At a recent meeting of Pembroke Town Council, the following matters were discussed:

Closure of MIU at South Pembrokeshire Hospital: Clr. Brinn informed council that earlier during the day, together with Clrs. Carey, Jenkins and Evans, he had attended a meeting of the Hywel Dda Health Board at Carmarthen. Prior to the commencement of the meeting, Mr. Chris Martin (chairman of Hywel Dda Health Board) was presented with a petition containing over 4,500 signatures of persons opposed to the closure of the MIU. Clr. Brinn advised council that during the meeting, Mr. Martin had given an assurance that the health board intended to re-open the units by April 1. It was agreed that council will continue to monitor the ongoing situation.

Events/activities: The clerk informed council that he had enquired with the headteachers of Monkton Priory and Golden Grove Schools as to whether there was an item of equipment/project that council could support to commemorate the forthcoming diamond jubilee. Both schools had agreed that an external noticeboard to publicise school activities etc would provide long term benefit. It was agreed to purchase suitable noticeboards.

Introduction of mini-roundabouts at Pembroke Road/Ferry Lane junction: The clerk informed council that a site meeting with Mr. John Price (traffic manager). At the site meeting, it was agreed that the preferred option was for the junctions to be re-configured and one large roundabout installed at the crossroads. However, if the preferred option was not viable, council would support the introduction of mini-roundabouts on an experimental basis. Mr. Price agreed to explore the preferred option and a response was awaited.

PLANNING APPLICATIONS

Demolish existing extension and erect new extension at Woodbine, 84 Main Street, Pembroke (council would support the application); shared use path, earthworks, landscaping and fencing at Bridgend Terrace, Pembroke (Clr. Nicholas proposed seconded by Clr. Phillips that council should support the application as it would enhance the area and provide a safe route for pedestrians and cyclists. Clr. Jenkins contended that the proposed path would duplicate the existing footpath and would be under-used. Therefore, the proposed creation of a shared use path would be a waste of money. The clerk advised council that the comments made by Clr. Jenkins were not material planning considerations. Clr. Llewellyn informed council that the Safe Routes in Communities was a Welsh Government grant programme which replaced the Safe Routes to School initiative. The current scheme aimed to improve safety and encourage walking and cycling within communities. A vote was taken. It was resolved council would not support the application on the basis that the proposed footpath would duplicate the existing footpath and would be under-used, therefore the proposed creation of a shared use path would be a waste of money); external improvements and new shop front at 2 Main Street, Pembroke (council would support the application); erection of six new information panels at West Gate Hill, South Quay, The Parade, The Parade, Commons Road, St. Michaels Church and Station Road Car Parks Pembroke (council would support the application).

Other matters

Road works at Mill Bridge: An email received from Mr. Marc Owen, streetcare manager, Pembrokeshire County Council, relating to essential replacement of the gas main across the Mill Bridge was considered. Wales and West Utilities needed to replace the gas main across the Mill Bridge, with an estimated duration of four weeks work. Due to extensive road works in and around Pembroke over the last two years, the work had been delayed to minimise further disruption. It was proposed that the works start one week before Easter holiday, utilise the two-week holiday period, and then complete works one week after Easter holiday. This would allow 50 per cent of the works to be completed outside term-time thereby reducing congestion on the Mill Bridge. Following discussion, it was agreed that provided no other option was available, this essential work should be completed without delay.

Civic Awards 2012: The clerk reminded council that nominations were invited for inclusion in the Pembroke Civic Awards 2012.

A4075 Holyland Road, Greenhill/Glenside bypass and Penny Bridge alignment: Correspondence received from Mr. C. Cooley, divisional manager of Atkins Limited, relating to proposed highway schemes at the above locations were considered. Following discussion, it was decided to offer no objections to the proposals.

Pembroke and Pembroke Dock Town Rider Scheme: Pembrokeshire Association of Community Transport Organisations (PACTO) had expressed concern regarding the future of the Town Rider Service as the Welsh Government had advised that there would be no more funding available after March 2012. A meeting to discuss this issue was held at Pembroke Town Hall which was attended by councillors and Mrs Angela Burns AM. Following the meeting, an email had been received from Miss Debbie Johnson, community transport development officer, Pembrokeshire County Council, outlining the issues discussed, including making an approach to council for support to enable this vital service to continue.  The service currently cost about £10,000 per annum for the Pembroke area and the shortfall after potential passenger fares were taken into account was likely to be £5,000 (approximately) per annum. It was resolved Ms. Johnson be invited to a meeting of Pembroke Town Council.

Traffic calming measures at St. Martin's Road, Monkton: Clr. Waters informed council that residents of Monkton had expressed concern about the volume and speed of traffic currently using St. Martin's Road. It would appear that motorists were travelling along Back Terrace and St. Martins Road to avoid the speed cushions that had been installed along Angle Road and Long Mains. Clr. Llewellyn informed council that she had recently met Mr. Phil Leggett, highways department, Pembrokeshire County Council, to discuss traffic calming in Monkton. A review of the effectiveness of existing traffic calming measures in Monkton was currently being undertaken. Following the review, it was highly probable that modifications and additions would be made. It was agreed to await the result of the review before taking any further action.