Among matters recently considered at a meeting of Pembroke Town Council, were the following:

The Commons Stream and Mill Pond: The Mayor welcomed Mr. Brian Maddocks (head of maintenance), Pembrokeshire County Council, Mr. Glenville Codd (area maintenance), Pembrokeshire County Council and Mr. John Hayes, (Millponds Action Group) to the meeting.

Photographs taken of the stream were shown, highlighting the extent of the problem due to the over planting of invasive plants on the embankments including Purple Loosestrife and Water Hemlock.

Concern was expressed that due to the invasive nature of these species, the water surface was now virtually concealed by plant foliage which could present a hazard to children playing near the stream.

It was pointed out to Mr. Maddocks that the enhancement project, including realigning the stream, was undertaken a few years ago in order to alleviate flooding. Whilst the realigned stream and surrounding area is visually attractive, the benefits had diminished by severe overplanting. Therefore, Pembrokeshire County Council should consider removing the plants as they are deemed unsuitable for this type of environment.

Due to the close proximity of the Commons play area, Mr. Maddocks was also requested to consider installing buoyancy aids adjacent to the stream.

Concern was expressed that debris, including rotting vegetation, is allowed to accumulate at Monkton Bridge giving off an unpleasant odour. It was advocated that the steel grilles should be cleared on a regular basis to prevent the accumulation of debris.

Mr. Maddocks responded by stating that he had made a note of all the issues raised and pointed out that work had already commenced to remove some of the excess growth and debris had been cleared from Monkton Bridge.

With regard to the excessive planting, he pointed out that ongoing maintenance issues were not fully addressed when the enhancement scheme was designed and currently there is a need for a management plan in respect of the stream. Therefore, he will arrange for an expert to visit the area, determine the extent of the problem and implement a maintenance plan to resolve the ongoing problems.

Photographs were shown of the reed beds within the Millpond. Council advised Mr. Hayes that several complaints had been received from residents who had complained that the reeds are extremely invasive and unsightly.

Mr. Hayes stated that the reeds will not spread beyond the wire fencing surrounding the beds and that there is a Millpond management plan in place. Currently, there is a drive by the Wildlife Trust to create additional reed beds to attract more wild life to the pond which is a designated local nature reserve.

A number of councillors expressed disappointment that additional beds are to be created, stating that in their opinion, the reeds detract from the pond's natural beauty.

Councillors queried whether a full consultation exercise had taken place to seek the views of Pembroke residents. Clr. Waters expressed concern that should a child fall into the pond they would have great difficulty in getting onto dry land and would be at risk of drowning.

Mr. Hayes responded by stating that a full consultation exercise had taken place prior to the commencement of the scheme with the majority of respondents in favour of creating reed beds within the Millpond. In respect of the safety issue, he did not consider that the creation of the beds exacerbated the risk of a child being drowned in the Millpond.

The officers were thanked for attending the meeting and listening to the issues raised.

Co-option: The Mayor congratulated Clr. Evans on being co-opted to council and welcomed him to his first meeting.

Events/activities: The clerk informed council that he had met Mr. Jon Williams (general manager of Pembroke Castle) to discuss events to celebrate HM Queen's Diamond Jubilee. As Mr. Williams was in the process of planning an event within the castle grounds, the clerk suggested that it would be advisable for council to be involved with this event rather than two separate events being held in close proximity to each other. It was agreed that council would 'join forces' with Pembroke Castle and in addition to the clerk, Clrs. Nicholas and Boswell would represent council at planning meetings.

Dyfed Powys Police: Clr. Brinn informed council that he had met Inspector Glyn Johnson who had recently been appointed the Inspector covering the Pembroke area. He suggested that Inspector Johnson be invited to a council meeting to introduce himself and discuss policing issues within Pembroke. The clerk was requested to invite Inspector Johnson to attend the meeting on Thursday, January 26.

150th anniversary of the first passenger train service between Pembroke and Tenby: The clerk informed council that he was in contact with The Railway Touring Company to enquire whether the company would organise a steam hauled excursion to coincide with the anniversary.

Graffiti and weed removal: The clerk informed council that he had enquired with Mr. Steve Davis (manager of youth offending team) as to whether young offenders could assist with weed / graffiti removal. A reply had been from Mr. Davis stating that this project may be suitable for the youth offending team to become involved with and he would arrange for his staff to contact the clerk to discuss the project.

South Quay to be registered as a town/village green: The clerk informed council that he had emailed Dr. Steven Jones to invite a planning officer from Pembrokeshire County Council to a council meeting in order to discuss this matter. The following reply has been received from Dr. Jones: "Whilst there has been some interest from developers, this does not extend to residential accommodation on the South Quay. No planning application has been received and therefore it is premature to have detailed discussions with council officers. Clr. Nicholas pointed out that councillors need to receive an input from an officer from Pembrokeshire County Council to explain the full implications of land being designated a town/village green."

