GOWERTON COMMUNITY COUNCIL

CYNGOR CYMUNEDOL TREGŴYR

Minutes of the AGM of Council held at Gowerton Con Club at 7.30pm on Wednesday 18 May 2022

 

 

PRESENT:  Councillors Susan Jones, Gareth Evans, Peter Morgan, Amanda Guard, Roz Holt, Pat Evans, Barbara Small, Ann Guard. Clerk to the Council:  Allison James.  

 

            Ward member, Cllr Dai Jenkins, June Merrells

 

1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE – Cllr Brian Edy, Cllr Matt Palmer

 

2. REPORT OF THE RETIRING CHAIRPERSON:

 

It has been my privilege to serve as Chair of Gowerton Community Council over the last year. It has been very busy with so much happening in Gowerton. As we move out of covid restrictions to returning to normality, we must be mindful that this virus still remains. As a Community we have come together to support each other and those most vulnerable. GCC  has continuously worked with volunteers and businesses since 2020, and in recognition of their services to the village during the pandemic, a reception will be held on 5^th June 2022 at Gowerton RFC to honour their contribution. We have received confirmation that the Lord Mayor will be in attendance..

 

GCC have been involved in the following during 2021-2022,

• Flower displays throughout the village
• Green space at the Railway station maintained by Community Council volunteers
• Tree planting at the Triangle off Sterry Rd roundabout
• Refurbishment and artwork to our public seats with a new seat installed to commemorate our Community heroes of 2020/21.
• Erection of flagpole; To include our support for Ukraine and the Queen’s up-coming Platinum Jubilee
• The installation of defibrillators across the village but also First Aid class in CPR and how to use the equipment
• A Santa’s parade that included a horse-drawn carriage visiting parts of the village

(Thanks to Cllrs Paul Emmerton, Amanda Guard, Lyneth Snodden-Howells and clerk, Allison James who greeted everyone on a very cold winter’s day that proved a very successful event)                    

• Platinum Jubilee celebrations -working in partnership with Dean Mason of Gowerton Athletic Club and stakeholders. Thanks to Councillors and volunteers for their contribution with Cllr Matt Palmer organising the brochure delivery to each household in Gowerton.
• Gorwydd Colliery- new Pobl housing development-This controversial site has commenced with Contractor, Morganstone facing many challenges including flooding, subsidence and repeated complaints from residents living besides this site. This poorly planned project has caused much distress and total frustration to our residents. With poor communication received from Pobl,that is, compounded by lorries double-parked, potholes, mud covered roads etc. This has resulted in enormous stress being inflicted upon Gowerton Residents.
• Reported issues of concern include vandalism, litter, dog excrement, potholes, poor road surfaces and more recently speed bumps.

La Gacilly Twinning association members will be visiting Brittany in July to celebrate a post 20^th Anniversary of its association.

Gowerton Comprehensive its association will see Mr Nigel Jones retire and Ms Kathleen Lawlor becoming Headteacher.

 

Gowerton Primary school will have Iain Ashton taking up the position of Deputy Headteacher replacing Ms Debbie Roberts who is retiring.

We have also seen the departure of Cllrs Linda Bolchover and Viv Davies who contributed to the community using their expertise on Environmental issues/Green spaces and assisting the Annual &Craft fayre.

Moreover, we were successful in attracting three new Councillors in 2021 to join the council. With Cllrs Matthew Palmer, Brian Ede and Pat Evans who have shown much enthusiasm and brought different expertise to the council.

Gowerton will welcome and celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee from 2^nd June-5^th June and show what a pro-active community we are proud to represent.

I would like to thank all councillors, ward member, County Cllr Sue Jones and clerk, Allison James for all their hard work and support and wish my successor much success for the coming year.

 

 

 

3. ELECTION OF CHAIRPERSON 22/23

 

Cllr Ros Holt was nominated by Cllr Sue Evans, Seconded by Cllr Pat Evans.

 

4. ELECTION OF VICE CHAIRPERSON 22/23

 

It was agreed to elect the vice chairperson at the next meeting when hopefully the full Committee will be in attendance.

 

5          DISCLOSURES OF INTEREST FROM MEMBERS: None

 

6.         MEETINGS WITH: None required

 

7.         TO RECEIVE ANY PUBLIC REPRESENTATION: None

 

8.         COUNCIL MINUTES: 6 April 2022

.

a)  The Minutes were accepted as a true record. Proposed by Cllr Sue Jones, Seconded by Cllr Pat Evans

b)  Matters Arising: The written report of the Clerk regarding matters arising and subsequent actions taken were noted.

