The Clerk read out a letter received from Clr. Anthony Mattick tendering his resignation as Community Councillor dated December 12, 2019. Clr. Mattick stated within his letter that he had thoroughly enjoyed his five years as a Community Councillor and that he feels very proud to have played a small part in many of the great projects and decisions that have been made to further develop this beautiful village.

He also wrote that he would like to thank all Councillors for their fellowship, commitment and dedication and wished the Community Council continued prosperity in the future.

The Council requested the Clerk to send a letter thanking Clr. Mattick for his continued commitment and service to Saundersfoot Community Council over the past five years and to wish him all the best for the future.

Chairman’s Report

Clr. Sefton reported that he had attended three events this month namely:

• Lantern Parade – This superb event was a credit to the Saundersfoot Chamber for Tourism which was attended by Dr Simon Hancock – Chair of Pembrokeshire County Council.

• Christmas Luncheon – The annual Christmas luncheon was well attended by persons from Saundersfoot who were waited upon by members of Tenby & District Lions and Councillors. The Chair offered thanks to all members and staff of the Regency Hall for once again arranging such a successful event.

• New Year’s Day Swim – Once again this was a fantastic event with many swimmers taking part to raise money for their nominated charities. Councillors distributed the medals to all participants.

Clr. Sefton, on behalf of the Council, requested Clr. Williams BEM to pass on, to all concerned, the Council’s thanks for all the sterling work and incredible organisation efforts made by all.

Clr. Sefton also reported that the New Year’s Eve firework display, as paid for by the Council, organised and overseen by the Chamber for Tourism, was once again a very well attended event, enjoyed by all.

Planning Applications

NP/19/0679/S73 - Chalet, Rose Cottage, Ridgeway Close: Amendment of condition 2 and discharge of condition 4 of NP/17/0488/FUL - the council supported this application.

NP/19/0671/FUL -Coal Building, Cambrian Terrace: Proposed change of use of existing building, including internal alterations and demolition of existing single storey extension (western and northern elevations), plus proposed extension of western elevation of building (three storeys including roof space to height of existing building) and proposed extension of northern elevation (single storey) to provide visitor centre, exhibition space, plus overnight accommodation (fifteen beds) and bat loft. - Following discussion, Clr. Wainwright proposed that further information be sought regarding the number of nights that persons would be able to stay within this accommodation and then following the receipt of this information Councillors consider the application; Clr. Beedles seconded the proposal with a majority vote in favour (One abstention).

Once the information has been received, Councillors will considerer such and if it is deemed necessary an Extraordinary meeting will be called.

NP/19/0664/DOC - Craig Y Mor, The Strand: Discharge of condition no. 4 - The council supported this application with the consideration that it will greatly improve its appearance.

NP/19/0606/FUL - Bay View, Frances Road: Removal of existing hedge and replace with stone wall including amended access and associated external works; and NP/19/0608/FUL - Frances House, Frances Road: Removal of existing hedge and replace with stone wall, gated access and associated external works - Following deliberation regarding the above two planning applications the Council concluded that they consider that:

• The removal of established hedgerow will have negative impact on the appearance of the area as well as a detrimental effect on established plants and existing fauna.

• Two driveways in proximity of one and other will cause major concerns with traffic leaving and joining the village road possibly causing a major roadway hazard and possible accidents.

• If the two applications were to be approved it would set a precedent for all the properties along this closed entrance roadway causing a further hazard to road users.

Clr. Sefton proposed that the council object to the two above planning applications, taking into account the above comments and considerations. Clr. Cleevely seconded the proposal with all councillors eligible to vote, voting in favour of objection. Clr. Baker recorded his abstention from the vote.

Consideration of Correspondence Received

• Clr. Hayes MBE handed the Clerk information appertaining to the awards to be presented to the Poppy Distributors. This item has been diarised for February

• Letter received from St Issells Church requesting a donation towards the cost of the lighting of the cross on St Issells Church – Following discussion the Council agreed that as a donation was awarded to the Church in the December meeting a further donation was not possible at this time.

• Email received raising concerns regarding a missing sign for Back Lane in Sardis. Clr. Baker will make enquiries and liaise with Pembrokeshire County Council to have a new sign erected.

• Email received raising concerns of persons purportedly speeding past the MUGA and playpark with the possibility of an accident occurring. The Clerk to make enquiries as to whether the Council has retained the removed sections to reconstruct an additional speed hump that could be put along this road and to write to the Saundersfoot Sports and Social Club Ltd to request that the collapsible post be put to the up position when the field is not being used as a car park. This has been diarised for February.

• Email received raising concerns appertaining to a damaged speed hump located just outside the Saundersfoot Community Primary School. The Clerk advised the Council that the concerns had been passed to Cllr Baker who contacted the Pembrokeshire County Council and the damage was repaired very soon thereafter.

