Cyngor Cymunedol Gwaelod Llangynwyd Lower Community Council |
Minutes of the Full Council Meeting Held at the Philip Squire Community Centre, Coytrahen Wednesday 27th February 2008 Members Present: Mrs. D. Weinzweig (Chairperson) Councillors: Councillors K. H. Faulkner, K. Roberts; J. Rundell and Mrs. M. Svensen Representatives: - Mrs J. Denley and Mr. P. John of BCBC's Youth Service The Meeting commenced at 7.00 p.m. and was chaired by Councillor Mrs. Weinzweig No. Minute 105.08 Apologies for Absence An apology was received from Councillor R. H. Golledge 106.08 Declarations of Interest Councillors K. H. Faulkner, K. Roberts and Mrs. M. Svensen all expressed an interest in the Coytrahen Village Hall Association 107.08 Bridgend Youth Service Representatives from Bridgend County Borough Council's Youth Service explained its role in the communities: - "The Youth Service is concerned with the fundamental and personal development of young people between the ages of 11 to 25. It provides an inclusive service and strives to encourage, involve and empower young people through informal learning opportunities with a variety of different settings. The support given enables them to become valued citizens within their communities. The staff involved is committed to addressing the needs of young people and supporting them whatever their background, culture, race, religion, sexual orientation or disability and will work in a non-judgemental and non- oppressive way." Further information on this service can be obtained from Jeanette Denley or Phil John 01656 724057
There are five qualified professional managers in the county borough tasked with dealing with issues such as drugs, crime, and identifying opportunities for the younger element in society. Mrs. Denley explained that the service is not well known, lack of advertising and budget cuts have contributed to this The Chairperson asked how the service can assist Coytrahen; it was suggested that an open night event is held with invitations to all residents; the aim being to let them know what can be done. Small equipment can be provided for use by the youngsters, however for serious involvement they will be advised to attend and share the services on offer at Ynysawdre School or at Cefn Cribwr Life Centre where bicycle maintenance and a variety of sports can be enjoyed. There is also the opportunity of attending a youth camp at Symonds Yat where many outdoor pursuits can be contemplated. It was explained to the representatives that a former village youth club was not as successful as hoped, the high costs and lack of local interest forced its early closure. The two representatives were thanked for their contribution to the meeting and left at 7.35 pm.
108.08 Council Vacancy Members were asked to consider and debate the two applications received for the vacancy created by former councillor Miss S. Agnew. Councillor Mrs. Svensen proposed that as Mr. James has an association with the village hall and has helped the community with fund raising events, he should be co-opted at the next council meeting. Councillor Rundell proposed Mrs. Ann Clark for co-option stating that she was a local lady with much important knowledge of Coytrahen. Councillor Mrs. Svensen's proposal was seconded by Councillor Roberts; Councillor Rundell's proposal failed by not having a seconder. Put to the vote - three were in favour of Mr. James being co-opted and there were two abstentions. Resolved: That Mr. Mel James of Baglan Cottages, Coytrahen is to be co-opted onto the Council with effect from the March 2008 Meeting
109.08 Minutes of the January 2008 Meeting Councillor Roberts informed the Meeting that Minute 101.08 (Members Reports should have read Councillor K. Roberts and not K. Rundell; with this matter being agreed it was: Resolved: That the Minutes of the Meeting held on Wednesday the 30th January 2008 were a true record - the Chairperson duly signed the Minute Book
