MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF PORTSKEWETT COMMUNITY COUNCIL HELD IN THE RECREATION HALL TUESDAY 12 th DECEMBER 2006

Mr Rowland Edwards informed members that the light in Manor Way and NY66 were not working at all. Clerk to report. He asked if there was any progress with the Recreation Hall lease. The Chairman informed him that clarification on relationships was still needed and that the original lease would still operate until the new one was signed. Mr Edwards asked if there would be a Christmas tree in the village this year. The Chairman explained that for several reasons – cost, time and the state of the green, a tree would not be provided. This is further explained under Matters Arising.

Dr. Kate Smith asked members if the archaeological study by the Time Team would be permitted. She gave a presentation of the findings of the survey at the Fun Day event in July and most people seemed in favour of the dig. The Chairman advised her that it would be discussed later in the meeting when Councillors would decide officially if to approve the dig.

1. SIGN THE ATTENDANCE BOOK

The Attendance Book was duly signed.

•  APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies had been received and accepted from Councillors Fox and Watkins.

3. MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING

It was proposed by Councillor Nurcombe and seconded by Councillor Griffiths 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
A warning sign had been placed on the Main Road opposite the Spar shop.

•  The Lease on The Quest
Awaiting new lease.

•  Recreation Hall Lease
Clerk had emailed the Charity Commission requesting a meeting with a representative. A reply had been received, declining the request to attend a meeting. The reply still did not clarify the relationships. It implies that if the Community Council sign the lease as it is it would have possible liability and responsibility but no control. Councillors had concerns regarding whether the Community Council would be collectively or personally liable. Clerk to request a meeting with legal department at MCC.

•  Car Parking at Church Hall/outside School
No progress to report. A questionnaire had been circulated, requesting views on how the Church Hall is used. This questionnaire could provide an opportunity to request the parking situation is addressed.

•  Designation of Bridleway
No progress to report.

•  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
The Clerk wrote to Customer Services at Network Rail complaining that the fence had been broken for several months, despite writing every month requesting its repair. She also complained that she had not received a response.

•  Main Road Streetname
Awaiting for new one to be installed.

•  Brow of Hill on Crick Road
The white line had not been painted yet. The Clerk contacted MCC Highways requesting a timescale when the work would be carried out. A reply was received stating that a white line could not be painted because under the traffic regulations Act, this carriageway is too narrow to meet the 5.2 m min requirement. No further comments.

•  Council Accounts 2005/06
No progress to report.

•  Car Dealers at Parkwall
The Enforcement Officer had sent a Planning Contravention Notice to the person selling the cars, which had not been replied to. Therefore she has written to him advising that MCC will now commence prosecution proceedings against him for the failure to respond to the PCN.

•  Youth Club in the Village
A request for funding had been received. It was agreed to put on the agenda in April. Councillor Evans informed members that the Fire Service was running a project which created a CD with information on drug and alcohol abuse, stealing vehicles etc., and the consequences of these activities. The project could be presented at the youth club. Councillor Evans will liaise with Councillor Watts to arrange this.

•  Warning Signs at Black Rock
No progress to report.

•  Proposed Section 106 Money
No progress.

•  Lights on Sudbrook Road
Clerk reported to MCC Highways. A reply was received advising there is a Western Power cable fault. Western Power had been notified but MCC do not have any authority to dictate when they should attend. The predicted target date was 1 st November. The lights are still faulty. Clerk followed up again and was notified that the works would be carried out by the end of the week. Councillor Parker reported that NY555 and NY556 were still not working. Clerk to follow up again.

•  Map Case in Sudbrook
No progress to report.

•  Thompson and Thompson Parking on Verge
No cars were parked for several days, they then started parking there again. Clerk had reported again to MCC that vehicles are persistently using the verge to advertise their vehicles. She had also informed the Planning department. Councillor Turner informed members that he had difficulty getting out of the junction safely, as the 4x4 vehicle parked on the verge was obstructing the view. PC Turner would speak to the manager.

•  Overgrown Footpath Behind The Mill
The path had now been cut back. No further comments.

•  Millstone outside ‘The Old Dairy'
The Clerk had contacted the agent several times but had not received a response.

•  Parking in Sudbrook
No progress.

•  Bin Outside Sudbrook Post Office.
The bin had been installed at the corner of the Post Office, as the owner had requested this. He was asked not to place any trade waste in the bin. No further comments.

•  Village Christmas Trees
The Chairman and the Clerk spoke to Bellway Homes to request if a tree with lights could be donated to the village. The Clerk had also telephoned the head office several times and had not received a response. Due to time and financial restraints and the untidy state of the centre of the village, it was decided that trees would not be provided this year. The Clerk had created posters explaining the reason why there were no trees as usual. These had been placed around the community and on the website. No further comments.

