Councillors present: Mr. G. W. Parker
Mr. I. H. Standing
Mr B.J. Richards
Mr. A.H. Griffiths
Mr. P. R. Nurcombe
Mr. G. Turner
Mr. R. Evans
Mrs. P.A. Watts

The Secretary of the Recreation Hall Committee informed members that Monmouthshire County Council would be inspecting the premises for suitability for using the hall for a polling station.
Mr Edwards also brought to members’ attention that the occupier of number 21 Manor Way has informed him that he is seeking to create an access into his rear garden off the recreation hall car park. It was agreed that it was unlikely that a right of access would be granted. Mr Ashworth, who was present at the meeting advised that MCC were very reticent about allowing access off car parks.

1. SIGN THE ATTENDANCE BOOK

The Attendance Book was duly signed.

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies had been received and accepted from Councillor Fox.

APPOINTMENT OF CHAIRMAN AND VICE CHAIRMAN FOR THE ENSUING YEAR AND SIGNATURE OF DECLARATION OF ACCEPTANCE OF OFFICE BY CHAIRMAN

Councillor Griffiths proposed Councillor Standing as Chairman and Councillor Nurcombe seconded this. Councillor Standing accepted and signed the Declaration of Acceptance. Councillor Nurcombe then proposed Councillor Evans as Vice-Chairman and Councillor Parker seconded this. Councillor Evans accepted. The outgoing Chairman thanked the Clerk for her help during his term of office.

4. MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING

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

5. MATTERS ARISING

Traffic Calming and Warning Signs for School
No progress. The Clerk had contacted Dave Harris to ask for an update on the situation but had not had a reply. She would continue to chase the progess.

The Lease on The Quest
Awaiting new lease.

Recreation Hall Lease
The Clerk had forwarded a copy of the lease and trust deed to One Voice Wales for advice. She had been advised that the response would be received by the end of May. The Clerk had received a report from Councillor Nettleship of Caerwent Community Council detailing how many village halls were paid for when they were built. This had been forwarded to Councillors. After a short discussion Councillor Nurcombe proposed that the Council would accept MCC’s new rent - providing the 95% grant was approved and the situation would be reviewed if the amount of grant was reduced in future years.

Archaeologists Survey of Harold’s Park
Councillor Griffiths has spoken to Kate Smith who agreed to deliver a presentation and would need a projector. Councillor Griffiths had acquired one for this purpose. Councillor Parker suggested that the Community Fun Day might be an opportunity for the presentation. Councillor Griffiths would liaise with Kate to arrange.

Car Parking at Church Hall/outside School
The Clerk had written to Reverend Harrison requesting if he could help resolve the situation. He had replied that it would be raised at the May meeting of the Governors. Councillor Standing reported that it was discussed at the meeting but the problem still seemed to lie with who would be responsible for locking and unlocking the gates. The Governors had asked if the Community Council could find a person for this. It was agreed that this would not be possible. The way forward would be to hold a meeting with the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Community Council and members of the Church Hall Committee. Clerk to write to the Secretary of the Church Hall Committee requesting this.

Fun Day 2006
Councillor Watts had informed the Clerk that the archaeological work on the site of the school had been carried out by a gentleman from Monmouth. The Clerk had spoken to the Monmouth Town Clerk who could not help in identifying him. The Clerk had received a generous donation of £100 from Mr. David Broome and had written thanking him.

Dog Fouling Signs in Harold’s Park
Councillor Parker would install these at his earliest convenience.

Severnside Heritage Trail – Portskewett Phase
The launch had been held on April 29. This was very successful with approximately 65 – 70 people attending. No further comments.

UDP Consultation Document
Agenda item number 7.

Designation of Bridleway
The Clerk had written to owners of land adjacent to the path asking if they had any objections to it being designated as a bridlepath. At the recent meeting of the Sudbrook Residents Group, Councillor Watkins asked Mr. Plummer if he could write confirming that the Mill had no objections. Mr. Plummer stated that he would not be able to give such confirmation with the mill going through its closure process. He went on to say that his understanding was that the land between the foreshore and the mill had been purchased by WDA or Sustrans. The Clerk had asked Ruth Rourke if she could clarify this.

