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JANUARY 2006 MINUTES
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF CLYRO COMMUNITY COUNCIL
REPORT FROM COUNTY COUNCILLOR MORRIS
FEBRUARY 2006 MINUTES
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF CLYRO COMMUNITY COUNCIL
POLICE REPORT
REPORT FROM COUNTY COUNCILLOR MORRIS
FRIENDS OF THE SCHOOL – REQUESTS FOR SUPPORT The Chairman asked members of the public present for their contributions. Thanks were given to the Councillors for their time and attention on behalf of the Community. More explanation was offered about the value of whiteboards for children and teachers. The poor condition of the bus shelter was mentioned.
MARCH 2006 MINUTES
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF CLYRO COMMUNITY COUNCIL
Meeting started at 8-30pm following a presentation on proposed gas pipeline routes
APRIL 2006 MINUTES
A. G .M Minutes 2005
held in the Village Hall on TUESDAY 10th MAY 2005 at 7.45pm
PRESENT Minutes of the Annual General Meeting of the Community Council held in June 2004 were agreed by Councillors and signed by the Chairman.
The Chairman then read his report to Councillors. Last June was local council election time, with two of our councillors, Tom Williams and Chris Posnett, standing down. As only nine candidates stood, we had no election. Heather Wheeler and Gerard Green are our newest councillors, and they seem to be getting to grips with the job. County Cllr Morris became chairman of Powys County Council, and, with all this power at her fingertips, did manage to get some action on our frequent complaints about the path to Hay on Wye, leaking sewage etc.
Last July my wife and I were invited to attend a Royal garden party at Buckingham palace, we were honoured to attend, and enjoyed the event. One thing we didn’t enjoy was the pace of life in London, with everyone rushing about, give us Powys any time. As is usual, a wreath for Remembrance Day was purchased on behalf of the Community Council, and placed on the monument by Mike Anthony, who deserves a vote of thanks for undertaking this duty for us. We now have a section on the community website, WWW.CLYRO.ORG, with minutes, agenda, list of councillors, F.O.I. and much more.
Two of our councillors, Ashley and Sally, are school governors, with Ashley being our elected representative. ELECTION OF OFFICERS
CHAIRMAN 2005 - 2006
VICE-CHAIRMAN 2005 – 2006
ACCOUNTS Cllr. B. Morgan then signed a declaration of his acceptance of office for the next year, and as Chairman signed the accounts, which were also signed by the Clerk. The meeting was then closed by the Chairman at 8.05 pm. Minutes were taken by the Clerk.
MAY 2006 MINUTES
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF CLYRO COMMUNITY COUNCIL PRESENT: Cllr. B. Morgan (Chairman) Cllr. Price (Vice Chairman) Cllr. Green Cllr. Hood Cllr. Herdman Cllr. M. Morgan Cllr. Wheeler Cllr. Williams County Cllr. Morris APOLOGIES: Cllr. Smith MINUTES: The minutes of the April 2006 meeting were approved by Councillors and signed by the Chairman. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST: Cllr. Herdman declared an interest regarding PR 6399/00, but in fact there was no decision in connection with this application to be made at this meeting. PLANNING MATTERS New: PR647500 - Outline: Residential Development with new vehicular access, at Cwm Cynfelin, Clyro. This application was not accompanied by any information as to the nature of the proposed development, such as numbers of houses etc. For this reason the Clerk has contacted the planning officer dealing with this application, who has now written to the agents asking for more information. Councillors agreed that they could not approve this application without further information. Councillors commented that residents living opposite the proposed development and behind it have said that they are very concerned.
The Chairman told the meeting that the applicants have now felled a number of mature trees on the site, which have fallen across the brook, completely blocking it. This is an Environment Agency concern, but the site is not within the conservation area.
MATTERS ARISING
POLICE REPORT
CORRESPONDENCE
COMMUNITY HEALTH COUNCIL
PRECEPT PAYMENT
CLERK’S SALARY
PAYMENTS
JUNE 2006 MINUTES
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF CLYRO COMMUNITY COUNCIL
JULY 2006 MINUTES
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF CLYRO COMMUNITY COUNCIL 48. a. PRESENT: Cllr. B. Morgan (Chairman) Cllr. Price (Vice Chairman) Cllr. Green Cllr. Hood Cllr. M. Morgan Cllr. Smith Cllr. Williams (arrived during meeting) b. APOLOGIES: Cllrs. Herdman and Wheeler. c. MINUTES: i. The minutes of the accounts meeting held on 5th July meeting were approved by Councillors and signed by the Chairman ii. The minutes of the June meeting were approved by Councillors and signed by the Chairman. d. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST: None 49. PLANNING MATTERS a. New: PR285804 - Variation of Condition of PR2858/02 (outline: erection of detached bungalow) for extension of time re Land adj. Janannia, Rhydspence The Vice Chairman proposed acceptance, Cllr. Hood seconded this. All indicated in favour. b. Update re PR647500 - Outline: Residential Development with new vehicular access, at Cwm Cynfelin, Clyro. This application has been turned down because by the planning authority on ecological/biodiversity grounds (the applicant not having supplied an ecological report), because there is a risk of flooding here (the applicant not having presented a report to indicate otherwise) and because of the impossibility for the applicant of creating a wide enough splay for access onto the Painscastle Road. c. Re PR593003 - Change of use of one barn into 2 dwellings units, plus extension; erection of dwelling with double garage, installation of septic tank and improvements to access at West Barn and Orchard House, Penllan – permission given. 50. MATTERS ARISING a. HIGHWAYS MATTERS UPDATE - i. SAFETY ON AND BY THE A438; THE BOLLARDS ETC. Cllr. M. Morgan had asked for this to be on this month’s agenda, following the accident in the last month in which a lorry hit the bollard by Buttercup Meadow, careered across the road and pavement and junction with Buttercup Meadow, through the hedge and into a garden. She asked whether other traffic calming methods such as double lines, hatchings, chevrons on the road could be installed instead of the bollards. Cllr. Hood said he thought there was no problem with the bollards, but with drivers. Opposing police opinions on this subject had been heard by Cllr Hood and Cllr. Smith. The Vice Chairman said he thought there could be a 30mph limit through the village but that any measures instituted needed to be enforced. Discussion continued. Points made included: that accidents had happened before the bollards were sited; that there have been several (five or six) since, involving the bollards; that the cut-out in the road around the bollards was not long enough for large lorries to easily negotiate it; that drivers came too fast through the village; that the gap was too narrow for lorries. Cllr. Wheeler had phoned the Clerk to say she thought