MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF PORTSKEWETT COMMUNITY COUNCIL HELD IN YSGOL-Y-FFIN SCHOOL TUESDAY 17th JULY 2007

 Mr P. Inskip, who represented the Severn Tunnel Action Group gave some background to the CD’s that he had provided for members to look at regarding the future of the station.  He advised that the preferred options would be:
Support development of Severn Tunnel Junction as a Park & Ride station for East Monmouthshire.
Oppose closure of Severn Tunnel Junction and replacement by short platform halt on slow lines at Magor (No objection to the opening of Magor as long as not at expense of closing Severn Tunnel Junction). 
Support provision of dedicated bus links to the station to reduce use and reliance on cars.
Press for re-instatement of all Cardiff - Portsmouth services withdrawn last December that used to provide connections into the Caldicot / Gloucester trains and local Integrated Transport Bus services
Advise New Cross Country Franchise that expect no reduction in present service levels at Caldicot and Severn Tunnel Junction with the introduction of the new franchise.
 Press for the early extension of the Down Platform at Caldicot to accept more than two coach trains.

Councillor Watts asked if disabled access and facilities were part of the proposal and was advised that they were.

Councillor Griffiths asked Mr. Inskip to draft the letters and the Clerk would send them to the relevant bodies.

The Chairman thanked Mr. Inskip for attending.

Mr K Prosser from Leechpool stated that the Council Tax had risen 184% in the past 10 years.  Is the amalgamation of the areas costing ratepayers money?
He asked what was happening with the Withy Beds walk as it was no overgrown and inaccessible. Clerk would check.
Mr. Prosser wanted to know what was happening with the caravan park.  Two caravans had been stuck in the lane outside his property as they thought the site was open as it was advertised on the internet.  Members advised him that the planning application for 46 chalet homes (classed as caravans) had been approved on appeal although the Community Council had strongly objected to it.
Mr. Prosser also wanted to know if number 13 Leechpool, that was now owned by the NHS Trust had had planning permission.  He was advised that 2 separate applications had been submitted and approved.

The Chairman thanked Mr Prosser for attending.
1.         SIGN THE ATTENDANCE BOOK

            The Attendance Book was duly signed. 

1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
   
   Apologies had been received and accepted from Councillor Fox .
   

3.         MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING

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

4.         MATTERS ARISING

1. Traffic Calming and Warning Signs for School
    No progress to report.
   
2. The Lease on The Quest
   Awaiting new lease.
   

e)   Designation of Bridleway
      No progress. 

1. Claim Against Council Insurance
   No progress to report. 
   
2. Broken Fence on Harold’s Park Side of Sudbrook Bridge
    Still awaiting repair by Network Rail.  MCC Highways are awaiting a response regarding target dates for repair.  Clerk spoke to the Highways Engineer who had advised that he had contacted Network Rail again.  As the land belongs to NR, MCC are not able to do any work themselves and cannot control when the work is done.  Clerk to contact the Health and Safety Executive.
   
3. Brow of Hill on Crick Road
   No progress to report.
   
4. Warning Signs at Black Rock
   Awaiting signs to be installed.
   
5. Proposed Section 106 Money
   No progress.
   
6. Map Case in Sudbrook
   Maps had been delivered.  Awaiting for the case to be resited outside Walker Flats.
   
7. Interpretation Boards Following Time Team Visit to Harold’s Park
   The Clerk had received the interim report from Time Team.  Dr. Kate Smith would be able to put together some text to interpret the history that can be put in the boards.  The Clerk had also written to the Time Team artist seeking permission to use the image of the ‘beach’ area on the boards. Part of the text would include reference to the wider Severnside Heritage Trail. MCC would be forwarding the cheque for £600 in the next week.  It was agreed that Adventa and RCA would not be used as the £600 would be sufficient. 
   
8. Laburnam Terrace Streetname
    Awaiting new sign to be installed.  Clerk had emailed Amanda Perrin of who advised that the sign would be installed in the near future.
   
9. Resurface of Access Lane to Laburnam Terrace
   Clerk had received an email from Rights of  Way department who had inspected the area and advised that the surface was adequate for the footpath which is used as part of the Heritage Trail.  The road is not adopted and any works must be carried out by the residents of Laburnam Terrace.  No further comments.
   
10. Pavements in Camp Road and Post Office Row
    No progress.
    
11. State of Road on Sudbrook Bridge.
    The Clerk had reported to Highways again.  Awaiting for a target date for repairs from Network Rail.  As the land is owned by Network Rail, MCC cannot carry out any work themselves or control when the work is done. 
    
12. Blocked Drain Outside Numbers 3 and 5 Main Road
    The Clerk had reported this to MCC Highways. The drains had now been cleared.  No further comments.
    
