Clyro Community Council
FEBRUARY 2007 MINUTES
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF CLYRO COMMUNITY COUNCIL
held in the Village Hall on
TUESDAY 13th FEBRUARY 2007 at 8.00pm
118. a. PRESENT: Cllr. B. Morgan (Chairman) Vice Chairman Price Cllr Green
Cllr. Morgan Cllr. Wheeler
County Cllr. Morris One member of the public
b. APOLOGIES: Cllr. Williams, Cllr. Herdman, Cllr. Hood.
c. MINUTES: The minutes of the January 2007 meeting were approved by Councillors and signed by the Chairman.
d. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST: Cllr. Green, regarding Planning application no. PR632401.
119. PLANNING MATTERS
- Cllr. Green left the room at this point -
a. NEW: PR632401 – Full: Restoration of cottage and conversion of two barns linked to form single dwelling and installation of private treatment plant at Cwm Pelved
The plans were passed round. All Councillors were in favour of this application.
- Cllr. Green was called back to the meeting at this point -
b. Re: PR654000 – Installation of small wind turbine at Llanshiver: permission received.
c. Re PR476602 - Change of use of barn to form 2 units for holiday accommodation and installation of new septic tank at Barn at Glyn Farm, Painscastle – Refusal due to problems associated with access.
d. Re PR569206- Conversion of redundant farm building to dwelling house, construction of new double garage and installation of septic tank (retrospective) at 3 Boatside Barns – Permission received.
e. Re PR569205- Conversion of former shelter range and stable to dwelling, construction of double garage (retrospective) at Pen-y-Pwll (4 Boatside Barns) – Permission received.
120. MATTERS ARISING
a. HIGHWAYS MATTERS UPDATE -
i. A letter from Tony Caine (Highways) to Barry Tomlinson Architectural Services was read to the meeting. This concerned the latter’s request for a 20mph speed limit outside Pentwyn School. As the school is a boarding school, a 20mph zone is considered by Mr. Caine to be inappropriate.
b. Cllr. Wheeler asked last month about the layout of the caravan site, since she wondered whether the current siting of the caravans was in line with current planning permission. The 31st March 05 plans were passed round. The Clerk to make sure there are no later plans.
c. Clerk’s post.
The Clerk’s post is being advertised.
Cllr. Morgan, who had not been present at the January meeting, questioned the large rise in salary for the Clerk, and whether the existing precept would be sufficient to cover it, along with other expenses. The Chairman explained that this was not a rise in salary, but an increase in hours in recognition of the fact that the job now takes many more hours than the average of 10 for which the Clerk has been paid for the last few years. Last month Councillors discussed this and decided that there were sufficient funds in the current account and the reserve account.
The Clerk and Councillors discussed the need for a new filing cabinet for the Clerk.
121. REPORTS ON DOCUMENTS READ; MEETINGS ATTENDED; ACTIVITIES ETC.
a. DOCUMENTS READ
i. Powys CC – Draft Rights of Way Improvement Plan Consultation
The Chairman commented that this all sounded fine, with good ideas, but would it actually be put into action? He thought it sounded as though new people would need to be employed, which is not in line with current county council policy, and said that there was a lot of mention of voluntary workers. He will return the questionnaire.
ii. DTI – letter re post offices
Cllr. Hood, who wished to reply on his own behalf, was not at the meeting. A response is requested by 8th March. The questionnaire to be completed by the Clerk.
122. SCHOOL GOVERNOR’S REPORT
Cllrs. Williams and Herdman were not at the meeting.
123. POLICE REPORT
PC Thomas was not at the meeting.
124. REPORT FROM COUNTY COUNCILLOR MORRIS
Council Tax:
This will go up by about 4%. This has provoked discussion about what the county council should or should not be providing. Economies are to be made in road surfacing, and bridge maintenance is at an all-time low. The council has been looking at its assets. The Hay council office will go, and some lights will be dimmed overnight.
County Cllr. Morris was asked about recycling bags for Hay, to which she replied that Clyro will not get these. Most people in Clyro take their recycling to Hay in any case, and the council could not afford to institute the recycling service in every ward.