there was no problem with the bollards. Various suggestions were made. As there is ongoing public concern, the Clerk to contact Richard Hobbs (Highways) to ask him to come to a meeting in the village which would be open to the public. ii. ORDER FOR 20MPH ZONE WITHIN BUTTERCUP MEADOW – this is now in operation iii. THE STEP OUTSIDE THE OLD VICARAGE has now been removed. b. ANNUAL SCHEDULE FOR REVIEWING DOCUMENTS ETC. The Clerk ran through the proposed annual schedule for reviews and other regular items which must be attended to throughout the year, and suggested that the financial regulations be reviewed in August and the standing orders in February. c. SUGGESTIONS FOR STANDING ORDERS REVIEW PROPOSED NEXT MONTH The Chairman asked Councillors if they had any suggestions for alterations to the Council’s standing orders. None was put forward. The Chairman and Clerk explained that the Council is required to regularly update its standing orders and other documents and regulations and also to incorporate any changes in law, even though nothing may have changed for the Council, and most or even all of the subject matter is irrelevant to us. The Clerk said that it could be difficult to know when changes were required. The Chairman will ask Hay Town Council if they have been finding membership of One Voice Wales useful in this respect. 51. REPORTS ON DOCUMENTS READ; MEETINGS ATTENDED; ACTIVITIES ETC. i. ASSEMBLY: ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS IN WALES – A DISCUSSION DOCUMENT This was taken by the Chairman last month. He reported that there was nothing of local interest in this. ii. CHARTER 88 - CITIZEN EXTRA AND LOCAL WORKS Taken by the Chairman last month. He had no report to make. ii. HEREFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL - STATEMENT OF COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT SUBMISSION DRAFT The Chairman said that, reading this, he saw that other people had already made comments, that these had been noted, but no notice had been taken of them. - Cllr. Williams arrived at this point - 52. SCHOOL GOVERNOR’S REPORT Cllr. Williams said that the Three Peaks fundraising event had been a great success with 22 people, including Cllr. Green, taking part. It has raised £4,500. Cllr. Williams called this a "monumental achievement" and Councillors commended Cllr. Green on his participation. The school inspection has taken place and early indications are that it went very well. The report will be out in early August. The current phase of the school grounds works is nearly finished. (The Chairman said that pictures are now on the clyro.org website.) Cllr. Hood asked whether there had been any progress on the subject of car parking. Cllr. Williams thought that finance could turn out to be the problem here. 53. POLICE REPORT P.C. Swales was not at the meeting. 54. REPORT FROM COUNTY COUNCILLOR MORRIS County Cllr. Morris was not at the meeting. 55. CORRESPONDENCE a. Re WALES SPATIAL PLAN SHIRE BRIEFINGS The Radnorshire meeting will take place in Llanbister. Councillors are not planning to go. b. Re GWERNYFED SPORTS PITCHES PARTNERSHIP GROUP - ELECTION Andrew Bufton and Eric Hoole have been elected to the partnership group. The inaugural meeting will take place on 18th July. c. LOCAL HEALTH BOARD – NOTICE re MISSED OUTPATIENT APPOINTMENTS Notice (to go on the Council’s noticeboard) received, drawing attention to the great cost and negative effect on the waiting list of missed outpatient appointments. Discussion followed about waiting lists, and problems experienced by patients when appointments are cancelled by the hospital. d. CLERKS AND COUNCILS DIRECT Taken by the Chairman. e. OMBUDSMAN FOR WALES – ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2005/6 Taken by the Chairman. f. MID AND WEST WALES FIRE AND RESCUE AUTHORITY Draft Risk Reduction Plan 2007-2010 received. Taken by the Vice Chairman. g. WELSH ASSEMBLY – PROVIDING INDEMNITIES TO MEMBERS AND OFFICERS OF RELEVANT AUTHORITIES Final Guidance received. Taken by the Chairman. h. LOCAL COUNCILS UPDATE (with subscription invitation) received. The Clerk said she thought this looked useful but that the annual subscription is £100. Taken by the Chairman. 56. FINANCIAL MATTERS a. BANK BALANCES Current Account: £1,991.61 as at 5th July 2006. Reserve Account: £2,681.14 as at 30th June 2006. b. ANNUAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY REVIEW The Clerk ran through the only proposed change – the amount invested in the Reserve Account has risen to £. Cllr. Hood proposed, and Cllr. M. Morgan seconded, acceptance of the strategy for the next year. All agreed. c. RISK ASSESSMENT No response has yet been received from Zurich Municipal about checking of assets. d. CLERK’S SALARY Payment of £86.95 was proposed by Cllr. Smith and seconded by Cllr. M. Morgan and agreed by Councillors. e. INTERNAL AUDITOR An invoice for £20 has been received from the internal auditor, Dawn Farnsworth for her inspections of the accounts during the year and her completion of the internal auditor’s section of the annual return. Cllr. Hood proposed payment, Cllr. Smith seconded this and all Councillors agreed. PAYMENTS Cheques drawn: Clerk’s salary: £86.95 Dawn Farnsworth (Internal Auditor): £20. 44. OTHER BUSINESS Cllr. Hood drew Councillors’ attention to the fact that there appears to be a breach of planning permission (which specified that all canoes must be off the site at night with no overnight parking) at the Paddles and Peddles site by the river, which is on a SSSI. Cars and other vehicles are now left there overnight along with canoes and what appears to be a site office. A letter to go the planning office. Cllr. M. Morgan asked about the vehicles attending the old pottery site, and asked where they should be. As they are on the bus stop, the Clerk to contact Highways. The Chairman then thanked all those who had come to the meeting and THE MEETING WAS FORMALLY CLOSED AT 8.50 pm. Minutes were taken by the Clerk
AUGUST 2006 MINUTES
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF CLYRO COMMUNITY COUNCIL 58. a. PRESENT: Cllr. B. Morgan (Chairman) Cllr. Price (Vice Chairman) Cllr. Green Cllr. Hood Cllr. M. Morgan Cllr. Smith Cllr.Wheeler County Cllr. M. Morris b. APOLOGIES: Cllr. Herdman c. MINUTES: The minutes of the July meeting were approved by Councillors and signed by the Chairman. d. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST: The Chairman and Cllr. Smith re planning application no. PR233112, since their partners work at Pentwyn School. The Chairman closed the meeting at this point so that members of the public who were present could look at the plans of planning application no. PR233112, and put forward their questions and concerns to the Community Council and to County Cllr. Morris. Councillors were told that a petition of local residents objecting to the application is to be presented to the planning authority or the planning committee, and copies of letters of objection to the planning department were passed to the Community Council. The Chairman then reopened the meeting, handed over the running of it to the Vice-Chairman, and the Chairman and Cllr. Smith then left the room.