 

9.         CHAIPERSONS ALLOWANCE IN PURSUIT OF S34(5) LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 1972.

 

            The amount remains unchanged at £500 per annum.

 

10a       To appoint representatives to serve on the following bodies:

               

                a)  One Voice Wales Area Committee      Cllrs G Evans, Cllr R Holt, Clerk/RFO Allison James

                b)  CCS/Community Council Forum           Cllr G Evans, Cllr R Holt

                c)  Area 2 Development Control Committee sites visits.   Cllr P Morgan

d). Planning Committee (to be implemented only when timescale does not allow before next meeting

within consultation period).         Cllr A Guard, Cllr A Guard, Cllr J Merrells.                                                                                                             

e)  Rechabite Community Hall Management Committee  Cllr G Evans                                   

f)  Governing Body – Gowerton Primary      Cllr G Evans                                                        

g)  Link person – Adopt a station scheme     Cllr R Holt

 

10b      To appoint an internal auditor:

 

            It was agree to continue to use Lyn Llewellyn as the internal auditor.

 

10c.     To fix dates and times of meeting for the year:

 

            All present agreed that the meetings will take place on the first Wednesday of each month excluding

            August where there is not a meeting.  Unless we are prevented from meeting on third Wednesday, in

            which instance the meeting will be held on the second Wednesday of that month or alternatively on a day

            which is convenient for all.

 

10d.      To consider working practices for the year,

 

             To review the Standing Orders and continue to work to the Work Plan.

 

11.        ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE INCOMING CHAIRPERSON

 

Cllr Ros Holt said she looked forward to taking on the role of Chairperson for what would be the third time and said she hoped to carry on the good work following Cllr Gareth Evans, the outgoing Chairperson.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12         REPORT OF THE WARD MEMBERS:

 

Report of the Ward Member – Cllr Sue Jones. 

 

April/May 2022

 

Firstly, I would like to thank the village for the support in the recent election and allowing me to continue to represent you as a County Councillor.  It is the beginning of a new system with two Councillors for Gowerton and I welcome Councillor Dai Jenkins as a colleague.  

 

There are mixed feelings regarding the recently installed 'speed bumps'.  I would like to dispel the opinion of some that I requested these for Gowerton.

 

I have requested that the entrance to the Gowerton Comprehensive School be altered to enhance the safety of the children at this location. I have also commented on the speed of Gorwydd and Cecil Roads after being contacted by local residents.  There also has been the installation of double yellow lines at a few locations which will enhance the safety of those areas. There are areas that need to be looked at with regard to safety eg. the roundabout outside the Co op, the entrance into Elba Street and Fairwood Terrace and the need for a crossing to access the Athletic Club which I have spoken to Highways about.  Hopefully Councillor Dai Jenkins and I will be able to work together on these.  It has been good to see the new footpath from Clos Helyg to the crossing on the inner link Road which I contributed to through my Community budget.

 

It is very sad news to be told that Mrs. Marion Rees (Park Road) has passed away on her 102nd birthday. Condolences to her family, she was a lovely lady who greatly contributed to village life.  Her husband, Hywel,  wrote the book "Talking about Gowerton" and the proceeds of this book paid for the Community Council's Ceremonial Chain.

 

The brochures for the Queens Jubilee celebrations are being delivered to all houses in Gowerton and this programme of events is available to all.  There has been many meetings and discussions to ensure a variety of events and I would like to pace on record a huge thanks to all who have been involved especially Dean Mason without his organisational skills and enthusiasm we would have struggled.  All we have left to do now is enjoy all the activities.

 

I am also happy that our Local Area Coordinator has secured more funding for the Art Class in St. John's Church Hall to continue.  Any new member would be welcomed.  Walk and Talk also continues to meet at the Elba - new members are always welcome.

 

Leah Rainey, our PCSO, has left South Wales Police for pastures new and I wish her well in her new role in the City and County of Swansea. We will now be covered by John Breslin who can be contacted on Tel: 07469907703.

 

I have dealt with many individual issues over the last few weeks and continue to keep the village informed.

