At a meeting of Pembroke Dock Town Council, held at the Pater Hall, Pembroke Dock, recently, a presentation was given by Mr. David Perry from Pembrokeshire Business Hub.

Mr. Perry introduced himself to council members stating that he worked for the county council in the regeneration centre. He commented that the role of his department was to take any enquiries from local businesses regarding any matter they may have, and help them to gain the relevant information they may need.

Mr. Perry stated that Pembrokeshire Business Hub worked very closely with PBI delivering advice on business start up, and also offering existing businesses advice regarding HMRC issues.

Members questioned if there where grants available for starting up a business. Mr. Perry commented that there were currently no grants available, but there is free support available.

Mr. Perry stated that the advice given was a free service and if anyone was interested, they should contact Pembrokeshire Business Hub at the Technium Centre or telephone 01646 682184.

MATTERS ARISING

Planning issues: The town clerk stated that she had contacted the planning department of the county council regarding an officer attending a council meeting to answer questions and was told that the planning department could not do this as they could not provide the same service to all neighbouring local councils.

Cemetery grass cutting: Clr. P. E. George questioned if there had been any developments with the grass cutting in the cemetery. The town clerk stated that she was waiting to hear from the county council.

TOWN CLERK's report

Llanion Lodge: The town clerk stated that the recent planning applications that had been made by the owner of this establishment had been refused by the county council, but the business had carried on.

The town clerk informed members that the owner of the business had lodged an appeal against the decision to refuse a change of use of the bed and breakfast guest house dining room to an all-day diner with the planning Inspectorate.

The town council had already made comments with regard to the original planning application, but further comments could be made. The planning committee recommended the lack of parking in an already congested area should be reinforced to the planning inspectorate.

Fingerpost signs: The town clerk stated that the town council owned five fingerposts signs that were installed around the town. She commented that she had been approached by a business in St. Govan's Centre who asked whether a sign to St. Govans Centre could be included on these posts. Members felt signage for St. Govans should be provided by the landlord, and suggested the town clerk approached the landlord to inform him of the situation.

Purple Routes Play Project official launch: The town clerk informed members that Purple Routes was a joint Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire Big Lottery Fund awarded play project run by the Carmarthenshire Association for Voluntary Service (CAVS). The aim of the Purple Routes was to facilitate free of charge open plan access play sessions, where children and young people took an active role in their own freely chosen play. She stated that in Pembrokeshire, six areas had been chosen which included Pennar.

Jahda Davies, request for financial assistance: The town clerk informed members that she had received a letter from Jahda asking if the town council could help her. The town clerk stated that Jahda was a Scout at 1st Pembroke Haven Scout Group in Pennar. The group were going to France on August 19 for a scouting venture which gives the young people the opportunity to mix with groups in different countries and gain badges in different elements to help educate them within the scouting movement. It was proposed by Clr. M. Colgan, seconded by Clr. P. E. George and resolved that the town council donated £50 to the 1st Pembroke Haven Scout Group, towards the costs of the trip for Jahda Davies. A vote was taken with six members for, two against and one abstention.

Neighbourhoods in Action: The town clerk stated that she had received an email from PCSO Andrew Griffiths. For the week beginning May 23, Dyfed –Powys Police were involved in the Neighbourhoods in Action project which involved getting different groups or individuals to carry out work that is of benefit to the community. The town clerk informed members that this year, two projects were chosen, one of which was in the grounds of the Anchorage, Pembroke Dock. The Anchorage was chosen due to an on-going anti-social behaviour problem in the area. The police discovered who the culprits were and by means of restorative justice system they volunteered to help create a sensory garden for the people who use the centre to enjoy. Other volunteers included Communities First and the Pembroke Dock NPT, also Mari Williams, of Keep Wales Tidy, and Pete Gazzard, ASB officer, also Melanie Phillips from Mencap.

The town clerk commented that all shrubs and flowers were provided by Nicholas Nurseries in Cosheston. PCSO Andrew Griffiths stated in his email that they were hoping to provide some quality visual stimulation in the sensory garden by erecting a stainless steel staked spinner, and some sort of chimes. An estimate of the cost of these is £120. It was proposed by Clr. C. Gwyther, seconded by Clr. P. E. George and resolved that the town council donated £120 towards items for the sensory garden and requested Pembroke Dock Town Council's name to be on the item purchased.

