Among matters considered and discussed at the October meeting of Pembroke Dock Town Council, which was held at the Pater Hall, were the following:

MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES

Village Green - Queen Street: It was stated by the town clerk that she had recently attended a meeting with Clr. Murton, Helen Leighfield, senior valuer from Pembrokeshire County Council and Pembrokeshire Housing. It was noted within this meeting that the land in question in Queen Street had been provided with a grant from the Welsh Assembly Government with a condition stating that, the general public were able to continue to use the green space on Queen Street until the time came where housing could be built on the land. Pembrokeshire Housing stated that the land was now required to build family housing. The town clerk said she had requested a copy of the grant condition in writing.

Town Council noticeboard: It was questioned whether any quotes had been received from electricians to install the new noticeboard. The town clerk stated that quotes had been received at the office days before the meeting was to take place, therefore the information would be discussed at the next meeting.

Memorial Park, Bush Street: At the September meeting, it was noted that members felt there were several issues with the Memorial Park's maintenance. Clr. Gwyther questioned whether the main flower beds were looked after by the town council. The town clerk confirmed that they did have responsibility of looking after the main flower bed and that the task was in hand. She explained that there was only one outdoor person employed to maintain the whole of the town and it was difficult to get everything sorted within the hours available.

Members then questioned how many hours the outside person was employed for and perhaps it should be considered whether extra hours were needed. The town clerk said they had agreed to 16 hours per week and that any proposed change would be up to council to decide.

It was also noted that conifer tree saplings were growing alongside a wall in the park and could be detrimental to the structure of the wall. The town clerk stated that this, along with other outstanding maintenance jobs, would be reported to the county council for them to sort as they get the time.

Opening hours of Pembroke Dock Police Station: Clr. Gwyther requested that Mr. Salmon be contacted and invited to attend a future council meeting as he had recently visited Milford Haven to answer questions.

The town clerk stated that in her report later on the agenda, was the response from Mr. Salmon to the letter previously sent to him outlining the issue identified at the last cuncil meeting.

It was proposed by Clr. P. Gwyther, seconded by Clr. A. McNaughton and resolved that Mr. Salmon, the Police and Crime Commissioner, be invited to meet with members of the council to discuss the issue previously raised.

REPORT OF THE

TOWN CLERK

Old Christmas lighting: The town clerk informed the meeting that a local company called ECO Lighting had approached her regarding the old Christmas lighting, which the council currently had in storage. The company had proposed that they take all the old lighting from the council to refurbish. It was stated that they had proposed that they pay the council £150 for all the old light fittings. It had previously been discussed that the lighting be sold for scrap, but it became apparent that the scrap value of the lights outweighed the cost of removal of the lights.

It was questioned by members whether the prize winners from the past Christmas light design competition should be asked if they would like their design back. It was commented that council would need to be careful about not giving back dangerous electrical equipment. It was suggested that whether the lights were returned to the designers or wre sold to ECO Lighting, a disclaimer should be signed to ensure that council was covered at all costs.

It was resolved that the old Christmas lighting be sold to ECO Lighting for £150.

Opening hours of Pembroke Dock Police Station: At the last meeting of council, it was agreed that a letter should be sent to the Police and Crime Commissioner regarding issues at Pembroke Dock Police Station. A letter had been received in which it was stated that the points raised were currently being considered and council would receive a fully reply shortly. The town clerk stated that there were only two individuals who provided cover to the front desk of the Police Station on a part-time basis. It was also noted that, due to this reduced cover, the number of visitors recorded to the station since January was inaccurate. The letter also clearly stated that there were no plans for the station to be moved; however it then asked the council members' views on where else to place the station. Councillors agreed that the station was placed in a central and well-known location in the town already.

It had been previously agreed that a letter should be sent to Mr. Salmon to invite him to a meeting.

Changes to Maternity and Neonatal Department: The town clerk stated that as agreed in the last meeting, a letter was sent to Hywel Dda Health board regarding the changes to these services. Included in members' papers was a copy of the reply received from Hywel Dda. It was stated that Royal Mail were commissioned to deliver the leaflets which provided information regarding the changes; they had asked if members were aware of areas of Pembroke Dock which had not received the leaflets and would be grateful to receive the information in order for them to query it further with Royal Mail.

