CYNGOR CYMUNED BETWS 2010 06 June Minutes The monthly meeting of Betws Community Council was held at Capel Newydd Vestry, Betws on Wednesday the 9th June 2010 at 7.00 pm. PRESENT: Cllr. Anne Sizmur (Chairperson), Alderman Arnallt James, Cllrs. Loreen Lewis, June Gunter, Carwyn James, Menna Roberts, Annette Price, Richard Howell and Catherine Smith. APOLOGIES: The Councillors Betsan Jones, Maldwyn John and County Councillor Audrey Jones. The Clerk updated the Councillors on the advice she has received from One Voice Wales regarding Councillor Anthony Richards. The Councillors RESOLVED that the Clerk writes to Councillor Anthony Richards to see what his intentions are. DECLARATION BY MEMBERS OF PECUNIARY AND NON PECUNIARY INTERESTS. Councillors Loreen Lewis declared an interest in Planning Application No. E/23059. 1. TO READ AND CONSIDER THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON THE 12th MAY 2010. Amendment:- 1.Should read Councillor Betsan Jones and not Betsan Smith. Councillor Catherine Smith proposed and Councillor June Gunter seconded that the minutes of the monthly meeting held on the 12th May 2010 were confirmed and then signed by the Chairperson. 2. MATTERS ARISING. 2.1 Footpaths. Councillor Anne Sizmur reported to the Councillors that she has received a phone call from the Environment Agency, who confirmed that they have spent time on the footpath leading from Colonel Road to Maesquarre Road and they have investigated the piping and there were no cracks or a smell of sewerage. The Councillors NOTED the above point. Councillor Arnallt James and Councillor Catherine Smith were concerned regarding the temporary closure of the footpath on the old Betws Colliery Site. The Councillors RESOLVED that the Clerk writes to Gary Carlsen of Carmarthenshire County Council. 2.2 Maesquarre Road Playground. The Clerk confirmed that she has received another email from Gerwyn Thomas confirming that the issues passed onto the developer have not been rectified at Maesquarre Road Playground. The Councillors RESOLVED that the Clerk writes directly to the developer. 2.3 Ffordd Y Glowyr. Councillor Loreen Lewis and other Councillors was concerned with the rubbish on the pavement outside Ffordd y Glowyr Site. The Councillors RESOLVED that the Clerk writes to the Environment Agency. 2.4 Memorial Arch. The Clerk informed the Councillors that she has received an email from the Planning Department of Carmarthenshire County Council, which stated that TRJ constructed the
memorial arch. Councillor Annette Price stated that the structure is over 6ft high. The Councillors RESOLVED that the Clerk writes to Planning Department stating that they aren t happy that Carmarthenshire County Council had no knowledge of the memorial arch. 2.5 Parks and Playgrounds. Councillor Annette Price informed the Councillors that she has recently received grants forms. The Councillors also RESOLVED that the projects sub committee can go ahead and apply for grants on behalf of Betws Community Council. Councillor Annette Price also confirmed that she has been informed that Carmarthenshire County Council is closing some parks. The Councillors RESOLVED that the Clerk pursues a meeting with Gwalia Housing Association. Councillor Annette Price asked the Clerk to pursue Eammon Davies regarding replacing the rocking horse carcass at Heol Y Felin Playground. Councillor Anne Sizmur informed the Councillors that she attended a meeting of the County Council and they will be writing to each Community Council in turn to see whether they will consider taking over the running of the parks in their communities. The Councillors RESOLVED to place this on the agenda for July. 2.6 Y Betws and Y Byd Sign. The Clerk informed the Councillors that she has received an estimate for the finger post. The councillors RESOLVED that the Clerk places an order for the finger post to be placed in Betws Park. 2.7 Traffic Survey of Betws. The Councillors RESOLVED that the Clerk pursues this matter with Mr McEvoy of Carmarthenshire County Council. 2.8 Coopers Pub, Betws. The Clerk informed the Councillors that she has received an email from Carmarthenshire County Council and there is no record of any landownership within the car park area of the Coopers Pub on Betws Road. The Councillors NOTED the above point. 