MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF PORTSKEWETT COMMUNITY COUNCIL
HELD IN YSGOL-Y-FFIN SCHOOL TUESDAY 16th OCTOBER 2007

Mrs Powell, Mrs Fieldhouse and Mr Thomas from Wedgewood Drive asked if there was any progress on the Barratts site.  See Matters Arising v).

Mr Prosser from Leechpool informed members that he had heard that some of the evening bus services, currently provided by Drakes Travel were due to be removed from April 2008 as the County Council won’t subsidise these services.  Councillor Fox advised that the MCC are reviewing some services in order to get best value but he was not aware of any reduction in services. Clerk to contact Richard Cope from MCC.

1.         SIGN THE ATTENDANCE BOOK

            The Attendance Book was duly signed. 

1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
   
   All Councillors were in attendance.
   

3.         MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING

 
It was proposed by Councillor Griffiths and seconded by Councillor Richards 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.  The Rights of Way Improvement Plan had been on the Cabinet Agenda.  Clerk          had asked Ruth Rourke for an update.  She had been informed that a new officer was in post           and would be implementing new procedures for creating the new bridleway.

1. Claim Against Council Insurance
   No progress to report. 
   
2. Broken Fence on Harold’s Park Side of Sudbrook Bridge and State of Bridge
   Still awaiting the fence to be repaired, following the report to the Railway Inspectorate, MCC Highways have sent a letter to Network Rail (copied to the Clerk) advising that the site, along with five others, is currently being developed with a view to carrying out detailed design and construction within this financial year.
   
3. Brow of Hill on Crick Road
   No progress to report.
   
4. Warning Signs at Black Rock
   The signs still had not been installed. Clerk to ask Jerry Lewis MCC Countryside for an update on progress.
   
5. Proposed Section 106 Money
    County Councillor Fox had a copy of the cheque for £99,480 that had been issued.  Councillor Fox will be meeting with Mike Moran from MCC to discuss projects that the money could be used for in the Portskewett, Sudbrook and Leechpool villages.  Councillors suggested the new play area at the recreation hall and youth club premises. The use of Sudbrook School site for community use was discussed but it was unlikely that the money could be used for that purpose.  The developer had informed the Church that they could access some of the money but it would be issued to the Community Council
   
6. 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
    Councillor Griffiths would speak to Dr. Kate Smith regarding the final text.
   
2. Laburnam Terrace Streetname
    Awaiting new sign to be installed
    
3. Pavements in Camp Road and Post Office Row
   The Clerk had asked MCC Highways if the pavements would be repaired.  She had received a reply stating that the areas been highlighted as requiring work. They are currently being assessed and prioritised with similar work through out the County. Once this is complete, a programme of resurfacing will be compiled. It was hoped that some of our concerns will be addressed at this time
   
4. Presentation of 2006/07 Accounts
    The Notice of Audit had been placed in the boards and the papers returned to the Wales Audit Office.
   
5. Surface of Manor Way
   The Clerk had asked for a timescale of works.  The reply had been the same as l) above.
   
6. Recycling Service in Leechpool
   The Clerk had been advised again that the tracker indicates the green waste lorry does travel through Leechpool on a Tuesday.  Councillor Standing had put waste out and it had still not been picked up.  Clerk to contact Paul Quale again.
   
7. Cessation of Free Grass Cutting Service
   Councillors discussed ways of reducing the cost to this council.  Councillor Watkins suggested that part of the field at The Quest could possibly be used for allotments, which would reduce the amount of land needing to be cut.  Clerk to contact MCC to ask if this would be possible.
   
8. Overgrown Brambles under Benches
   The Strimmer had now been repaired, Clerk to inform the caretaker.
   
9. Village Christmas Trees
    The Clerk had received the temporary unmetered connection form from Western Power.  Councillor Evans was still trying to contact the approved contractors.  Money from the village entertainments budget would be used to buy the Christmas trees.  Councillor Watts would contact someone in Caldicot to find out if a contractor could be used to erect the trees and put the lights on.
   
10. Overgrown Trees Belonging to The Mill
    Councillor Watkins would contact Mr. Smith at the mill.
    
11. Obscured Signs in Leechpool
    The trees had been cut back.  No further comments.
    
12.  Additional Land Purchased by Barn Developer
    Clerk would contact Mr Grace again to inform him that the Community Council should have been consulted.  Councillors were afraid a precedent would be set if one adjoining landowner were to purchase part of Harold’s Park.
    