13. Presentation of 2006/07 Accounts
    The Clerk had received the Annual Return and had passed the books to the Internal Auditor.
    
14. Surface of Manor Way
    Clerk had reported to MCC Highways who had advised that the area would be added to the resurfacing programme.
    
15. Best Kept Village
    Clerk had advertised the competition in the noticeboards and around the villages.  The results would be announced at the awards ceremony which would be held at County Hall on Friday 20th July at 7.00 pm.
    
16. Best Kept Garden Competition
    The Clerk had advertised the competition in the noticeboards and had written to last year’s winners, asking if they would judge this year’s competition.  Councillor Griffiths had informed the Clerk that the winner from Portskewett was unable to judge this year’s competition.  Councillor Griffiths would judge the competition and inform the Clerk of the winner.
    
17. Recycling Service in Leechpool
    Clerk had emailed the Waste Strategy Officer and had received a reply that an improvement was required.  He was under the impression that a green waste service was already being operated in the area.  Councillor Standing advised that he had been putting green waste out for some time and it was never collected.  Clerk to email again.
    
18. Cessation of Free Grass Cutting
    Clerk to get two more quotes for the cutting of The Quest and play area and The Camp in Sudbrook.  She had also asked for separate quotes for each area from MCC and had advised that the Recreation Hall Committee was responsible for the Portskewett field.
    
19. Overgrown Hedge at Back of Oaklands Park
    The Clerk had written to the owners of number 2 and 3 asking for the hedge to be cut back.
    
20. Weeds in Pavements and Roads
    Clerk had reported to One Stop Shop.  The weeds had now died back.  No further comments.
    
21. Overgrown Brambles under Benches in Harold’s Field
    The brambles had been removed.  No further comments.
    
    
1. REPORT FROM LOCAL POLICE REPRESENTATIVES
   
   PC Turner and PCSO Withers had apologised to the Clerk for their non-attendance again this month.   They sent the following report:

26 calls were received in total the following are of note:

Reports of a bicycle being thrown onto the MOD railway line.  British Transport Police contacted to remove.
ARW School – window smashed overnight.
Manor Way – a vehicle damaged overnight – probably hit by another vehicle.
Crick Road.  Someone trying to break into her car, caller believes the male has ridden by on a push bike.  No evidence to support this.
Crick Road.  Vehicle broken into.  Nothing stolen.
Bogus charity leaflet drop in Portskewett.  Company called Byronswell Ltd. Collecting old clothes.  Trading Standards investigating.
Laburnam Terrace.  Burglary  - entry gained via kitchen window.  Vehicle and keys stolen. CID department investigating.

Parking outside ARW School.  A map has been distributed to all parents by Mr. Murphy, outlining where it is appropriate to park.

Councillor Griffiths and the Clerk (as residents) had attended the PACT (Police and Communities Together) meeting earlier in the day.  The three priorities that were identified had been 1) Youths causing a nuisance, 2) Vehicles speeding through the village, 3) Underage drinking.  The next meeting would be held on 16th October when PC Turner hoped to have an update on these problems.

1. DISCUSS DONATION TO CHURCH HALL
   
   The Clerk would write to Revd. Richards asking for copies of recent accounts.
   
2. DISCUSS DONATION TOWARDS RECREATION HALL INSURANCE
   
   No business plan or justification had been submitted so was not discussed.  No further comments until business plan received.
   
3. VILLAGE CHRISTMAS TREES
    
   Members discussed the possibility of having a permanent tree in the village.  Its usual site could prove difficult once the Old Dairy had been developed as there would be less room to manoeuvre the tractor used to place the tree.  Any lighting would have to be low voltage type. Money is in the budget for village functions that could fund new lights.  It was agreed to discuss in September.
   
   
4. REPORTS FROM REPRESENTATIVES ON SCHOOL GOVERNING BODIES
   
   a)      Governing Body for Ysgol Y Ffin
            A meeting had been held recently , with everything in order.  The move to a new site in          Caldicot was on track for September 2008.
           
   b)      Governing Body for ARW Primary School
            Councillor Standing had attended a meeting recently where he explained to the school          children what role a governor played.  He had been shown round the school by a child,          which had been very interesting.
   
