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

Marine Conservation Zone: The town clerk informed members that there was currently a consultation open by the Welsh Government that ended on July 31. There were proposals that certain coastal areas could be designated a marine conservation zone. This had serious implications for the communities affected. The clerk commented that she had not read through the document, but felt that it was something the council should comment on the document she suggested that it was referred to the consultation committee for comment, but stated if anyone else could read over the document and pass their comments to the office she would be most grateful.

Vacancy in Market Ward: The clerk stated that as a result of the election, there was still a vacancy on the council. She informed members that this was to be treated as a co-option. She questioned whether members wished to advertise this vacancy not only in the town, but maybe in the local press. It was agreed by members that it should be put into the local press.

Tenby Town Council, state of our railway stations: The clerk stated that she had received a letter from Tenby Town Council expressing their concern about the state of the Tenby Railway Station. She informed members that they intended to write to the Welsh Government asking that action be taken against the relevant railway companies to focus more attention on the visual appearance of the stations. Tenby were suggesting that if the railway station in Pembroke Dock needed to be improved whether the town council would care to join in their endeavours to improve the state of the railway station and theirs. It was commented that maybe writing to the two organisations who looked after the railways and stations maybe the best way to highlight the issues before contacting the Welsh Assembly Government. Members agreed that Pembroke Dock Train Station did need some attention as it dis look a mess.

It was proposed by Clr. M. Murton, seconded by Clr. P. Gwyther and resolved that the organisation, Network Rail, be contacted to request an improvement in the appearance of the local stations.

Financial

requests

Ross John: The clerk stated that she had received a letter from Debbie George asking for some financial support to help her son. Ross is a freestyle disco dancer who trains with the West Wales Dance Academy of Dance and competes at competitions throughout the UK and Norway. Over the last 12 months, he had gone from what is known as intermediate level into championship level which was the highest level in the Freestyle World. Although WWA of Dance did what they could with scholarships and free training, Ms. George still has to get Ross to the events which was expensive. Ms. George was asking for some financial contribution to help with the travel costs and costumes. Ms. George lived in Pembroke, but worked in Pembroke Dock. Ross trains in the Pater Hall. Members stated that due to the strict policies in place, they were unable to grant financial assistance.

Sea Cadets, trip to training ship Royalist: The clerk stated that she had received a letter from the commanding Officer of T.S.Warrior Lt (SCC) M. Styles RNR asking whether the council would consider helping with the funding of this trip for some of the less well-off members of the Sea Cadets. This trip would enable the young people to learn skills and gain a qualification that they would be unable to have anywhere else. The cost to each cadet would be £260. Any financial contributions made would be split equally between three cadets that were not able to afford this trip without some help. The cadets would be more than happy to feedback to council the outcome of their trip should they be successful in seeking the funds. It was proposed by Clr. M. Colgan, seconded by Clr. A. McNaughton and resolved that £260 be awarded to the Sea Scouts for the cadets most in need for the upcoming training opportunities.

Joint Twinning and Tourism Committee: The clerk stated that the committee had met and she informed members that one of the agenda items considered the balance of nearly £12,000 that was held in that bank account. Pembroke councillors proposed that £6,000 of that amount be kept in the JT&T account, with the remainder being split between the two councils. The clerk informed members that £2,882.50 would belong to Pembroke Dock Town Council. The three requests for financial assistance that had been referred from the council were not considered to be relevant to the JT&T committee so were not agreed to. The clerk was asked to look at the council budget and determine to what budget head the £2,882.50 should be allocated. Financial requests rejected by the JT&T committee:

a) Vagrants Crew: Vagrants Crew in the Community was a non-profit making organisation. They were hoping to travel to a festival in Holland to take the name and location of Pembroke Dock with them. This group did as much charitable work as possible and play to many groups to entertain and raise money for local causes. The total amount being sought is £2,508, but was applying to other organisations to help them. It was proposed by Clr. P. Gwyther, seconded by Clr. M. Colgan and resolved that £400 be awarded to the Vagrants Crew towards the upcoming festival in Holland.