There will be meetings soon in South Radnorshire regarding the Community Strategy, with a seminar in March. County Cllr. Morris will ask for some money for South Radnorshire.
The Chairman asked why there were now more speed camera signs through the village, where we understood that there were to be only 40mph repeater signs. County Cllr. Morris will enquire about this, and also as to why the school lights are not turned off when not needed.
County Cllr. Morris and Councillors discussed the dumping of waste above the school on private land. She will look into this. It sounds like a matter for Environmental Health. Vice-Chairman Price commented that there is again rubbish by the lay-by above Pentwyn, and County Cllr. Morris said that it was still a problem by the lay-by near Llowes as well.
125. CORRESPONDENCE
a. One Voice Wales – re membership (£77)
Cllr. Morgan proposed, and Cllr. Green/Vice Chairman Price seconded, membership for the next year, and this was agreed by Councillors.
b. Kirsty Williams AM and Roger Williams MP re their support for threatened post offices.
This letter was read to Councillors. Also enclosed was a consultation pro-forma about the value of local post offices, which the Council was asked to return. Councillors completed this.
c. Kirsty Williams AM: update re proposed closure of local health services
Kirsty writes that the campaign to Save Our Local Hospitals has gathered momentum. Events are planned, alternative proposals are being sought, and Dr. Brian Gibbons will meet with GPs from the constituency on 19th February.
d. Assembly: Consultation paper re Local Service Boards/Local Service Agreements
Taken by the Chairman.
e. Re Walk for Life, March 11th in support of Kidney Wales Foundation
The Clerk to find out where this is taking place.
f. Assembly: “Making the Connections – Delivering Beyond Boundaries”
This was taken by the Chairman.
g Welsh Assembly: Meeting of Mid and West Wales Regional Committee: 16th February in Haverfordwest re Energy and the Environment.
This being so far away, and in the daytime, no Councillor is likely to attend.
h.Tom Fairfield
Tom Fairfield’s letter stated that he had not yet received a reply to his previous enquiries from County Cllr. Morris. County Cllr. Morris told Councillors that she had been advised by the County Solicitor’s office not to reply, and that they have told her that they will be dealing with the matter.
i. Welsh Assembly – Guide to Community Council borrowings.
j. Welsh Assembly – Fire and Rescue Framework Wales. Revisions Order and International Protocol.
Taken by the Chairman.
126. FINANCIAL MATTERS
a. BANK BALANCES - Current account: £2,781.48 as at 5th February 2007.
- Reserve Account: £2,705.05 as at 5th January 2007.
b. Review of Financial Regulations
No alterations were suggested to the regulations. The Chairman proposed adoption of the Financial Regulations for the next year. This was seconded by Cllr.Wheeler. All agreed.
c. Cllr. M. Morgan proposed, and Cllr. Wheeler seconded, payment to the Clerk of £130.42. This was agreed.
d. PAYMENTS
i. Cheques drawn: Clerk’s salary: £130.42
One Voice Wales: £77.00
127. OTHER BUSINESS
a. The Chairman has checked the Council’s assets this month. No problems were noted.
b. Cllr. M. Morgan said that when she walked about during the snow, she found that people had dumped snow on the pavements, which was dangerous. The Chairman said he understood that people were ill-advised to clear the pavements in front of their homes, as this could incur liability.
c. Vice Chairman Price told Councillors that a telegraph pole by the junction of the Painscastle and Rhosgoch roads above the village, which had been broken by a vehicle, has been replaced by one which has been sited, at last, back from the road by BT, after years of complaints that this was what was required.
The Chairman then thanked all those who had come to the meeting and
THE MEETING WAS FORMALLY CLOSED AT 9.18pm. Minutes were taken by the Clerk.
The Chairman then asked the member of the public who had attended the meeting, Ted Brown, if he had anything he would like to say. Ted said that he had found the council here to be very good, and that he thought this a terrific area. There is apathy everywhere; here there are great facilities and people need to be rallied in order to support them.
