Clyro Community Council
NOVEMBER 2006 MINUTES
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF CLYRO COMMUNITY COUNCIL
held in the Village Hall on
TUESDAY 14th NOVEMBER 2006 at 8.30pm
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.
CHAIRMAN: ………………………………………… DATE …………………………..
held in the Village Hall on
TUESDAY 14th NOVEMBER 2006 at 8.30pm
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.
CHAIRMAN: ………………………………………… DATE …………………………..
