Christine John, chairman, congratulated members for so many of them attending the July meeting of the Pennar and Bufferland Community Association.

Clr. Tony Wilcox reported that the PCC planning department would oppose the five new 'Alternative Sites' in Pennar and Bufferland, following the recommendations of PCC highways department. Consideration was given to the greatly increased volume of traffic that would be created along Treowen Road, Military Road and Imble Lane if the developments went ahead.

Local opposition to a newly-proposed development in the Sycamore Woods area: Clr. Tony Wilcox said that residents around Sycamore Street and Sykemoor were resolutely opposed to the application to build six to eight houses in the Sycamore Wood area.

The proposed future housing site, 'North of Imble Lane' may get a relief road.

Clr. Tony Wilcox reported that PCC planning department was giving close consideration to residents' suggestions that if the LDP proposed housing development 'North of Imble Lane' went ahead, a new road should be constructed to give traffic from the new site direct access on to Pembroke Road. The road would run from the north-east corner of the site, and pass along the east side of the Cricketers' Lodge playing pitch. Vehicles from the new housing site would not have direct access on to Imble Lane.

Tony went on to mention that the Pembrokeshire Housing Association was bidding for the site which was presently owned by PCC.

A solution to the recurring problem of those cracking paving slabs? Clr. Maureen Colgan reported that the broken concrete slabs in the courtyard area off Castle Street had been removed by the council, but in anticipation of any more slabs breaking up, she thought that it would be better to remove the few remaining slabs from the raised portion of the courtyard and cover it with concrete. Clr. Tony Wilcox said he would discuss her suggestion with Brian Glenville Codd (PCC housing maintenance).

A letter had been sent to Mrs. Jane James, public relations officer at the Chevron Refinery expressing members' sadness on learning of the explosion and fire at the site on Thursday, June 2, that claimed the lives of four people, and others who were injured that tragic day. The letter went on to offer the families of those who died or were injured, members' sympathy and condolences.

A letter was sent to the manager at Swansea City FC congratulating the club on their promotion to the Premier Division, and that the association in the furthest part of West Wales take pride in the fact that their nearest league club has achieved such prominence in football. Furthermore, they hope that local clubs would derive much benefit by young people having even greater enthusiasm for the beautiful game.

The school crossing patrol request was to be reviewed around October time.

In reply to the association's request for a school crossing patrol to be on duty at the junction of Cross Park with Treowen Road, Mr. John Gobbi (PCC school's safety officer) and Mr. Darren Thomas (PCC highways department), wrote to say that a survey in March showed that the number of children crossing at that point did not justify the provision of a patrol. However, the position would be reviewed in October. Clr. Tony Wilcox went through the reasoning for the request with reference to surveys of traffic volumes and speed at school times.

Pennar and Bufferland residents were invited to attend the police forum.

PCSO Andrew Griffiths reminded P&BCA members that the police forum was held at 7 pm on the first Wednesday of the month in St. John's Community Hall, Bush Street, Pembroke Dock. Members of the public were invited to express their opinions about many policing matters such as security in the home (Bobby Van), traffic related problems, anti social behaviour etc.

Double parking outside the High Street PO: Many residents had complained about the restricted flow of traffic at the western end of High Street due to double parking. A 'build-out' in front of the bus shelter opposite the Post Office necessitated the bus stopping towards the centre of the road. Sometimes, this obstruction was compounded by cars being double-parked outside the Post Office and thereby blocking off almost the whole road! A notice inside the Post Office advised drivers not to double-park, but too many ignore the warning of possible prosecution.

PATCH or Pembroke Action to Counter Hardship: A member announced the formation of a new community help group, centred on the Priory Community Centre (previously the Monkton Priory pub). The organisers were grateful for contributions of good quality clothing, cooking utensils, furniture, children's toys etc. The goods will be sold to raise money for those suffering hardship during the present economic uncertainty. A similar organisation in Milford Haven thrived under the acronym MATCH.

Community Chest funding for special projects: Ron Selby (secretary) reminded the members that community associations could apply to the department of housing and social care for help with the funding of special projects that are intended to build a greater sense of community and social cohesion. Application for such funding has to be set out on the appropriate forms and give a detailed breakdown of the costs involved. Grants of up to £500 could be given for approved projects.

Liz Cook (St. Patrick's Community Hall treasurer) announced that the community hall committee hoped to book the American old time country and blues band 'Old Sledge' to 'strut their stuff' in the hall on September 30. Tickets for the event, at a price of just £7 would be available from Liz or Mike, ring 621811.

Reinstatement of the Neighbourhood Watch in Pennar and Bufferland: PCSO Andrew Griffiths announced that he would like those who are willing to serve as area co-ordinators to give him their details; name, address 'phone number etc.