• Correspondence between the Clerk, Mr Evans (Cherry Picker), Rhys from Smart Gardens and Clr. Williams BEM to finalise the arrangements for the taking down of the Christmas decorations. All arranged for 7th January 2020. Clr. Williams BEM confirmed that the boxes were more than suitable but seven smaller ones were required.

• Email received from Pembrokeshire County Council regarding the timings of the Public Engagement sessions being offered by the Pembrokeshire County Council appertaining to the Budget for 2020/2021

• Notice received from Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Planning Authority advising that planning application NP/19/0542 – Bonvilles Close has been withdrawn.

• Email received regarding a planning application discussed by the Council at the December meeting (NP/19/0539/FUL). The contents of this Email and the Clerks response was presented to the Council. No further action required.

• Email received regarding the request of information appertaining to the planning application made by the Saundersfoot Community Council and the proposed car park. Following consideration, the Council requested the Clerk to respond requesting what information from the Saundersfoot Community Council is outstanding.

County Councillor’s Report

County Hall - Clr. Baker explained that the draft Budget had been presented, the settlement from Welsh Government had been better than expected and the proposals were to increase the Council Tax by 5 per cent, continue with the proposed budget savings but to introduce targeted spending. In Clr. Baker’s portfolio this could see additional funding for pothole repairs, street lighting and road safety schemes.

Clr. Baker recently launched the easier to read bus time tables which will soon be rolled out across the County.

A minor highway scheme grant awards process has been forwarded to all Town and Community Councils, the local County Councillor and Council have to support the project with funding available up to 90 per cent of a £10,000 project.

Ward - A request has been logged to carryout the cleaning of the drain on St Brides hill and a number of gullies around the Village. The repair to the Coast path surfacing beyond the long tunnel has been chased, with work expected very soon.

A request has been made to relocate the bench opposite Village Off Licence as it obstructs access to the notice board.

Clr. Baker expressed his thanks to the hard working clean up teams who made sure that the Village looked as good as it could for the holiday events.

Clr. Baker has expressed his concern that fly tipping in bins is regularly occurring mainly in bottle bins, he asked everyone to be vigilant.

The lighting column damaged in the motor vehicle accident in the summer has been replaced near the sensory garden.

The recent PACT meeting requested that the seasonal double yellow, the Glen, Spar corner, Milford Terrace be reviewed, Clr. Baker has passed this to Officers.

Clr. Baker reported that various surfacing repairs had been undertaken at Fan Road, Brooklands Place, Speed bump at BT exchange.

Reports from Committees

Car Park and EE mast Subcommittee - Clr. Boughton Thomas presented the report of the meeting of the Subcommittee held on December 11.

The consideration of the possibility of the Fields in Trust taking on the Trusteeship of the Sports field and relinquishing the land in the ownership of The Saundersfoot Community Council was discussed with Cllr Hayes MBE (as one of the two remaining Trustees of the Sports Field), Clr. Hayes MBE proposed that a meeting be called to discuss the possibility of the Fields in Trust taking on the Trusteeship of the Sports field. Persons to be invited – Mr. B Waters and Clr. Hayes MBE (Trustees of the Sports Field), Mr. Haydn Williams (Legal representative), Mr. Rhodri Edwards (Fields in Trust representative), representatives of the Saundersfoot Sports and Social Club Ltd, representatives of the Council and the Clerk; Clr. Sefton seconded the proposal with all Council in full agreement.

Clr. Baker proposed that if the change of Trusteeship is not possible the Council should consider withdrawing the planning application for the car park as the requirements suggested by the Fields in Trust would not be appropriate; Clr. Upham seconded the proposal with all Council in full agreement.

Clr. Boughton Thomas presented the report of the meeting of the Subcommittee held on December 11.

The Clerk advised the Council the Mr. Evans (Duly appointed Chartered Surveyor) is in negotiation with representatives of EE regarding the access route. The original route and preferred route was through the Car park in the ownership of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority and across the grass area behind the bowling green to the construction site. The representatives of EE are now requesting that the access is along the car park in the ownership of the Council (along side the Regency Hall), between the MUGA and playpark and up to the construction site. For health and safety reasons and ease of route the Council have preferred the route using the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority car park. The Clerk to circulate plans of the two preferred routes for consideration by the Council and obtain information re disruptive works time estimates for each option

Grounds Committee/Sensory Garden - Clr. Williams BEM advised the Council that further winter planting had taken place and that unfortunately some damaged occurred to the garden and lights. The Clerk to contact Dyfed Powys Police and ascertain if there is anything showing on the CCTV.

Reports from Council Representatives

Clr. Cleevely – On behalf of Saundersfoot Neighbourhood Police Forum. Meeting held at the Regency Hall December 9 (Present – Sergeant Beverley Rodriquez, Chief Inspector Louise Harris and PCSO Jim Moffatt)

• The future of the PACT meetings was in question. Dyfed Powys Police has invested in Neighbourhood Policing, most other forces have reduced this service. It was concluded that, due to overtime restrictions, PACT meetings will be held as usual, but if no officer was on duty the meeting would be held the following week when an officer is available.