110.08 Matters Arising from the Minutes 94.08 - Despite an article appearing in the Glamorgan Gazette requesting local opinion on Penyfai AFC adopting the playing fields etc; there has been no feed-back. Councillor Mrs. Svensen said that there were concerns over the many cars being parked near the field and full and regular use by the club would only exasperate matters 98.08 (1) - Two applications have been received for the vacancy created by Miss Agnew (see Minute 108.08) 98.08 (11) the lease has been signed by the Chairperson and Clerk 98.08 (12) Huw Irranca -Davies office has confirmed that his surgery details should not be advertised in Coytrahen 98.08 24) - the public lighting columns have been installed and are working perfectly - Councillors Rundell and Mrs. Svensen said that they have received complaints that the light is not reaching the middle to upper part of the lane leading to Heol Cefn Ydfa - the Clerk is to request that the Street Lighting Department alters the position of the lantern on Street Lighting Column No.3 100.08 Watercourse - Clerk to update at the February meeting (Archaeologist's report is attached) 101.08 - Post Office & Notice Board - BCBC's Property Department has no objections to a Notice Board being erected to the outside of the local Post Office. The meeting was informed that the Sub Post Master would not contemplate this matter unless it is confirmed in writing. 101.08 Jeanette Denley has agreed to attend the February 2008 meeting 111.08 Correspondence
1. Ms. Ann Clark - Request to be considered for co-option onto the council (see Minute 108.08) 2. Mr. Mel James - Request to be considered for co-option onto the council (see Minute 108.08) 3. Bridgend CBC - Reports and Minutes etc. (available from the Clerk) 4. Boundary Commission Wales - acknowledgement of council's decision on boundary changes 5. SEWTA - Annual Report 2006/07 (on line) 6. The Voice - One Voice Wales - magazine 7. Maesteg School - Seminar for the 13/03/2008 - invitation to attend 8. Huw Irranca Davies MP - invitation to attend a St. David's Day Concert - not accepted 9. Welsh Assembly Government - Revised S.137 appropriate sum with affect from 01/04/2008 is to be £5.86 10. Welsh Assembly Government - Borrowing Policy for 2008/09 11. Neath Port Talbot BC - Consultation on draft Supplementary & Interim Planning Guidance Resolved: That the above items of correspondence are noted 12. Welsh Assembly Government - Member Code of Conduct (revised) Local Government Member Code of Conduct - recent legislation under section 183 of the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health (LG&PIiH) Act 2007 makes it clear that that the code of conduct applies to members whilst acting in either their official or private capacities. All elected and co-opted members who were in office prior to the 31st January 2008 must give a fresh undertaking to observe their council's code of conduct (for the time being) by the 1st May 2008. A member that fails to give such an undertaking by that date will cease to be in office. The current code of conduct (introduced in 2001) covers conduct by members whilst acting in both official and, in certain circumstances, private capacities. A judgement in the High Court (Livingstone v the Adjudication Panel for England) placed a more limited interpretation on the extent to which the code could apply in respect of conduct in a member's private capacity. This interpretation was contrary to the policy intention in Wales. Provision has been made in S. 183 of the LG&PIiH Act 2007 that amends part 111 of the 2000 Act to make it clear that the code of conduct can include provision that applies to members whilst acting in an official or private capacity. Members must by the 1st May 2008 give an undertaking to observe the code of conduct (S183 (6)) of the 2007 Act; this is additional to any such undertakings previously given (Acceptance of Office & Acceptance of the 2000 Code of Conduct) Members discussed the new code of conduct and some believed that this was taking away some of their freedom; it was considered unfair on unpaid councillors to be subjected to rigorous rules and regulations and such diktat could lead to many refusing to enter into local politics. Resolved: That the new changes are noted and that the Clerk would arrange with those who are willing, completion of the new code of conduct mandatory document 13. Sustainable Wales - Fairtrade resolution required to either use Fairtrade goods or promote them locally - Members having heard evidence that suggests Fairtrade does not support all poor countries and in some cases has created an unintentional detrimental effect on those it helps: - Resolved: That the request is noted 14. One Voice Wales - Membership renewal Resolved: That membership is renewed for 2008 15. Clerk - Rights of Way Agency Agreement reclaim for 2007/08 - The Clerk informed Members that he has submitted a claim for £740 being total maintenance expenditure to date. Members were advised that it was unlikely that any expenditure would be incurred during March 2008. Resolved: That this matter is noted 16. Cydcoed - Final claim required to be submitted 17. King Davies & Partners Solicitors - Lease of the Watercourse 18. King Davies & Partners Solicitors - Lease of the Watercourse (2) 19. Bridgend CBC Planning - Written Scheme of Investigation for the former Watercourse 20. Glamorgan & Gwent Archaeological Trust - Scheme of Investigation - Watercourse (copy given to each councillor) - Resolved: That items 16 to 20 are to be dealt with in Minute 113.08
