Prior to the August meeting of Saundersfoot Community Council commencing, members stood for a minute's silence in memory of the late Clr. Clifton John.

CHAIRMAN'S REPORT

Chairman Allsop said that she had attended, along with fellow councillors the funeral of Clr. Clifton John, whose input would be sorely missed at council meetings and she sent her condolences to his family.

Chairman Allsop expressed her disappointment at the poor coverage in the press at the wonderful inspection report achieved by Saundersfoot School.

MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES

Pole, Fonthill: Clr. McDermott asked if any progress had been made. The clerk said that following two emails to BT, no response had been received. Members decided that perhaps it would be best if the owner of the property concerned took the issue up with BT himself.

MUGA: Clr. John informed members that feedback from suppliers with quotes was expected soon. Clr. Poole added that neighbouring properties would be approached as a matter of courtesy.

Gullies: Clr. Baker informed members that he had spoken to Mr. Glenville Codd and they would meet soon to ascertain which gullies needed clearing and work would then commence after the summer season.

Trees from the Woodland Trust: The clerk said that he had spoken to Saundersfoot Sports Club and was told that work was to commence soon to enhance the perimeter of the sports field and this would not include the planting of trees. Members decided not to place an order for these trees at present, but to reconsider the decision next year.

Defibrillator signs: Clr. McDermott informed members that he had visited most of the retail outlets in the village and signs were on display in the following: Harbour Office, Evans Newsagents, Ocean Hair, Gower Hotel, Post Office, Shoe Box, Clive's Seafood Bar, Harbour Hideaway, Heywood's and the Olive Tree , and the following were willing to display: Saundersfoot Pharmacy, Crusoes, Royal Oak, Marina, Baguette Shop, Rock Shop, The Wine Shop, Coastal Galleries, Kooka Ba, Lifeguard Unit, Tesco, TIC, The Lounge and the Chemist Inn.

He went on to say that Clr. Baker would provide 10 more notices for display in the village.

Cambrian Hotel: Clr. Baker said that prior to submitting plans to National Park, further surveys have to be carried out.

Clr. McDermott said that he had spoken to Mr. David Coughlan from John Francis who confirmed the new owners were committed to show the council their plans as soon as they were available from their architects. He went on to say that Mr. Coughlan expressed his concern at the new building land tax being introduced in October 2011, which would place a levy on all new single build within the Park area which equated to £100 per sq metre, increasing to £250 per sq metre in October 2013.

Clr. Brabon's report: Clr. Brabon reported that Mr. Allen Brace would construct the plinths for the two seats in the crazy golf area soon and he would also speak to Mr. Glenville Codd, Pembrokeshire County Council, with regard to obtaining plastic timber to construct these seats.

Clr. Poole reported to members that he, along with Clr. McDermott, had inspected the fountain and no leak was detected, but there could be a problem with the water supply to the fountain.

Clr. Brabon informed members that damage had been inflicted on the electricity unit near the ice-cream kiosk and Clr. McDermott had purchased a new one which would be fitted as soon as possible.

Clr. Brabon also reported that black bags were still being deposited at St. Issell's Cemetery by an unknown person.

Clr. S. John said that he had made several visits to the area, hopefully to catch the culprit, but unfortunately without success.

Clr. Cleevely expressed his concern that the ticket office was not open late enough in the evenings and thought this was the arrangement when the student commenced his duties. The clerk informed Clr. Cleevely that the student worked from 4-7 pm on Thursdays and Fridays and all day Sundays.

It was decided that the student work every evening from 4-8 pm to cater for clients using the facilities in the evening.

Police forum report: Clr. Poole expressed his concern at lorries entering Saundersfoot during restricted hours and asked if the police were monitoring this problem. Clr. Cleevely agreed and asked what was the point introducing this order if it was not being enforced by the police and suggested removing the signage!

Clr. Cleevely expressed his concern at dog mess being deposited in the litter bin by the Barbecue which was not being emptied. Clr. Baker informed Clr. Cleevely that he would request that it be emptied on a more regular basis.

Litter bin, Methodist Church: Clr. Baker informed members that a new litter bin would be installed by the church by Pembrokeshire County Council as soon as possible.

AGENDA

Purchase of new computer: It was proposed by Clr. Baker and seconded by Clr. Poole that the council purchases a new computer up to an amount of £400. All members agreed.