CHAIRMAN: ………………………………………… DATE …………………………..
held in the Village Hall on
TUESDAY 13th FEBRUARY 2007 at 8.00pm
118. a. PRESENT: Cllr. B. Morgan (Chairman) Vice Chairman Price Cllr Green
Cllr. Morgan Cllr. Wheeler
County Cllr. Morris One member of the public
b. APOLOGIES: Cllr. Williams, Cllr. Herdman, Cllr. Hood.
c. MINUTES: The minutes of the January 2007 meeting were approved by Councillors and signed by the Chairman.
d. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST: Cllr. Green, regarding Planning application no. PR632401.
119. PLANNING MATTERS
- Cllr. Green left the room at this point -
a. NEW: PR632401 – Full: Restoration of cottage and conversion of two barns linked to form single dwelling and installation of private treatment plant at Cwm Pelved
The plans were passed round. All Councillors were in favour of this application.
- Cllr. Green was called back to the meeting at this point -
b. Re: PR654000 – Installation of small wind turbine at Llanshiver: permission received.
c. Re PR476602 - Change of use of barn to form 2 units for holiday accommodation and installation of new septic tank at Barn at Glyn Farm, Painscastle – Refusal due to problems associated with access.
d. Re PR569206- Conversion of redundant farm building to dwelling house, construction of new double garage and installation of septic tank (retrospective) at 3 Boatside Barns – Permission received.
e. Re PR569205- Conversion of former shelter range and stable to dwelling, construction of double garage (retrospective) at Pen-y-Pwll (4 Boatside Barns) – Permission received.
120. MATTERS ARISING
a. HIGHWAYS MATTERS UPDATE -
i. A letter from Tony Caine (Highways) to Barry Tomlinson Architectural Services was read to the meeting. This concerned the latter’s request for a 20mph speed limit outside Pentwyn School. As the school is a boarding school, a 20mph zone is considered by Mr. Caine to be inappropriate.
b. Cllr. Wheeler asked last month about the layout of the caravan site, since she wondered whether the current siting of the caravans was in line with current planning permission. The 31st March 05 plans were passed round. The Clerk to make sure there are no later plans.
c. Clerk’s post.
The Clerk’s post is being advertised.
Cllr. Morgan, who had not been present at the January meeting, questioned the large rise in salary for the Clerk, and whether the existing precept would be sufficient to cover it, along with other expenses. The Chairman explained that this was not a rise in salary, but an increase in hours in recognition of the fact that the job now takes many more hours than the average of 10 for which the Clerk has been paid for the last few years. Last month Councillors discussed this and decided that there were sufficient funds in the current account and the reserve account.
The Clerk and Councillors discussed the need for a new filing cabinet for the Clerk.
121. REPORTS ON DOCUMENTS READ; MEETINGS ATTENDED; ACTIVITIES ETC.
a. DOCUMENTS READ
i. Powys CC – Draft Rights of Way Improvement Plan Consultation
The Chairman commented that this all sounded fine, with good ideas, but would it actually be put into action? He thought it sounded as though new people would need to be employed, which is not in line with current county council policy, and said that there was a lot of mention of voluntary workers. He will return the questionnaire.
ii. DTI – letter re post offices
Cllr. Hood, who wished to reply on his own behalf, was not at the meeting. A response is requested by 8th March. The questionnaire to be completed by the Clerk.
122. SCHOOL GOVERNOR’S REPORT
Cllrs. Williams and Herdman were not at the meeting.
123. POLICE REPORT
PC Thomas was not at the meeting.
124. REPORT FROM COUNTY COUNCILLOR MORRIS
Council Tax:
This will go up by about 4%. This has provoked discussion about what the county council should or should not be providing. Economies are to be made in road surfacing, and bridge maintenance is at an all-time low. The council has been looking at its assets. The Hay council office will go, and some lights will be dimmed overnight.
County Cllr. Morris was asked about recycling bags for Hay, to which she replied that Clyro will not get these. Most people in Clyro take their recycling to Hay in any case, and the council could not afford to institute the recycling service in every ward.
