Prior to the start of a meeting of Pembroke Town Council recently, a minute's silence was observed in memory of the victims of the explosion at Chevron Refinery, Pembroke.

Among matters discussed were the following:

Long Course Weekend: The clerk informed the meeting that the event had taken place in glorious weather with the start of the half marathon from Pembroke Castle attracting a large number of spectators to Pembroke.

Holyland Road: The Clerk informed the meeting that the demolition of 2 and 4 Holyland Road was complete and the temporary traffic lights had been removed.

St. Michaelmas Fair 2011: The clerk informed council that a planning meeting attended by officers from Pembrokeshire County Council, Showmen's Guild, Dyfed-Powys Police and Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service had been held. A number of issues were discussed, particularly the need for the Showmen's Guild and Amberon (the appointed traffic management company) to compile a comprehensive traffic management plan to alleviate the problems experienced during the 2010 event.

Cannons, Pembroke Town Hall: Clr. Jones informed the meeting that he had, as requested, obtained a quotation from Green Links, Pembroke School, Bush, Pembroke, for making new wooden bases for the ornamental cannons. Clr. Jenkins informed the meeting that he had also obtained a similar quotation from Mr. Jakes, of Stackpole. Clr. Nicholas proposed that in view of the serious health and safety issues appertaining to the poor condition of both cannons that they be removed as a matter of urgency and a decision be made immediately as to which quotation to accept. The above quotations, together with the quotation received from Mr. Anthony Davies, of Milford Haven, were considered by council. It was resolved, the quotation received from Mr. Robert Jakes be accepted. Clr. Llewellyn abstained from voting on this matter.

Congestion caused by the re-configured bus stops: The clerk informed council that he had written to Mr. Ian Westley (head of transportation and environment), Pembrokeshire County Council, and a reply was awaited.

Signage: The clerk reminded council that the issue of additional signage had been discussed at an earlier meeting when councillors were requested to bring forward suggestions as to what was required. Clr. Waters suggested that large scale maps showing places of interest be positioned at strategic points in the town, including Westgate Hill and East End Square. It was agreed that this was an excellent idea and the clerk was requested to enquire with Pembrokeshire County Council as to the way forward.

PLANNING APPLICATIONS

Erection of residential development (11 units including affordable housing) at site of A&M Engineering, Lower Lamphey Road, Pembroke (council objected to the application on grounds relating to the JUDP Policy 100 and sewerage system); alterations and extension at 6 Wade Close, Pembroke (council supported the application); installation of uPVC windows at Flats 1 and 2, 37 Main Street, Pembroke (council supported the application).

CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED

Letters of thanks were received from the following in respect of the civic reception/buffet hosted by Pembroke Town Council to commemorate the 50th anniversary of FGA Troops at Castlemartin: Lieutenant Colonel and Mrs PGF Lort-Phillips, Mrs. Susie Bulkeley, Colonel and Mrs. Michael Portman.

The Mayor informed council that he had received a number of compliments regarding the reception hosted by council to commemorate the 50th anniversary of FGA Troops at Castlemartin.

He wished to place on record his gratitude to the clerk and financial officer for their hardwork and organising the event in such an efficient manner.

RESIGNATION OF COUNCILLOR

The clerk advised council that he had received a letter from Clr. David Perry tendering his resignation as a member of Pembroke Town Council with immediate effect. The letter was read to council and the clerk was requested to write to Mr. Perry thanking him for his contribution during his time as a councillor. It was resolved that the clerk implement the election procedure to fill the casual vacancy for Pembroke (St. Michael) ward.

WELSH NATIONAL VEGETABLE CHAMPIONSHIPS 2011

The clerk gave a presentation to council on the arrangements for the event which will be held at Pembroke School on Saturday and Sunday, August 20 and 21. It was resolved a meeting would be convened to discuss the issues raised by the clerk.

MAYORAL APPOINTMENTS

The schedule of mayoral appointments was noted by council. Clr. Jones thanked the Mayor on behalf of Pembroke 21C Community Association for attending the re-opening of Foundry House.

ARGYLE MEDICAL GROUP APPOINTMENT SYSTEM

Clr. Llewellyn informed council that she has received complaints from members of the public regarding the current appointment system operating within the Argyle Medical Group. The main issues being: the difficulty experienced by patients in making an appointment; patients were required to 'phone an 0844 number as opposed to making a personal visit to the surgery; some elderly people did not feel confident with this system; patients were required to wait an inordinate length of time before speaking to a member of staff, only to be advised that all 'same day' appointments had been taken; the length of time before a patient was able to make an appointment to see a doctor of their choice; patients residing in Pembroke being offered an appointment at Pembroke Dock/Neyland which created a problem for patients without access to transport; the continued use of a 0844 number which incurred a connection fee in addition to the cost of the call. It was resolved the clerk invite a response to the issues from the following: Mrs. Juliet Goldsworthy (practice manager); Mr. Chris Martin (Hywel Dda Health Board); Mr. Ashley Warlow (Pembrokeshire Community Health Council).

HAND HELD SPEED DEvice

Clr. Llewellyn reminded council that during a meeting of Pembroke Town Council held in November 2007, council considered an application made by the Pembroke Neighbourhood Policing Team for financial assistance towards the purchase of a speed detection device to be used in Pembroke and the immediate surrounding area. Council resolved to support the application and provided the sum of £864 the full purchase price of the device. Clr. Llewellyn expressed concern regarding ongoing problems with speeding vehicles in various parts of the town and proposed that enquiries be made to ascertain the use that has been made of the device since purchase. It was resolved the clerk request a copy of the operating log from Dyfed-Powys Police showing times, dates and locations where the device had been used.