•  Complaint re Planning Process
The Clerk had received a further letter from Mr. Willis, stating that he felt the Community Council had ignored the issues he had raised. The reply sent to Mr. Willis after the November meeting had dealt the concerns he had specifically raised regarding the Woodstock Waste and 26 Hill Barn View applications. The reply did not however, include any reference to Councillor Fox. After consulting with the Chairman and Councillor Fox, the Clerk had replied to Mr. Willis explaining that the issues regarding Woodstock Waste and 26, Hill Barn View had been answered to in paragraphs 1 to 4 of the original reply. Councillor Fox had advised the Clerk to inform Mr. Willis that if he wishes to write to the Councillor at County Hall, he would be more than happy to reply personally. No further comments.

•  New Play Area Committee
No progress.

•  Parking of Vehicles in The Close
Clerk had written to MCC Housing, who own the land in St. Mary's Place, asking if the area could be used by residents of The Close to park their vehicles. She had received a reply stating that permission could not be given. The Clerk had asked the Highways department if the verges would be removed to provide extra parking. A reply had been received stating that some verges had already been removed and a meeting would be held to discuss future works. No further comments.

•  Uneven Pavements in Southbrook View and St. Mary's Place
Clerk had reported to Highways, who had passed the complaint to Property Services as that department was responsible for the area.

•  Stained Bus Stop after Removal of Grafitti
Clerk had reported to MCC. Unfortunately the staining was as a result of the grafitti removal process. The Clerk asked if it was possible for the glass to be replaced as the bus timetable was not visible at present.

•  Archaeological Study of Harold's Park by Time Team
The Clerk had forwarded a copy of the email from Time Team to MCC Asset Management. Jonathan Davies of that department had informed the Clerk that he did not see any problem with allowing a dig to be carried out on the site. The Chairman informed members that an official approval was required from the Community Council, as leaseholders of Harold's Park. Councillors were asked for their views. All agreed to allowing Time Team to dig the site. Councillor Watts stated that she was apprehensive. She also asked Councillor Griffiths if she could see the CD which contained the results of the original survey.

•  COUNCIL BUDGET 2007/08 FOR APPROVAL

It was proposed by Councillor Nurcombe and seconded by Councillor Parker that the figures be approved.

•  APPROVAL OF PAYMENT OF ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP FEES TO SLCC

The Clerk informed members that, the Community Council was no longer a member of One Voice Wales. She had been a member of Society of Local Council Clerks for the past year and had been happy with the service she received from this organisation. One Voice Wales documentation was forwarded to Clerks who were members. The cost is £85 per year. It was proposed by Councillor Parker and seconded by Councillor Watts that this amount be approved.

•  REPORT FROM LOCAL POLICE REPRESENTATIVES

PC Turner informed members that 20 incidents had been logged in the past month, 7 of which were significant. These included the following:

Gangs of youths (from Chepstow) had been breaking into cars in the area. Two of these had been in the Portskewett area, nothing had been stolen. Two youths in Undy had been caught stealing a concrete mixer.

Two accidents had occurred in Main Road. One had been a youngster on his first driving lesson, which had not been his fault. The other involved a driver who had been breathalysed at the scene and was found to have 114 mg of alcohol in his blood (35 mg is legal).

The Police had been called several times to an address in Sudbrook who was experiencing trouble with loud music from his neighbour. MCC Environmental Health is now involved and will be monitoring the situation.

Travellers are targeting the industrial estate for dumping or storing stolen vehicles and property.

The Police were called to the Recreation Hall when a group of people who had hired the hall were playing music after the permitted time. The recreation hall secretary stated that offensive language was used in his presence by someone attending the function. PC Turner stated that there was no criticism of the way the hall was run.

A call had been received reporting all the streetlights in Hill Barn view were not working. The Clerk stated that this had been reported to the One Stop Shop.

Councillor Richards informed PC Turner that a car had been broken into whilst the streetlights in Orchard Gardens were not working.

The Chairman thanked PC Turner for attending.

•  REPORTS FROM REPRESENTATIVES ON SCHOOL GOVERNING BODIES

a) Governing Body for Ysgol Y Ffin
Nothing to report this month.

b) Governing Body for ARW Primary School
The car parking at the Church Hall was still being discussed (insurance issues). It is hoped that the CCTV will be linked to the Police Station. The after school club had finished due to lack of funding.