112.08 Planning Matters
P/08/776/FUL - Members agreed that there were to be no objections to the development of a triple garage and garden storage at Coytrahen House - Mrs. R. Beynon
113.08 Watercourse Update The Lease was signed by the Chairperson and Clerk in the offices of King-Davies & Partners - Solicitors The council's solicitor has confirmed that the Lease has now been completed and he his attending to the stamping and registration formalities
Work to date - The Clerk reported that work is progressing with the new pathway seventy five percent complete. Trees have been removed and others thinned out. There has been a problem with the Japanese Knotweed; BCBC's Countryside Officer informed the Clerk that the weed had been cut and taken off site without the appropriate license. (This was a result of an anonymous phone call from a member of the public). This matter has been amicably resolved. Glamorgan & Gwent Archaeological Trust - Scheme of Investigation, a 12 page report based on information supplied by the Clerk, which included a little local history. No items of importance were detected; however guidelines were given in cases of any significant finds (A copy of the report was delivered to councillors) Bridgend CBC Planning Department has accepted the archaeologist's "Written Scheme of Investigation" for the former Watercourse Local complaints - Councillor Mrs. Svensen informed the meeting that one resident has complained that some Beech Trees have been ravaged by the contractor. A gap has appeared in the hedgerow facing Baglan Cottages and must be attended to immediately in order to prevent young children from gaining access to the main highway. There is a considerable amount of debris on the site; deposited there by local residents; the contractor will not clear this away. Youth Offending Team - The Clerk informed Members that he is negotiating with the Youth Offending Team office to have the debris removed and for the offenders to have a general clean up of the area. Cydcoed - Final claim is now due - a balance (for the three schemes) of £14,800 must be applied for immediately. Site meeting - Members agreed that a site meeting is to be held at 2.00 pm on Monday the 3rd March 2008 Resolved: That the update is noted 114.08 Members Reports Councillor Faulkner - (1) Reported that despite many requests at local PACT meetings, no action has been taken to have speed restriction signs introduced in Coytrahen. This has become an environmental issue; young children are being frightened by the heavy goods vehicles that often travel at excess speed through the village. The Councillor requested that this council again requests the Highways Department to take this matter seriously.
(2) The recent children's event at the Community Centre (Paddy the Clown) was a great success. Councillor Roberts - reported that the overhanging branches at Pwlla had still not been cut back - It was mentioned that trees had been known to have been lopped and that work on tree maintenance is ongoing Councillor Rundell - (1). Reported that the Valleys to Coast Housing's development of a fence to the rear of the Post office and the local garages has not been completed; the councillor requested that enquiries are made. (2) Reported that Footpath No. 21 (Coytrahen House) is blocked by large tree trunks and requested that this matter is reported to the appropriate authority 115.08 Finance & Accounts 1. The Clerk submitted accounts for approval totalling £ 173.74 (schedule attached) Resolved: That the accounts were approved for payment 2. Members resolved to note the Receipts and Payments Account prepared for the period 01/04/2007 to 27/02/2008 116.08 Items for the March 2008 Agenda No items requested
117.08 Date of the next Meeting Resolved: That the council will next meet on Wednesday the 26th March 2008 at the Philip Squire Centre, Coytrahen
With business concluded the Chairperson closed the meeting at 9.00 p.m. Chairperson________________________ Date_____________________
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