MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF PORTSKEWETT COMMUNITY COUNCIL HELD IN THE RECREATION HALL TUESDAY 21 st NOVEMBER 2006

Mr Rowland Edwards reported the streetlight on Manor Way that he had previously reported was still not working. Clerk to report again. He also reported an extremely bright light that was placed on Thompson and Thompson building was dazzling drivers as they travelled the road. Clerk to write requesting they re-site the light. Mr. Edwards also stated that he was concerned about the hole at the end of the lane leading to the Recreation Hall. This is part of the works being carried out by Bellway Homes. Councillor Fox advised Mr. Edwards that the licence to carry out the works would expire on 4 th December.

Mrs Carole Jethwa asked if the Council would consider not having street lighting in the village in an attempt to conserve energy and cost. Councillor Fox advised that the County Council had considered only lighting every other lamp but it was not considered desirable for safety reasons. The County Council could possibly look at the idea again in the future.

Mrs Joyce Sawley asked if the area of the Village Green that had been re-seeded after the Bellway Homes works could have been repaired using turf. The area would be monitored. Mrs Sawley had no other concerns but commented that she felt the Community Council was doing a good job.

1. SIGN THE ATTENDANCE BOOK

The Attendance Book was duly signed.

•  APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies had been received and accepted from Councillors Parker and Watkins,

3. MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING

It was proposed by Councillor Fox and seconded by Councillor Evans and agreed that the minutes of the last meeting were accepted as a true record with the following amendment:

Councillors present should have included Mr. A. H. Griffiths. The Clerk apologised for omitting Councillor Griffiths' name.

4 MATTERS ARISING

•  Traffic Calming and Warning Signs for School
No progress to report.

•  The Lease on The Quest
Awaiting new lease.

•  Recreation Hall Lease
All Councillors had received a copy of the lease with the salient points highlighted. The Clerk had received a letter from MCC solicitor asking when the lease would be signed. She had replied that the discrepancy between the relationships was delaying this and the lease would be signed at the earliest opportunity after the discrepancy had been resolved. A meeting will be arranged at County Hall with representatives from all parties, including MCC Legal Department and the Charity Commission. Councillor Fox would speak to Mrs. Swanson from the Legal Department and the Clerk would contact the Charity Commission.

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

•  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 contacted Network Rail again, requesting the fence be repaired as it looks extremely unsightly.

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

•  Weeds in Orchard Gardens
These were now dying back. No further comments.

•  Removal of Hedge on Crick Road
The white line had been painted on the edge of the highway. No further comments.

•  Brow of Hill on Crick Road
The white line had not been painted yet.

•  Council Accounts 2005/06
No progress.

•  Car Dealers at Parkwall
The Enforcement Officer was trying to trace the address of the owner of the land.

•  Youth Club in the Village
Councillor Watts reported that the youth club had been well attended and appeared to be successful at present. More money is needed, applications for grants have been submitted. Events have been organised for Christmas.

•  Warning Signs at Black Rock
The signs had been posted in the noticeboards at Black Rock and a permanent sign would be placed near to the steps onto the foreshore.

•  Proposed Section 106 Money
No progress to report.

•  Lights on Sudbrook Road
Clerk reported to MCC Highways. A reply was received advising there is a Western Power cable fault. Western Power have 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 to follow up again.

•  Map Case in Sudbrook
Clerk had contacted Caldicot Housing department and residents of Walker Flats to request if any objections would be raised if the map case were sited on the green. No objections had been received. It was hoped to move the case in the new year.

•  Thompson and Thompson Parking on the Verge
Highway Inspector had contacted Manager requesting the removal of the vehicles.

•  Bonfire Night Event
The Clerk reported that the event, although successful, had only made a profit of £66.00, £117 when the VAT had been claimed back. No further comments.

•  Overgrown Footpath Behind The Mill
Clerk reported to Rights of Way Officer who replied that she would arrange to have it cleared. A letter had been received from a resident of Post Office Row, asking the Community Council to ‘get its act together and set up a proper maintenance programme to keep the path clear and useable.' The Clerk had telephoned the gentleman and informed him that the Community Council are not responsible for the maintenance of the path and that any complaints were reported immediately to MCC, who are responsible. She advised him to contact the One Stop Shop and the Rights of Way Officer directly. She copied the letter to the Area Manager at the One Stop Shop. No further comments.

•  Millstone outside ‘The Old Dairy'
The Clerk had asked the agent if the new owner of the building would consider giving the stone to the village. The agent was trying to contact the new owner.

•  Parking in Sudbrook
The Clerk had contacted Head of Highways, MCC to ask if the Council would be able to offer any assistance in providing extra parking in the village. She had received a reply stating that unfortunately the County Council would not be able to offer any assistance as they do not have sufficient funds. She had also written to Network Rail asking if the disused line could be used. A reply had been received stating that the interest in utilising the disused branch line is noted. A number of utility services are laid underneath the area and would have to be redirected before the land could be considered for sale. The cost of diverting these services would be significant. Further consideration is being given to how a scheme of this nature would be funded. When it is understood how the matter is to be progressed, Network Rail will be better placed to comment on the feasibility of the sale/future use of the land.