PLANNING APPLICATIONS

Rebuild, Regency Hall, Saundersfoot; signage, Spar Shop, Saundersfoot; double Garage, Sunnydene, Saundersfoot; demolish and rebuild, Penfro, Saundersfoot; eight static caravans - New Park Caravan Site, Saundersfoot.

Members asked for a site visit for the latter prior to making any comments, but raised no objections to the remaining applications.

CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED

A letter was received from a Saundersfoot resident expressing her concern at the green netting which had been erected in the sports field to prevent cricket balls entering the adjoining caravan site. Members commented that this had been erected by the sports club as a safety precaution to prevent causing injury to users of the caravan park, and any concerns should be directed to the sports club committee. In the same letter, concerns were expressed at the signage and hoardings being placed around the village. The clerk informed members that he had contacted Mr. Marc Owen, streetcare manager, Pembrokeshire County Council, and he would instruct his staff to visit Saundersfoot and remove the offending posters etc.

A letter was received from Mr. Matthew Owens, rural housing enabler, regarding an empty homes survey which his council was undertaking. The letter stated that he was currently working with Pembrokeshire County Council, National Park and Pembrokeshire Housing conducting the survey on empty properties in rural areas of the county and asked members to record any details of empty homes in the area on an enclosed form. Members decided not to participate in this survey as Saundersfoot covered such a wide area and the task would prove to be very difficult.

Forms were received from the election officer, Pembrokeshire County Council, regarding the vacancy on the council. Members discussed filling the vacancy and decided not to appoint a successor until May 2012 when the community council elections take place. The clerk was instructed to find out if this was in order.

The Saundersfoot Harbour Empowerment Order 2011 was received for perusal by members.

A letter was received from the Regency Hall Management Committee highlighting the high costs involved with regard to professional fees etc to get the new plans to planning application level and asked if the community council would consider making a small donation towards these costs. Clr. Cleevely said that the council had already saved the hall committee substantial amounts with regard to the planning application and proposed that no donation be made at present, but possible reconsider the request next year and Clr. Poole seconded this proposal. All members agreed.

REPORTS FROM VARIOUS COMMITTEES, INCLUDING THE COUNTY COUNCILLOR'S REPORT

Clr. Brabon reported to members that: he had purchased four new shirts for the ticket attendants at a cost of £60 plus vat.

Clr. Brabon said that vandalism had taken place in the Sensory Gardens to the borders and to the electricity box which would be repaired as soon as possible.

Clr. Brabon expressed his concern at so many posters and signs being placed on lamp posts and litter bins in the village and was pleased that streetcare staff were in the process of removing them.

Mr. Terry Lewis had removed overhanging branches opposite the Spar which were causing problems for pedestrians and further pruning would have to take place in the autumn to all the trees opposite the Spar.

Clr. Baker reported to members as follows: Saundersfoot play area - following further discussions with Brian Maddocks and Glen Codd the playground had been refurbished and re-painted with no contribution from Saundersfoot Community Council required.

Brooklands Court - following a further weekend of disturbance with non-residents using the picnic table at the location, a 'phone call from the clerk asked if the table could be removed sooner rather than later. The Pembrokeshire County Council depot in Templeton reacted extremely swiftly and arrived at the location and the table was removed. A post and rail fence between the seating area and the car park was being investigated to deter non-residents from using the seats. Clr. Baker asked for his thanks to the Templeton depot team be recorded.

Parking order - plans had now been produced to amend the parking order in Saundersfoot to provide the requested 30 minute and some 60 minute limited parking from 8 am to 6 pm, it looks as if at least an additional 15 spaces will be provided by this measure.

Old school - a work card has been produced to undertake this clearing up exercise and the property key was collected from property services earlier this week.

Civil parking enforcement - following on from previous month's figures, it was confirmed that the parking tickets issued in Saundersfoot for the last three months were May 9, June 14 and July 29.

Lights in the long tunnel - all lights and cables had been installed and tested. Currently, the solar panel installer was in plaster and Pembrokeshire County Council were actively looking for a sub-contractor to carry out the install action.

Clr. Cavell reported to members that the Friends of Saundersfoot School had held a summer fete which had proved to be a huge success. The annual general meeting of the FOSS would be held on Friday, September 16, at 2.30 pm in the school. Clr. Cavell said that to end a wonderfully successful year for the school, the parents of Year 6 pupils treated themselves to an end of year party and a fantastic time was had by all.