They also stated in the letter that they had only received one formal complaint, which was being dealt with.

After a discussion, the majority of members commented that they had not received the information. Clr. Goff stated that he had a concern that Royal Mail had not delivered this information. The Mayor commented that this had been a very worrying situation for many families already.

Town Awards: The town clerk stated that, as agreed at the last meeting, the Town Awards were to be discussed at this meeting. Included in members' papers were copies of all the nominations. The town clerk asked for members comments.

The Mayor and town clerk asked for members to vote on the names put forward for awards as to whether they receive a Merit or a Commendation. It was decided by council that the nominated persons would receive the following awards.

David Boswell - Merit; Jean Murray - Commendation; Janita Taylor - Merit; Ronald Noakes - Commendation; Lyn Neville - Merit; John Edgar - Commendation; Friends of South Pembs - Merit; RNLI Ladies Committee - Merit; Pembroke Dock Branch of WI - Commendation.

Memorabilia: The town clerk stated that the memorabilia for the town council had been somewhat depleted. It was noted that it had been previously agreed £1,000 be reallocated to civic regalia for the purchase of memorabilia. The town clerk proposed the following items be purchased: 25 shields with town council crest/wording £498.90; 25 laser crystal paperweights £466.95. This was agreed.

Patient Participation Programme: The town clerk stated that there were two spaces available on the this programme at Argyle Street Surgery. She had received three requests from Clrr. M. Murton, J. McNaughton and P. Kraus, to take part.

The town clerk asked members to vote for the candidate they felt would be best suited to this programme.

A vote was taken, after which it was resolved that Clrs. M. Murton and J. McNaughton be the representatives from the town council.

SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT OF THE

TOWN CLERK

Pembrokeshire County Council Draft Priorities for Improvement 2015-2016: The town clerk stated that the county council were required to produce an annual improvement plan, setting out how it aimsed to improve over the course of the following year.

She had attached a copy of the 12 identified areas as possible priorities for improvement for 2015-2016. It was noted that the county council have asked for comments from town and community councils regarding which five or six areas should be of higher priority.

Changes to services for children and young people: Information had been highlighted through the town council's social media site that there were to be changes to the services for children and young people in Pembrokeshire.

The town clerk included information with members' papers. Included was a copy of the advice leaflet which was showing on the Hywel Dda website. The town clerk stated that the paediatric assessment unit would be open between the hours of 10 am and 10 pm at Withybush Hospital seven days a a week, but if overnight care was required, children would be transferred to the 24-hour paediatric inpatient service at Glangwili Hospital.

Winter Festival, December 5 transport for Father Christmas: The town clerk stated that the transport for Father Christmas had been discussed at the meeting of the Winter Festival. It was noted that it had been suggested that the sleigh be used in the parade instead of the Lions' vehicle, as previously used. The group commented that they could not steward this as the group was low on numbers. The town clerk stated that it was suggested it was brought back to town council, as it was something which had predominantly been the responsibility of the council.

The clerk made council aware that in order for the sleigh to be used, eight stewards would be required. The town council were questioned as to whether they would like the sleigh to be used. The town clerk questioned that if council agreed, volunteers to be stewards would be needed.

Members questioned insurance and health and safety with regard to the sleigh being used as a form of transportation for Father Christmas. The town clerk stated that she had spoken with Pembrokeshire County Council's HSE department and they advised that there needed to be the correct amounts of stewards in place. After a discussion, the Mayor stated that the Bicentenary Group and members of her family who were registered door persons had expressed their willingness to be stewards. Council were in agreement that the sleigh be used as Father Christmas's mode of transport.

Location of Christmas trees: The town clerk stated the location of the Christmas trees need to be reviewed for the upcoming festive season. It was noted that the council normally had two trees, one located on the Pump House roundabout and the other located in Lower Meyrick Street next to St. Govans Centre.

The town clerk questioned members as to whether they wished the trees to remain in the same locations or did they have any other locations for proposal? Clr. D. Earl suggested that they look around the town to find suggestions.

