GOWERTON COMMUNITY COUNCIL
CYNGOR CYMUNEDOL TREGŴYR
Minutes of the Meeting of Council held via Teams at 7.30pm on Wednesday 4 November 2020
PRESENT: Councillors: Gareth Evans, Paul Emmerton, Susan Jones, Barbara Small, Ann Guard, Linda Bolchover, Ros Holt, Viv Davies, Lyneth Snodden-Howells, Elwyn Gedrych, Amanda Guard, Clerk to the Council: Allison James.
50. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE – None.
51. TO RECEIVE THE REPORT OF THE RETIRING CHAIRPERSON
Chairperson Gareth Evans gave the following report:
We are holding this AGM before end of year to comply with our legal obligations.
Our Community council has experienced the most challenging 12 months. It began with the resignation of our previous clerk in December 2019 who terminated her employment at the end of April.
The subsequent handover on appointment of our new clerk Allison James in April 2020, should have been done in a more competent and professional manner. Our new clerk commenced just after the Covid -19 lockdown and I must congratulate her on how she performed professionally, given the challenges she had inherited with the full support from the Councillors.
I wish to thank all our Councillors for their support in organising our Arts and craft exhibition in October 2019 and our Father Christmas grotto in December, both of which were well attended. Unfortunately, this years’ events have had to be cancelled due to the current pandemic.
However, we have been fortunate to have completed the following projects;
Keep Wales Tidy- garden located in the triangle and also visual improvement of the garden located opposite to the Co-op. Furthermore, a number of benches have been beautifully painted with poppies that all enhance the area for residents to enjoy.
Tidy-up our station- we managed to secure floral displays from the CCOS for our village and its visitors.
We have had to hold our meetings initially by way of audio only with many thanks to Cllr Paul Emmerton for his IT support and expertise. We also attended a meeting at Gowerton Comprehensive school hall but have since returned to using ‘Microsoft Teams’ which is working well.
It is pleasing to report that during the early lockdown in the spring, we saw the community spirit re-kindle where residents supported each other. Vulnerable residents were supported by individuals - also many businesses and groups to which we are extremely grateful. These include the following;
Normad Bar & Kitchen
Gowerton Rugby club
Cricket club
Co-op/foodbank
Church/Chapel -
Gowerton Comprehensive school -designing and making of essential PPE for local businesses and NHS.
We owe this Community a huge vote of thanks, and also the NHS and emergency services and key workers for all their hard work under the most difficult and challenging situations. Our residents have been very supportive to our local businesses and have adhered to the Government’s guidelines.
Our schools Headteacher have also excelled themselves by organising and accommodating the rigid, safety guidelines and protocols to ensure the protection of children and staff to be educated as efficiently and effectively as is possible.
This firebreak ends next Monday but we must continue to protect our villagers and businesses.
I wish to thank our two new Councillors in joining us recently and wish our new Chair and Vice Chair a successful six months until May 2021.
It has been an honour and privilege to have served as chair for the past 18 months.
Last but not least, a big thanks to our clerk, Allison James for her continuous work ethic and pride for the past 6 months. She has secured a £3000 grant to help our groups and support vulnerable residents. Also, thanks be extended to our Ward Member, Cllr Susan Jones who has worked tirelessly to support our community during this exceptional time.
52. ELECTION OF CHAIRPERSON
Cllr Paul Emmerton was elected as Chairperson.
53. ELECTION OF VICE-CHAIRPERSON
Cllr Gareth Evans was elected as Vice-Chairperson.
54. COUNCILLORS ALLOWANCES
Chairperson £500
Any member has the personal option to advise the clerk (in writing) that they do not wish to receive the payment for duties carried out.
55. REPRESENTATION
RESOLVED:
a) One Voice Wales Area Committee Chairperson and Vice Chairperson
b) CCS/Community Council Forum Chairperson and Vice Chairperson
c) Area 2 Development Control Committee sites visits Cllr Bolchover
d). Planning Committee (to be implemented only when timescale does not allow before next meeting within consultation period). Chairperson,
Vice Chairperson
Cllr Bolchover
e) Rechabite Community Hall Management Committee Cllr Evans
f) Governing Body – Gowerton Primary Cllr Evans
g) Link person – Adopt a station scheme Cllr Holt
h) Events Committee. Cllr Bolchover,
Cllr Emmerton,
Cllr Ann Guard,
Cllr L Snodden-Howells.
