Seven members were present at last month's meetng of Manorbier Community Council, when among matters considered and discussed were the following:

Correspondence

The clerk brought forward a number of items of correspondence including a letter from Pembrokeshire County Council regarding improvements to waste and recycling services, enclosing posters to display to supplement the other information drops being carried out about refuse collection day changes;

PLANNING

One-and-a-half storey two-bed house with parking and access, The Court Garden, Lydstep. Councillors briefly discussed the possible issues with access, but felt that as the highways department would also be consulted, it wasn't necessary to make any further comment. It was agreed that the application be recommended for approval subject to there being no access concerns from the highways department.

Conversion of existing redundant barn into a holiday let, Beavers Hill Farm, The Ridgeway, Manorbier (approval recommended).

Conversion of a retail unit (pottery/arts and crafts) into a two-bed holiday accommodation unit and extension to the side of the existing pottery structure, Ashleigh House, Manorbier (approval recommended).

Erection of a timber shed and wood store, 2 Kelpie, Norton Cottages, Manorbier. After some discussion of the application, and the nature of the building proposed, it was agreed that it be recommended for approval, subject to adequate screening of the structure being made.

OTHER MATTERS

Provision of Christmas trees for the Manorbier Community Council ward. Clr. Hughes stated that he had been approached by residents of Manorbier Newton expressing their wish to have a Christmas tree in the village.

As in previous years, the community council would provide a tree for Jameston and Manorbier, and after some discussion on location and lighting of the tree, it was agreed that a tree would also be made available for Manorbier Newton.

Clr. Hughes indicated that this may mean the total expenditure on Christmas trees would be greater than budgeted on this occasion.

Clr. Kidney proposed that the clerk order three Christmas trees from Four Seasons in Tenby - one at 15-20ft for Manorbier, and two at 8-10ft for Manorbier Newton and Jameston - to be delivered and sited in the first week of December. All were in favour.

Tenders for works to be completed at The Bier House, Manorbier, and consider the provision of protection for interior signs at The Bier House, Manorbier: The clerk stated she had received six requests for tender packs, but only had two returned. The majority of requests had been received following the advertisement placed in the Tenby Observer.

Clr.Hughes opened the first of the tenders, and immediately declared a prejudicial interest when he identified the sender. He asked councillors to allow him to open the second tender which he then read out as being received from a Mr. G. Hewitt, who quoted £860 to do the works as set out in the specification.

Clr. Hughes then asked Clr. Williams to take the chair, and left the meeting. Clr. Williams read out the second tender from Mr. R. Hughes, who had quoted £1,450.

Councillors discussed the quotes and nature of work required. It was proposed by Clr. Long that the quote of £860 from Mr. Hewitt be accepted and this was agreed.

Clr. Hughes then returned to the meeting, and took the chair once again.

Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations: It was brought to the council's attention that residents of Manorbier Newton had already begun discussions on the the possibility of siting a beacon in the area as part of the nationwide project to light 2,012 beacons on June 4, 2012. After some discussion on the matter and the possible costs in relation to the celebration, it was felt that guidance should be sought from the residents of Manorbier Newton as to what they were planning, and the matter discussed again further once this was known. It was agreed that the clerk should write to Mrs. H. Brickell of Manorbier Newton, requesting information as to their plans for the Diamond Jubilee.