A Public Participation session took place before last month’s meeting of Manorbier Community Council, when amongst the issues raised were:

• Rail issues - the Manorbier rail tunnel would be closed for maintenance work.

• Several potholes had appeared after the recent heavy rain falls.

• An open manhole situate on way to Skrinkle.

Clr. Hughes then introduced Melanie Priestley as the new clerk and responsible finance officer of Manorbier Community Council.

The council thanked her predecessor Mr. Ian Morris for his seven-and-ahalf years service to Manorbier Community Council and presented him with a token of their appreciation, wishing him all the best for his future.

Correspondence

• Letter received requesting consideration be given to the street lights being turned off betweeen the hours of 12 am and 6 am. The council considered that most street lights in Manorbier are currently switched off between the suggested hours.

• Notice received from Pembrokeshire County Council advising that Public Engagements will be held to discuss the 2020/2021 budget. Up to date times and dates were available on the county council website.

• Notice received from Pembrokeshire County Council Highways - Grant Scheme offering the opportunity of applying for grant funding to assist with road schemes. This item would be added to the February agenda to consider any possible schemes.

• Email received from PAVS - requesting any persons who may wish to become a voluntary drivet to contact PAVS direct (information available via the clerk)

planning

applications

a) Proposed radio base station installation on land at Springfields Farm, Manorbier. Following a discussion on the lack of information forthcoming, Clr. Miall proposed that the council withhold making a decision until further information is received from the telecommunication company regarding the proposed coverage. All were in full agreement and the clerk was to request further information.

b) Demolition of a dilapidated timber-framed chalet and replacement with a blockwork chalet (part-retrospective) at Castle Inn, Manorbier. Following discussion regarding this application and the building works already commenced, Clr.Kidney proposed that the council object to this. Clr. Miall seconded the proposal with a majority vote in favour of such. Four councillors voted in favour, with one abstention.

c) Partial demolition of existing outbuilding and creation of single storey side extension to provide ground floor disabled accommodation and alterations to house at 34 Gray Avenue, Manorbier. Following discussion, Clr. Kidney proposed that the council support this planning application. Clr. Miall seconded the proposal with all in full agreement.

d) Erection of 4 bedroom dwelling at Plot 4, Green Grove, Jameston. Clr. Hughes left the room. Following discussion and consideration of the plans as presented to the council, Clr Kidney proposed that they support the application. Clr. Miall seconded the proposal with all in full agreement.

Action

Tracking

a) Car parking at Manorbier Station - update (if any) on plans for car park. No further information.

b) Beavers Hill Crossing: safety improvements and possible installation of road safety ramps/signs. No further information.

c) Improvements to footpath in Manorbier (Vicarage Fields to Post Office) - update (if any). No further information.

d) Installation of footpath - Windy Ridge to Hounsell Avenue, Manorbier - update on Enhancing Pembrokeshire Grant. No further information.

e) Jameston Play Area; equipment inspections and vegetation updates. A reply had been received, from the owner of the adjacent land to the play park, regarding the removal of trees in the hedge bank that posed a possible hazard in high winds. The clerk was to make enquiries as to what permission was required to fell the trees. This item had been diarised for February. The cost of the removal of these trees was confirmed at £250

Annual Precept

Prior to the budget being discussed, the council discussed the new clerk’s salary. This was approved at the National Association of Local Councils Pay Scale of 19. The clerk’s contract will be signed at the February meeting.

The council considered the 2020/2021 budget. Clr. Long proposed the Manorbier Community Council set the 2020/2021 precept at £19,752.52. Clr. Hall seconded the proposal, with all in full agreement.

This figure is £1,072.48 less than the 2019/2020 precept.

OTHER?MATTERS

To consider and approve the purchase of a vehicle actuated speed sign for Manorbier Community Council’s area: Discussion took place regarding the price received appertaining to the cost of a vehicle actuated speed sign and whether the cost included the erection thereof. Clr. Hughes proposed that following confirmation that the prices included erection and that Pembrokeshire County Council support the fixing thereto street lights, Manorbier Community Council purchase two signs at a cost of £2,664 plus VAT per light; Clr. Kidney seconded the proposal with all in full approval. (Payment to come from reserve funds).