•  Bin Outside Sudbrook Post Office.
This area was at the top of the list for replacement bins. Due to the budget, this no money was available until the new financial year. Mike Jones, Severnside Area Services Officer had kindly offered to pay for a bin. The Clerk had spoken to Mr Collett from the Cleansing and Refuse section who had informed the Clerk that when the bin was placed outside the Post Office it was constantly being filled with trade waste, presumably from the shop, which is not acceptable. When a replacement bin is installed, the owner of the Post Office should be informed that the bin is not to be used for trade waste.

•  COUNCIL BUDGET 2007/08 FOR DISCUSSION

The Clerk had prepared and distributed copies of the budget for discussion. After a discussion it was agreed that unless the precept was raised all reserves would be exhausted by the end of the financial year. The amount of increase was discussed and Iit was proposed by Councillor Griffiths and seconded by Councillor Watts that the precept be raised to £15,250, an increase of just over 30%. Approval of the budget would be placed on the agenda for December. The Clerk had also furnished members with a report of additional hours she had worked since March but had not claimed. This amounted to 45.5 hours, £357.72. It was proposed by Councillor Fox and seconded by Councillor Nurcombe that this amount be paid to the Clerk. The Clerk was advised to submit any additional hours worked on a monthly basis.

•  COUNCIL MEETING DATES FOR APPROVAL

The Clerk had received a schedule of available dates from the Secretary of the Recreation Hall. The meetings would continue to be held on the third Tuesday in the month, with the exception of December, when it would be held on the second Tuesday (11 th December). It was proposed by Councillor Standing and seconded by Councillor Griffiths that the dates be approved.

•  COUNCIL CHRISTMAS MEAL

After a short discussion it was decided that a buffet in the Portskewett Inn would be held on 29 th December. Councillor Griffiths would ask the landlord if this could be arranged.

•  VILLAGE CHRISTMAS TREES

In previous years the Christmas trees had been donated by the paper mill, obviously with the closure of the mill this would no longer happen. Councillors discussed whether to have trees this year. It was agreed that the Chairman and the Clerk would approach Bellway Homes to request if they would donate and erect a tree as a gesture of goodwill to the villages.

•  REPORT FROM LOCAL POLICE REPRESENTATIVES

PC Turner informed members that he had been allowed time to meet with the community and would be available to meet with residents in the Recreation Hall car park after his attendance at Council meetings each month. He would also be available on Monday 11 th December between 13.00 and 14.00 and Tuesday 12 th December between 19.30 and 20.30. The Clerk would place notices in the noticeboards and advertise this service on the council website. (www.portskewett.org)

PC Turner then went on to give his report. 31 reports had been received but only 5 were crimes. These included the following:

Up until the end of the previous week crime had been very low. On Friday and Saturday nights travellers were targeting the Industrial Estate and carrying out thefts of large items.
A car had been broken into on the industrial estate and a radio stolen. The car had been abandoned there.
The Packsafe unit had had an attempted diesel theft.
A complaint had been received regarding a male riding a red scrambler along the cycle/footpath. He had been caught and received an official warning.
A mobile phone had been stolen from a Prison Officer in the Portskewett Inn. A female from the Chepstow area had been caught but the phone had not been recovered.
AJ Access on the industrial estate had had its fence cut and platform equipment dragged out and stolen on a low loader.
Fireworks had been let off at times other than the official ‘allowed' dates. This is now illegal. PC Turner would give a copy of these dates to the Clerk.

Councillor Fox asked PC Turner if he knew of any equestrian thefts in the Shirenewton area. PC Turner was not aware of any.
Councillor Standing asked if PC Turner knew when the ‘Slow Down' sign that was to be placed near to Pike House would be installed. PC Turner would check this.

PC Turner was informed that a large white van is parking at the end of the lane leading to the Recreation Hall, in an area that is always congested with vehicles. PC Turner would speak to the owner.

The Chairman thanked PC Turner for his report.

•  REPORTS FROM REPRESENTATIVES ON SCHOOL GOVERNING BODIES

a) Governing Body for Ysgol Y Ffin
Councillor Nurcombe reported that a meeting had been held on 13 th November, the relocation of the school to Sandy Lane was discussed again. The Headteacher is spending more time teaching than desirable. A new teacher would be appointed for 2 days. 68 children attend the school at present.

b) Governing Body for ARW Primary School
No meeting had been held recently. Councillor Watts stated that no reply had been received regarding use of the school for Youth Club purposes. Councillor Fox informed members that the school had been built as a ‘Community Focus' school but the management of the extra curricular activities was difficult – staffing etc. This would need to be investigated further.

•  REPORT FROM RECREATION HALL REPRESENTATIVE

Councillor Evans reported on the public meeting regarding the play area that had been held earlier in the evening. 600 leaflets had been delivered in the village and approximately 25 people had attended the meeting. A dozen of people had expressed an interest in becoming involved in setting up a committee to get funding to replace the equipment. The biggest concern people had was who would maintain the site. It was hoped that MCC could inspect the equipment on a regular basis, this would incur a cost. The equipment would be new and in the early years would not require much maintenance. The Quest play area was mentioned but would be dealt with at a later date. The cost would be in the region of £40,000. It was hoped that some of the S106 money from the Bellway development could be utilised for this purpose. Councillor Watts said a multi purpose area would be most practical to enable all ages to benefit.