59. PLANNING MATTERS
SEPTEMBER 2006 MINUTES
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF CLYRO COMMUNITY COUNCIL held in the Village Hall on TUESDAY 12th SEPTEMBER 2006 at 8pm 68. a. PRESENT: Cllr. B. Morgan (Chairman) Cllr. Price (Vice Chairman) Cllr. Herdman Cllr. M. Morgan Cllr. Williams (arrived during meeting) County Cllr. M. Morris b. APOLOGIES: Cllr. Smith, Cllr.Wheeler (received after meeting) c. MINUTES: The minutes of the August meeting were approved by Councillors and signed by the Chairman. d. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST: None 69. PLANNING MATTERS a. NEW: PR651800: Full: Erection of a conservatory and erection of first floor extension at Ashbrook Lodge, Clyro. - Cllr. Williams arrived at this point - The plans were passed round. All Councillors were in favour of the application. b. Re: PR285804: Variation of condition of PR2858/02 for extension of time SO24NW – Land adj. Janannie, Rhydspence – planning consent given. c. Re PR233112 – Pentwyn School. County Cllr. Morris said that this will probably go to the October Planning Committee meeting, which will be the first one at which the new planning arrangements will apply. [See County Councillor Morris’s Report below] 70. MATTERS ARISING a. HIGHWAYS MATTERS UPDATE - i. SAFETY ON AND BY THE A438; THE BOLLARDS ETC.: Richard Hobbs from Highways will come before the October Community Council meeting at 7.30pm. 71. REPORTS ON DOCUMENTS READ; MEETINGS ATTENDED; ACTIVITIES ETC. a. DOCUMENTS READ i. BRECON ADVICE CENTRE – ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS FOR 2005/6 - outlining services and asking for financial support. The Chairman had no comment to make on this. b. MEETINGS i. The Chairman reported on a meeting he had attended at which residents (chiefly from Begwyns Bluff) met with Pentwyn representatives to discuss the recent disturbance at the school. The boys in question are no longer in the school. 72. SCHOOL GOVERNOR’S REPORT Cllr. Herdman had just come from the first Governors’ meeting since the school inspection. She told Councillors that the inspectors’ report had been very good, their thoughts being similar to the school’s own self-evaluation. There were 80 pupils in the school at the start of the autumn term. There continues to be the problem of lack of space. Events may be better held in the church or the village hall. Clearing out of rubbish, bottles etc. from the ponds and grounds has been necessary, and the apples were gone from the trees, after the Rum Do event at Baskerville Hall Hotel. A connection is suspected. 73. POLICE REPORT P.C. Swales is no longer the Beat Manager for the Clyro area. His successor, Fin Thomas, came to the meeting. He talked about the good working relationship which the police have with Pentwyn School. The Chairman asked about the Rum Do event. P.C. Thomas said that, because there are so many events in the summer, it is difficult for the police to allocate resources to all. Cllr. M. Morgan said she had complained about the noise to the Environmental Health department. The Chairman suggested contacting them ahead of any similar event proposed for the future. P.C. Thomas said that extra police staff are coming out to Hay, though this may be temporary. There has been a higher level of crime in Hay this year, mostly vandalism. However, apart from last month, the previous four months’ local police detection figures have been the highest in Powys. Cllr.Herdman asked P.C. Thomas if he had had any recent reports of people in cars touring farms perhaps looking for scrap etc. She knew of a few farms who had been visited. P.C. Thomas said that the registration numbers of the cars in question were needed. 74. REPORT FROM COUNTY COUNCILLOR MORRIS County Cllr. Morris quoted from the Review of Community Areas and Electoral Arrangements. Clyro will keep all its Councillors. She has heard from Richard Hobbs concerning the path to Hay. There is not money in the shrinking Highways budget for additional cutting. Philip Wear, the county’s Farms Manager, has spoken with Dai Davies, who is cutting his hedges twice this year. Hedges are not supposed to be cut before September, but earlier cutting is permitted if there are safety considerations. It was again suggested that the Community Council pay for cutting with money from the precept. Cllr. Smith has obtained a rough estimate of £20-30. County Cllr. Morris has again asked for a kerb. The Vice Chairman asked about a problem drain near the Hay bridge. County Cllr. Morris will look into this. County Cllr. Morris has asked the School Governors about siting of the proposed pedestrian (pelican) crossing for Clyro. She needs to know what the majority of residents want before the Radnorshire Committee Meeting. Discussion ensued about the pros and cons of different locations; the needs of schoolchildren and the needs of the village as a whole, and who is at most risk. Cllr. Williams thought that the real problem was the speed of traffic and again suggested a reduced speed limit. The Chairman was for increasing parking by the school. Parents are apparently unwilling to take responsibility for crossing a "walking bus" of schoolchildren. Cllrs. Herdman and Williams thought the crossing should be close to the school; the Chairman, Vice Chairman and Cllr. M. Morgan thought it should be nearer to the junction of the road to Hay. The Chairman asked about the possibility of an illuminated variable speed limit. Cllr. Smith had forwarded a message about encroaching hedges on the Painscastle Road, the landowners being the residents of Pentwyn, Cwm Cynfelin and