56. INTERNAL AUDITOR
RESOLVED:
Mr Lyn Llewellyn is asked to continue to act as internal auditor for the forthcoming financial year.
57 WORKING PRACTICE FOR THE YEAR.
RESOLVED:
a) Review of Standing Orders – standing orders were reviewed and the following were noted:
b) Equality and Diversity Scheme Policy. No changes to be made.
c) Health and Safety Policy. No changes to be made
d) External Contracts. To be reviewed every 3 years and put out to tender if necessary.
e) To consider Mandatory Remuneration Policy. Councillors were asked to put in writing if they do not wish to received renumeration.
f) The Working Party Practice. Working parties as and when required and when safe to do so under current COVID-19 guidelines.
g) Data/Management Protection. Current practice is adequate.
57. MEETINGS WITH: None held due to Covid-19 restrictions.
59. DISCLOSURES OF INTEREST FROM MEMBERS: None
60. MEETINGS WITH: None held due to Covid-19 restrictions.
61. TO RECEIVE ANY PUBLIC REPRESENTATION – None received.
62. COUNCIL MINUTES: 7October 2020.
a) The Minutes were accepted as a true record.
b) Matters Arising: The written report of the Clerk regarding matters arising and subsequent actions taken were noted.
63. TO RECEIVE THE REPORT BY THE WARD MEMBER:
October 2020 Report.
I have again been in Teams Meeting on Scrutiny
Education Performance and Scrutiny Board.
Child and Family Performance and Scrutiny Board.
Adult Performance and Scrutiny Board – I have been appointed Chairperson of this Scrutiny Pane.
There are a few issues that have happened in the last few weeks.
- A Cannabis Factory discovered in the former L and N Building due to a fire being tackled by the Fire Service. The Police have destroyed this substance and are investigating. Hidden in Clear view? This is a very worrying situation and I have to condemn the use of drugs by users and highlight the problems that they experience by their usage.
- An accident on Gorwydd Road which is being investigated by both Highways and the Police. I have in the past asked for a mini roundabout at this location because of the difficulty in egressing Bryn Close. Luckily, there were no injuries to those involved.
- An assault which occurred outside CK’s which is also being investigated by the Police. The incident is not a regular thing in this village, but one incident is one too many and hopefully those involved will be brought to justice.
- There have been confirmed cases of Corona Virus in the Primary School which has resulted in many of the children having to quarantine for the stipulated times. I hope those affected will return to good health in a short time.
- The Lane from the Comprehensive School to Gorwydd Road has been cut back by the Local Authority.
- I have been informed that my application for Capital Funding has been given for the establishing of a pavement from Clos Helyg to the Pelican Crossing. I am so pleased that this will assist the children to have a safe route from the village to the Primary School.
- I have had funding approved to upgrade the Park at Park Road, this will improve this facility for the children of the village. The additional equipment Includes an inclusive roundabout which will allow children who use wheelchairs to access this playground furniture. I am really pleased with this project and look forward to seeing the children use this facility.
- I have received costings for the provision of the lights on the lane from Mount Pleasant to the village and am trying to assess this in relation to my community budget.
- The poison which was reported to being put into Shaws Wood was reported to the Environment Department, Parks Department and the Police. A notice was displayed to warn dog owners of this problem.
- I am pleased that Tesco has decided to put barriers around the ATM facility after the tragic accident which resulted in the death of a gentleman. This is a very welcome action that the village support.
- The litter bin in Fairwood Terrace continues to be monitored for household rubbish and hopefully this facility will remain.
- The 24 hour prescription facility established in the new Pharmacy, has proved to be very successful and greatly supported by the village. The new clinics that are there also support the health of the residents of Gowerton.
- I passed on the information to support small businesses during this firebreak which was introduced by the Welsh Government. This support was fully used within a few days which emphasises the need for further support. Again,I would like to emphasise the need to support local businesses.