•  REPORT FROM RECREATION HALL REPRESENTATIVE
Councillor Evans reported that a meeting had been held. The Committee asked about the lease. The Committee are happy to have a new play area now the responsibility for replacing it has been removed from them. The maintenance of it would be discussed at a later date but it was hoped any maintenance would be minimal as the equipment would be new. The finances are in order and 3 month's money was available. The rent had not been increased.

10. DISCUSSION WITH COUNTY COUNCILLOR

Councillor Fox was not in attendance.

11. NEW CORRESPONDENCE

•  MCC Planning applications received. Circulation

•  MCC Planning Committee Agenda. Circulation

•  MCC Supplementary Planning Guidance Note. Circulation.

•  Portskewett and Sudbrook Youth Group . Request for financial support. Discussed. It was agreed to place this on the agenda in April.

•  Portskewett and Sudbrook Good Companions Club . Request for donation. Discussed. It was proposed by Councillor Watts and seconded by Councillor Nurcombe that £50 be donated.

•  MCC Strong Communities Select Committee Discussed/Circulation. Suggestions regarding opinion of ‘Strong Community' to be forwarded to the Select Committee.

•  WAG Consultation paper on proposed marine minerals dredging. Circulation.

•  Gwent Constabulary Drink Driving in Rural Areas. Discussed. Residents are encouraged to report incidents or information about drink driving.

•  MCC Improvement Plan 2006/07. Circulation.

•  Caldicot Town Council (by email). Request for permission to position flower planters on the Mitel roundabout. Also request if the Community Council would consider donating to the scheme. Discussed. Councillors were concerned about liability in the event of any accident occurring (vehicle or pedestrian). The Clerk would inform the Town Council that permission could not be given.

•  Recreation Hall Committee Minutes of meeting held on July 25 th 2006. Circulation.

•  Abergavenny Eisteddfod. Request for financial support. Discussed. No funding could be donated.

•  SEWTA Annual Report 2005/06. Circulation.

Planning Applications Received
None this month.

Planning Applications Approved
00326 Packsafe 2 banner advertisements and one non-illuminated fascia sign.
01131 Windyridge 42 Leechpool. Change of use shed in garden to fancy dress business.
01160 87 Main Road Portskewett. Loft conversion.
00401 Unit 8 Symondscliffe Way Portskewett. Construct offices and workshop.

00515 Mount Ballan Manor Crick. Replacement single storey building of mixed residential/business use.
01083 Rectory Farm Portskewett. Erection of portal framed covered yard for inwintering of ewes and lambs.
00249 Castlegate Business Park. Offices, crèche and associated car parking & external works.

Planning Applications Refused

12. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

•  Councillor Turner stated that the questionnaire that was currently being distributed in the village, marketing the Church Hall was a good idea. It would be a good opportunity to mention parking.

•  Councillor Turner, referred to the Christmas card that was being distributed to residents by the Church. The picture on the card showed the website image of the Church and Harold's Park. Councillor Turner asked who owned the copyright. The Clerk stated that the original painting was the work of Liam Collins and he therefore owned the copyright, although the Community Council used it on its website and letter headings. Clerk would contact the vicar and ask that if the image is used in future it should acknowledge the copyright owner.

•  Councillor Evans reported the streetname in Laburnam Terrace was very dilapidated and would need replacing. Clerk to report.

•  Councillor Watts asked if the boundary between the Smithy site and Harold's Park should have been replaced with a wall. Councillor Parker stated that there had never been a wall on that boundary.

•  Councillor Watts asked if the planning application for the semi-detached dwellings had been approved at Planning Committee. The Clerk would enquire.

•  Councillor Watts asked if the Caretaker had taken his holidays this year. The Clerk would check how many days he was entitled to.

•  Councillor Evans asked if the people who had complained about Woodstock Waste had been informed of the Council's effort to help. The Clerk reported that she had informed all parties the day following the meeting at which they had raised their concerns. The issue is being dealt with by the Environment Agency. This was documented in the October minutes under Matters Arising item u).

•  Councillor Standing reminded members that some years ago, a half yearly newsletter had been discussed and asked if the Community Council would still want to pursue this. After a short discussion it was decided not to have a newsletter and that the website went some way to inform people of Council business. A newsletter would involve a lot of extra work – producing, printing, folding, distributing it etc.

13. FINANCE

The Clerk had received a Worksheet from the Caretaker, Mr Spooner for 3 weeks, £160.50

The Clerk had received the following:

Annual membership reminder, SLCC, £85.00

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

The following cheques were then presented for signature:

14. DATE AND TIME OF NEXT MEETING

The Chairman thanked everyone for attending and gave the date and time of the next meeting as Tuesday 16 th January 2007 at 7.00 p.m. in the Recreation Hall. The meeting was then declared closed at 8.50 pm.