At the April meeting of Saundersfoot Community Council, the following matters were discussed:

CHAIRMAN's REPORT

Chairman Cleevely said that he had attended the presentation evening for the Poppy Appeal Awards and presented the certificates. He had also acted as quizmaster at the luncheon club quiz in the Regency Hall.

MATTERS ARISING

Planning application NP/13/0480: Clr. Allsop queried why the Saundersfoot Community Council comments were not taken into account for the application for Fig Tree Cottage, Wogan Lane, when discussed by National Park and suggested that this road became one-way. Clr. Baker said that Pembrokeshire County Council highways department had decided against this and Clr. Hayes agreed that the road was not suitable for two-way traffic. Clr. Baker advised members that the application was still being discussed and Clr. Morris suggested writing to the residents in Wogan Lane seeking their views. Clr. Baker then said that he would contact the highways department asking why they had changed their minds for one-way traffic on this road and following their response, he would then visit the residents to seek their views. Dispensations: The clerk informed members that he had received a response from Lawrence Harding, monitoring officer, Pembrokeshire County Council, with regard to requests for dispensation for members of the Regency Hall Committee to speak on matters relating to the Saundersfoot Chamber for Tourism. Dispensation to speak on these debates were agreed for Clrs. Pearson, Hayes, Boughton Thomas, McDermott and Cavell, but not for Clr. John. Flag pole: Clr. John informed members that he, along with Clr. Poole had cemented the base for the flag pole in front of the Regency Hall. CCTV camera: The clerk informed members that Clr. John had written to Christopher Salmon, Police Crime Commissioner, Dyfed Powys Police, and a response had been received from Mr. Tim Burton who was responding on behalf of Mr. Salmon. The letter stated that many pertinent points had been raised in the letter and many of the issues raised had been replicated in communities across Dyfed Powys. For this reason, they has decided to commission a review into the coverage, location, standard, costs and monitoring of CCTV on a Dyfed Powys basis. Mr. Burton would be leading the project and would welcome further input and Saundersfoot Community Council would be consulted when the review team commence their work. Intelligent use of the CCTV System would meet three core priorities: prevention and tackling of crime, protecting vulnerable people, bringing people to justice. The invitation to tender in respect of CCTV would be issued and the community council would be kept informed. Clr. Baker suggested writing to Mr. Burton welcoming the review and asked for regular updates on progress. Lights in long tunnel: Clr. Baker, along with Clrs. Poole and John visited the substation in Coppet Hall to assess the required work and Clr. John had also spoken to Mr. David Lewis, Hean Castle, and he suggested that Pembrokeshire County Council carried out the work creating the trench to house the cabling. Clr. Baker went on to say that Pembrokeshire County Council and Saundersfoot Community Council should work together on this project and the amount the community council should contribute was unknown at present, but should be known shortly. Clr. Baker said that, hopefully, Pembrokeshire County Council would provide insurance cover and he would update members at next month's meeting. One hundred years anniversary, World War I: Clr. Cavell said that progress was being made, but asked for more support from the public, and frequent meetings are being held. Clr. Cavell said that Saundersfoot Community Council should be included in the posters, and there would be further adverts in the press requesting more memorabilia. She would update members at next month's meeting. Gates, Regency Hall: Clr. Baker informed members that Clr. Poole would contact Pembrokeshire Engineering regarding the double hanging and wheels for the gates. Litter in culverts, path to Wiseman's Bridge: Clr. Baker informed members that this had been cleared. Clr. Hayes expressed her concern that stones had collected in the long tunnel which were dangerous for walkers. Dip in road, Ridgeway: Clr. Baker reported to members that the work had not been carried out due to consultation with utility companies. Members reported bad potholes in the following locations: road near Rhodewood Lodge, road near Vine Farm, Fan Road, road near Netherwood School. Bus services: Clr. John clarified the information given in the March meeting regarding the matter and said that the late 381 service was the only service to be scrapped. Request to remove ashes from St. Issell's Cemetery: The clerk informed members that he had spoken to the applicant and she had no objection to re-using the plot from which the ashes were to be removed. Members suggested that the clerk obtain further information regarding the ownership of plots in the cemetery. Condition of pathway near Swallow Tree: Clr. Baker reported to members that the trees involved belonged to Hean Castle Estate and they were responsible for clearing this debris away. Clr. Hayes also reported that a tree had fallen during the recent storms on the footway off the Ridgeway near Hazeland Wood. Clr. Baker said that he would investigate.