Claim Against Council Insurance
Councillor Standing declared an interest, signed the register and left the room. The Clerk had received a letter from the insurers who asked if the Community Council had any objections to admitting liability for the accident. As the claimant had been helping out at a Council run function it was agreed to admit liability. As the lady had fallen over the drain, which was the Recreation Hall Committee’s responsibility, the Clerk would write to the Committee and inform them that the Community Council had admitted liability but that the drain should be made safe immediately.

Closure of The Paper Mill
The last resident’s meeting had been held at the mill on 11th May, minutes of which would be circulated to Councillors when the Clerk received them. The Clerk would request a copy be sent to her by email and they could be put on the website . Mr Mark Smith would update the Clerk with any new information or news regarding the future of the site. The Clerk would have the updates placed on the website and in noticeboards. This would ensure residents were kept informed of the progress.

Broken Fence on Harold’s Park Side of Sudbrook Bridge
Clerk had written to Network Rail requesting the fence be repaired.

Thompson and Thompson Van Parked by Farthing Hill
Clerk had emailed MCC Highways Department requesting Thompson and Thompson are advised not to park vehicles on the verge.

Faulty Streetlights in Treetops
Awaiting Councillor Turner to identify the numbers.

Laburnam Terrace Streetname
Clerk had reported to Severnside One Stop Shop, requesting a new one.

Streetlight outside 21 Seaview
Clerk had reported to Severnside One Stop Shop.

Broken Fence on Sudbrook Line
Clerk had written to Network Rail requesting the fence be repaired.

Broken Fence on Newport City Council Land
Clerk had written to Newport City Council requesting the fence be repaired. A reply had been received stating that the fence will be inspected and any repairs deemed necessary to be carried out.

Replacement Bins on Manor Way and Outside Sudbrook Post Office
Clerk had reported to Severnside One Stop Shop and had been advised that the bin on Manor Way would be replaced in approximately two months time as no bins were currently in stock. The owner of Sudbrook Post Office had requested that the bin outside the shop be removed as youths were regularly playing around on it. A replacement bin would be installed.

Possible Additional Post Box in Manor Way
Clerk had spoken to Caldicot Sorting Office asking if it would be possible to have an additional post box. She had received a reply stating that the application would not be considered due to the fact that there is already a collection box sited in Manor Way and it would not be commercially viable to site another one so near. The manager suggested that if any of the residents concerned have mail to post, they should hand it to their delivery postman who will be more than willing to take it for them. No further comments.

Footpath alongside SCA Recycling
Clerk had emailed the manager of SCA Recycling who had apologised for the state of the footpath and had arranged for it to be cleared up. No further comments.

Main Road Streetname
Clerk had reported to Severnside One Stop Shop, requesting a replacement. Mr. Spooner had informed the Clerk that he had found the original sign.

Weeds in Orchard Gardens
Clerk had reported to Severnside One Stop Shop, asking for the weeds to be removed.

REPORT FROM LOCAL POLICE REPRESENTATIVES

PC Turner reported that generally crime in the area had fallen, 45 calls had been received from Portskewett and Sudbrook in the past month, including the following:

Police had been called to investigate youths drinking in the recreation hall play area.
A gentleman in Sunnycroft had alleged that a carpet fitter had stolen property from his house which had been strongly denied by the company.

A car had been stolen from Mount Ballan during an equestrian event. The owner had left his keys in a jacket and it was thought that travelling criminals had taken the keys and stolen the car.

The incidences of indecent exposure appeared to increase when there was an event at Mount Ballan, indicating that it is possibly a person visiting the area in connection with the event.

A report had been received that 3 people were climbing a pylon at the back of Sunnycroft. Police attended and had found that they were employees of National Grid. PC Turner stated that if any person is seen on the pylons the police should be informed for them to check that they are legitimate workers.

A large gravestone had been left on the Churchyard wall, it was thought that a contractor working in the Churchyard had placed it there and forgotten to move it. No crime had been committed.

Several reports had been received regarding youths on small motorcycles around the Station Road and Hill Barn View area. A letter had been sent to all residents informing them that this is unacceptable and that Police have powers to warn and seize all offender’s vehicles. A 17 year old in Hill Barn View had been driving a white corsa which had been suspicious.

A large plasma TV had been stolen from Thompson and Thompson’s showroom. The door had not been alarmed and the CCTV did not cover the door.

A garage in Sunnycroft had been broken into and £6,000 worth of paragliding equipment stolen.