Brook Cottage. Gordon Griffiths’ hedges were also mentioned. The Clerk to forward relevant names and addresses to Highways who will ask people to cut their hedges. [and see continuation of report below] 75. CORRESPONDENCE a. Hay and District Dial-a-Ride - letter of thanks received for £100 donation from Clyro. b. Powys County Council – Temporary prohibition of traffic order (C1331 Painscastle Rd) Although this states that the closure, from 4th – 16th September, is for a new water duct to be installed, County Cllr. Morris said that it is in fact for broadband installation. c. Adjudication Panel for Wales – Annual Report Taken by the Chairman. - At this point, Cllr. Herdman asked County Cllr. Morris about the new planning arrangements which she had said she would explain to Councillors - 74. REPORT FROM COUNTY COUNCILLOR MORRIS cont’d County Cllr. Morris said that, from now on, County Councillors may either vote on applications, or speak about them, taking the part of the County Councillor, but not both. County Cllr. Morris said that she will generally speak on applications. She reminded Councillors that the Community Council can speak at a planning committee meeting, in addition to applicant and objector. No site visits will now take place before planning committee meetings unless the application is for a very large development. From now on, 85% of applications will probably be delegated to planning officers. 75. CORRESPONDENCE cont’d. d. Powys CC – Radnorshire Autumn Liaison Meeting: 9th October, at 7pm at County Hall. The Chairman and Cllr. M. Morgan plan to go. No item was put forward by the Community Council for the agenda. e. Powys CC – re Members’ Code of Conduct in planning matters with Questionnaire. The Clerk has completed and returned the questionnaire asking about the Council’s procedure for considering planning applications. f. Assembly – Beecham Review of Local Service Delivery: "Beyond Boundaries" Taken by the Chairman. There are to be three meetings across Wales but none is at all local. g. Powys CC – Review of Community Areas and Electoral Arrangements – final proposals The Clerk read from the proposals, which list areas suitable for possible new housing in Clyro, along with the reference numbers of the relevant planning policies. h. Clerks and Councils Direct Taken by the Vice-Chairman who will pass this on to the Chairman. i. From Tom Fairfield re ecological matters The Clerk read out this letter, which asked the Community Council to contact the County Council questioning the approval of several local planning applications without adequate surveys or mitigation. Cllr. Herdman remembered that the County Council had asked CCW for a bat survey regarding Penllan. Cllr. Williams said that the Council didn’t know that the facts as stated were correct. Councillors decided not to write. j. One Voice Wales: National Training Strategy for Community and Town Councils in Wales. Views invited. Taken by the Clerk. k. PCC re Welsh Assembly Government- Active Lifestyles Community Council Capital Programme Taken by Cllr. Herdman. l. Shelter Cymru – Information and request for funds. The Clerk to respond with a refusal, in line with the Council’s policy regarding all services not in the local area. 76. FINANCIAL MATTERS a. BANK BALANCES – Current account: £2,557.96 as at 5th September 2006 b. ANNUAL RETURN - AMENDMENTS The external auditor has inspected the annual return, and requires that the accounts are altered to include cheques paid but unpresented at the end of the financial year. He has also queried the value of the community’s assets, which are insured to a value of £10,000, but shown on the annual return to have a value of £0. Councillors considered the following statement, to be sent, if approved, to the External Auditor: "The village green has never been valued and is not saleable by the Council. The noticeboards and benches were inexpensive to start with and are now several years old, such that their draw-down or saleable value is considered by the Council to be nil. The standing stone feature has not been valued, and is not considered to have financial value. In summary, in the opinion of the Council, its assets are of nil value". On the external auditor’s suggestion, the Clerk has checked with the insurers about a possible reduction in premium if the assets are not worth £10,000. The insurers have replied that the insurance is a standard package offered to small councils, with no option to alter it. i. VALUE OF ASSETS Cllr. M. Morgan proposed and Cllr. Herdman seconded authorisation of the Council’s declaration that the current book value of all its tangible assets as £0. All agreed. ii. ANNUAL RETURN SECTION 1 – Statement of Accounts - Amended The amended statement of accounts was passed round for Councillors to inspect. Cllr. Herdman proposed, and Cllr. Williams seconded, approval. All were in favour. The Council therefore authorised the amended Statement of Accounts which was then signed by the Chairman and Clerk. iii. The Chairman and Clerk then signed the amended summary receipts and payments sheet. c. CLERK’S SALARY Payment of £86.95 was proposed by Cllr. M. Morgan and seconded by Cllr. Herdman, and agreed by Councillors. d. PAYMENTS Cheques drawn: Clerk’s salary plus expenses: £86.95 77. OTHER BUSINESS a. Payment for the British Legion poppy wreath to go on next month’s agenda. b. The Chairman has checked the Council’s assets this month. No attention is needed. The Chairman then thanked all those who had come to the meeting and THE MEETING WAS FORMALLY CLOSED AT 9.35pm. Minutes were taken by the Clerk.
