Minutes of the Full Council Meeting held

At Pontycymmer OAP Centre

Monday the 18^th May 2009

Members Present: Mrs. T. M. Jenkins (Chairperson)

Councillors: C. G. Andrews; D. H. Barnes G. Davies; W. Davies; E. Dunster; D. T. Griffiths;

Mrs. H. Griffiths; W. J. Hillier; F. J. Hughes; W. Pinches; D. R. Pugh

Police: PC's C. Thomas and J. Sollis and PCSO's A. Baker and R. Hopkins

The meeting commenced at 7.07 pm and was chaired by Councillor Mrs. T. M. Jenkins

No.                                          Minute

19/10                                       Apologies for Absence

An apology was received from Councillor Mrs. M. Thomas

20/10                                       Declarations of Interest

Councillor D. R. Pugh on all Bridgend County Borough Council matters

Councillor E. Dunster with any matter relating to Valleys to Coast Housing and with planning reference P/09/271/FUL

21/10                                       Minutes of the April 2009 Meeting

Resolved: That the Minutes of the Meeting held on Monday the 20^th April 2009 were a true record - the Chairperson duly signed the Minute Book

22/10                                       Police Matters

PC Thomas explained a new police restructuring programme which although appears to have reduced personnel will in fact produce more foot patrols and therefore a better police presence in the community. The new system is designed as follows

Beat Management - includes PC's and PCSO's who are able to solve long term problems

Neighbourhood Support Team - Sergeant and PC's supported by the Beat Management team

Response Officers on a rolling shift pattern who target local priorities 24/7

Policing is constantly changing and this council will be kept informed of those changes on a regular basis.

Crimes reported between 01/03/2009 to 12/05/2009

Bettws Ward

Attempted break-in -1

Actual Bodily Harm - 2

Burglary - 1

Thefts from motor vehicles - 2

Theft - 1

Criminal Damage - 3

Drugs Offences - 2

There were 11 youth offending incidents

Blaengarw

Criminal Damage - 3

Thefts - 4 (3 mobile phones and 1 cheque)

There were seven incidents of anti social behaviour (5 of which related to scrambler motor cyclists)

Llangeinor

Theft of a motor vehicle - 1

Shed burglaries - 2

Pontycymmer

Criminal damage to motor vehicles - 3

Thefts - 4

Theft from a motor vehicle - 1

Criminal damage - 4

Drugs arrests - 3

Attempted burglary - 1

Other Matters

Councillor Hillier said that every twelve to eighteen months we have changes to the local policing structure and the latest appears that officers have to report to Aberkenfig Police Station before commencing their duties in this community. The Councillor added that although Pontycymmer station is not closing, it is possible that local dedicated officers could in the event of other areas having staff shortages be transferred as temporary cover to those areas.

PC Thomas explained that Pontycymmer remains as a base for PCSO's which has a Beat Manager and two PCSO's stationed there. The reason for reporting to Aberkenfig is because of criminal incidents to police vehicles parked outside of the police station. It is possible that officers will be called from this area in the event of emergencies elsewhere.

Councillor D. T. Griffiths requested that police issue warnings to those motorists who double park outside the Welfare Hall in Bettws. It was agreed that this complaint would be investigated.

Councillor G. Davies informed the officers that motorists continue to park on the notorious bend at Llangeinor and requested officers to note that there has been no reduction with vehicles speeding on the main Llangeinor carriageway -"An accident is waiting to happen" said the Councillor.

Reference was made to employing a mobile speed camera and for the Road Policing Unit to observe the area concerned.

Councillor Barnes reported on the number of vehicles that can be seen parked on pavements in the Bettws area. PCSO Bishop is to investigate the complaint.

In answer to Councillor Dunster's enquiry regarding progress in warning the motorist responsible for permanently parking at the junction near the Richard Price Centre; the offender has been spoken to by a police officer

With there being no further police business to discuss, the officers were thanked for their contributions and left the meeting place at 7.27pm.  

23/10                                       Matters Arising from the April 2009 Minutes

04/10 - The incidents of trees being removed from the Avenue, Pontycymmer have been reported to Bridgend CBC's Property Department - enquiries are being made

06/10 (25) - the council has been reimbursed its 2008/09 Rights of Way Expenditure

06/10 (26) Mr. Brian Rees of St. Brides Minor Community Council has accepted the offer to become the council's Internal Auditor

09/10 (Hand railings for Bettws) - Mr. Tony Derrick of Valleys to Coast Housing is dealing with the request - Members were informed that part of a recent grant obtained by Bettws Primary School (£60,000) would be used to improve the steps and provide a handrail

10/10 - Wayside Seat Pontycymmer - verbal response states there is no money available for such a project - this council would be required to use its own funds

11/10 (Handrail - Llangeinor) Communities First Llangeinor has informed the Clerk that it would be able to raise all the necessary finance for this project

11/10 - Councillor G. Davies said that the comment made by Councillor Hillier "of Llangeinor having the lowest council tax base rate" should be challenged as this is one community council where finances should be shared equally amongst the Wards.