Planning applications: erection of a porch at 15 St. Daniels Drive, Pembroke (council supported the application); erection of a two storey extension at 13 Buttermilk Drive, Pembroke (council supported the application); installation of Solar Panels at Foundry House, The Commons, Pembroke (council supported the application); installation of solar panels at Ashdale Nursing Home, Golden Lane, Pembroke (council supported the application); erection of a two-storey dwelling at The Chardist, south of Woodbine Terrace, Pembroke (council supported the application); four self-contained holiday lodges and use of redundant cow shed for ground floor children's play room with first floor accommodation for seasonal staff (council supported the application provided adequate access was maintained); application for consent to display an illuminated pole sign at Bush Hill Service Station, Bush Hill, Pembroke (council supported the application).

To consider applications for financial assistance: It was resolved that council authorised the following payments: HOPE - £200; BOBATH - £100.

A request for a donation received from Miss Carly Thomas, of Pembroke, was considered. Miss Thomas would be climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in August 2012 in aid of Meningitis Research. It was resolved virement approval be given for £200 to be transferred from donations to Mayoral Allowance.

Correspondence received: A letter had been received from Mrs. Elizabeth Gossage (development officer), Pembroke 21C stating that work would commence in the New Year, making banners which would be attached to lampposts during the summer. A request for council to provide £500 as a contribution to the overall costs of the banners was considered. Following discussion, the clerk was requested to enquire with Mrs. Gossage to establish whether the group had applied for grant funding from other providers.

A letter received from Mr. Lyn Neville, Pembrokeshire Support Trust, Pembroke Dock, seeking council's views on the possible transfer of cancer services from Withybush Hospital, Haverfordwest, to Glangwili Hospital, Carmarthen, was discussed. Following discussion, it was agreed that a reply be sent to Mr. Neville expressing council's full support for this essential service to be retained at Haverfordwest. Council concurred with the view that should the service be transferred, the additional mileage and inconvenience will exacerbate stress levels at a very stressful time - not only for the patient, but also the friends/relatives of the patient. Therefore, Pembroke Town Council was strongly opposed to this vital local service being transferred from Withybush Hospital.

Mayoral appointments: The Mayor expressed his appreciation for the support received at the Remembrance Day concert and service held at Monkton Priory Church which raised £800 for the Mayors' nominated charities.

He also thanked everyone involved with the recent visit to Pembroke by Santa which despite the inclement weather had been a resounding success with many favourable comments received.

Thanks were also extended to the Pembroke Young at Heart Committee for organising an excellent Christmas Dinner held at Pembroke Town Hall.

Precept: The clerk informed Council that a well-attended meeting of the finance committee had been held. Members examined and discussed the recommendations made by the finance committee. It was resolved the precept requirement for the 2012 /13 financial year would be £135,000.

To approve refurbishment of the toilet facilities within Pembroke Town Hall: The clerk reminded council that the ground floor toilets were used by the public during normal office hours and also hall users during various functions/events. Both the male and female toilets were in need of major refurbishment and due to the increased usage being made of the town hall; he recommended that this work be undertaken during the next financial year. It was resolved tender documents be compiled and a Tender Notice published in a local newspaper. Fifty per cent of the cost of the refurbishment would be met from the 2012/13 precept and 50 per cent being met from reserves.

To consider refurbishment of furniture within the Dillwyn Davies Room: The clerk informed council that this matter had been discussed previously when council resolved that the existing furniture should be refurbished as opposed to purchasing new furniture. Due to increased usage, the condition of the antique wooden tables and chairs within the room had deteriorated further and at the request of Clr. Nicholas, he had made enquiries to locate a furniture restorer. The furniture has been inspected by an established furniture restorer who had submitted a written quotation in respect of repair and re-polishing the tables and chairs. The total cost of this work would amount to £964 (not including collection and delivery to and from Tenby). A discussion ensued on this matter when it was agreed that in view of health and safety implications, the refurbishment should be commenced as a matter of urgency. It was resolved to accept the quotation received.

To consider making a donation to St. Michael's Church, Pembroke: Clr. Nicholas informed council that for some years, it has been the tradition for St. Michael's Church to open its doors to the public during Santa's annual visit to Pembroke. Over the past few years, the popularity of the event has increased dramatically, and it was full to capacity with 135 children meeting Santa in December. During these evening, the members of St. Michael's Church had provided refreshments completely free of charge. Clr. Nicholas proposed, seconded by Clr. Boswell that council made a donation to the church to offset the expense incurred. It was resolved, a donation of £150 be made to St. Michael's Church under S145 Local Government act 1972.

To discuss the attendance of Pembroke Borough Silver Band at Remembrance Day events: Clr. Boswell informed council that he had performed the role of parade marshall at the recent Pembroke and Pembroke Dock Remembrance Day parades/services which had been extremely well attended. However, he was disappointed that the band did not lead the parade through Main Street with a small contingent of band members playing at the Pembroke Cenotaph. The band did not attend the Pembroke Dock event. Clr. Boswell suggested that council needed to explore various options in readiness for 2012 events. Following discussion, Clr. Brinn suggested that a meeting be convened for the trustees to meet band officers. The meeting would address the concerns raised and establish the band's capability to perform at civic events. Once the meeting has been held, he would report the outcome to council.