OCTOBER 2006 MINUTES
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF CLYRO COMMUNITY COUNCIL This meeting followed on from a meeting with Richard Hobbs from Highways - to discuss safety issues on the A438. 78. a. PRESENT: Cllr. B. Morgan (Chairman) Cllr. Price (Vice Chairman) Cllr. Green Cllr. Herdman Cllr. M. Morgan Cllr. Smith Cllr. Wheeler Cllr. Williams County Cllr. M. Morris P.C. Thomas b. APOLOGIES: Cllr. Hood c. MINUTES: The minutes of the September meeting were approved by Councillors and signed by the Chairman. d. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST: Cllr. Herdman re planning application no. PR639901. 79. PLANNING MATTERS - Cllr. Herdman left the meeting - a. NEW: PR639901- Full: Erection of barn and lean-to store for hay/implements and change of use of land for siting of transportable log cabin for holiday let and installation of septic tank at Hom Mill Farm (formerly part of Lower Cwmgwannon) The plans were passed round and discussed. The Council voted against this application. The Clerk to return to Planning the following comments: The building will be visually obtrusive. It is too big and on the skyline. The question was asked: is this a holiday site or a smallholding? - The positioning of a log cabin for holiday let next to a hay barn was thought unwise. It was suggested that the building could be sited elsewhere on the land where it would be less obtrusive. - Cllr. Herdman was called back into the meeting - b. County Cllr. Morris said that she had heard a lot of criticism of the new building on the old pottery site. Also that the application at Cwm Cynfelin had been withdrawn, perhaps with a new application to come. 80. MATTERS ARISING a. HIGHWAYS MATTERS UPDATE - i. SAFETY ON AND BY THE A438; THE BOLLARDS ETC.: P.C. Thomas volunteered his comments on the problem and the Chairman invited him to contribute to the meeting. He made various observations and suggestions. Firstly that, from the policing point of view, a 30mph limit would be no more expensive to enforce than the existing 40mph. With slower traffic the islands would no longer be an issue. 20mph flashing school signs have been found to be well received by motorists. The camera van can be requested. He was not in favour of road narrowing markings, as this tends to encourage drivers into the middle of the road. Following discussion, the Clerk to return the following requests to Richard Hobbs. The Council is asking for: 1. A 30mph speed limit through the village. (The Council realises though that this is not considered to be an option by Highways.) 2. Removal of the bollards by Buttercup Meadow and near the school. The ones at either end of the village and in the middle to be left as they are. 3. Installation of flashing 20mph signs to replace existing school signs. 4. Markings for the middle of the road. 5. A short stretch of railings along the A438 opposite the existing ones near the school. 6. Installation of warning 40mph signs (roundels?) outside the village. 7. Path: on the green in front of the garage – but not right up against the road. ii. Letters from Richard Hobbs re hedges and the path to Hay were read to the meeting. The Clerk to contact hedge-owners directly to ask them if they will cut their hedges, if they have not already done so, for the communal good. County Cllr. Morris said that the Council could employ someone to cut the hedges on the way to Hay; also that she considers that an upgrade of the path is needed. 81. REPORTS ON DOCUMENTS READ; MEETINGS ATTENDED; ACTIVITIES ETC. a. DOCUMENTS READ i. Assembly – Beecham Review of Local Service Delivery: "Beyond Boundaries" The Chairman did not think this of local relevance. ii. One Voice Wales: National Training Strategy for Community and Town Councils in Wales The Clerk had read this and was asked to complete and return the questionnaire. iii. PCC re Welsh Assembly Government- Active Lifestyles Community Council Capital Programme Cllr. Herdman had shown this to Dorothy Dempster. They considered that this would only be successful if it were a large community project. b. MEETINGS i. Radnorshire Autumn Liaison meeting No-one from the Community Council attended this meeting but County Cllr. Morris said she would report on it. [See 84. below] 82. SCHOOL GOVERNOR’S REPORT Cllr. Williams reported on the problem of lack of space. A demountable building is wanted by the school, whose 9 staff are at present sharing a very small (11x8) room. A free portacabin has been offered but the school is having trouble with obtaining permission for it. Otherwise the school is "in rude health". Roddy Lewis is chairman and Sally Herdman vice-chairman. There will be more use of the Welsh language in future. 83. POLICE REPORT P.C. Thomas said that he could find no record of reported recent crimes in Clyro, but that in the last month 76 have been reported in Hay. 29 of these have been detected. 13 people have been picked up in connection with the mushroom season. None of these was local. Mushroom pickers are frequently in possession of other drugs and weapons too. There were 2 burglaries at old peoples’ homes. 2 local men have been arrested. 2 key people on the drugs scene may be removed shortly. Vehicles have been inspected at Bronydd, where defective HGV parts and documentation have been discovered. P.C. Thomas showed an example of the speed camera which is most easily obtainable by the police, but said that this was really for urban speed limits, and not easy to use in a 40mph zone. 84. REPORT FROM COUNTY COUNCILLOR MORRIS County Cllr. Morris reported on the Autumn Liaison Meeting. Items included access to Powys services. A better automated phone system will be installed. County corporate objectives were discussed. These are to improve the quality of life. Health is a contentious issue. There was discussion about the advisability or otherwise of community council indemnity. There will be more training forthcoming because of the new planning protocols. Re: diversion of footpaths [see Correspondence 85.c.below] County Cllr. Morris commented that the two extremities will have to be changed from stiles to be accessible to the elderly etc. - County Cllr. Morris then left the meeting - 85. CORRESPONDENCE a. Powys County Council – Gambling Act – draft statement of licensing policy – consultation. Letter only received. As Councillors have been concerned about the fact that they are no longer consultees when licence applications are received by the County Council, the Clerk to request a printed copy of the statement, which was not included with the letter. b. PCC – Re Wales Spatial Plan – Central Wales Key Settlement and Rural Areas Study Taken