MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF PORTSKEWETT COMMUNITY COUNCIL HELD IN YSGOL-y-FFIN S SCHOOL TUESDAY 17 th APRIL 2007

1. SIGN THE ATTENDANCE BOOK

The Attendance Book was duly signed.

•  APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies had been received and accepted from Councillors Evans and Watts .

3. MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING

It was proposed by Councillor Parker and seconded by Councillor Richards and agreed that the minutes of the last meeting were accepted as a true record.

4 MATTERS ARISING

•  Traffic Calming and Warning Signs for School
No progress. Clerk to ask Dave Harris for an update.

•  The Lease on The Quest
Awaiting new lease.

•  Car Parking at Church Hall/outside School
No progress to report.

e) Designation of Bridleway
The Clerk had received the Draft Rights of Way Improvement Plan that had stated the need for bridleways within the county. Responses on the key findings and statements of actions are required. A relevant target stated ‘ The authority will work with its partners to fund and establish a programme of bridleway creations'.

At the end of the consultation period decisions will be made on amendments. A report will then be made before the final Assessment Report and ROWIP published in November 2007.

•  Claim Against Council Insurance
No progress to report.

•  Closure of The Paper Mill
No progress to report.

•  Broken Fence on Harold's Park Side of Sudbrook Bridge
Councillor Parker had seen a site meeting, taking place between Network Rail and Highways. Clerk had written to Network Rail Customer Services again expressing how unhappy the Community Council is with the service as it had been 12 months since the fence had first been reported. She had received a telephone call from the Customer Services department who informed her that they were under the impression the work had been carried out and would inspect the area again.

•  Main Road Streetname
The new bilingual sign was now in place. No further comments.

•  Brow of Hill on Crick Road
The Clerk had spoken to Highways department who had advised her to send another request as there was no trace on their computer system. Clerk had done this. She had also spoken to Pete Mullen from the Traffic Section who had advised the area had not been identified as an accident hot spot but if there had been ‘near misses' it was possible that the issue was more to do with vehicles speeding rather than the road being too narrow. Clerk to request signs warning of vehicles travelling in middle of the road. She would also investigate having the 30mph zone extended to the end of Crick Road .

•  Car Dealers at Parkwall
No progress. An application had still not been submitted.

•  Warning Signs at Black Rock
No progress to report. Clerk to chase progress.

•  Proposed Section 106 Money
No progress.

•  Map Case in Sudbrook
The Clerk had received an estimate for a replacement map. This amounted to £130.00. If a second one was required at the same time it could be purchased for £120.00. It was proposed by Councillor Watkins and seconded by Councillor Parker that the maps be purchased. Clerk would also investigate purchasing some sort of ultra-violet filter to put inside the Perspex to stop the maps fading.

•  New Play Area Committee
Councillor Evans was not at the meeting.

•  Archaeological Study of Harold's Park by Time Team
The Clerk had asked Tim Bradfield of MCC if interpretation boards would be placed on Harold's Park. Mr Bradfield would forward a cheque for £600 in order for the Community Council to have the boards made. He had advised that whilst the Community Council will be responsible for arranging the design and purchase of the interpretation material, the County Council will assist with advice on suppliers. Clerk to ask Jerry Lewis from Countryside if there are any spare boards that could be used for this purpose. Councillors would like to see the picture that the Time Team artist had produced, included in the boards.

•  Laburnam Terrace Streetname
The old sign had been removed.

•  Community Sports Day
Councillor Evans was not at the meeting to update members.

•  Network Rail Wall in Sudbrook
The wall had been repaired. No further comments.

•  Resurface of Access Lane to Laburnam Terrace
Clerk had been informed by MCC Highways that the area is not adopted by MCC but as there is a public footpath running through it, the request had been passed to Rights of Way.

•  Damaged Fence and Gate in Sudbrook Play Area
This was now being repaired by the Paper Mill.

•  State of The Village Green
A site meeting was held on 13 th April, the Chairman, Vice-Chair, Councillors Griffiths , Watts , Watkins and Richards were in attendance. Also present were Mr Tim Richardson from the Smithy site and Mr. Duggan, the site manager and the Sales Representative from Bellway Homes. Both developers assured members that the areas of the green and the verges that had been disturbed during the building works would have new topsoil and seed laid to restore the areas to their previous condition. Members also took the opportunity to mention the manholes that had been placed on the areas. These would be at the same level as the surrounding ground when the work was completed. Councillor Watts asked Mr. Duggan what finish would be supplied on the access lane into the rear of the development. Mr. Duggan would check on this.

•  Pavements in Camp Road and Post Office Row
MCC Highways would inspect the area with a view to programming the relevant maintenance works as required.

•  Access to Mr Little's Barn
The Clerk had received a reply from Mike Grace who had informed her that the access was only for agricultural use. If the barn was sold for development, access would be made from the highway. No further comments.

•  Branches Overhanging Highway on Crick Road
MCC Highways would contact the owner of the hedge.