A gentleman had complained to the Police that his daughter had been photographed whilst riding her horse. PC Turner informed members that it is perfectly legal for photographs to be taken in a public place.

A lady from 3663 on the industrial estate had given the Police the registration number of a suspicious car in the area. It had been well known travelling criminals from the Cardiff area. PC Turner stated that the lady was to be congratulated.

An aluminium door and scrap metal had been stolen from an address in Leechpool. The driver of a white van was travelling around the area stealing metal. PC Turner warned people to lock away any valuable metal.

Police had attended an address in Treetops and a youth was arrested for breach of the peace.

Councillor Standing stated that he had encountered a jogger who had been running in the road and could not hear the car approaching as she was wearing headphones. PC Turner said she was wrong to run in the road and that other joggers should be aware that they should run in the opposite direction to the traffic.

Councillor Griffiths stated that in last month’s Police report it had been reported that an altercation had taken place outside the Portskewett Inn. The landlady had informed Councillor Griffiths that the altercation had not been related to the public house in any way.

Councillor Turner asked if letters similar to those distributed in Hill Barn View, could be distributed to residents of Treetops as they encountered problems with youths on mini motorcycles. He also asked if there was any truth in the rumour that Caldicot Police Station would be closing. PC Turner advised that a larger station is needed in the area but financial implications would delay it for some considerable time.

The Chairman thanked PC Turner for attending.

DISCUSSION WITH MR GEORGE ASHWORTH RE: UDP CONSULTATION PROCESS

The Chairman welcomed Mr Ashworth and thanked him for attending the meeting to inform members of the process with regard to the extension of the Village Development Boundary to the rear of Main Road.

Mr Ashworth informed Councillors that the consultation process had started in 1999. The main stage is the Deposit stage when objectors can put forward their own sites for inclusion. It was at this stage that the Main Road site had been included. At the inquiry, MCC had voiced strong concerns regarding the Main Road site being included in the Village Development Boundary. The visibility splay on the access would not be wide enough. The inspector conceded that access constraints would not allow the site to be developed. A compromise was reached - the VDB would include the site but it was recommended that it would not be used for housing.

Councillor Parker asked what if another access was formed. The owner of the land also owned a bungalow in front of it and an access could possibly be formed if the bungalow were demolished. Mr. Ashworth replied that the splay would still not be wide enough.

Any future plans would have to go through the planning process and it was unlikely that a development would be allowed. MCC, whilst achieving a high level of growth, do so sympathetically to villages etc.

Councillor Standing asked on the progress on the land behind the Spar. Mr. Ashworth stated that the Section 106 agreement is holding it up. The developers have not been pushing the progress and there were issues with drainage. S106 money amounted to £3,500 per dwelling. This could either be used by the developer, who could put a play area within the development, or pay the money towards a play area in the village. The Community Council would be consulted when the money was available. Any S106 money generated in Portskewett and Sudbrook would be used in Portskewett and Sudbrook. The Chairman stated that the Community Council ought to be thinking of how to spend the S106 money as we do not want to lose it. A new play area in the village would be the most likely.

Mr. Ashworth was asked about the site currently owned by Newport City Council. This would be looked at in the next plan (which was starting in the autumn). A new employment site south of the railway line would possibly be looked at. A second access road into Sudbrook could be created. The site on Sudbrook road could then be investigated again as it was not possible to build housing on the land whilst there was only the one access road into Sudbrook which was used by the mill lorries. Councillor Parker asked if the planning department could help with the access constraints over the railway line that is currently owned by Network Rail.

Councillor Watts asked if additional cemetery provision could be included in the new Local Plan. Mr. Ashworth said it could be included under ‘facilities’.

DONATION TO CALDICOT CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU

Councillor Nurcombe proposed that, due to the financial constraints this year, an amount of £100 be donated. Councillor Watts stated that a higher figure should be donated as the Citizens Advice Bureau provided an excellent service and residents of Portskewett and Sudbrook made use of it. She then proposed £200 be donated. A vote was taken and it was agreed that £200 be donated. Clerk to write to the CAB explaining the limited financial situation had caused the donation to be less than in previous years.


