MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF PORTSKEWETT COMMUNITY COUNCIL
HELD IN ARW SCHOOL TUESDAY 18th MARCH 2008

Mrs Bennett from Rogiet and Mr Tipper from Wedgwood Drive attended regarding the Barratts Development (see item n, Matters Arising).  Mrs Bennett also asked about the parking outside the Church Hall (see item h, New Correspondence).

1.         SIGN THE ATTENDANCE BOOK

            The Attendance Book was duly signed. 

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

3.         MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING

 
It was proposed by Councillor Griffiths and seconded by Councillor Nurcombe and agreed that the minutes of the last meeting were accepted as a true record with the following amendment:  The resident from Treetops was Mr Jones, not Mr Johns. 

It was proposed by Councillor Fox and seconded by Councillor Griffiths and agreed that the minutes of the special meeting held on 28th February (Barratts Development)  were accepted as a true record.

4.         MATTERS ARISING

1. Traffic Calming and Warning Signs for School
    No progress to report.  Clerk had asked diocese for an update but had not received a response.  She had also asked Dave Harris for a progress report.
   
2. The Lease on The Quest
   Awaiting new lease. Invoice received for this year - £4.00.  No further comments until new lease received.

c)  Designation of Bridleway
No progress to report.

1. Brow of Hill on Crick Road
   No progress to report.  Clerk had requested an update from Traffic and Development.
   
2. Proposed Section 106 Money
    A meeting was held on 12th March to discuss.  Details of amounts requested and allocated to the various community groups can be found on Agenda Item 7 of Mor Hafren Area Committee 19th March 2008.  Also included in the Councillor’s circulation file. The decision would be ratified at Cabinet and the money released very shortly.  Deserie Mansfield of RCA would continue to work with the groups.
   
3. Map Case in Sudbrook

             Awaiting the case to be re-sited outside Walker Flats.

1. Interpretation Boards Following Time Team Visit to Harold’s Park
   Draft designs had been drawn up.  Members viewed them and agreed on a design.  The Clerk left the room whilst Councillors discussed the amount to be paid to the designer, Mr L Collins.  He had agreed to do the work for £150.  It was proposed by Councillor Nurcombe and seconded by Councillor Griffiths that this amount be paid.  The Clerk would get quotes for printing the designs.  She would ask for quotes for 4 copies to enable spares to be kept. 
    
2. Laburnam Terrace Streetname
   The sign had been installed.  No further comments.
    
3. Pavements in Camp Road and Post Office Row and Sudbrook Road
   No progress to report.  Clerk had asked Highways for an update.  Reply was that many trips and hazards had been removed in recent times.  The area will be included with the Sudbrook carriageway/footway surfacing and is in the 3 year capital programme for renewing.
   
4. Surface of Manor Way
   Potholes will be filled and assessed for repair.  Councillor Griffiths advised that the potholes were now worse than ever.  Clerk to report again.
   
5. Overgrown Trees Belonging to The Mill and Future of the Site.
    The mill did not have sufficient funds to attend to the trees.  Councillor Parker reported that the machinery had been sold and would be removed in August.  It was likely that the site would be cleared after that.
   
6.  Additional Land Purchased by Barn Developer
   Councillor Fox would speak to Mr Grace to ask for a progress report.
   
7. Potential Future Use of Shipyard
   Councillors Fox, Watkins and Parker will speak with Mr Ashmead to discuss the future of the site.
   
8. Planning Application for 40 Dwellings on Sudbrook Road
   A second revised plan had been submitted.   A public meeting had been held (notes were attached to February minutes).  Awaiting site meeting and discussion at Planning Committee. Two members of the public were in attendance to ask for an update. Councillor Fox reported that the recent public meeting had been very useful with the Highways and Planning representatives appearing to be sympathetic to the public’s views.  The site is not really large enough to warrant the controlled access. Pedestrians crossing the access from Sudbrook would need to be discussed.  Mr Tipper from Wedgwood Drive stated that he had noted that members of the Community Council did not say anything at the public meeting and asked if they were driving the refusal of the application. He was advised that the Community Council arranged and drove the meeting.  The majority of Councillors attended the public meeting apart from 3, one of whom had sent his apologies.  Councillor Nurcombe advised that members wanted to listen to resident’s concerns.  A special meeting was held after the public meeting and Councillors reinforced its objections to the application, it was strongly objected to.
   
9. Dog Fouling Signs in Harold’s Park
   Awaiting installation.
   
10. Warning Hump Sign on Crick Road
    Light had been reported to One Stop Shop.  No further comments.
    
11. Broken Fence by Sudbrook Bridge
    The wire had been replaced.  No further comments.
    
12. Potholes on Crick Road between Village and Treetops
    Carriageway between school to B4245 had recently been potholed, including the tarmac ramp.  No further comments.
    
13. No Access Plate on Weight Limit Sign
    Clerk had reported to Highways.
    
14. Surface of Road Through Sudbrook
    No progress to report. 
    
15. Skips in Sudbrook
     The full one had now been removed.  No further comments.
    
16. Poor Drainage in Treetops
    Clerk had reported to MCC Highways, requesting an inspection be carried out on the drains.  Replied that the drainage pipes, gullies and manholes were all recently cleaned and should now be working as designed. Mr Jones had been in correspondence with Steve Greenslade of MCC who informed him that it had been agreed to put the camera into the drains to check they were clear.   Councillor Turner advised that Welsh Water’s recent documentation stated that they had a responsibility for drains.  No further comments.
    