There will be meetings soon in South Radnorshire regarding the Community Strategy, with a seminar in March. County Cllr. Morris will ask for some money for South Radnorshire.
The Chairman asked why there were now more speed camera signs through the village, where we understood that there were to be only 40mph repeater signs. County Cllr. Morris will enquire about this, and also as to why the school lights are not turned off when not needed.
County Cllr. Morris and Councillors discussed the dumping of waste above the school on private land. She will look into this. It sounds like a matter for Environmental Health. Vice-Chairman Price commented that there is again rubbish by the lay-by above Pentwyn, and County Cllr. Morris said that it was still a problem by the lay-by near Llowes as well.
125. CORRESPONDENCE
a. One Voice Wales – re membership (£77)
Cllr. Morgan proposed, and Cllr. Green/Vice Chairman Price seconded, membership for the next year, and this was agreed by Councillors.
b. Kirsty Williams AM and Roger Williams MP re their support for threatened post offices.
This letter was read to Councillors. Also enclosed was a consultation pro-forma about the value of local post offices, which the Council was asked to return. Councillors completed this.
c. Kirsty Williams AM: update re proposed closure of local health services
Kirsty writes that the campaign to Save Our Local Hospitals has gathered momentum. Events are planned, alternative proposals are being sought, and Dr. Brian Gibbons will meet with GPs from the constituency on 19th February.
d. Assembly: Consultation paper re Local Service Boards/Local Service Agreements
Taken by the Chairman.
e. Re Walk for Life, March 11th in support of Kidney Wales Foundation
The Clerk to find out where this is taking place.
f. Assembly: “Making the Connections – Delivering Beyond Boundaries”
This was taken by the Chairman.
g Welsh Assembly: Meeting of Mid and West Wales Regional Committee: 16th February in Haverfordwest re Energy and the Environment.
This being so far away, and in the daytime, no Councillor is likely to attend.
h.Tom Fairfield
Tom Fairfield’s letter stated that he had not yet received a reply to his previous enquiries from County Cllr. Morris. County Cllr. Morris told Councillors that she had been advised by the County Solicitor’s office not to reply, and that they have told her that they will be dealing with the matter.
i. Welsh Assembly – Guide to Community Council borrowings.
j. Welsh Assembly – Fire and Rescue Framework Wales. Revisions Order and International Protocol.
Taken by the Chairman.
126. FINANCIAL MATTERS
a. BANK BALANCES - Current account: £2,781.48 as at 5th February 2007.
- Reserve Account: £2,705.05 as at 5th January 2007.
b. Review of Financial Regulations
No alterations were suggested to the regulations. The Chairman proposed adoption of the Financial Regulations for the next year. This was seconded by Cllr.Wheeler. All agreed.
c. Cllr. M. Morgan proposed, and Cllr. Wheeler seconded, payment to the Clerk of £130.42. This was agreed.
d. PAYMENTS
i. Cheques drawn: Clerk’s salary: £130.42
One Voice Wales: £77.00
127. OTHER BUSINESS
a. The Chairman has checked the Council’s assets this month. No problems were noted.
b. Cllr. M. Morgan said that when she walked about during the snow, she found that people had dumped snow on the pavements, which was dangerous. The Chairman said he understood that people were ill-advised to clear the pavements in front of their homes, as this could incur liability.
c. Vice Chairman Price told Councillors that a telegraph pole by the junction of the Painscastle and Rhosgoch roads above the village, which had been broken by a vehicle, has been replaced by one which has been sited, at last, back from the road by BT, after years of complaints that this was what was required.
The Chairman then thanked all those who had come to the meeting and
THE MEETING WAS FORMALLY CLOSED AT 9.18pm. Minutes were taken by the Clerk.
The Chairman then asked the member of the public who had attended the meeting, Ted Brown, if he had anything he would like to say. Ted said that he had found the council here to be very good, and that he thought this a terrific area. There is apathy everywhere; here there are great facilities and people need to be rallied in order to support them.
CHAIRMAN: ………………………………………… DATE …………………………..