•  Litter in Layby by Cropthorne Farm
The area had been cleared. No further comments.

•  Insurance of Sudbrook Play Area
The Clerk had received a new schedule, which included the equipment. No further comments.

•  State of Road on Sudbrook Bridge.
MCC Highways Inspector would inspect the area with a view to programming the relevant maintenance works as required.

•  Verges in The Close
Councillor Griffiths reported that the verges had been removed and tarmacced. A very good job had been made. No further comments.

•  Allotments in ARW School
The Clerk had placed notices asking for expressions of interest in the noticeboards and had received 4 replies. She had investigated what would be involved. There would be a considerable amount of record keeping, involving creating a plan and register that records names, plots and amounts paid. The busiest time is when the rents are collected. The site also needs to be maintained – boundary hedges, pathways and water provision. An allotment Committee, made up of interested people would have to be set up. As the proposed site was within the boundaries of ARW school, the information would be passed to Mr. Murphy. No further comments.

•  REPORT FROM LOCAL POLICE REPRESENTATIVES

PC Turner and PCSO Withers were not able to attend the meeting but had forwarded their report to the Clerk:
Since the last meeting there had been a total of 32 calls, of which 17 were worth noting. These included:
Two reports of people in public with air rifles. Persons not located.
Two thefts from Severn Bridge Estate, one of diesel and one of a large steel tank. During the theft of the tank, a vehicle's registration number was identified but was registered at a false address. It is strongly suspected that travellers from the Cardiff area were responsible.
A theft from a garden shed in Main Road Portskewett. Two weeks ago prolific criminals from South Wales were located in the Undy area emerging from a farm yard at 3a.m. Although they had nothing on them their vehicle was full of tools and equipment used to steal garden equipment. They were arrested but had to be released as no stolen property was in their possession. It is hoped that now they have been identified they will move out of the area.

Youth disorder is getting worse in the area. Bellway building site seems to attract attention. The matter has been brought to the attention of the Neighbourhood Sergeant. If it continues to be a problem a proper operation, involving several officers will be mounted. Patrols will be increased in the area when officers are available. A golf buggy was taken from Broom's showground and ‘joy ridden' onto the field behind The Close. Local youths are suspected of this.

As a result of disorder a window on a digger had been smashed on the Bellway site. A garden lawn in Treetops had been damaged.

PC Turner hoped to be able to attend the meeting in May.

•  DISCUSS WEBSITE RENEWAL

The Clerk had been informed that the payment for hosting the website and the domain name were due for renewal in May. She asked if the members wanted to website to continue. The cost of the domain name and hosting was approximately £50.00. The cost of maintenance of the website would remain at £15.00 per month. It was agreed to continue. Councillor Fox asked if photographs of members could be placed on the website. This would be arranged with agreeable Councillors.

•  SUDBROOK HERITAGE TRAIL LEAFLETS

The Clerk informed members that there were approximately 100 leaflets left in stock and asked if more were required. She had received a quote of £390 for £1,000 copies and £445 for 2,000. Councillors asked the Clerk to obtain further quotes.

•  APPROVE PAYMENT OF INCLUDING SUDBROOK PLAY EQUIPMENT ON INSURANCE FOR REMAINDER OF PERIOD .

The Clerk had received an invoice from Allianz Cornhill for the amount of £40.92. This would cover the cost until the annual renewal in June. It was proposed by Councillor Standing and seconded by Councillor Turner that this amount be paid.

•  APPROVE PAYMENT OF INSURANCE 2007.

The Clerk had received an invoice for the renewal of the insurance policy from June. This amounted to £723.26 and included the play area in Sudbrook. It was proposed by Councillor Richards and seconded by Councillor Turner that this amount be paid.

•  REPORTS FROM REPRESENTATIVES ON SCHOOL GOVERNING BODIES

a) Governing Body for Ysgol Y Ffin
No meeting had been held in the past month.

b) Governing Body for ARW Primary School
No meeting had been held in the past month.

•  REPORT FROM RECREATION HALL REPRESENTATIVE

The Clerk had received a letter from the Secretary of the Committee informing her that, as the Community Council was no longer a user, Councillor Evans no longer qualifies as a trustee.

12. DISCUSSION WITH COUNTY COUNCILLOR

Councillor Fox apologised for not attending the past 3 meetings. This had been due to other meetings conflicting. He went on to say that a large amount of correspondence, objecting to the proposed Barratts development, had been received by MCC. The Highways department were considering their stance on the development. The application would be considered at Planning Committee and, depending on the outcome of this, a public meeting would be held.

The Planning Department had asked Councillor Fox if he had any issues with the application submitted to develop number 1 Main Road. He had informed them that the Community Council would prefer the buildings to be stone faced and to be in keeping with the rest of the buildings in the area. The Planning Officer had construed this to mean that a site meeting should be held. This had now been held and Committee would consider the application on 24 th April. The Developer would be happy to have the buildings stone faced.

Councillor Fox informed members that the Severnside area and Lower Wye area would be joined to form one area and the Area Committee would cover both. Representatives from the Area Forum would be nominated to attend.