Members felt that a good start had been made. Councillor Fox would clarify if the S106 money could be used for capital or revenue projects.

•  SUSPEND STANDING ORDERS

Standing Orders were suspended to allow extra time to complete the agenda .

13. DISCUSSION WITH COUNTY COUNCILLOR

Councillor Fox had nothing to report.

14. NEW CORRESPONDENCE

•  MCC Planning applications received. Circulation

•  MCC Planning Committee Agenda. Circulation

•  Local Health Board. Clinical Futures Consultation. Discussed.

•  Caldicot CAB Request for increased funding. Discussed. The budget for donations was increased to allow possible increased funding.

•  MCC UDP, Draft Affordable Housing Supplementary Planning Guidance Note. Discussed. No additional comments.

•  Clerks and Councils Direct. Magazine. Circulation.

•  GAVO Annual Conference ‘Getting Access to Funding' Wednesday 6 th December at Coleg Gwent Usk Campus, 6.00 – 8.30 pm. Discussed. The notice was placed in the circulation file.

•  Poptotheshops.net New service to enable local producer or retailer to place goods onto website which can be purchased and delivered to homes in the area. Discussed/circulation.

•  MCC Severnside Area Committee Agenda and minutes. Circulation.

•  Mr G. Willis, 25 Hill Barn View Complaint regarding planning matters. Discussed. Mr. Willis had not been happy with the process carried out by the Community Council with regard to the Woodstock Waste application and the application for a low fence at 26 Hill Barn View. The Clerk would write to him advising that the process had been correctly followed in accordance with the Council's Standing Orders 1991 paragraph 71(b). Councillor Fox informed members that he cannot discuss issues carried out in his capacity as County Councillor when it has involved conversations that he has had with a constituent. The Clerk would also assure Mr Willis that members carry out their Community Council duties in a professional manner and to the best of their ability.

•  SEWTA Business Plan 2006/07. Circulation.

Planning Applications Received
00326 Unit 1 (Packsafe) Severnbride Est. 2 banner advertisements & 1 non-illuminated sign. Recommend Refusal – Obtrusive eyesore at entrance of village.
00881 Land off Norman Way, Severnbridge Est. Construction of 7 light industrial units & associated parking. No objections.
00999 Number 1 Main Road, Portskewett. Demolition of existing building & erection of 6 dwellings. Recommend Refusal. Building is more suited to urban site, not in keeping with any other buildings in the area. Increased congestion in centre of village. Access in relation to other developments in the area.
00249 Castlegate Business Park. Offices, crèche, external works. No objections.
00183 Rectory Farm Portskewett. Erection of covered yard for interwintering of ewes and lambs. No objections.
01185 Old Telephone Exchange (Land to the rear). Change of use from agricultural to garden use. No objections but Clerk to remind Planning Department that this land already had restrictions placed on it.
01217 7, Arthurs Court. Two storey side extension. No objections.
01216 65, Main Road. Alterations & single storey extn & detached garage. No objections.

Planning Applications Approved
00625 Proposed Gymnasium. Castlegate Business Park.
00694 Relocation of existing pole sign.
00799 Installation of entrance canopies. Castlegate Business Park.

Planning Applications Refused
00362 Erection of detached garage, Cedar House, 34 Main Road.

15. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

•  Councillor Watts stated that the congestion of parked vehicles in The Close may be alleviated by vehicles parking in the St. Mary's Place car park. Clerk to write to Housing Department to request if this is possible.

•  The pavements in St. Mary's Place and Southbrook View are very uneven, with the tarmac lifting, causing a trip hazard for the elderly residents. Clerk to report.

•  The bus shelter that had had grafitti removed was now stained as a result. Clerk to report to One Stop Shop.

•  Councillor Griffiths reported that Dr. Kate Smith had emailed Time Team regarding the archaeological results of the survey on Harold's Park. They were very interested in carrying out a dig on the site.

16. FINANCE

The Clerk had received a Worksheet from the Caretaker, Mr Spooner for 5 weeks, £267.50 plus £12.60 backpay, amounting to £280.10. She advised members that the National Minimum Wage had been increased from £5.05 to £5.35 per hour, effective from 1 st October. The backdated amount due to Mr. Spooner had been included in this month's cheque.

The Clerk had received the following:

An invoice from MCC for 16 cuts at The Bowl, Harold's Park, £488.80. Mr. L. Collins, website maintenance and hosting for 6 months, £90.00, Royal British Legion, wreath for Remembrance Service, £16.50

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:

17. DATE AND TIME OF NEXT MEETING

The Chairman thanked everyone for attending and gave the date and time of the next meeting as Tuesday 12 th December 2006 at 7.00 p.m. in the Recreation Hall. The meeting was then declared closed at 10.00 pm.