• The zig-zag lines outside Tesco’s are being monitored and several Notices of pending prosecutions have been issued

• A number of under aged girls have been refused admission to public houses in the village.

• Members were advised of two scams, one involving the Royal Mail and the other HMRC.

Clerk’s Update

The Clerk advised the Council that: In December 2019, while conducting a visual inspection of St Issells New Cemetery, she sustained a fall due to slipping on wet moss. An entry has been placed in the accident book.

She has accepted the position of Clerk for a further two Community Councils and will be handing notice into her non clerking position, she then requested that the Council consider payment towards office space. This item has been diarised for February.

Agenda Items

Remuneration – To discuss and consider the determinations for Saundersfoot Community Council’s 2020/2021 Remuneration to Councillors. As set out by the Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales

It was agreed by the Council that the Remunerations decisions be carried forward and agreed as the 2019/2020 decisions.

Saundersfoot Library - Consideration of financial support to Saundersfoot Library and possible amendment to the 2020/2021 Precept.

Clr. Baker requested what response had been received from neighbouring Community Councils in regard to making a joint bid to the Enhancing Pembrokeshire Grant Scheme. The Clerk advised the Council that Email responses had been received from St Mary Out Liberty, East Williamston and Amroth Community Councils declining the request to assist with the support of the library services.

Following discussions Clr. Upham proposed that Saundersfoot Community Council use up to £15,500 from reserve monies (no change to the 2020/2021 precept) and the £1,500 already precepted to pay to Pembrokeshire County Council to enable the library service, as currently offered, remains in Saundersfoot for the 2020/2021 financial year, with the Council considering other options for the library service from April 2021; Clr. Sefton seconded the proposal with all Council in full agreement.

Alternative possible options to consider later this year included: The forming of a charitable body to take over the running of the library with Pembrokeshire County Council providing books and IT; Application of grant funding from the Enhancing Pembrokeshire Grant; Reduction in opening hours; Self-serving option; Mobile library service; Volunteers assisting in the staffing of the library.

The consideration of the removal of public telephones at two locations namely - Wisemans Bridge, Saundersfoot and The Ridgeway, Saundersfoot.

Following discussion Clr. Sefton proposed that the telephone box on the Ridgeway, Saundersfoot be approved for removal and the telephone box at Wisemans Bridge be considered to remain as this is a coastal location with none or very little mobile signal offering the facility in emergencies and also to many holiday makers who stay in the area and are unable to use mobile phones; Clr. Boughton Thomas seconded the proposal with all Council in full agreement.

Saundersfoot Senior Citizens Christmas Dinner - Consideration of arrangements for 2020 dinner based on the 2019 dinner.

Clr. Boughton Thomas advised the Council that, once again, the dinner was well supported and a great success but the number of meals served had dropped from last year. Clr. Boughton Thomas requested that the Council give consideration to the meal being changed to lunch time, the catchment area for person attending the meal be widened and with the current caterer retiring whether the Regency Hall staff/volunteers do the catering. This item has been diarised for March.

Clr. Baker suggested that a Christmas Day event could be held to help alleviate loneliness in Saundersfoot. This item has been diarised for February with the consideration of a working party being formed to possibly work with the Chamber for Tourism to investigate hosting such an event.

Wales in Bloom - Consideration of entry by Saundersfoot Community Council into the 2020 Best Village Class.

Clr. Hayes MBE advised the Council that communication had been received from the Wales in Bloom committee requesting if Saundersfoot Village would be entered into the 2020 Best Village Class 2020 at a cost of £85. Clr. Sefton proposed that Saundersfoot Community Council pay the £85 entry fee and enter Saundersfoot into the Wales in Bloom – Best Village category; Clr. Baker seconded the proposal with all Council in full agreement.

Christmas Lights - Discussion regarding the 2019 display and consideration of possible addition of lights for 2020.

Clr. Williams BEM advised the Council that he had met with several Councillors in the Sensory Garden to discuss what, if any, lights are required for the 2020 display onwards.

It was suggested that Clr. Williams BEM prepares and distributes, to all Councillors and the Clerk, a list of what is considered to be required and the sale prices thereof prior to the February or March meeting dependant on when the sale prices are received. This will then be discussed at the February or March meeting.

Pembrokeshire County Council Community Works Grant - Consideration of Saundersfoot Community Council applying for the above Grant scheme offering the opportunity for Community Councils to submit bids for small highway schemes.

This item has been diarised for the February meeting when possible schemes will be discussed. Clr. Sefton proposed that the following matters be discussed under Private and Confidential meeting conditions; Clr. Baker seconded the proposal with all Council in full agreement.

The next meeting will be held on February 6 at the Regency Hall.