Meeting with Mr. Chris Martin, chair of the Hywel Dda Health Authority: The Town Clerk informed members that a meeting was held between Clrs. Christine Gwyther, Andrew McNaughton and herself and Mr. Chris Martin and Mr. Chris Wright, of Hywel Dda. Clr. C. Gwyther commented that issues which were raised included Argyle Surgery, South Pembs. Minor Injuries Unit, dentists and orthodontists. Clr. Gwyther stated that Mr. Chris Martin would speak with Argyle Surgery regarding the change of telephone number and possible changes in the appointment system. It was commented that Mr. Chris Martin would also look at getting the 24 hours at South Pembs. Minor Injuries Unit reinstated. Clr. C. Gwyther informed members that Mr. Chris Martin explained the difficulties in attracting dentists to the area due to the negative comments about Withybush staying open.

Clr. Gwyther commented that the five year plan was discussed and that Mr. Chris Martin had spoken with other town councils. Clr. C. Gwyther commented that meaningful consultations were needed before the relocation of some services, and that the best way to meet everyone's needs was for a public meeting to be held which Hywel Dda did not want.

Resignation, Pennar Ward: The town clerk informed members that she had received a letter from Clr. Cook giving her resignation. Members agreed for the town clerk to inform the county council. It was agreed for a letter of thanks to be sent to Clr. Cook.

Telephone Line - Wi-Fi service in the Pater Hall: The town clerk stated that over 12 months ago, council agreed to pay for the telephone line that makes available a Wi-Fi service within the Pater Hall for users of the Hall. It was proposed by Clr. D. Earl, seconded by Clr. P. E. George and resolved that the town council agree to pay for the Wi-Fi service at the Pater Hall for a further 12 months.

Pennar Village Green, public inquiry: The town clerk informed members that the public inquiry had closed and that the inspector's recommendations and report to the registration authority was awaited. She commented that the barrister that was instructed, Mr. Gwion Lewis, conducted the case incredibly well and the residents that gave evidence on behalf of the applicant were very open and honest and the help that gave to the case was invaluable. The town clerk stated that the inspector, Mr. Robert Gardener, made it clear that he would make his report to the county council, but also made it clear that he would not say when.

Santes Ffair Afterschool and Holiday Club: The town clerk stated that she had received a request from this holiday club which was based at St. Mary's school, for financial assistance to help fund a new project. They were starting a 'Hands on History' project with the children who attend the club. The funding would help towards trips to local historical sites, such as Pembroke Castle and admission fees, for craft materials and dressing up outfits. They were a not-for-profit organisation that was run independently from the main school. Members agreed that more information on accounts and the group was needed before a decision could be made.

Pembroke and Pembroke Dock Observer: The town clerk informed members that she had received information from the Tenby Observer explaining that they were starting a version for Pembroke and Pembroke Dock. She commented that they were asking whether the town council could provide news stories, club reports or any events that were planned. They would also like to print photographs of town councillors. The Town Clerk stated that they had asked whether they can print our agendas for the meetings. She suggested that the clerk's report, including planning applications received be also published so that the community could see what was to be discussed. Members agreed that this information could be published in the Pembroke and Pembroke Dock Observer.

REPORTS FROM TOWN COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES SERVING ON OUTSIDE BODIES

PDEAT: Clr. M. Murton informed members that the last meeting of PDEAT members was poorly attended. She commented that there were a few issues which were progressed through Clr. Ken Rowlands. Clr. Murton stated that the few members who attended felt if the attendance levels did not rise then there was no point in the group continuing. As the group was a committee of the town council, members felt that there would be no benefit for the group to continue and members agreed the group should not meet again.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Law Street Corner: Clr. J. Phillips questioned if there had been any news on the Law Street/Dimond Street corner. The town clerk stated that she had approached the enforcement officer, but had not received a reply yet.

The Swan: Clr. M. Murton commented that she had been approached by a resident regarding the Swan in Pembroke Dock. She stated that they had been delivering Sunday lunches to elderly residents in Pembroke Dock, and if they could not contact any of the elderly residents, they went to check if the resident was ok. Clr. Murton commented that a letter should be sent to thank the owners of the Swan for their good neighbourliness.

Law Street zebra crossing: Clr. D. Earl commented that the new lights on the zebra crossing were more visible and looked better.

Bush Street and Essex Road chicanes; Clr. K. Higgs commented that the road sweeper did not sweep around the chicanes. He stated that the areas around the chicanes were in a mess and should be swept regularly. He asked that the county council be contacted to highlight this.

Bergen: Clr. A. McNaughton informed members that he had received a letter from Bergen meister in Bergen expressing their deepest sympathy for the incident at Chevron. Clr. McNaughton commented that he passed the letter to families involved in the incident who expressed their thanks for the letter. He stated that he would be sending a reply of thanks back.

Sunderland Trust event: Clr. A. McNaughton informed members that he attended an event with the Sunderland Trust, the flying boat reunion. He commented that a plaque had been presented to himself from Mr. John Evans, of the Sunderland Trust, to celebrate the reunion.