17. Uneven Pavement in Southbrook View
    Clerk had reported to MHA.  This had been added to the planned maintenance list for the new financial year and would be carried out when funds were available.
    
18. Additional Lighting at rear of Southbrook View.
    Clerk had reported to MHA.  Additional lighting would be installed when funds were available, as this was a ‘want’ rather than a ‘need’ it was not considered a priority.  No further comments.
    
19. State of Highway in Crick Road
    Clerk reported to Highways. Potholes would be filled.
    
20. Woodstock Waste Skips
    Clerk had reported to One Stop Shop.  The skips were no longer on the highway outside the yard. No further comments.
    
21. Fly Tipping at End of Sudbrook Village
    Clerk had asked Western Power Distribution to remove the rubbish.  This had now been cleared.  No further comments.
    
22. Potholes on Middle Road Leechpool
    Clerk had reported to Highways.  Replied that potholes will be filled.  Unlikely that the road would be a priority for resurfacing in the near future.  Will continue to be monitored.
    
23. Closure of Sudbrook Post Office
    Clerk had responded to consultation.  No further comments.
    

1. REPORT FROM LOCAL POLICE REPRESENTATIVES
   
    No representatives were in attendance.  Clerk to contact PC Turner to express member’s disappointment that no one had attended for the past 3 meetings.
   
2. REPORTS FROM REPRESENTATIVES ON SCHOOL GOVERNING BODIES
   
   
   a)      Governing Body for Ysgol Y Ffin
            Councillor Nurcombe reported that the move to Sandy Lane was progressing.  The only          Welsh Medium secondary school in the catchment area was full and 20 children from          Ysgol-y-Ffin were unable to get a place and might have to travel to Caerphilly.   An    alternative might be that Caldicot Comprehensive could have a  Welsh Medium intake.            Councillor Fox reported that there was an expansion in Welsh Medium primary         education in the County. Torfaen CC was relied upon to provide the secondary element          and they needed a commitment from other authorities to pledge money for additional   capacity. It was hoped there would be an interim solution this year.   Councillor Richard    asked what the average class size was at primary level and was informed that the    number was 30.
   
   b)      Governing Body for ARW Primary School
            Nothing to report.
           

7.         REPORT FROM REPRESENTATIVE ON OTHER COMMITTEES
 
a)         Area Forum
            Councillor Watts was not in attendance.

c)         New Play Area Committee
            Councillor Evans was not in attendance.

d)         Magor Flood Group
            Minutes of the recent meeting placed in circulation file.

8.         DISCUSSION WITH COUNTY COUNCILLOR

Councillor Fox  reported that the increase in Council Tax was 4.95% this year.  The Police percentage had been dropped to 4.5%.  The Community Council’s precept was quite low compared with others.  Councillor Nurcombe asked what is collected compared to what is spent, Councillor Fox advised 26% approximately.  He summarised how the money comes in and is allocated.  MCC is always in the lowest bracket as it cannot access depravation grants etc.  Councillor Griffiths asked where the business rates go and was informed WAG.


9.         NEW CORRESPONDENCE

1. MCC Planning Committee Agenda.  Circulation
   
2. Clerks and Councils Direct  Circulation.
   
3. MCC  Local Delivery Plan identifying facilities in both villages. Discussed. 
    
4. Gwent Levels Flood Alliance  Minutes from meeting 8.1.08.  Circulation.
   
5. MCC  Mor Hafren Area Committee Agenda and minutes.  Circulation.
   
6. Local Health Board  Review of Race Equality Scheme.  Revised scheme can be downloaded at www.monmouthshire.wales.nhs.uk  
   
7. J Crowther & Associates.    Letter advising that the development at Main Road has the same amount of stone facing as original application.  (In response to Council’s reply to consultation regarding the new layout of the houses).
   
8. Good Companions Club  Letter complaining about the parking outside the Church hall at a recent event.  Discussed.  The Clerk had drafted a letter explaining that the Community Council had tried unsuccessfully for over 12 months to facilitate an agreement between the Church Hall Committee and ARW School.  She would advise to write to those organisations as the Community Council has no jurisdiction over them.  As the Community Focus School initiative evolves the natural progression would be that the car park could be made available for Church Hall users.
   
9. MENCAP  Request for financial assistance.  Discussed.  Unable to donate do to financial constraints.
   

Planning Applications Received
00180  Extension and alterations.  2 Wedgwood Drive  No objections
00208 Garage loft conversion to form room.  54A Main Road  No objections
01421  Alterations and extension.  10 Leechpool (Amendment)  No objections.

Planning Applications Approved
 01481  Erection of new dormer bungalow.  Part of garden, 47 Main Road, Portskewett
01607  Alterations and garage extension.  40 Main Road, Portskewett.

Planning Applications Refused
 None this month.

10.    ANY OTHER BUSINESS
 

1. Councillor Griffiths reported parking in The Close was very congested and residents had been asked not to park on the roadside.  Clerk to ask Highways if the small green outside numbers 1 –3 could be removed to allow parking.
   
2. Councillor Watkins suggested that training/induction for new Councillors be investigated.  Clerk to place on the agenda for April.
   

11.       FINANCE

The Clerk had received a Worksheet from the Caretaker, Mr Spooner for 4 weeks plus 6 hours overtime £253.92

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

           


12.       DATE AND TIME OF NEXT MEETING


The Chairman thanked everyone for attending and gave the date and time of the next meeting as Tuesday 15th April 2008 at Ysgol-Y-Ffin School Sudbrook. The meeting was then declared closed at 9.30 pm.