 

 

 

Cllr Dai Jenkins, Ward member – Monthly Report May 2022

 

First, thank you for the opportunity to give my inaugural report to you as one of your County Councillors in Gowerton. As you will be aware I have been campaigning to become a County Councillor for a few months, and especially over the last few weeks. I am thrilled and excited to be a Gowerton Ward Councillor and to work with Sue to make sure Gowerton’s voice is heard loud and clear in Swansea Council.

 

I am fourth generation Waunarlwydd, but do spend a lot of time in Gowerton, especially with my dog Willow and of course visiting my mam who lives in Alder Way.

 

Knocking doors and speaking with residents gives you a great insight into what the real issues are in Gowerton both long term and short term. I endured a rocky path on my elections campaign with shall we say a few ‘bumps’ in the road, which Sue and I are totally on the same page about, as are we with the parking opposite the Rugby club and the very worrying problem of children and adults alike crossing Victoria Road, so these will be our priority. As a trained health and safety officer, I am fully aware of the importance of the need for a Pelican Crossing there.

 

If you need assistance in events management, organisation or complaints handling, I have extensive knowledge in these areas, plus if you hear of any resident that requires help ( if they are in trouble in work on any disciplinary charges) I am a Trade Union Officer so can assist there too.

 

1. Throughout April I reported numerous potholes in the village, one nasty one by the lights with Ming Fai behind you as you cross the road towards the Commercial. This could have caused a nasty injury to a member of the public if they tripped there, in fairness the Pothole team mended that straight away. (See FB page Gowerton Guardians for all Potholes I reported).

 

2. 4^th May emailed Mark Thomas (Head Officer in charge at Swansea City Council Highways Team) highlighting that Speed Bumps in Gowerton are in the wrong place, plus a resident with Osteoporosis is suffering as a result. Also highlighted residents’ concerns of cars over taking buses at the bus stop on Gorwydd Road- up a little from 92a Gorwydd Road. Mark agreed a review and site visit should take place with whoever replaces him. As soon as that officer is named, my email is waiting to be forwarded.

 

3. 6^th May was my 1^st day as a councillor and the day I started work for BT, 42 years ago. It wasn’t even BT then it was Post Office Telecommunications. 

 

4. 14^th May emails from a resident to Sue and myself cc’d regards disturbances at the Morganstone development behind Gorwydd Road. I advised resident to collect evidence

 

5. 15^th May   - Introductory meeting with Councillor Sue Jones at Gowerton Conservative club. Discussed some planned events to see if they are maybe worthwhile? Some were not, but some, including Christmas Quizzes, Gowerton Dog Show and Gowerton Mastermind are on the cards so watch this space.

 

 

 

13.  REPORT OF THE CLERK

 

13a       MISCELLANEOUS

 

1. I have prepared 2021/22 end of year figures and have taken the file to Lyn Llewellyn, Auditor. Upon return they will need to be signed off by the Chairman and Clerk/RFO before legal notices place on the website and notice board and the file will then be sent to the external auditor. The deadline for this is September 2022 but I plan to get them sent before the end of June.

 

2. There has been a lot of communication with Dean Mason who is organising the Jubilee weekend.  The next meeting for the Jubilee celebration plans is 7pm on 24 May 2022 at Gowerton Conservative Club.  All are welcome.

 

3. I have been very busy with ordering decorations, cakes, and sending out invitations to the Volunteers reception. The Lord Mayor will be attending to give a speech.

 

4. Appraisal for the Clerk is booked for Tuesday 17 May 2022 with the Chairman. To be held at Gowerton Library.

 

5. Mr Iain Ashton has invited members of Community Council to present the souvenir jubilee mugs to the Children on 25 May 2022 at 2.15pm.

 

6. I have spoken to David Nicholas who is going to help out with health and safety and risk assessments at the Jubilee events.  We will pay for his staff to attend the Street Market on the Friday.

 

7. Welcome to June Merrells who has registered her interest in becoming a Community Councillor.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13b       FINANCIAL MATTERS

 

Receipts

29/04/2022

Swansea Council

Precept

11289.67

 