Councillor Hillier's response was that he agreed to an equal sharing of the budget amongst the four wards and that his original comment was misinterpreted - the councillor explained that it was not financially possible to fund Christmas decorative lighting in the three main villages within the Llangeinor Ward.

14/10 (Blaengarw Community Centre) - currently managed by a local committee with regular use by the St. John's Ambulance Group; advised by Mr. David Chambers of Bridgend CBC that any additional use should first be agreed by the committee. Members heard that the St. John's Ambulance Association has a deed on the property. The Clerk is to make enquiries with the Chairman of the Community Centre.

15/10 (1) - No response as yet from the Welsh Sports Council

15/10 (3) - Correspondence from the BBC is attached for Members consideration

15/10 (5) - It appears that the plaques were not stolen or vandalised - likely occurrence is that the glue base had melted during the warm periods of sunshine - all plaques have been reinstated

15/10 (7) - There has been no progress made with the 30 year lease

 15/10 (8) The Welsh Assembly has appointed a trouble-shooter to deal with the delay in formalising RDP bids

15/10 (9) A new plan has been submitted to Welsh Water - (see Clerk's report 31/10)

24/10                                       Correspondence

1. Bridgend CBC Reports and Minutes (Available from the Clerk)
2. Pontycymmer OAP Centre - notice of rental increases for use of the centre- increased by £1 to £5. per hour
3. Cwm Llynfi - invitation for Members to attend the opening of  a new historical resource at Maesteg School Wednesday 3^rd June 2009
4. Local Works - request to support an early day motion for the Sustainable Communities Act & Green Energy Bill - suggests writing to our own MP
5. Boundary Commission Wales - Review of Community Boundaries in the County Borough of Bridgend
6. Clerk's & Councils Direct - Quarterly update
7. Queensbury Shelters - Bus Shelters for the community
8. Welsh Assembly Government - "Managing the safety of Burial Grounds"
9. Royal Mail - Opinion Former List - request for contact name for all future correspondence
10. Garw Valley Angling Association - Invitation for the Clerk to explain leasing procedures and future plans - mentioned in Clerk's report (Minute 31/10)
11. Valleys to Coast Housing - various matters affecting Bettws residents and the possibility of a new pathway at Heol y Felin, Bettws - see Clerk's report (Minute 31/10)
12. Bridgend CBC - Temporary closure of lane at Godra Bryn Bettws
13. Bridgend CBC - Details of a Shared Community and the proposed new Charter between Bridgend CBC and Town & Community Councils - to be placed on the June 2009 Agenda
14. Bridgend CBC - Footpath No. 95 Llangeinor - follows a complaint made by this council of the unauthorised use by a Llangeinor resident with this footpath.

Bridgend CBC states that the gate erected on the route of the path was authorised; this gate is to be replaced with a vehicular gate and that a gap will be provided in order to access the ramp and path beyond. This will lead down to the concrete steps with access to Heol Llwynffynnon.

The ramped route is not shown on the Definitive Map and that authorisation is being sought for the making of a Modification Order and if confirmed the footpath will be rerouted.

The Definitive Map route lies outside the confines of the horse compound.

A fence will be erected between the horse compound and the ramp (not barbered wire) any other fence work will not obstruct the footpath.

Should Llangeinor Commoners be in agreement, the green painted stile on this path is to be replaced with a self closing, stock proof kissing gate

1. Communities First Llangeinor - confirms the re-opening of Llangeinor Post Office

Resolved: That the above items of correspondence are noted

1. BBC - Request's permission to film at Blaengarw - Parc Calon Lan and surrounding area
2. BBC - Filming facilities at Parc Calon Lân, Blaengarw - requires use of Visitor Centre and storage container

Resolved: That permission is granted to use Parc Calon Lân for filming including the Visitor Centre and storage container

1. Bridgend CBC - confirmation of refund of expenditure for Rights of Way during 2008/09 - £4,052.40 paid directly into council's bank account
2. Bridgend CBC - Request to fund the 2009 Summer Holiday Playscheme - cost £3,088.99 - Councillor Hillier said that he has not seen a report on the 2008 scheme and queried if the proposed Pontycymmer scheme actually went ahead. Councillor D. T. Griffiths requested that a report on the 2008 scheme is obtained as soon as possible. The Clerk is to make enquiries.
3. Society of Local Council Clerks - Welsh Conference 2009- Llandudno - Clerk will not be attending.
4. HMRC - £75.00 bonus for filing 2008/09 PAYE on line
5. HMRC - confirmation of VAT expenditure during 2008/09 - a refund of £4,829.04  has been paid directly into the council's bank account
6. BDO Stoy Hayward Chartered Accountants - 2008/09 Annual Return and Audit details - return due by September 2009
7. Welsh Water -  permission granted to a foul flow system at Parc Calon Lan