9. REPORTS FROM REPRESENTATIVES ON SCHOOL GOVERNING BODIES

a) Governing Body for Ysgol Y Ffin
A meeting had been held with the LEA regarding the possible move. It was seen to be an interim move, which was not ideal. A new build would be ideal but was not possible. A compromise would have to be achieved. The school would want to carry on using the Camp for school sports and MCC would be approached to mark the area as usual.

b) Governing Body for ARW Primary School
Councillor Griffiths informed members that the school is undersubscribed but it is difficult to keep the class numbers to below 30 pupils.

10. REPORT FROM RECREATION HALL REPRESENTATIVE

Councillor Evans had not been able to attend the recent meeting as he had broken his ankle.

11. DISCUSSION WITH COUNTY COUNCILLOR

Councillor Fox had sent his apologies.

12. NEW CORRESPONDENCE

MCC Planning applications received. Circulation

MCC Planning Committee Agenda. Circulation

GAVO Training in Monmouthshire. Circulation.

Clerks and Councils Direct Newsletter. Circulation.

Portskewett Recreation Hall Minutes of meeting. Circulation.

Gwent Police Authority Police restructuring in Wales. Circulation.

Health Challenge Wales Newsletter. Circulation.

HM Courts Service Merger of local criminal justice services in Gwent. Circulation.

MCC Severnside Area Committee Agenda and Mintes. Circulation.

Severnside CSAT Minutes. Circulation.

MCC Report on Ambulance Service in Monmouthshire. Circulation.

Planning Applications Received
None this month.
Planning Applications Approved
None this month.
Planning Applications Refused
None this month.

13. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

The Clerk reported that Mike Jones from Severnside Area One Stop Shop had kindly offered to pay for a bench and bin on the village green.

The Clerk stated that she had received a call from Severnside One Stop Shop who had had a complaint from a resident from The Close reporting the roundabout did not work. The Clerk had informed the One Stop Shop that the roundabout had been decommissioned as it was dangerous.

Councillor Parker reported that the Sudbrook Road, approaching and including the bridge is in an extremely poor state and needs attention as soon as possible. Clerk to report to One Stop Shop.

Sudbrook Branch Line is very overgrown and the fence has still not been repaired. Clerk to write to Network Rail again.

The verges on Sudbrook side of the traffic lights are overgrown and need cutting back. Clerk to report to One Stop Shop.

Councillor Evans reported that he is organising a running event around the Caerwent Training camp in September. Money raised will go to St. David’s Hospice but if Councillors have ideas of any local group or individual that would benefit please inform Councillor Evans.

Councillor Turner reported that Crick Road between Treetops and the village is in an extremely poor state. Clerk had reported this previously and will report again. Councillor Turner would also like to know if the table top traffic calming is going to be removed.

Councillor Watts reported that where the hedge had been removed on Crick Road, which previously marked the boundary. The boundary of the road is now difficult to see. Request investigation of painting white line on edge of road to clearly mark edge. Clerk had reported this to Highways in January and will report again asking for work to be carried out as soon as possible.

Councillor Watts asked if the Community Council could approach Somerfield in Caldicot. The hedge adjacent to the car park makes it extremely difficult to see oncoming traffic when emerging from the car park. Clerk to ask Giles Ballisat if he could advise.

Councillor Watts stated to Councillor Turner that she found his bad language offensive and was not acceptable.

Councillor Watts stated that she thought the drainage system by the Spar had been much better recently. Councillor Griffiths responded that in heavy rain, the manhole cover in the field behind his house lifted off completely.

A resident of The Close had complained about horses being ridden in the field. As the area was Mr Grace of MCC’s responsibility, the lady was advised to contact him directly.

Councillor Parker informed members that organised groups who wished to use the Recreation Hall field to play football/rounders etc. would have to seek permission from the Booking Secretary.

14. FINANCE

The Clerk had received a Worksheet from the Caretaker, Mr Spooner for 4 weeks £202.00

The Clerk’s salary and expenses totalled £483.86
Monthly Salary
Office Allowance
Telephone Expenses and Line Rental
Expenses (e.g. stamps, petrol allowance, stationery
£392.55
£43.33
£27.00
£20.98

The Clerk had received the following:
An invoice from Mr. L. Collins, £90, 6 months website hosting and maintenance.

It was proposed by Councillor Evans and seconded by Councillor Standing 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 20th June 2006 at 7.00 p.m. in the Recreation Hall. The meeting was then declared closed at 9.15 pm.