Among matters discussed at a recent meeting of Pembroke Dock Town Council, held at the Pater Hall, Pembroke Dock, were the following:

Mrs. Pat Folland made her declaration of office to council members to become a councillor on Pembroke Dock Town Council. The Mayor, Clr. A. McNaughton, welcomed Mrs. Folland back onto the council.

MATTERS

ARISING

Lantern parade: It was commented what an excellent night the lantern parade was, with approximately 150 lanterns made. Clr. A. McNaughton commented that he was stunned to see how many people had lined the streets to see Father Christmas. Members stated that the fireworks were spectacular; Clr. P. E. George thanked everyone who was involved in making the evening so successful.

REPORT OF THE

TOWN CLERK

Budget-requests for financial assistance: The town clerk showed members the budget which had been proposed by the finance group. She commented that the budget included the grant to the Pater Hall Trust of £5,000 as decided at a special meeting of the town council. The clerk stated that money had been taken from legal fees, office equipment and Christmas lighting to make the £5,000 which was to be allocated to the Pater Hall Trust. Also received were the grant requests from the Pater Hall Community Trust, the Pembroke Dock Festival group and the Friends of the Memorial Park in accordance with recent decisions made by this council. It was proposed by Clr. D. Earl, seconded by Clr. C. Gwyther and resolved that the budget for 2012/2013 is accepted.

Three Amigos 10th year: The clerk stated that she had received a letter from the Three Amigos. The group had for 10 years organised a 'toy run', with the motorcyclists of Pembrokeshire delivering toys and cash donations to Withybush children's ward and disabled children in the care of the local NCH children's centre. The clerk commented that they had delivered over six tonnes of toys and donated more than £5,000 making a lot of children very happy at Christmas. The clerk stated that the group were asking for support from the council in their 10th year anniversary run. It was proposed by Clr. M. Colgan, seconded by Clr. P. Folland and resolved that the group should be granted £200.

Closure of the Minor Injuries Unit in South Pembs. Hospital and Tenby Cottage Hospital: The clerk stated that as members were aware, it was announced that at both hospitals, the minor injuries units were to close. The explanation being that the staff was needed at the Accident and Emergency unit at Withybush Hospital to maintain 24 hour opening hours. It was not clear whether these closures were permanent, although it was suggested that this was meant to be a temporary move. Clr. M. Colgan commented that she had spoken with staff at South Pembs. Hospital and stated that some of the staff were upset about the move. She commented that staff were called in from annual leave to attend a meeting regarding the closure of the unit. Clr. Colgan questioned if it would put more of a strain on the ambulance service, but was informed that all calls would go through a triage service to stop this. It was questioned if Argyle surgery were going to help; the clerk stated that the Health Board was going to negotiate with surgeries to see if they could provide any services. After discussion, it was proposed by Clr. M. Murton, second by Clr. C. Fortune and resolved that the council should write to the MP, AM, Community Health Council and Hywel Dda to highlight concerns and ask for answers to the above questions.

planning Decisions

Erection of bungalows (revised layout to consent 09/1030/PA) - land adjacent to Munro Court, Pembroke Dock (granted); erection of one dwelling (amended design to Plot 1, amended from design approved under 10/0816/PA) - garage site St. Mary's Road, Pembroke Dock (granted); erection of sign - Symbiosis Dental, 55 London Road, Pembroke Dock (granted); change of use of ground floor shop to residential flat - 6 Laws Street, Pembroke Dock (granted); erection of three dwellings - land adjacent to 8 Ferry Terrace, Pembroke Dock (granted); erection of conservatory- 1 Kings Gardens, Pennar, (granted); change of use from A1 retail hair and beauty training facility - 46 Dimond Street, Pembroke Dock (granted).

The clerk informed members that Llanion Lodge had appealed against planning refusals from the county council. She stated that the appeal decision had been received and that the appeal was not upheld so the planning decisions of Pembrokeshire County Council stood.

REPORTS FROM TOWN COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES SERVING ON OUTSIDE BODIES

Police forum: Clr. M. Murton stated that she had attended a police forum meeting. She commented that actions from the previous month were reported, with one person being fined for parking in chicanes. She stated that they would be targeting drivers who were parking on junctions and at the end of a street.

Lantern parade: Clr. D. Earl commented that the festival group wanted to give thanks to the town council for their support and also they wanted to thank the people of the town for making it such a successful night.

Pater Hall Trust: Clr. P. Gwyther informed members that the Pater Hall Trust had received a grant from Communities First for furniture. He stated that the Trust would be replacing the seating in the Sunderland Room, with good quality seating and replacing the trestle tables. He stated that the grant was for just under £5,000 and they were due to get the furniture in January.

COMMUNITY ISSUES

Clr. P. Folland questioned if the town council would consider contacting the county council to ask if the bus stop on High Street could be replaced with something which provided more cover, as the area was very windy and the shelter did not provide any shelter when it was raining. Clr. P. Gwyther stated that all new bus shelters only had a back and roof; they didn't have any sides, which the council would have to pay for if the current shelter was to be replaced. It was suggested that the town council looked at costings for bus shelters which provided more shelter.

Clr. P. Kraus questioned if the CCTV cameras were working and being used to their full potential as he had recently noticed that the flower pot in Dimond Street next to Barclays bank had been vandalised.