Resolved: That items 18 to 24 are noted

1. Campaign for the Protection of Rural Wales - £30.00 annual subscription requested

Resolved: That membership is renewed at the cost requested

25/10                                       Planning

Bettws Ward

No applications

Bridgend CBC Decisions

P/08/1013/FUL - Permission refused for regularising new entrance on land adjacent to Godra Bryn

Blaengarw Ward

No applications

Appeal - an appeal has been made to the National Assembly for Wales by Mr. & Mrs. C. Rees against Bridgend CBC's decision to refuse permission for the development of a detached 4 bed house on a plot to the rear of Forest View and adjacent to Nanthir Farm

Llangeinor Ward

Applications

P/09/243/FUL - development of a new garage in place of existing at 17, Station Row, Pontyrhyl - Mr. R. J. Stead

P/09/271/FUL - Development of a garden storage facility at 5, Heol Glyn Pandy - Mr. J. Hawkins

P/09/329/FUL - Development of a new detached chalet type dwelling on Plot 5 Mountain Road (Woodstock Stud) - Williams & Mainwaring

No Decisions from Bridgend CBC

Pontycymmer Ward

P/06/252/FUL - Amendment to approval 05/448 to amend location of fence/landscaping/retain double gates affecting Footpath No. 56 Garw Valley - Thompson Technik Ltd.

P/09/257/OUT - Outline application for 5 detached dwellings and garages on land off Church Street - Mr. P. Popp - Members were informed that there have been local objections to this application.

P/09/305/FUL - proposed two storey extension at 4, Albany Road - Mr. H. Lacey

P/09/321/FUL - proposed detached garage and storage area at 12, Alexandra Road - Miss J. Martin

P/09/346/RLX - Extend the time to submit reserved matters by two years on land off New Street, Pantygog - Mr. S. Jones

Bridgend CBC Decisions

P/08/959/FUL - Permission granted for a detached dwelling (amended) on plot of land at Blandy Terrace

P/09/233/FUL - permission granted to retain change of use of property from Butchers shop to dwelling at 137, Oxford Street

26/10                                       Llangeinor Rights of Way

Councillor G. Davies explained that someone, possibly the landowner has removed a gate from the entrance to the footpath which leads off from the Llangeinor Arms. The Councillor requested that enquiries are made as soon as possible.

Resolved: That the Clerk would make enquiries with Bridgend CBC's Rights of Way Officer 

27/10                                       Council Meeting Venues

This item was requested by Councillor D. T. Griffiths.

Members had previously discussed alternating venues within the community and suggestions were again requested from Members.

Councillor G. Davies asked that all fees for room hire should be waived - Councillor Hillier explained that that would not be possible as there would be costs involved with heating and lighting.

Councillor D. T. Griffiths proposed that the next venue is the Blaengarw Workmen's Hall; the Clerk informed Members that it would be polite to give adequate notice of the council's intentions to the Secretary of Pontycymmer OAP Centre to which the Councillor amended the proposal to read that three months notice is given to Pontycymmer OAP Centre and that the next meeting of this council is to be held at Blaengarw Workmen's Hall in October 2009.

Other venues to be arranged during the period May to September 2009.

With the majority of Members in agreement it was: -

Resolved: That the Secretary of Pontycymmer OAP Centre is given adequate notice of this resolution and that arrangements are made to have Council's October 2009 meeting at Blaengarw Workmen's Hall

28/10   Damaged Fences

Item placed on the Agenda by Councillor W. Davies - Clerk explained that this matter was in hand and will be completed within the current week

Resolved: That this complaint is dealt with by the Clerk

29/10                                       Commemoration Sign for Garw Valley Coalminers

Councillor G. Davies proposed that an item to commemorate the coalminers who have died in the Garw Valley should be erected in Llangeinor; the councillor suggested a half shaped winding wheel and plaque.

Councillor Pugh reminded the meeting that pithead markers are to be unveiled at Blaengarw in June 2009.

Councillor Davies retorted with "seven buses full of colliers travelled this valley to work in the various mines and the ideal place for a commemoration sign would be in Llangeinor"

Councillor D. T. Griffiths suggested that the colliery dram at Lluest could be moved to Llangeinor; this was not considered reasonable as the dram was put three in memory of the colliers who died during the Lluest Colliery disaster.