by the Vice Chairman. c. PCC – Proposed public path order at Clyro Court, Clyro This proposal concerned the relocation of the existing path through the field to allow it to follow the line of the houses which are to be built here. The Clerk to reply saying that the Council has no objection to the relocation of the path but that the entrances will have to be changed. d. PCC – Diversion of public footpaths CY1981 and CY1983 and extinguishments of public footpath CY1982, Clyro. This confirmed the redirection of paths between Clyro and the river to the south west of the road to Hay. The Barn is no longer on a public footpath. e. PCC – re funding for village halls This gave details of funding given this year by Powys to all halls in Radnorshire. Sums given are dependent upon donations from the local community council. None is given to Clyro as the Community Council has not been asked by the Hall Committee to contribute. f. Powys Community Safety Partnership – event on 16th November at Royal Welsh Showground Taken by the Chairman. g. Health Challenge Wales – issue 3 Copies were distributed to Councillors. h. Welsh Assembly – Local Government Partnership Scheme - annual report No action taken. i. Talgarth Town Council re proposed reduction in services at Bronllys Hospital Cllr. Williams will go to the meeting for local councils. There will also be a public meeting on Thursday 2nd November at 7.15pm in the Town Hall, Talgarth. There is also a petition in Clyro post office. The Clerk to write a letter of complaint to the local health board. j. Customer@powys Kept by the Clerk. k. PAVO News Kept by the Clerk. 86. FINANCIAL MATTERS a. BANK BALANCES – Current account: £2,471.01 as at 5th October 2006 Reserve Account: £2,692.45 as at 5th October 2006 b. REMEMBRANCE DAY WREATH A donation of £30 to the British Legion was proposed by Cllr. Hood in March and agreed by the Community Council. This donation is being made in accordance with the Council’s powers under Sections 137 and 139 of the Local Government Act 1972. The cheque to be drawn this evening. c. CLERK’S SALARY Payment of £86.95 was proposed by Cllr. Herdman and seconded by Cllr. Wheeler, and agreed by Councillors. d. PAYMENTS i. Cheques drawn: Clerk’s salary plus expenses: £86.95 ii. British Legion: £30. 87. OTHER BUSINESS a. Next month: budget proposals. b. The Chairman has checked the Council’s assets this month. No action needed. c. The Clerk will in future email their minutes to Cllrs. Herdman, Smith, Green and Williams. The Chairman then thanked all those who had come to the meeting and THE MEETING WAS FORMALLY CLOSED AT 9.45pm. Minutes were taken by the Clerk.
NOVEMBER 2006 MINUTES
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF CLYRO COMMUNITY COUNCIL 88. a. PRESENT: Cllr. B. Morgan (Chairman) Cllr. Price (Vice Chairman) Cllr. Green Cllr. Herdman Cllr. M. Morgan Cllr. Smith Cllr. Wheeler b. APOLOGIES: Cllr. Hood, County Cllr. Morris c. MINUTES: The minutes of the October meeting were approved by Councillors and signed by the Chairman. d. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST: none. 89. PLANNING MATTERS a. NEW: PR653900 – Full: Conversion of 2barns (Barns A and B) to 4 dwellings; conversion of car building (Barn C) to garaging to serve residential units; conversion of 1 barn (Barn D) to holiday let; erection of new domestic garage; formation of new access and installation of new private treatment plant at Pentre, Rhosgoch. All voted in favour of this application, although a question about the discharge of surface water - to the stream, according to the application – will be returned to Planning. b. Re PR651800 Erection of a conservatory and erection of first floor extension at Ashbrook Lodge. Permission given. 90. MATTERS ARISING a. HIGHWAYS MATTERS UPDATE - i. SAFETY ON AND BY THE A438; THE BOLLARDS ETC.: Richard Hobbs’ letter was read to the meeting. 1. Criteria for a 30mph limit cannot be met at this location. 2. Removal of the bollards by Buttercup Meadow and near the school will take place. 3. School signs: Advisory 20mph signs and flashing warning lights can be introduced subject to committee approval and the availability of funding. 4. Markings for the middle of the road: These can be enhanced – from 100 to 150mm lines. Consideration will be given to the installation of central ladder hatch road markings if appropriate. 5. Mr.Hobbs considers that installing additional railings along the A438 would not help to slow traffic and thinks they would reduce visibility for drivers exiting the road from the garage. 6. Warning 40mph roundel signs outside the village, with 40mph/camera repeaters inside the 40mph zone, can be installed. Councillors thought that the camera signs were unnecessary. 7. Path: on the green in front of the garage – Mr. Hobbs considers that traffic speeds are not sufficiently high to justify separation of the footway from the road, with associated removal of trees. Councillors did not think that there would be any need for tree removal. The Clerk to reply to Mr. Hobbs. ii. Hedges. The Clerk did not contact hedge-owners as the hedges appeared to have been cut. However, the Vice Chairman said that the Bulmers’ hedge, and the high branches of Gordon Griffiths’ hedge still need attention. b. Draft statement of licensing policy – consultation. This concerned gambling only. 91. REPORTS ON DOCUMENTS READ; MEETINGS ATTENDED; ACTIVITIES ETC. a. DOCUMENTS READ i. PCC – Re Wales Spatial Plan – Central Wales Key Settlement and Rural Areas Study The Vice Chairman had no comments to return. ii. Powys Community Safety Partnership – event on 16th November at Royal Welsh Showground The Chairman thought there was little of interest to Clyro in this. iii. Health Challenge Wales – issue 3. No comments made. iv. Welsh Assembly – Local Government Partnership Scheme Annual Report. Not regarded as of interest. b. MEETINGS i. Proposed closure of services at Bronllys Hospital. Cllr. Williams was unable to attend the meeting for local councils in Talgarth. The Clerk will contact the organisers before writing to the Health Authority. 92. SCHOOL GOVERNOR’S REPORT Cllr. Williams being absent, Cllr. Herdman reported that there had not been a governors’ meeting since the last Community Council meeting. There are two more pupils at the school. The school play will be on at the village hall, where there will be more space, in December. All is quiet otherwise. 93. POLICE REPORT P.C. Thomas being absent, no report was given. 94. REPORT FROM COUNTY COUNCILLOR MORRIS County Cllr. Morris being absent, no report was given. 