AT its April meeting, Cosheston Community Council discussed proposals to enhance the village, including a conservation area initiative and a flower festival.

A member of the public, Mr Pickett, asked the Community Council to consider enhancing the conservation area in the village, suggesting owners in the area be given a palette of colours to choose from when painting properties, and the introduction of a flower festival. Councillors agreed: the Clerk will contact the County Council’s Conservation Officer for advice.

Cosheston History Group has been successful in securing an Enhancing Pembrokeshire grant from PCC of £6,594.76 for a project which includes: a central village information sign, a picnic bench with the footpath and historical places map printed on it, a small sign for the funeral tenement and a series of small plaques the size of a mobile phone in locations similar to the history trail leaflet. These have a QR code printed on them linked to historical information in English and Welsh on the historypoints.org website. In addition, the group has funding for two linked village events at the village hall and anticipates holding the first in the autumn this year.

Planning applications before the council included 25/0924/PA Carpenter’s Arms, Cosheston, SA72 4UH: Removal of chimney stacks and construction of front porch and retaining garden wall. As well as the applicant’s representative sharing information at the meeting, letters from two residents have been shared with councillors (and submitted to Planning by the authors). Cllr James explained that the Community council is a statutory body asked to make observations or comments on planning applications but has no jurisdiction in the decision making. After discussion, councillors have no objection to this application.

Regarding 23/071/PA Solar Farm, West Farm, Cosheston, County Cllr Hodgson has been advised the relevant plans have been submitted to resurface the road past the school and the site agent is confident it will be completed before they vacate the site.

The Village Hall Trust has requested permission to paint some of the kerbs in the car park with luminous paint to prevent tripping hazards. Councillors are happy for this to be undertaken providing it is maintained. Councillors also agreed to consider the Trust’s request for financial support towards the Village Hall centenary celebrations, and the Clerk will ask for a list of items with costs that they can choose from. The Trust is applying for a grant for heating and battery storage which would make use of the solar panels on the hall roof. After councillors spent a considerable amount of time researching and corresponding, a contract was produced to the satisfaction of both parties. The concerns raised by Mr Mills were shared with all councillors prior to the meeting.

It was also noted at the meeting that Mr Evans has completed the repair work at the Pavilion, that Mr Mason has undertaken the first cut of grass, and that parents and children have started using the sports field for organised activities on Sunday mornings.