Members agreed that before proceeding with this matter the costs involved should be obtained and that enquiries should be made with the Sculpture Studio in Blaengarw. It was also suggested that Members visit Blaengarw to view the recently constructed pithead markers as this would allow for ideas to be formulated.

The design of a sculpture is to be discussed at the June 2009 meeting

Resolved: That the costs of developing a commemoration design for the former coalminers of the Garw Valley should be obtained and that the required design is to be discussed at the June 2009 meeting

30/10                                       Schools' Competition

Councillor D. T. Griffiths explained that he considered it worthwhile to engage all schoolchildren in the Garw Valley to enter a flower competition and suggested that all primary and some junior schools compete in a "Sunflower Event" whereby the school that manages to grow the largest flower receives an award from this council.

Councillor Griffiths offered to supply the seeds and proposed that councillors support his initiative.

Following a discussion on this proposal, Members unanimously: -

Resolved: That the initiative is to be supported and the Clerk would contact all local schools requesting that they be involved in the project

31/10                                       Clerk's Report

Bid & Quarterly return - the quarterly return for the period 01/01/2009 to 31/03/2009 has been submitted to the RDP Manager at Tondu. All bids have been delayed by one month to allow Welsh Assembly staff to scrutinise the original bid made in 2007.

30 Year Lease from Bridgend CBC - There has been no progress made since the last council meeting; delays are creating considerable financial problems and more importantly a failure to issue important sub-leasing facilities to the Angling Association and Creation Development Trust

It was proposed that Dr. Jo Farrar, Bridgend CBC's Chief Executive is invited to a future meeting to explain the delay in formulating the thirty year lease 

Bridgend County Borough Council Regeneration Team is to bid for finance to develop the trails suggested by Rowan Sorrell in his recent report to council.

Wood N Store Ltd is experiencing severe financial difficulties and is unable to fulfil its commitment to allow for the water, sewage, and electrical installation to the Visitor Centre.

To allow for this installation, council need to find approximately £2,600 for the RDP to succeed.

The Clerk explained that it may be possible to recoup this money from the scheme by transferring money from one cost head to another. Enquiries are to be made with the RDP team.  

Members were requested to allow for this expenditure to be taken from reserves.

The BBC has offered £300.00 for the use of the car park and storage container at Parc Calon Lân and filming. Filming was over two days and despite inclement weather the production was successful.  

Welsh Sports Council has still not arranged for a visit to the Garw Valley in order to inspect the facilities on offer for cycling events.

New bins are necessary for certain areas within the Cydcoed project, the Clerk requested that he is allowed to purchase three litter bins for inclusion on the community route

Heol Y Felin Bettws The Clerk informed members that he recently met with Ms. Annette Tibbet of Valleys to Coast Housing to discuss the proposal to install a pathway leading from Heol Y Felin to the main Bettws carriageway. Although the company originally gave favourable signs that it was interested in a joint scheme with this council, the Housing Manager has decided that it was not viable as the path would cross private land and would be constructed over drainage works.

Councillor D. T. Griffiths said that he was not impressed with this decision and requested that the minimum that could be done was to allow for dropped kerbs to be installed on the existing pavement. Enquiries are to be made.

Angling Society - The Clerk informed Members that he had recently met with representatives of the Garw Valley Angling Association to discuss the prospect of leasing both Blaengarw and Pontycymmer Lakes to them in order to allow for private fishing.

It was agreed in principle to create a sub-lease and that tickets issued for daily or weekly angling would be administered by this council. A small fee would be made to the association.

Resolved: That Dr. Jo Farrar is invited to a future meeting of the council to explain the delay in formulating the thirty year lease of land in Pontycymmer and Blaengarw

Resolved: That Council pays the cost of water, sewage and electrical installation at Parc Calon Lân

Resolved: That the Clerk is allowed to purchase three litter bins for inclusion on the community route between Pontycymmer and Blaengarw

32/10                                       Finance & Accounts

1. The Clerk presented accounts for approval totalling £52,294.43 (schedule attached)

Resolved: That the accounts were approved for payment

2. Members resolved to note the Receipts and Payments Account prepared for the period 01/04/2009 to 18/05/2009

33/10                                       Items for the June 2009 Agenda

Charter between Bridgend CBC and Town & Community Councils (Clerk)

2008/09 Annual Return (Clerk)

Parking in Llangeinor (GD)

34/10                                       Date of the next Meeting

Resolved: That next Meeting of the Council will be held on Monday the 15^th June 2009 at the Pontycymmer OAP Centre

With business concluded the Chairperson closed the Meeting at 8.40pm

Chairperson_________________________________ Date_________________________