2.9 Commemorative Plaques. The Clerk informed the Councillors that she has spoken to Siop y Crydd in Ammanford and they can make laminated plaques which are weather proof for approximately 15 each. The Councillors RESOLVED that the Clerk orders 3 plaques. 2.10 Community Council Benches. The Clerk informed the Councillors that a meeting has been arranged with Gareth Howells. The Councillors RESOLVED that Councillor Annette Price is to attend the meeting. 2.11 Betws Park. The Clerk informed the Councillors that she has received an email from Gerwyn Thomas regarding the Christmas tree for Betws Park. He confirmed that the size would probably be 15-20ft and would be planted around October/November. Regarding the lights for the tree the contact is Nigel Francis. The Councillors RESOLVED that the Clerk contacts Nigel Francis. Councillor Annette Price asked the Clerk to chase up the lighting for the memorial stone at Betws Park. 2.12 Betws Primary School. The Clerk informed the Councillors that she has received an email from Betws Primary School confirming that they would like the donation of 200 towards planters for the School
paid directly to the School. The Councillors RESOLVED to provide a cheque of 200 to Betws CP School. Councillor Annette Price reported that some parents have stated that there is no shade in the school yard for the pupils. Councillor Loreen Lewis stated that the Community Council could possibly consider providing some sort of gazebo as a Betws in Bloom prize to the school. The Councillors NOTED the above point. 2.13 Authorised Signatories. The Councillors RESOLVED that the Clerk makes arrangements with the Councillors to visit Lloyds TSB Bank. 2.14 Footpath leading from Colonel Road to Maesquarre Road. The Clerk informed the Councillors that she has not received a response to date regarding the large quantity of dog fouling on the footpath leading from Colonel Road to Maesquarre Road; whether a bin can be placed on the Colonel Road entrance and also whether no dog fouling signs could be erected. The Councillors RESOLVED that the Clerk pursues this matter. 2.15 Betws Community Council Flower Troughs. Councillor Arnallt James informed the Councillors that the flowers have been planted in the Community Council flower troughs. The Councillors thanked the various Councillors for placing the flowers in the troughs. 3. CORRESPONDENCE. 3.1 The following correspondence was acknowledged and the contents noted. Carmarthenshire County Council Hanging Baskets/Banners on Lighting Columns. Carmarthenshire County Council Meeting regarding Public Rights of Way, Councillors Carwyn James, Menna Roberts and Loreen Lewis to attend with the Clerk. Carmarthenshire Tourist Association AGM. Carmarthenshire Tourist Association Through the Garden Gate Tour. Invitation to Cartref Annwyl Fan 23rd July 2010. One Voice Wales AGM and Conference. The Voice handed to Councillors Menna Roberts and Carwyn James. Ombudsman Complaints Wales consultation handed to Councillor Anne Sizmur. Shelter Cymru Information matters to rural community s project. Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Authority Draft Annual Action Plan 2011/12. The Dragon s Voice handed to Councillor Catherine Smith. Local Government Boundary Commission Review of Electoral arrangement for the County of Carmarthenshire. Councillor Annette Price updated the Councillors on the recent meeting she attended. 4. PLANNING MATTERS. 4.1 Betws Community Council offered no objections to the following planning application provided that the character of the building is retained:- E/23059 Barn conversion to holiday let unit at Llwynronnen, Betws (04/2010-11). 4.2 Carmarthenshire County Council has granted planning permission to the following planning applications:- E/22792 Two storey rear extension at 1 Waun Cae Ifan, Betws (03/2010-11). E/22791 Proposed change of use from garage store/workshop to granny flat at 16 Pentwyn Road, Betws (02/2010-11). 4.3 Carmarthenshire County Council has refused planning permission to the following planning application:- E/22767 Construction of annex to comprise of games room, study, single bedroom and