Review of polling stations: A letter had been received from Pembrokeshire County Council regarding the review of polling stations. The town clerk stated that they were required under the provision of the representation of the people 1983, the Electoral Administration Act 2006 and Review of Polling District and Polling Places Regulations 2006, to periodically review polling stations.

They had therefore asked for comments regarding polling stations which exist in Pembroke Dock.

The town clerk asked members if they had any comments on this issue. It was noted that St. Johns Hall was being used instead of the Pater Hall due to it having cheaper hire costs. Clr. Colgan proposed that the Pater Hall be suggested.

It was resolved that the town clerk reply, informing the county council that the Pater Hall was a more suitable location for the Central Ward residents.

PCC feedback - Ironman: Pembrokeshire County Council had been in contact asking for feedback on the recent Ironman event. They had asked for feedback on the following points: 1. Road closures; 2. General traffic management; 3. Park and Ride facilities; 4. Community impact; 5. Public liaison; 6. Public perception; 7. Overall event impact on your community; 8. Future improvements; 9. General observations.

After a discussion, in which members stated their collective disappointment that the race bypassed Pembroke Dock, there were no further comments.

Regeneration Group update: The town clerk had received an update from one of the members of the Regeneration Group regarding one of the projects which they had ongoing. The BID (Business Improvement District) project was something which was used in Swansea. The town clerk stated that if this was brought to Pembroke Dock all businesses within an area would pay an extra levy on their business rates, which would be put into a pot and spent on projects which the businesses of the town wanted. In order for this to be agreed, there would need to be a ballot for the businesses, and if there was a majority vote, all businesses within the area would be required to pay the extra levey if they voted for the change or not.

The town clerk stated this type of project had been successful in the Swansea area and some members of the group were working with Pembrokeshire County Council regeneration department to see if it was something which could be viable in Pembroke Dock.

In a discussion, councillors noted that they did not think this would be a good idea for the businesses of Pembroke Dock as recent feedback from people who were already running or looking to start-up businesses in the town stated that they were struggling with the high rates already, without having the additional pressure of putting an extra levy on top.

The town clerk stated that Pembrokeshire County Council would be carrying out some background work on the projected financial implications to local businesses.

REPORTS FROM

town COUNCIL REPRESENATIVES SERVING ON OUTSIDE BODIES

Police Forum: Clr. M. Murton stated that at the last forum the Acting Sergeant was now in place for Pembroke Dock. Clr. Murton commented that there were no major issues arising throughout the town for this month.

Winter Festival: Clr. D. Earl stated that the Winter Festival was well underway. He stated Sand Palace Arts were the artists who were taken on to create the lanters. Keeping in theme with the Bicentennial year, the group would be asking the children on parade to dress in Victorian themed clothing. Clr. Earl also stated that the location of the end of the lantern parade was to change from Western Way Car Park to the Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre. The Mayor commented that the parade route would be the same distance to previous years. The group wish to have a firework and or a laser show, hot drinks and food. It was also noted that the people who use the old market building would be putting on a Victorian Christmas Fair to join in the festival. Clr. A. McNaughton stated that if the parade was to go along to the Heritage Centre, the Christmas tree could be placed on Albion Square.

Memorial Park: Clr. Earl stated that the skate park was now up and running within the Memorial Park. The first weekend it opened, it was recorded that over 70 children were seen using it. Clr. Earl noted that it was a great pleasure to see the children behaving so considerately with each other.

Dr. Jones Charity: Clr. P. George made members aware that she had forms to enable young people who were in further education who had to travel to claim a grant. The Mayor stated that it was open to 16-26-year-olds in further education. Members were asked to let her know if they would like a form.

COMMUNITY ISSUES

Committee meeting: Clr. P. Gwyther stated that any committee meetings, for example planning or finance, should be run the same as a full council meeting and, as such, the agenda should be sent out one week prior to the meeting date and publicised on social media and the council website and noticeboard to inform members of the public.

Christmas: Clr. J McNaughton questioned if members had received the information regarding the places and menu choices for their Christmas dinner.

After a discussion, it was decided that the dinner would be held on Thursday, December 4, at the Dolphin Hotel in Pembroke Dock.

Councillors were to contact Clr. McNaughton with menu choices or for any other information.