95. CORRESPONDENCE a. Tom Fairfield re Powys County Council planning decisions. This letter, which asked questions of County Cllr. Morris regarding Planning Committee decisions, and requested also that County Cllr. Morris obtain for him a response from the County Council to his (unanswered) complaint regarding planning decisions and ecological matters, to be forwarded to County Cllr. Morris. b. Roger Williams MP re future of post offices. The Clerk to write a letter to the Minister, expressing concern about the future of post offices, as suggested. c. Countryside Alliance re future of post offices. As previous item. d. Clerks and Councils Direct Taken by the Chairman. e. PAVO: Annual review and invitation to their annual conference. Taken by the Vice Chairman. f. Clerk’s notice of resignation. This was proffered by the Clerk and accepted by the Community Council. The Clerk to prepare and post advertisements for a new clerk in Clyro and in Hay and Glasbury. The Chairman will post the ad on the website. The Chairman suggested that it would be a good idea to include training for the new clerk in next year’s budget. g. One Voice Wales – offer of reduced rates for new members. The Chairman and Clerk both considered that membership would be advisable, especially for the new clerk. This to go on next month’s agenda, and to be included in the budget proposals. h. Assembly: Notice of Mid and West Wales Regional Committee meeting re "Growing up in Rural Wales" No action taken. i. Powys CC. Wales Spatial Plan – Key Settlement Study – Questionnaire. To be completed by the Clerk and Chairman. j. Assembly: - Consultation: Draft Guidance on the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 05. Taken by Cllr. Herdman (who will, however, be unable to attend the December meeting to report on it). k. PCC – Draft Communications Strategy for Powys. Taken by the Chairman. l. Citizens’ Advice Bureau - Request for financial support. This was turned down, in line with the Council’s standing orders. The Clerk to reply. 96. FINANCIAL MATTERS a. BANK BALANCES – Current account: £2,384.06 as at 5th November 2006 Reserve Account: £2,692.45 as at 5th October 2006 b. Approval and Acceptance of Audit (for the year 2005-6) Approval and acceptance was proposed by Cllr. Herdman, seconded by Cllr. Smith, and agreed by all. The Council has therefore approved and accepted the audit. c. Consideration of suggestions from the external auditor. The Clerk read to Councillors the external auditor’s recommendation regarding the necessity for adequate risk assessment. The guideline risk assessment sent by the external auditor is largely inapplicable to Clyro. The Council has however already instituted an annual review of possible risks, with measures in place to address these, and a monthly review of its assets. This was considered adequate by Councillors. d. BDO Stoy Hayward LLP- Invoice for external audit: £58.75 Payment was proposed by Cllr. Herdman and seconded by Cllr. M. Morgan. A questionnaire was enclosed with the invoice. This to be completed by the Clerk. e. Budget Proposals The Chairman suggested allocating funds for training for the new clerk, and possibly an increase in salary, as well as considering membership of One Voice Wales. No other suggestion was made. f. CLERK’S SALARY Payment of £86.95 was proposed by Cllr. M. Morgan, seconded by Cllr. Herdman, and agreed by Councillors. g. PAYMENTS i. Cheques drawn: Clerk’s salary plus expenses: £86.95 ii. BDO Stoy Hayward LLP: £58.75 97. OTHER BUSINESS a. To next month’s agenda: the budget and membership of One Voice Wales. b. The Chairman has checked the Council’s assets this month. No problems were noted. c. The Chairman placed the Community Council’s British Legion poppy wreath at the Clyro memorial, on behalf of the community, on 11th November, Remembrance Day. County Cllr. Gibson Watt acted for us on the Sunday, by re-placing the wreath during the Remembrance Day ceremony, since no Community Councillor was present at the service. The Chairman then thanked all those who had come to the meeting and THE MEETING WAS FORMALLY CLOSED AT 8.54pm. Minutes were taken by the Clerk.
DECEMBER 2006 MINUTES
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF CLYRO COMMUNITY COUNCIL 98. a. PRESENT: Cllr. B. Morgan (Chairman) Cllr. Green Cllr. M. Morgan Cllr. Smith Cllr. Wheeler County Cllr. Morris PC Thomas (both arrived during meeting) b. APOLOGIES: Vice-Chairman Price, Cllr. Hood, Cllr. Herdman, Cllr. Williams c. MINUTES: The minutes of the November meeting were approved by Councillors and signed by the Chairman. d. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST: none. 99. PLANNING MATTERS - County Cllr. Morris arrived at this point - a. NEW: PR NEW: PR654000 – Full: Installation of small wind turbine on farmhouse at Llanshiver Farm, Brilley No objection was raised to this. b. NEW:PR260602 – Full: Conversion of barns to 3 residential dwellings, installation of 3 new septic tanks and alterations to existing access at Barns at Bryn-y-Garth Farm, Painscastle. The plans were passed round. County Cllr. Morris talked about a number of relevant planning considerations: Some structures may be subject to the ‘pile of stones’ consideration, as they will need more than repair; there is an issue regarding privacy; amenity space needs to be shown; access will need to be negotiated with the National Trust; the design is not conducive with the structures which are there. Councillors discussed the plans and voted, with one abstention, in favour of this application. c. Re: PR639901: Erection of barn and lean-to and siting for log cabin etc. at Hom Mill Farm – letter from planning officer regarding decision. This letter was read to the meeting. d. Bat survey from Gwilym Davies re Bryn-y-Garth planning application. This to be kept on file. 100. MATTERS ARISING a. HIGHWAYS MATTERS UPDATE - i. Hedges. The Clerk has written to the owners regarding the Bulmers’ hedge, and the high branches of Gordon Griffiths’ hedge. - PC Thomas arrived at this point – ii. County Cllr. Morris said that, according to Gwyneth Mills, the school signs etc may not be in this year’s Highways budget. b. Membership of One Voice Wales Membership from now until March would cost £47, with the understanding that the Council would renew its membership for the next year. The cost of this would be just over £70. Cllr. Smith proposed that membership be considered in March for the following year. This was seconded by Cllr. M. Morgan and all agreed. c. Clerk’s post The Clerk’s post has been advertised, but no-one so far has applied. The ads to be altered with the end of January as the end date. 101. REPORTS ON DOCUMENTS READ; MEETINGS ATTENDED; ACTIVITIES ETC. a. DOCUMENTS READ i. PCC – PCC – Draft Communications