At the April meeting of Pennar and Bufferland Community Association, the chairman, Clr. Maureen Colgan, thanked members for attending the first meeting of the P&BCA in the new venue, St. Patrick's Community Hall in Treowen Road.

Preparation for the 'street party' to celebrate HM The Queen's Diamond Jubilee: Clr. Colgan reported that the St. Patrick's Community Hall committee had agreed that the 'street party' would be held in the grounds surrounding St. Patrick's Church. The date for this auspicious event would be announced later. Should the weather turn out to be wet on the day, then the celebrations could carry on inside the hall. Liz Cook (secretary for the community hall committee) would help with making out the application for a grant from the Community Chest to cover the cost of the celebrations.

Pennar to become a Neighbourhood Watch area: Clr. Colgan produced several information packs that she had received from the Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT). These packs were to be distributed to the co-ordinators appointed for each street or area of Pennar. Besides describing how a Neighbourhood Watch scheme was organised, the pack also contained the booklet Be safe Be Secure, which sets out how residents could improve the security of their homes, their cars, on public transport or in the street. Residents can obtain more information by logging on to http://www.neighbourhoodwatch.net">www.neighbourhoodwatch.net

Open invitation to attend the police forum: Clr. Colgan reminded members that Pennar residents were welcome to attend meetings of the forum which were held in St. Johns Community Hall on the first Wednesday of the month.

Safe Routes In the Community (SRIC): Clr. Colgan had previously reported on the 'trial run' of a safe walking route for children attending the Pennar Community School when the junior children walked to the school in orderly columns from the assembly points at Bethany and Gilgal, under the guidance of parents, school governors and the police. Safety considerations, particularly at the Treowen Road and Ferry Road crossing points, were given priority and wherever possible, the chosen routes avoided the busier roads. To this end, an application to the Welsh Government for a grant to cover the cost of paving the often muddy pathway (partially obstructed by a telegraph post) that connects Treowen Road with Bufferland Terrace, had been made.