Payments

Order Number	Payment type		Date	Creditor	Subject		Total
1	visa		01/04/2022	Amazon	Jubilee supplies		183.25
2	Bank Transfer		01/04/2022	Clerk	Office Allowance		200
3	Standing Order		04/04/2022	HP Instant ink	April		16.49
4	Standing Order		06/04/2022	Temple URC	Shed Rent		50
5	Bank Transfer		07/04/2022	Cllr R Holt	Flowers reimbursement – Station		12
6	Bank Transfer		14/04/2022	One Voice Wales	Inv 6135 Training		30
7	Bank Transfer		19/04/2022	OneVoice Wales	Training Course Inv 6073		30
8	Bank Transfer		19/04/2022	Clerk	Phone Allowance April		38.99
9	Bank Transfer		19/04/2022	HMRC			386.55
10	Bank Transfer		21/04/2022	Gowerton Library	Craft Items for Jubilee event		69.97
11	Bank Transfer		25/04/2022	Wilko	Stationery Items		7
12	visa		25/04/2022	WH Smith	Stamps		38
13	visa		25/04/2022	Clerk	Salary		831.14
14	Bank Transfer		26/04/2022	Ebay	Jubilee Items		5.99
15	visa		26/04/2022	Ebay	Jubilee Items		30.4
16	visa		05/05/2022	Post Office	Stamps		16.32
17	visa		05/05/2022	HP Instant Ink	May		16.49
18	SO		05/05/2022	Ebay	Jubilee Items		3.74
19	visa		05/05/2022	Ebay	Jubilee Items		5.79
20	visa		05/05/2022	Ebay	Jubilee Items		7.98
21	visa		05/05/2022	Ebay	Jubilee Items		11.7
22	visa		05/05/2022	Ebay	Jubilee Items		15.98
23	visa		05/05/2022	Ebay	Jubilee Items		23.76
24	visa		05/05/2022	Ebay	Jubilee Items		27.54
25	visa		05/05/2022	Ebay	Jubilee Items		35.6
26	visa		09/05/2022	Ebay	Jubilee Items		49.7
27	visa		09/05/2022	Ebay	Jubilee Items		72.9
28	visa		11/05/2022	Rachel Wood	Deposit for booking		100
29	Bank Transfer		14/05/2022	Bay Landscapes Ltd	Inv 01820		243.5
30	Bank Transfer		15/05/2022	Tesco	Stationery Items		10.5
31	visa		15/05/2022	Mike Edmunds	Reimbursment for flowers		34.5
32	Bank Transfer		17/05/2022	HMRC	Outstanding payment Month 9		290.4

THE FOLLOWING INVOICES WERE PRESENTED FOR AUTHORISATION;

 

Zurich – Public Liability Insurance for 22/23     £416.12

Bay Landscaping Ltd – April Invoice “243.5

Silverline Trading UK Ltd – Souvenir Mugs for Primary School  £859.20

 

 

13c       CORRESPONDENCE

During the months of April, we received approx. 250 emails.

 

These consisted of emails from Councillors, One Voice Wales, marketing emails etc which need no action.

 

Emails containing the weekly planning lists were all sent on to Councillors for information before the monthly meeting.

 

I have had ongoing correspondence from Dean Mason with regards to the Jubliee Weekend Celebrations.  The next meeting is on 24 May 2022, 7pm at the Con Club. All are welcome. There are plenty of opportunities for volunteers to help out both before the event and during the event.

 

It has been extremely busy with email enquiries from prospective stall holders who I have passed on to Dean Mason and Gareth Evans for them to forward the relevant information about booking a stall.

 

Email response from Alan Ferris, Swansea Council was received. (See matters arising).

 

Email from L Jones, resident from the Ballard estate re tree protectors.

 

Email from Zurich regarding Public Liability Insurance - £416.12.  I have shopped around for other quotes but Zurich seems to be the specialist for Community Councils and has only increased by £4 from last year. Also, they are offering us cover for the Jubilee Street Market at no extra cost.

 

Email from the Lord Mayors Secretary confirming his attendance at the Reception for Volunteers on 5 June at Gowerton RFC.

 

Reply from Hannah Breen Morganstone – See matters arising.

 

Email from Gowerton Primary School saying they have source jubilee souvenir mugs for the children at £1.79 plus vat.  The total bill will come to around £700 which we have offered to fund from the Jubilee Grant money.

 

Our Instagram account has 266 posts and 437 followers.

 

 

14.        DECLARATION OF OFFICE

 

Councillors present signed the Declaration of Office forms and witnessed by Clerk/RFO.

 

 

Cllr Lyneth Howells left the meeting at 20.08.

 

 

 

15.        QUESTIONS RELATIVE TO COUNCIL BUSINESS

 

1. Ward Member Cllr Dai Jenkins spoke on speed bumps. Said Highways reply was disgraceful. Cllr Jenkings has has emailed Highways Dept to say people are driving through the middle of the speed bumps. Residents with back problems are affected. It is not fair on smaller cars who are feeling the impact more.