Clr. McDermott reported that the annual general meeting of the Regency Hall committee had taken place and all existing members and officers were re-elected, together with Mrs. Chaira Hare and PCSO Jim Moffatt.

Clr. Hayes reported that at the monthly meeting of the hall committee, grateful thanks were extended to Saundersfoot Community Council for the £1,000 donation which would be distributed to organisations using the hall facilities. She went on to say that raffle tickets were being sold and the draw would take place on October 5 and two dates had been allocated to sell tickets on the Harbour, these being August 22 and 29.

Finally, Clr. Hayes said that bookings were being taken for next year and plans for the rebuild were currently being considered by National Park.

Clr. Hayes reported that she had attended a police forum meeting and Inspector Griffiths, PC Nigel Lewis, PCSO Moffatt and 16 members of the public were present, together with Alun Williams and Sarah John from Pembrokeshire County Council, licensing and pollution control respectively.

She said questions were asked regarding Temporary Event Notices and the only objections taken into account were those relating to crime and disorder and Mr. Williams informed the meeting that about 600 TENS were issued annually and approximately 10 were objected to since the Act came into force.

Clr. Hayes reported concerns of loud music were being played from the Captains Table which was annoying residents.

At the meeting, Clr. Steve John asked about community council's view on licensing applications and was told that they can now object and anyone can review a licence, but must produce evidence.

Inspector Griffiths reported that the previous Saturday had been horrendous with a number of drink-related incidents occurring, including assault and damage being caused to establishments in the village.

Clr. Hayes said that there were 11 reported crimes, two for possession of cannabis, three to criminal damage, two for joyriding and other various assaults and three arrests have been made so far. She said that if any of these crimes were drink-related, the offenders could be banned from licensed premises.

Patrons were asked to leave the Sands Night Club by the rear exit to prevent problems in Milford Terrace, this arrangement was still under review.

At the meeting, it was reported that parking in cul-de-sacs was legal as long as drivers were not causing an obstruction.

Clr. Hayes reported of several gridlocks in the village, some caused by brewery lorries and PCSO Moffatt said that he would speak to the breweries concerned.

PCSO Moffatt reported that the Saundersfoot Police Station would close within the next 18 months and other venues are being considered.

Inspector Griffiths concluded by saying that although the police were stretched in the area, they continued to do a fine job.

The next meeting of the Forum will be held on Monday, September 5, in the Regency Hall, Saundersfoot at 7.30 pm.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Clr. Hayes said that the cenotaph was full of weeds and needed clearing. The clerk was instructed to ask the handyman to carry out these duties.

Clr. Cavell asked when the council would be ordering the grit bins as agreed at the precept meeting in January. Members decided to convene a special meeting on Thursday, September 15, at 7 pm, to discuss this item.

Clr. Pearson expressed her concern at some businesses in Saundersfoot hiring out canoes etc and wondered what criteria they adopt with regards to the safety of these clients whilst out at sea. Members commented that the responsibility lay with the shop hiring out this equipment and the clerk was instructed to write to Pembrokeshire County Council licensing department to ascertain exactly what procedures were in place for businesses hiring out this type of equipment to the public.

Clr. Baker informed members that the Ironman event would be passing through Saundersfoot on September 11 and as a result this would involve road closures and he would hope to have more information on the event soon.

Clr. Cleevely reported a burst water main occurring in Westfield Road which had caused flooding problems for residents. Clr. Baker said that he would obtain further information on this incident.

Clr. Poole asked if old council minutes could be deposited in the archive department of Pembrokeshire County Council. The clerk informed Clr. Poole that minutes dating back to the 1970s were stored in the Green Room of the Regency Hall and he would arrange for minutes up to 1999 to be transferred to Pembrokeshire County Council.

Clr. Poole expressed his concern at the perception that the car park near the Regency Hall was for use by the public and members of the bowling and sports club and members, as the council, should take steps to inform the public that it is actually owned by the community council. Clr. John agreed and said holidaymakers often turned up at the car park early in the morning to spend the day on the beach. The clerk informed members that several tickets were issued by the ticket attendant to senior citizens of the village to use the car park. Clr. Baker suggested making a charge for motorists to use the car park. Members decided to discuss the future use of the car park at the special meeting convened for September 15 in the Regency Hall at 7 pm.

The next meeting of the council will be held on September 1 in the Regency Hall, Saundersfoot, at 6.30 pm.