AGENDA

Broadband coverage: Clr. Morris expressed his concerns at the broadband speeds in Saundersfoot which varied greatly and gave the following report to members: Historically, BT have seen fit to run cables around Saundersfoot, adding on little by little, as the requests for telephone connections were made. Many of these lines now cover several kilometres before heading back to locations that are surprisingly close to the exchange from where they originated. In the days when the only concern was whether or not a telephone worked, this was bearable. In the modern era, when we are very aware of the drop off potential of broadband signals, which now travel along the same lines, we are far more concerned about how this can affect both private and commercial premises in terms of potential download speeds and fluctuations in reception. These problems would also affect any project concerned with the provision of a free wi-fi cloud along the front of Saundersfoot, which could possible extend slightly inland. The quality of the broadband signal needs to be tested immediately, so that any other projects can be put into place. Saundersfoot survey: We need first to test the variation of broadband download speeds in our area (Saundersfoot). To do this, please google 'UK Broadband Speed Test' and select 'Broadband Speed Checker' from the options. In practice, BT will often provide you with information that is more promising than that which can be practically achieved. For instance, BT reported to me that I had the potential of 5.5 Mb over my home telephone link, whereas the 'Broadband Speed Checker', we would like people to use, reported to me that the actual rate was only 2.9 Mb at my location. It is essential, therefore, that we all use the same broadband download speed tester for our investigation. We need people to send their download speed results to our specially created email address, which is [email protected]">[email protected]. For those who are not able to send in results via email, please post your results to: Saundersfoot Survey, Saundersfoot Community Council, c/o The Regency Hall, Saundersfoot. Your submissions, by email or letter, should include both your download speed (in Mb) and your address. The results can then be compared with the routes that the cables take around Saundersfoot and be discussed with BT in terms of immediate improvement and their plans for the future, including the arrival of Superfast Fibre Broadband, which is not expected in our area until after April 2015. Wi-fi cloud: We have formed a group, made up of members of the council, Saundersfoot Chamber for Tourism and the Harbour Commissioners, to look into the provision of a wi-fi cloud that will be free to both local residents and tourists visiting our area throughout the year. A meeting was held at the Harbour Office, when Mr. Nic Caine addressed the group and explained how a local wi-fi cloud could be set-up in the vicinity. It would require the proprietors of several premises to agree to allow their broadband facilities to be used. The signal from each host will then be projected by several relay devices placed on the outside of their premises. The strength of the initial signal would depend on the strength of the broadband speed at each location. Each device has the potential to generate the signal over distances of up to 150-feet. When this process is repeated from several properties over an area, a 'cloud' is formed. Each device, plus its outside cover, would cost around £140. The cost of installation would also have to be considered. It is expected that there would be a drop in signal continuity between locations when the person using the cloud is moving around the vicinity. Mr. Caine pointed out that he could manage the system remotely when the need arises. He reported also that it is possible for the participating host to have their usage capped, in order to prevent excessive bills from their provider. Obviously, the group will be investigating other devices and other providers, in order to get the best deal for the community. They will also be looking into securing a grant, as this would undoubtedly be a tourism related project. Clr. Baker informed members that BT were due to carry out a comprehensive review of broadband speeds in Saundersfoot in 2015 and perhaps we should delay doing anything till then. Clr. Morris urged as many people as possible to send in their broadband speeds so that results can be assessed and this can be done in the information given in Clr. Morris report under 'Saundersfoot Survey'.

PLANNING APPLICATIONS

Extension, 17 Castle View, Saundersfoot, new retail area, Sandyhill Nurseries, Saundersfoot - members raised no objections.

CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED

A new premises licence was received for the Sands Nightclub in Saundersfoot. Members expressed their concern at the closure times being between 3 and 4 am and the clerk was instructed to write to the licencing department requesting that the closure times be restricted to 2 am every night. Requests for tree works at the rear of 3 Cambrian Terrace were received from National Park. A public path diversion Order was received for land situated at Heritage Park, Stepaside.