- It has been concerning to see flooding again in the village, the bridge near the Rugby Club and concerns regarding Brynymor Road near Williams Pets. I have sent photos and emails to the Highway Department regarding these concerns. With the excessive rain now being experienced we need to ensure the drains are cleared on a regular basis. Also, the bridge was subject of a report by “Swansea online” which looked at the number of times the bridge has been hit by vehicles since 2008. (33 times)
- There has been a proposal to alter the waiting regulations on Hill Street which will help residents of that area with parking problems that they experience.
- The report of a thief entering cars on the drives and stealing from the vehicles is very worrying and I would appeal for people to ensure they lock their vehicles, sheds, and garages etc.
- I have paid for 1000 daffodil bulbs to be planted in the village.
I have also dealt with a number of individual issues for the residents of Gowerton
64. REPORT OF THE CLERK
64(a) Miscellaneous
1. Instagram Account – currently has 150 followers and all interaction has been positive. Noted
2. Places for nature – how are we going to manage the maintenance? Volunteers? Cllr Bolchover said that various groups and organisations, ie. Brownies, School Groups, etc will get involved.
3. Bowen Hopkins have been contacted re xmas lights. Nomad are having some this year and so is the new Pharmacy. Noted
4. Bay Landscapes are collecting the tree from Gower Fresh Trees to go outside the Temple Church. Noted
5. Lights will be switched on 1 December 2020. Noted
64 (B) FINANCIAL MATTERS
For authorization/ratification.
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64(c) CORRESPONDENCE
1/10/2020
Email from One Voice Wales – Coronavirus update.
Email from Cllr Susan Jones forwarding information on from CCOS Rhodri Jones re a confirmed case of Coronavirus at Yr 8, YG Gwyr.
2/10/20
Email from a resident regarding an error on the town map.
Email from Cllr Jones forwarding info from CCOS regarding road closures in the village.
Email from Cllr Jones forwarding info from CCOS regarding litter bins.
Email from Cllr Jones forwarding info from CCOS regarding recruitment of a lay member.
3/10/20
Email from Cllr Emmerton regarding Brian Davies, Country Stores and the unkempt state of Bethel Chapel. A request to attend a meeting.
5/10/20
Email from One Voice Wales – Coronovirus update.
Email from Cllr Emmerton to inform us that the meeting with the agent for Bethel Chapel did not take place.
6/10/20
Email from One Voice Wales – new letter from Ageing Well.
Email from One Voice Wales – planning aid training course.
Email from Cllr Gareth Evans regarding Bethel Chapel and the state of the building.
Email from One Voice Wales – results of renumeration panel draft report.
Email from Cllr Emmerton – meeting arranged with the agent of Bethel Chapel.
7/10/20
Email from One Voice Wales – Information on providing better services to the deaf community.
Email from CCOS – weekly planning list.
Email from One Voice Wales – remote training session details.
8/10/20
Email from Cllr Jones forwarding info regarding grants available for local businesses.
12/10/20
Email from Cllr Jones forwarding her request to the Interim Director of Education to give out information.
13/10/20
Email from One Voice Wales giving remote training session dates.
Email from One Voice Wales – revised code of practice.
Email from SSE in response to the Clerks query regarding meter readings and invoice.
Email from a resident enquiring about becoming a Community Councillor.
14/10/20
Email from Cllr Jones forwarding on information about Police Commissioner virtual meeting.
Email from CCOS – weekly planning list.
Email from CCOS Democratic Services Dept – Code of Conduct.
15/10/20
Email from Cllr Jones – forwarding information regarding a grant for a defibrillator.
Email from One Voice Wales requesting information on panel members.
16/10/20
Email from One Voice Wales – Policy announcement on compulsory purchases.
Email from Samuel Hadley, Network Rail – invitation to a virtual community stakeholder briefing on 23/10/20.
Email from Martin Bignell in response to our report about overhanging trees at Shaws Wood and Roper Wright Close.
19/10/20
Email from SSE Business Energy in response to the query I raised regarding an explanation on how we are charged. They are forwarding on the query to Western Power.
Email from One Voice Wales – Coronavirus update.