 

Pat Evans said buses are going over bumps 200 plus times per day and providing concern to bus companies.

Peter Morgan said if speed bumps were right across the road it would be more effective. Pot holes before and after are horrendous.  Speed cameras would be more effective. Average speed cameras possibly?

Ward Members are to meet Officers from Highways to discuss.

 

 

2. Cllr Evans – had an email from David Bivens, Bryn y Mor Road.  Some of Mr Bivens land is shared with Council – overgrown with Japanese knotweed etc. Permission to cut this back. Cllr Evans is to go look at land and see what needs to be done. Clerk then to contact Sean Hathaway who is the officer from Swansea Council who deals with Japanese knotweed.

 

3. New crossing by CKS is not up and running yet. There is apparently a dispute with the Rail Company. Clerk is to write to Simon L Jones in Swansea Council to request an update on the situation.

.

4. Residents living in Bishwell Road who are not able to attend the Jubilee events have kindly made a cash donation. Clerk to write thank you letter and to pay into the bank.

 

5. Cllr Ann Guard reported the manhole cover outside Gowerton Pharmacy in a dangerous state. Cllr Jones has reported it. Also, the bottom of the road on Elba Street outside new pharmacy is in a bad state. Cllr Jones has reported it.

 

 

6. Grass verge by the Elba – there are two drains and the path gets flooded. Path near inner relief road between Tesco and Ffordd Beck. Clerk to report.

 

7. Cllr Jones suggested getting a token of appreciation for Mr Dean Mason for all the work he has put into organizing the Jubilee events.  It was agree to get a voucher for a meal from a local restaurant.

 

 

 

8. Cllr Small - Sign at bottom of Bryn y mor road no numbers on it. Clerk to report.

 

9. Can we contact owners of the Welcome pub re the sign which is falling down? They are part owners of Rake and Riddle, Cycle Solutions and GGs. Cllr Amanda Guard will find out who owners are.

 

 

10. Xmas lights – Bowen Hopkins to take meter readings when lights are put in. Clerk to instruct Bowen Hopkins.

 

11. Letter re overgrown hedges.Clerk to print some off and bring some for the next meeting.

 

12. Cllr Pat Evans said she pproached Mrs Linda Bolchover, manager of the Rechabite Hall for a donation to the Jubilee Events. The Rechabite Hall Committee have kindly donated £200 paid directly to Athletic Club

 

Many thanks to all local residents who helped to deliver the Jubilee brochures.  Especially Mrs Pauline Clement age 80 who delivered a good number of brochures to local streets.

 

 

16.        PLANNING APPLICATIONS

 

 

Application No: 2022/0752/FUL Date Registered: 04.04.2022 Electoral Division: Gowerton - Area 2

 Status: Being Considered Map Ref: 259197 196076 Development Type: Householder

 Location: 50 Cecil Road, Gowerton, Swansea, SA4 3DE

 Proposal: Retention of new vehicular access and front hardstanding Applicant: Mr Leslie Laing

 

GCC has no objections

 

 

Application No: 2022/0847/TPO Date Registered: 06.04.2022 Electoral Division: Gowerton - Area 2

Status: Being Considered Map Ref: 258258 196276 Development Type: Tree Preservation Orders

Location: 20 Clos Cae Dafydd, Gowerton, Swansea, SA4 3GZ

Proposal: To lop one Oak tree covered by TPO 451 Applicant: Ms Kim Holloway Agent: Mr Andrew Bramhall

 

GCC has no objections

 

 

Application No: 2022/0746/FUL Date Registered: 11.04.2022 Electoral Division: Gowerton - Area 2

Status: Being Considered Map Ref: 258629 196186 Development Type: Minor Dwellings

Location: Former Gowerton Primary School, Mount Street, Gowerton, Swansea, SA4 3EL

 Proposal: Demolition of existing school and outbuildings and construction of 7no detached dwellings with associated access works Applicant: Mr. Lynch Agent: Mr. Mike Morgan

Comment re access onto mount street but no objections.

 

GCC has no objections

 

 

.

 

 

 

 

Date of next meeting: Wednesday 8 June 2022 at Gowerton Conservative Club.

 

 

 

Meeting closed at 21.38 hrs

 

                                                                                                                                                Chairperson                                                                            

 

 

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