Strategy for Powys The Chairman admitted that he had forgotten what was in this. 102. SCHOOL GOVERNOR’S REPORT Cllr. Williams was not at the meeting. The Governors have not met since half-term. 103. POLICE REPORT P.C. Thomas apologised for not having come to the November meeting. He has requested the automatic nameplate recognition service a couple of times – this checks documentation and is useful in detecting travelling criminals. A grant has been requested for the speeding detector motorcycle. He is waiting for a response from the person concerned, who has to come from Aberystwyth. During the last crime statistics period, several thefts of scrap metal have been reported in Painscastle, Clyro and Rhosgoch. Several teams are doing this, in transits, pick-ups and with trailers. (There have also been legitimate dealers in the area.) There have been several assaults, mainly in the grounds of Clyro Court. Arrests are expected. One rape allegation has been withdrawn. Cllr. Hood has had the tools stolen from his van. This may also have been by travelling criminals. The possibility is being discussed of streetlighting being turned off late at night, although at weekends, it may be better to keep it on. The Chairman asked about the presence of people claiming to be Water Board officials, who were in the village at the weekend, without identification. PC Thomas said that, before Christmas, there is always an increase in "distraction burglaries": criminals coming to houses, one perhaps asking for water or offering decorations etc. while another burgles the house. He asked that members of the public contact the police immediately, should that happen. Cllr. M. Morgan asked about the man she had heard was going into shops in Hay where there was only one woman behind the counter. PC Thomas said that the police have spoken to him. In fact more than one person was involved. In January, PC Thomas and PC Swales will be setting up beat teams, who will be the public’s first point of contact with the police. He asked: what issues do people want the police to be tackling? They anticipate increasing visible patrols and dealing with antisocial behaviour. Please send ideas to PC Thomas. 104. REPORT FROM COUNTY COUNCILLOR MORRIS County Cllr. Morris gave her apologies for not being able to come to the meeting last month. She took the letter from Tom Fairfield which was forwarded to her to the County’s solicitors and said that they had drafted a reply to him. Once a complaint has been made, procedures have to be adhered to, and she cannot comment upon it. She has written to Tom Fairfield, dealing with all questions. She said that there were inaccuracies in his letter regarding planning and the planning authorities. The planning officers recommend, but decisions are made by the Committee. She considers that Radnorshire has good planning officers. This prompted Cllr. Wheeler to ask about the new house which is being built on the Old Pottery site. The Community Council should receive a copy of the solicitors’ letter. 105. CORRESPONDENCE a. Powys County Council: Code of Conduct with planning matters/applications Taken by the Chairman. b. PCC: Diversion of part of public footpath CY1981 etc, confirmation received. c. PCC: Diversion of part of public footpath CY1968 (across the site of the proposed twenty-one houses) - diversion order. The entrances have not been altered, despite the request of the Community Council. d Kirsty Williams AM about Powys Hospital services - to say that she is supporting local opposition to proposed reduction of services. e. Andy Williams – Local Health Board re local services. This letter, replying to the Community Council’s complaint about the proposed closure of services at Bronllys Hospital, was read to the meeting. Councillors were not reassured. Employees at the hospital have already received notice. Cllr. M. Morgan told Councillors she thought this area very poorly served by the Health Service. She talked about the very long wait for an ambulance someone had recently experienced, and also about the impossibility of admission to Bronllys because of the lack of an available bed. f. Cymdeithas Alzheimer’s Society – request for donation The standard Council refusal to be sent by the Clerk. g. Tom Fairfield re planning matters Another letter with questions to be forwarded to County Cllr. Morris. Tom Fairfield, who attended the meeting, maintains that planning permissions granted in connection with Bridge End, Whitton are illegal. His complaints relate also to planning considerations in the Clyro area, but as the Whitton ones were not directly to do with Clyro, he and County Cllr. Morris to talk about these later. 106. FINANCIAL MATTERS a. BANK BALANCES – Current account: £2,384.06 as at 5th November 2006 Reserve Account: £2,692.45 as at 5th October 2006 b. Budget The provisional budget for next year was presented by the Clerk. As usual a number of payments in this year’s budget are as yet uncertain, and next year’s depends on decisions yet to be made by the Council. The external auditors will probably complain if the precept were to go up, or the reserves rose, without corresponding increase in spending. The Clerk said also that an increase in hours for the Clerk might be necessary, as the job had increased in volume since she had taken over. A new Clerk would probably also need to attend training. County Cllr. Morris suggested including a sum for hedge cutting along the path to Hay. This was thought to be a good idea and £100 was allocated for this. c. Proposed donation to the Samaritans This to be considered in March. d. Precept request This to be considered next month, as only a few Councillors were present at this meeting. e. CLERK’S SALARY Payment of £86.95 plus £3 for stamps, was proposed by Cllr. Smith, seconded by Cllr. Wheeler, and agreed by Councillors. f. PAYMENTS i. Cheques drawn: Clerk’s salary plus expenses: £89.95. 107. OTHER BUSINESS a. The Chairman has checked the Council’s assets this month. No problems were noted. b. Cllr. Wheeler noted that the caravan park is now renamed "Borders Hideaway". c. Cllr. Wheeler commented on the hedging taking place above the school, and the condition in which the road had been left. Other told her that this is John Thomas’ land, if she wishes to get a message to him. The Chairman then thanked all those who had come to the meeting and THE MEETING WAS FORMALLY CLOSED AT 9.15pm. Minutes were taken by the Clerk. The Chairman then invited Councillors and members of the public who were present to stay behind and celebrate Christmas with mince pies, snacks and wine. All enjoyed this opportunity for conversation. 2006 MINUTES |