attempting to sell new bed mattresses. It turned out the mattresses were old ones which had been stripped and recovered. He wanted to warn the local people of the scam.
6. Members stated that the First Response Unit at Newcastle Emlyn had reached their target money wise to order a new 4x4 vehicle for their service. The staff stated that they were now collecting funds to buy equipment for the new vehicle. Members felt that the service provided in the rural areas was very important in providing a fast response before the ambulance service could arrive. It was agreed that a sum of £150 would be donated to the Newcastle Emlyn Unit.

The meeting ended at 9:15 p.m. The next meeting will be on Thursday, 5^th February 2015 at 7:00 p.m. at “Y Ganolfan”, Capel Iwan.