b. Everyman For Malta -fundraising trip: The clerk received a letter from Mr. James Booth. He and some colleagues were driving a Reliant Robin from the RAF base in Brize Norton through France, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Italy and Sicily to Malta and back. Mr. Booth had been to Pembroke School, Pembroke Scout groups as well as the Harlequins Rugby Club so was aware that Pembroke Dock was twinned with Pembroke, Malta. During their trip, they would be visiting Pembroke, Malta, so were asking whether the town council would be prepared to sponsor the venture a little. In the past, a similar event raised over £10,000 towards the Everyman charity whose mission is to save men's lives by raising funds to support research into male cancers. Members stated that due to the strict policies in place, they were unable to grant financial assistance.

c. Sunderland Trust: This application was for the sum of £2,500 to support the post of archive manager/curator in the organisation. After discussion, it was proposed by Clr. M. Colgan, seconded by Clr. T. Wilcox and resolved that £200 be awarded to the Sunderland Trust.

New Traffic Order: The clerk stated that she had received a letter from Mr. John Price, of the county council, outlining some new traffic orders relating to some changes in parking in various streets in the town. They included: residents parking - changes in Upper Meyrick street to be reduced from 34 to 18 spaces to reflect the demand for permits. The existing scheme in Pembroke Street was to be reduced from 18 to 12 resident spaces; disabled space - a space was to be provided on the east side of Argyle Street outside the council offices to operate for 30 minutes between 8 am and 6 pm; removal of no waiting at any time restriction - 1. the current 14-metre long restriction the east side of Upper Meyrick Street was to be shortened to eight metres measured southwards from Bush Street, to provide additional parking; 2. the current 19-metre long restriction on the north side of Bush Street is to be shortened to 10 metres measured eastwards from the centre of Park Street.

The council had no adverse comments.

REPORTS FROM TOWN COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES SERVING ON OUTSIDE BODIES

Louisa Saunders Trust: Clr. P. E. George commented that she had recently attended a meeting with this group and stated that there was a lot of work ongoing at present to re set the charity.

Police forum: Clr. M. Murton informed members that the priorities from the last meeting were skaters in Albion Square, grazing of horses in the area and issues in Amphion Court area. Clr. Murton informed members that there had recently been some problems with youths drinking and throwing stones at the Youth Club, also there were issues at the local Golf Club.

AGENDA/REPORT ITEMS FOR THE NEXT MEETING

It was questioned if members could discuss town regeneration. It was commented that maybe a committee could be set-up to look at the issues to see if anything could be done. Clr. T. Wilcox commented that Pembroke Dock Town Council should be ring fencing money from the precept to make Pembroke Dock Town look more presentable to encourage businesses to use the town.

COMMUNITY

ISSUES

Play equipment: It was questioned if there was any further information regarding the money offered from the county council regarding play equipment. It was stated that there was to be some extra equipment to be put into the Pennar area, but this equipment was what was already in the stores. Members stated that they would like a letter written to the county council regarding the money to ask where the money had gone. It was stated that there was currently a petition being handed amongst the community regarding play equipment within the park areas pleading for something to be provided. The clerk informed members that the county council did not have a legal duty to provide play equipment. It was questioned whether a play item could be purchased and donated to the county council. The clerk stated she would have to investigate further to see if this could be an option.

MAYORS

REPORT

Clr. P. Kraus stated that he was very proud to attend a number of events and commented that the Asda Jubilee event did very well to raise £600 as it was a very wet day. Clr. Jane Phillips stated that the Scouts general meeting was very interesting. She commented the events of the evening showed attendees the work which scouts do and it was a pleasure to be there.

Events attended by the Mayor and Deputy Mayor: Pembroke Dock Fire Station anniversary; Asda Jubilee event; Milford Haven Port Authority networking event; Fishguard Town Council civic celebrations; Pembroke Dock Festival Fun in the Park; St. David's civic celebrations; Pembroke Dock Festival Street Party; Haverfordwest Town Council civic celebrations (Deputy Mayor attended); Scouts annual general meeting (Deputy Mayor attended).