Email from One Voice Wales – invitation to free webinar for participatory budgeting for meaningful engagement in a pandemic.
Email from Fields in Trust Cymru – Revaluing parks and green spaces in Wales.
20/10/20
Email from Andrew James, CCOS – details of alterations to parking restrictions on Hill Street, Gowerton.
Email from One Voice Wales – details of remote training sessions.
21/10/20
Email from CCOS – weekly planning list.
Message via Instagram from Cath Simons. Asking if we could arrange a Halloween competition. Mixed reactions from Councillors – some for, some against on the grounds that we shouldn’t be encouraging shopping and people leaving their houses during these times. Quite short notice to arrange. Maybe arrange an xmas competition?
22/10/20
Email from Cllr Rosalind Holt to say she has received bults from Keep Wales Tidy in regard to the Local Places for Nature Award.
23/10/20
Email from Cllr Davies forwarding on her response from Stuart Hemsley-Rice from Penllergare Trust regarding reports of rat poison in Shaws Woods.
Email from Rechabite Friendly Society Ltd. Has been passed on to Sue Reed, CCOS.
24/10/20
Email from Peter Jones regarding footpaths in Gowerton. It has been forwarded on to Chris Dale, Footpaths Officer, CCOS.
26/10/20
Email from Planning Aid Wales – online training.
Email from One Voice Wales – Remembrance Day restrictions.
27/10/20
Email from Cllr Amanda Guard – feedback from a meeting she and Cllr Davies attending with regards to the re-opening of the Heart of Wales line.
Email from One Voice Wales – Advert for Vacancy for Carmarthenshire Council.
Email from One Voice Wales – Remote Meeting survey results.
28/10/20
Email from Cllr Jones – information on telephone box in Gowerton in poor state of repair.
Email from One Voice Wales – remote training sessions in November.
Email from CCOS – weekly planning list.
Email from Enforcement Dept, CCOS – to inform us of action taken to remove illegal signage at 54 Ffordd Beck.
Email from Transport for Wales – information on reopening of Heart of Wales Line.
29/10/20
Email from One Voice Wales – Information from Dept for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs.
Email from One Voice Wales – Electoral Newsletter
30/10/20
Email from Cllr Jones – forwarding a letter from Gowerton Primary School regarding track and trace.
65. QUESTIONS FOR BUSINESS
1. Cllr Guard raised the question whether Gowerton Community Council website is secure?
2. Cllr Small raised the question of who owns the LN former public house building and can we pay a one off fee which will cover finding out who owns various empty properties? Cllr Evans commented we pay a reduced fee as a Community Council.
3. Cllr Evans mentioned 9 Bishwell Road, Gowerton. The property has been reported as various cars and rubbish has been on the grounds of the property. Progress was being made but it now appears that a car has been dumped on the grounds. Clerk to contact Rob Laytham from CCOS to ask what progress is being made.
4. Cllr Howells said that she would like to design some bags and cards as Souvenirs for Gowerton, to be sold in local businesses.
5. Cllr Bolchover asked if there has been any reply from previous queries about air pollution. Clerk to chase up previous email.
6. Cllr Holt suggested a meeting at the War Grave at Bethel Chapel, Sterry Road and the Remembrance Tree in the triangle of land to place decorated pebbles. Cllrs agreed to meet at 11am 9th November.
66. PLANNING MATTERS
PLANNING APPLICATIONS UP TO 23 OCTOBER 2020
Week 40
Application No: 2020/1954/PLD Date Registered: 01.10.2020
Electoral Division: Gowerton - Area 2 Status: Being Considered Map Ref: 258314 196281 Development Type: All Others (CPLDS, Prior etc)
Location: 21 Clos Cae Dafydd, Gowerton, Swansea, SA4 3GZ
Proposal: Single storey side/rear extension (application for a Certificate of Proposed Lawful Development)
Applicant: Mrs Leanne Richards Agent: Mr Wyn Evans
No objections
Meeting closed at 21.03
Chairperson
………………………………
Contact us today!
If you have any queries or wish to make an appointment, please contact us:
Clerk:
Allison James
0754 5251945
Gowertoncommunitycouncil4@gmail.com
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