bathroom at 67 Maesquarre Road, Betws (01/2010-11). 5. ACCOUNTS. 5.1 Internal Audit. The Clerk informed the Councillors that Mr Lyn Llewellyn has completed the Internal Audit of the Community Council s Accounts for the year ending 31st March 2010 and there were two points to address. The Risk Assessment of the Community Council needs to be undertaken annually and also the Community Council should consider depositing the money in the Business 30 day Notice A/C elsewhere to gain further interest. The Clerk informed the Councillors that the Risk Assessment has been undertaken for 2010/11 and provided the Councillors with a copy of the Risk Assessment Schedule. It was proposed by Councillor Catherine Smith and seconded by Councillor June Gunter that the Councillors accept the Risk Assessment Schedule for 2010/11. All the Councillors agreed. Councillor Carwyn James proposed that the Clerk speaks to Lloyds TSB regarding the Business 30 day Notice A/C. All the Councillors agree. The Chairperson signed and dated the working ledger. The Councillors NOTED the above points. 5.2 External Audit. The Clerk informed the Councillors that the External Audit is set for the 1st of October 2010. The Chairperson signed and dated the Annual Return. The Councillors NOTED the above point. 5.3 Payment of Invoices. 1.Mr Lyn Llewellyn (Internal Audit) 60.00 2.Clerks Salary & Allowance 1011.30 3.Clerks Income Tax 195.34 4.Donation Betws CP School (Planters) 200.00 5.Cllr. Betsan Jones (Flowers) 13.93 Total 1480.57 The Councillors RESOLVED that the above be paid. 5.4 Income Received. 1.HM Customs & Excise (VAT Refund) 321.01 6. DYFED POWYS POLICE REPORT. PC Kevin Jones attended the meeting on behalf of Dyfed Powys Police. He did not have any crime figures to report as there is a problem with his computer. The Councillors reported the following to PC Kevin Jones:- 1.Holidays are approaching and the Councillors are concerned with regards to children riding their bikes without any lights on PC Kevin Jones will try to put out a press release. 2.Taxi cab children standing on the back seat of the taxi, PC Kevin Jones will look into this matter. 3.Speeding along Maesquarre Road and also on Park Street near the bridge. PC Kevin Jones will inform the Traffic Section. Councillor June Gunter proposed and all the Councillors agreed that a letter is sent to the Inspector of Ammanford Police Station to commend PC Kevin Jones for his work and also to thank him for attending the Community Council Meetings. The Councillors RESOLVED that the Clerk sends a letter to the Inspector. 7. COUNTY COUNCILLOR REPORT.
County Councillor Audrey Jones was not present at the Community Council Meeting, and there was nothing to report. 8. REPORTS. Councillor Catherine Smith updated the Councillors on the issues discussed at the recent PACT Meeting. Councillor Loreen Lewis updated the Councillors on a meeting she attended in the Amman Centre. Carmarthenshire County Council need to know what land they own this also includes verges. Councillor Annette Price updated the Councillors on the Citizens Advice Bureau court case. Councillor Annette Price also updated the Councillors on the Family Centre AGM and she was extremely concerned as the accounts were not presented at the AGM. Councillors Annette Price and Loreen Lewis therefore cancelled the AGM due to the accounts not being available. 9. CHAIR S REPORT. Councillor Anne Sizmur informed the Councillors of the issues relating to the recent meeting of the Amman Group of Local Council. The main topic was the Eisteddfod. The Clerk has submitted a letter to Mr Elfed Roberts of the Eisteddfod Committee. The Chair confirmed that she has attended the following:- Amman Valley Choral Society Dinner The dinner of the Mayor of Ammanford Soccer Team s Presentation Evening also in attendance was Councillor Carwyn James. 10. ANY OTHER BUSINESS. 10.1 Footpath Sign. Councillor Catherine Smith reported that the footpath sign on the Mountain Road has fallen into the hedge. The Councillors RESOLVED that the Clerk writes to Carmarthenshire County Council to ask them to reinstate the sign. 10.2 Pot Hole. Councillor Catherine Smith also reported that there is a deep pot hole on the left hand side of the mountain coming onto Maesquarre Road. The Councillors RESOLVED that the Clerk informs Carmarthenshire County Council. 10.3 Property on Pentwyn Road, Betws. Councillor June Gunter informed the Councillors that she has been approached by a resident regarding a house on Pentwyn Road no. 10, which is in a bad state of repair. The Councillors RESOLVED that the Clerk writes to the property owner and also to Carmarthenshire County Council. Meeting Ended 9.40pm