5. REPORT FROM REPRESENTATIVE ON OTHER COMMITTEES
    
   a)      Area Forum
   Councillor Watts reported that the ‘Churches Together’ group would not be charged a fee if they were to use Caldicot Castle for their function next year.  They had agreed to pay the fee this year.
   The Landmark Wales scheme is to go ahead, subject to lottery funding.  The ‘Red Cloud’ had been successful.
   The first farmer’s market had been a success.
   
   b)      Portskewett and Sudbrook Youth Club
   The next youth club meeting would be held on 19th July with the first one of the new school term being held on September 13th.  Severnside Youth Activity Day will be held on August 15th in the Leisure Centre.  Clerk to advertise in noticeboards.  A banner to advertise the events would be placed on the village green and in other locations around the Severnside area.
   
   c)      New Play Area Committee
   Councillor Evans informed members that the ‘Fireman Sam Fun Run’ would be held on 21st July.  This had been advertised, 300 information sheets had been distributed.
   
   d)      Magor Flood Group
   Councillor Griffiths had attended a meeting recently.  Magor and Undy could be affected quite significantly by any raise in sea levels as a  result of global warming.  The Industrial Estate in Portskewett could be affected, also some houses in Manor Way looked to be near to the line.  The policy was to raise sea defences by 1m from Sudbrook to Goldcliffe. 
                       

11.       DISCUSSION WITH COUNTY COUNCILLOR

Councillor Fox had sent his apologies.

12.       NEW CORRESPONDENCE

1. MCC Planning Committee Agenda.  Circulation
   
2. Severn Tunnel Action Group.  Presentation regarding the future of the station.  The Clerk distributed copies (cds) to councillors.
   
3. GAVO  The Network Summer newsletter.  Circulation.
   
4. Clerks and Councils Direct.  Circulation.
   
5. County Farms News.  Circulation.
   
6. SARA  Thank you letter for donation.  Circulation.
   
7. South Monmouthshire Area Committee.  Agenda and Minutes.  Circulation.
   
8. Wales Ombusman  Annual report 2006/07.  Circulation.
   
9. Wessex Archaeology  Interim report from findings of Time Team.  Circulation,
   
   

Planning Applications Received
00803  Unit 3 Castle Way Severnbridge Est.  Retention of warehouse and incorporating motor sales.  No objections.
00808  51 Main Road.  Retention of vehicular access.  No objections.
00813  Oak Grove Farm Crick.  Covered yard for housing of livestock. No objections.

Planning Applications Approved
00349  5 Heston Close, Portskewett.  Alterations and extensions.
00408  4 Arthurs Court, Portskewett.  Alterations and extensions.
00590  56A Main Road, Portskewett.  Replacement roof with bedroom and single storey front extension to create first floor.

Planning Applications Refused
00466.  Little Ballan Crick.  Outline application for erection of detached bungalow and garage.

13.       ANY OTHER BUSINESS

1. Councillor Watkins reported the road sweeper does not cross the railway line and go into Post Office Row and Camp Road areas.  Clerk to report to One Stop Shop.
   
2. The Sudbrook Branch Line is overgrown.  Clerk to report to Network Rail.
   
3. The trees belonging to the paper mill are overgrown.  Clerk to report to the Mill.
   
4. Footpath 13 and the cycle path from Black Rock is overgrown, it appears that half of it had been cut.  Clerk to report.
   
5. Councillor Griffiths reported that the mill had been selling their equipment to companies from overseas.
   
6. Councillor Griffiths informed members that he had received a complaint that ‘Molly’s’ (Number 1 Main Road) was now going to be 4 more expensive dwellings.  No planning application had been received to support this.
   
7. Councillor Standing reported the Portskewett village sign and the stop sign at the end of Middle Road Leechpool were obscured by trees. Clerk to report.
   
8. Councillor Watts asked if the Withy Beds walk would be accessible soon.  Clerk to ask Tudor Morgan for an update.
   
9. Councillor Watts asked if any amended plans had been submitted for the barns.  No plans had been submitted.
   
10.  Councillor Parker asked if any part of Harold’s Park had been purchased by the developer.  The Clerk advised that only the part that the Church did not want for additional burial ground had been sold but would ask Mike Grace to confirm this.  It was also reported that the security fence was still in Harold’s Park.  Clerk to contact Mr. Richardson to ask when the boundary wall would be replaced.
    
11. Councillor Watts asked if Councillor Nurcombe had any news on the proposed supermarket on the school site.  Councillor Nurcombe advised that no plans had been submitted.
    
12. Councillor Nurcombe asked if there were any allotments available in the area.  Councillor Parker advised Rogiet Community Council may have vacant ones and he also had a waiting list for allotments in Sudbrook.
    
13. Councillor Nurcombe had been asked if dog waste bins could be placed on the footpath at the end of Sudbrook.  The Community Council were unable to provide these due to the cost.
    

14.       FINANCE
                       
The Clerk had received a Worksheet from the Caretaker, Mr Spooner for 4 weeks, £214.00

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:

           

15.       DATE AND TIME OF NEXT MEETING

The Chairman thanked everyone for attending and gave the date and time of the next meeting as Tuesday 18th September 2007 at 7 p.m. at ARW School, Portskewett. The meeting was then declared closed at 9.05 pm.