Among matters considered and discussed at the recent monthly meeting of Saundersfoot Community Council were the following:

Mrs Anita Thomas, Leisure, Tourism and Registration Services, Pembrokeshire County Council attended and gave a talk regarding the future funding by Pembrokeshire County Council of the Library Service in Saundersfoot. It was stated that county council would be lowering their financial funding for libraries within Pembrokeshire from 2020. Mrs Thomas gave different examples of current funding options being carried out by town and community councils within Pembrokeshire to support the county council with the funding of libraries. (Information available upon request to the clerk).

Clr Sefton proposed that agenda item 148 be brought forward; Clr Boughton Thomas seconded the proposal with all in agrement.

Clr Williams BEM declared a personal interest in this agenda item – his is a near neighbour to the applicant.

NP/19/0539/FUL Apple Tree Gallery, The Ridgeway - install rooflights to gallery upstairs, public doorway, partial living space (change of use), rebuilt extension where garage used to be.

The clerk advised that one letter of objection had been received appertaining to this application.

Clr Baker proposed that the council’s consideration of this application be deferred until the December meeting due to a large number of correspondence appertaining to this application not being sent to the community council for their consideration; Clr Upham seconded the proposal with all in full agreement.

The clerk was to contact Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Planning Authority and request an extension in time to enable the council to consider this planning application at the December meeting.

NP/19/0542/FUL 24 Bonvilles Close, Saundersfoot. The council agreed that this application was an appropriate extension and good use of the plot. They did not have any objections or concerns regarding the application.

Chairman’s Report

Clr Sefton reported that he had attended two official functions during October, namely:

• Three Amigos Christmas Toy Run Launch Luncheon - This was an informal luncheon giving attendees information as to the sterling work that is carried out and led by the Amigos delivering toys around Pembrokeshire. Clr Sefton was pleased to advise the council that this charity is well supported by Saundersfoot village.

• The Girl Guiding Annual Review - This was a formal event and was well attended with Mayors and Chairpersons from several town/community councils in Pembrokeshire attending. Clr Sefton reported that it was a pleasure to be a part of such a prestigious event of the Girl Guiding calendar, witnessing a number of awards being presented to Guide leaders.

Clr Sefton also thanked Clr Boughton Thomas for stepping in and judging the Halloween fancy dress competition in the Regency Hall, which approximately 300 children attended, the proportion of whom had completed the trick and treat trail through the village in appalling weather.

Matters Arising from the Minutes

To consider a solution to deter motorists from travelling at excessive speeds along the B4316. Clr Baker advised the council that Pembrokeshire County Council will carry out the road survey as soon as possible.

EE mast and proposed car park. The clerk advised the council that:

• The King George V Playing Fields Trustees have granted consent for the construction of the EE mast

• The council’s surveyor is continuing to negotiate the heads of terms with EE representatives. EE are insisting on using the amended access route along the Regency Hall, passing the bowling green, children’s play park, MUGA, Sports and Social Club and the sports field; they are also wishing to bring the electrical cable along this route. The council agree that the original route for access should be used as this would not include the health and safety implications that using the above amended route would. The cable could also be brought along the original route.

• A representative from King George V Playing Fields Trust has offered to attend a meeting to give further information appertaining to the King George V Playing Fields Trust. Clr Ludow proposed that a meeting should be arranged and that the council should forward any questions prior to the meeting to enable accurate answers to be given at the meeting; Clr Baker seconded the proposal with all in full agreement.

The clerk was to arrange a meeting of the EE mast sub committee.

• A further six letters of support have been received regarding the proposed car park.

• A letter has been received from the council’s proposed car park project manager and architect advising that an extension of time has been requested, regarding the planning application decision, to allow the King George V Playing Fields in Trust more time to consider the use of land for this project. (The council are awaiting the reply from the trustees before money is spent on the Flood Risk Assessment and the Section 106 Agreement - Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Planning Authority are aware of this)

Sensory Garden - grounds committee report: The clerk was to forward the plans depicting the possible design/s of door/s within the Coal Office, opening out on to the Sensory Garden, for consideration at the December meeting.

Clr Hayes MBE on behalf of Saundersfoot in Bloom: Clr Hayes MBE advised the council that Saundersfoot in Bloom have placed 12 new flower troughs along Brewery Terrace and that the liability of such lies with Saundersfoot in Bloom. If there is any damage to such, Saundersfoot in Bloom should be contacted direct.

FINANCE

Clr Boughton Thomas proposed that, as Saundersfoot Community Council sponsor the medals for the New Year’s Day Swim, payment to the value of £4,000 (plus VAT) be paid direct to the supplier of the medals; Clr Baker seconded the proposal with all councillors in full agreement.

Clr Cleevely advised the council that he had completed a round trip of 140 miles when attending the One Voice Wales Annual Conference and requested remuneration for such. Clr Boughton Thomas proposed that a payment of 45p per mile be made to Clr Cleevely to reimburse for the fuel; Clr Hayes MBE seconded the proposal, with all in full agreement.

Budget Review

The 2019/2020 Budget was scrutinised and discussed. It was agreed that all spending is within the budget set by the council and no changes should be made.