13. NEW CORRESPONDENCE

•  MCC Planning applications received. Circulation

•  MCC Planning Committee Agenda. Circulation

•  Western Power Distribution Quality of Supply Report 2006. Circulation

•  MCC Road Safety Strategy 2007/08 Form to record ‘near misses'. Discussed.

•  Allianz Cornhill Letter confirming Community Council's insurance covers bonfire event. Copied to Rec Hall Secretary. Circulation.

•  Severnside Area Forum Minutes of Meeting 21/2/07/

•  MCC UDP Supplementary Planning Guidance – Affordable Housing. The Council has formally adopted the document. Circulation.

•  MCC Severnside Area Committee Agenda and Minutes. Circulation.

•  Local Health Board Spring Newsletter. Circulation.

•  WAG Local Government's Contribution to Improving People's Lives. Circulation.

•  Wales Air Ambulance Request for Financial Assistance. Discussed. No donation could be made due to financial restrictions.

•  GAVO Monmouthshire Network Newsletter. Circulation.

•  MCC Direct Works Highway Maintenance Service. Questionnaire for Councillors to complete regarding the service. The Clerk distributed these to members.

•  One Voice Wales Guidance on Establishing a Complaints Procedure. Discussed. The Community Council already had a separate committee to deal with complaints.

•  MCC Planning Department . Town and Community Council Liaison Meeting. This would be held on Wednesday 16 th May at County Hall. The Clerk and the Chairman to attend.

•  GAVO Launch of ‘Ring a Ride' Accessible Community Transport to be held 10.00 AM on Tuesday 8 th May at Caldicot Market. Councillors to attend to support this if possible.

•  St. Mary's Church Hall Committee. The Clerk had received a request to provide a letter of support for the applications for funding of the refurbishment of the Church Hall. The Clerk had, with the Chairman's permission, written the letter and sent it to Reverend Richards.

•  MCC Street Naming Consultation. The proposals for the name of the Bellway development were ‘Bishops Close' or ‘Farrier's Court'. Members discussed these names and also proposed ‘Harold's View' or ‘Harold's Rise' for consideration.

•  Local Health Board Clinical Futures Bulletin. Circulation.

•  Recreation Hall Committee Letter advising that as the Community Council has given up their tenancy of the hall, Councillor Evans no longer qualifies as a trustee.

Planning Applications Received
01442 Proposed lighting layout for approved car park extension. Castlegate Business Pk. No objections.
00327 First floor extension over existing garage. 58 Treetops Portskewett. No objections but comments were made regarding the placing of skips on the highway during any building works.

Planning Applications Approved
None this month.

Planning Applications Refused
None this month.

14. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

•  Councillor Fox reported that the drain outside number 3 and 5 Main Road were blocked with rubble. Clerk to report.

•  Councillor Turner reported that the garden that had been damaged in Treetops had been his.

•  Councillor Turner asked members to be mindful of any insurance issues related to Council run events (bonfire and fun day) as he was aware that Caldicot Carnival had been cancelled due to the constraints placed on the organisers. Councillor Fox informed members that the event had been cancelled due to financial reasons also.

•  Councillor Turner asked if the Community Council would be donating further money to the Youth Club. The Chairman stated that any requests for donations would be considered when received. Justification would be required.

•  Councillor Watkins stated that a direction sign for the Lave Net Fishermen had been placed opposite Black Rock Road but was obscured by a tree. Councillor Fox would speak to the land owner and ask him if he would kindly cut the tree back.

•  Councillor Richards reported that weeds in Orchard Gardens were growing. Clerk to request they be sprayed.

•  Councillor Standing asked if it would be possible for Councillor Watts, who was the representative on the Area Forum, to report to Council, as representatives from other committees do. The Clerk had placed the minutes from the February forum in the Circulation file.

•  Councillor Standing reported that a convex mirror had been placed on the B4245 opposite the junction on Middle Road Leechpool. Councillor Fox and he had received several complaints from people worried that the mirror gave a distorted view of vehicles approaching. This could potentially be very dangerous. Clerk to report to Highways.

15. FINANCE

The Clerk had received a Worksheet from the Caretaker, Mr Spooner for 4 weeks, £214.00.
The Clerk's salary had been increased to £8.70 per hour as she had moved up to Spinal Column point 19 with effect from 1 st April 2007, in line with NALC, Salary Awards for Local Council Clerks.

The Clerk had received the following invoices for payment. Mrs J Chandler, fee for opening Ysgol-y-Ffin School for meeting, £16.05

It was proposed by Councillor Fox and seconded by Councillor Nurcombe that the above-mentioned payments as well as the following payments be authorised:

The following cheques were then presented for signature:

16. DATE AND TIME OF NEXT MEETING

The Chairman thanked everyone for attending and gave the date and time of the next meeting as Tuesday 15 th May 2007 at 7 p.m. at ARW school Portskewett. The meeting was then declared closed at 9.00 pm.