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

Clr. Baker reported to members as follows: Winding House - following a call from Clr. Cavell concerned at the vandalism and theft of stone from the Winding House, Clr. Baker had contacted CADW. Following four 'phone calls, the new local Inspector (Polly Groom) did contact him and a site inspection was organised. (Post meeting note - following a photographic survey, CADW would monitor the structure and were pleased that the police have been informed. Adits on the coastal path - Pembrokeshire County Council had undertaken a cleaning of both. Lights in the long tunnel - Although this had now become a Saundersfoot Community Council project, it was suggested that Pembrokeshire County Council be contacted to use their framework contractor and legal department to carry out the work. Clr. Baker had discussed the matter with a number of officers and a site meeting was undertaken. Clr. Baker reminded members that the Pembrokeshire County Council street lighting budget had been reduced by £200,000. Fan Road - a temporary repair has been undertaken at the junction with the B4314, Clr. Baker reminded members that the road budget had been reduced by £800,000. Gully opposite Rhodewood - the Gully had been cleaned out and a temporary repair carried out. It was suspected that building works alongside may have damaged the carrier pipe and an alternative may have to be constructed. Paviors - The job card was now with the work team and would be taken at an appropriate time. Clr. John reported to members as follows: Saundersfoot Harbour Advisory Committee - the discussion was of the ongoing wait for the Jones and Teague site development to be finalised and what the longer term plans were. The development of more marine-based activity was seen as key to the Welsh Government proposal and it was hopeful that a positive response would be had soon. Saundersfoot Bay Heritage and Regeneration Trust - there was a report on a recent visit to PCNA who showed commitment to the coal office and its environs, saying they wanted to keep the conservation zone and therefore planning would be required to change or demolish the building. The Powell Dobson report had been delayed a few weeks so no response to that yet, this was due to there being some heritage aspects in the harbour proposal and this was awaiting the Welsh Government response to the whole harbour plan. There was a report on a recent visit to Hermon where funding for projects was done via a share scheme which funded the purchase and development of a local hall. This idea has now been reused to fund some aspects of Cardigan's redevelopment, but with the Cardigan scheme, there were dividend payments. In both cases the local Credit Union assisted with share purchase schemes if needed. There were plans to visit Cardigan for further information and insight and to contact one of their organisers with plans for a public meeting to explain the current situation and proposals. There was a suggestion that a local DIY SOS may be organised to see if local trades people would possibly assist in the future. Saundersfoot Chamber for Tourism - at a well-attended meeting, there was an update on the recruitment of a social media person who would publicise the area online to increase the public's knowledge and interest in Saundersfoot. There was an agreement from the South Wales Tourism Partnership to part fund the post. The latest edition of the Saundersfoot Scene was going to the printers. There was an update on the possibility of village based wi-fi, from Mr. Nic Caine. There was a brief presentation on the Wales Coast App which is being funded via Keep Wales Tidy and covers all of the Wales Coast Path and can advertise the establishments along it, with paid for advertising. This may be extended to highlight local heritage sites along with some augment reality features, as has already been done in Llandudno. There is a new Welsh Government initiative for environmentally friendly hospitality businesses, called Green Key. The Christmas Market will be December 5-7, with already over 30 stalls booked. There could be an extra dimension to the event this year too. The Big Bang Weekend is October 31/November 1, with a firework display and bucket collection. St. David's Day Market will be February 28/March 1. Clr. Morris reported to members as follows: Harbour Commissioners - the repairs on the east side of the harbour wall had been completed. Most of the repairs to the slipway had now been completed. A digger and dumper were clearing sand from the commercial fishing moorings. CCTV cameras would be upgraded to improve security. Kelpies had been contacted with respect to boats being returned to the harbour. Poor weather conditions throughout the start to the year had resulted in a fall in the takings for car parking. Currently, 274 car park season tickets and 17 flexi tickets had been sold. A meeting had been held with the advisory group, to discuss sand impoundment, new equipment and an update on the Marine Centre of Excellence. All edges to the harbour walls would soon be marked with a white line, to signify a hazard, particularly to partially sighted visitors. A questionnaire would be produced to investigate the needs of visitors to the harbour area. Harbour representatives were involved in a project to develop a wi-fi cloud along the front at Saundersfoot. It was reported that the winter lights on lampposts around the harbour had been received positively by members of the public.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Clr. Morris reported that flytipping was taking place on the Hopshill Lane and perhaps if signage was erected there it would alleviate the problem. Clr. Baker said that he would investigate. Clr. Morris expressed his concern at trees being cut down beyond Westfield Road flats. Clr. Baker said that this land was controlled by Owen and Owen (agents) and the clerk was instructed to write to them with these concerns. Clr. Pearson asked if work could be carried out in the Sensory Gardens soon as it needed some attention. Members decided to liaise to set a date as soon as possible. Clr. Hayes asked if a request be made again for free parking in the Regency Hall car park after 5 pm. The clerk was instructed to contact National Park requesting this.