The clerk was to request from Pembrokeshire County Council an updated cost for any possible elections prior to the December meeting and the setting of the precept.

Clr Sefton proposed that a finance sub committee be formed as part of the general purpose committee and that a meeting be held to discuss the budget for 2020/2021 prior to the December meeting; Clr Baker seconded the proposal with all councillors in full agreement.

Consideration of Correspondence Received

• Telephone call received from Birch Utilities requesting permission to trim trees that are interfering with electricity cables. The clerk was to advise them that the trees in question are on land in the ownership of the Pembrokeshire County Council.

• Email received requesting the council’s consent to start a Saundersfoot Tennis Club. Discussion took place regarding the problematic tennis net supports. The clerk was to seek prices from engineers to rectify the problem.

• Invite from the Harbour for the chair to attend their Christmas Dinner – Clr Sefton advised the council that he would be pleased to attend and represent the council.

County

Councillor’s Report

County matters: The new waste strategy was being rolled out, with more than 63,000 properties being included in the new arrangements.

Ward matters: Road closures for The Strand have been requested for the following dates - Lantern Parade December 7, New Year’s Day Swim January 1; access will be maintained for emergency vehicles at all times. The Lantern Parade will include a short closure on Cambrian Terrace to allow the parade to pass around the village Christmas tree into the harbour and then on to the deck.

The remedial drainage work to the short tunnel at the end of the The Strand would be undertaken from November 25 for two weeks. The footpath would be closed during the work to renew the drainage and address any low spots in the surface.

The enhancing Pembrokeshire grant application was submitted by the deadline of November 5 with a substantial amount of supporting information. The ‘park and ride’ application will be submitted for the January round of applications.

The cleaning of the slot drains on St Brides Hill has been requested.

Clr Baker advised that he had been in liaison with Dyfed Powys Police in regard to some misunderstandings around the future PACT meetings; he was pleased to advise that all had been resolved and the meetings would resume in December.

Following a hugely successful Double Big Bang event, Clr Baker asked that a letter be sent to Saundersfoot Chamber for Tourism, thanking them for the whole weekend of activities and entertainment. He was delighted to help Mrs. Baker judge the pumpkin carving competition.

Reports from Committees

Clr Williams BEM - grounds committee Sensory Garden update

Clr Williams BEM advised the council that:

• A recent email had been forwarded to all councillors listing certain jobs that require to be completed.

• Two of the uprights on the centre planted ‘island’ had rotted and given way.

• The grass in the Sensory Garden required cutting

• The Christmas light had not arrived and MK Lighting had advised that they would arrive the following Monday.

• The electrical sockets, within the Sensory Garden, were required to be put in place and connected. Further additional sockets were also required. Clr Cleevely proposed that all electrical works be completed within the garden by the council’s preferred electrician up to the balance of the precept; Clr Hayes MBE seconded the proposal with all councillors in full agreement.

• The electrical box on the side of the Ice Cream Shop was to be replaced with a lockable box.

• Clr Boughton Thomas proposed that the clerk contact the owners of the Ice Cream Shop to offer payment for the electric used or a donation made by the council, in lieu, to a charity of the owners choosing; Clr Sefton seconded the proposal with all in full agreement.

Reports

from Council Representatives

Clr Cleevely reported on the One Voice Wales Annual Conference, as well as the One Voice Wales Pembrokeshire Area Committee.

The main discussion at the committee was about the Pembrokeshire County Council Liaison Committee/Charter. The chairman, Paul Davies, was very disheartened regarding the response from Pembrokeshire County Council. The representatives on the committee and the members had not agreed. Pembrokeshire County Council had not agreed the Charter yet. Members thought that this had already been agreed.

Clerk’s Update

• The Sensory Garden wall repair works had been completed. All councillors agreed that it was a first-class job.

• Donation for Christmas sweets - Clr Cleevely proposed that a donation of £120 be made for the purchase of sweets, to be distributed at the lantern parade; Clr Boughton Thomas seconded the proposal with all in full agreement.

Agenda Items

Library services - to discuss the possibility that Saundersfoot Community Council Council links with neighbouring community councils to make a joint bid to ‘Enhancing Pembrokeshire’ Fund to contribute to the running of Saundersfoot Library for two years whilst a sustainable model is agreed. This will be discussed further in December.

Saundersfoot School Governor - to discuss the vacancy for a community governor on the governing body of Saundersfoot Community Primary School. Following a lengthy discussion, Clr Boughton Thomas proposed that, following confirmation of the current positions held by Clr Williams BEM, Clr Williams BEM stand as community appointed governor and free the position of Local Education Authority appointed governor to Saundersfoot Community Primary School; Clr Upham seconded the proposal with a majority vote in favour. (nine councillors voted in favour and one abstained).

Remuneration – to discuss and consider the determinations for Saundersfoot Community Council’s 2020/2021 remuneration toc ouncillors, as set out by the Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales. Clr Boughton Thomas proposed that this be carried forward to the December meeting, with all councillors in full agreement.

December meeting: It was agreed that, due to the Regency Hall being unavailable, the December meeting of the council be held at the Methodist Church.