13. Planning Application for 40 Dwellings on Sudbrook Road
    Several residents from Wedgewood Drive attended the public part of the meeting to ask if there had been any progress.  They also wished to complain about the large mounds of earth that had been left after the removal of the slow worms.  The pavement had been left in an extremely muddy state.  Clerk to contact Barratts and Newport City Council to complain and remind them that planning permission had not been granted yet.  Mrs Powell stated that the owners of Dan-y-Coed have access into the field 2 or 3 times a year.  If that area is developed how would access be gained then.  It was thought that the permission would have been at the discretion of the landowner and was not something that could be guaranteed.  Mr Thomas said that the congestion problem outside the shop still continued.  Councillor Fox assured the residents that the Community Council is watching the development and would consult with public if they received any amended plans.
    
14. Development of Old Shipyard Land in Sudbrook
    The owners of the shipyard are thought to be looking to develop on the land.  It has been identified as housing (approximately 20 units) for some years.  When and if plans are submitted the public would have the opportunity to view them and voice their concerns.
    
15. Discuss Request for Financial Assistance from Recreation Hall
    Councillor Standing had inspected the budget that had been provided by the treasurer, although a business case or proper justification was requested.  When the lease was signed earlier this year, it was on the understanding that the committee would adhere to the terms of the lease.  This included providing copies of the minutes to the Community Council, as Custodian Trustees. No minutes had been received for several months.  After a debate Councillor Watts proposed £800 be paid this year.  This was seconded by Councillor Griffiths.  The amount was based on the accounts showing a surplus of £500 at the end of the financial year.  Clerk to request that, as the Council donates financially to the running of the hall, it should have a representative on the committee.  She would also advise that any future requests for donations would be dealt with when they were received and the amount would be discussed at that time.
    
16. Planning Application to Infill Railway Cutting on Black Rock Road
    Councillors viewed the plans and discussed the potential problems of 20 tonne lorries depositing the soil travelling through Leechpool and Black Rock Road.  The area by the cottages on Black Rock Road was particularly narrow with no off road parking for residents. It was known that many residents were opposed to this application and therefore should be given the opportunity to view the plans and voice their concerns.  Clerk to book the Church Hall for Wednesday 24th October at 6pm and to advertise this.  She would contact MCC Planning to request an extension on the consultation period.
     
17. Bonfire Event
    The event would be held on 3rd November at 6.30 pm at the Recreation Hall.  The Clerk informed members that she would like the donation to St. John’s Ambulance for attending the event, to be paid in cheque form, for clarity of accounting purposes.  It was proposed by Councillor Watkins and seconded by Councillor Griffiths that this amount be paid.
    
18. Motorhome Parked in Station Road
    The Clerk had asked PC Turner to inspect the vehicle to ensure no laws were being broken.  PC Turner was not in attendance.
    
19. Weeds in Orchard Gardens
     Clerk had reported to One Stop Shop.
    

1. REPORT FROM LOCAL POLICE REPRESENTATIVES
   
    No police representative was in attendance.
   
   
2. APPROVE PAYMENT OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO CHURCH HALL
   
   At the last meeting it had proposed by Councillor Watts and seconded by Councillor Nurcombe that an amount of £100 be donated.  
   
3. FUTURE OF SUDBROOK SCHOOL SITE
   
   Councillors would like to see the site used for a heritage museum and for community use.  Councillor Fox stated that this was unlikely as Asset Management would be looking to make best value of the site when it was no longer used as a school.
   
4. REMEMBRANCE SERVICE
   
   The service would be held on Sunday 11th November at 3pm.  The Clerk had ordered the wreaths. Councillor Griffiths arranged for a bugler.   The Chairman and County Councillor would read at the service and Councillor Richards would read the names.  It was decided to mention more recent conflicts such as the Falklands and Iraq and Afghanistan.
   
5. REPORTS FROM REPRESENTATIVES ON SCHOOL GOVERNING BODIES
   
   a)         Governing Body for Ysgol Y Ffin
               Councillor Nurcombe reported that it still had not been confirmed that the school        would be moving to the Sandy Lane site.  WAG were due to make the decision imminently. Councillor Nurcombe was re-elected at Vice Chair of the governors.  Mrs Ebo had a very good performance review.
   
   b)         Governing Body for ARW Primary School
               Councillor Standing reported that people had been elected onto committees.  208    children are on the role and children are having to be turned away as there are only 2 spaces left.  There is no likelihood of a demountable building being used as an extra      classroom
              
   
1. REPORT FROM REPRESENTATIVE ON OTHER COMMITTEES
    
               a)         Area Forum
                           No recent meeting.
   
               b)         Portskewett and Sudbrook Youth Club
                           Councillor Watts reported that the youth club is going well with 25 children (aged 9+)                         attending regularly.  An ice-skating trip had been arranged for half term.
   
               c)         New Play Area Committee
                           No recent meeting.
   
               d)         Magor Flood Group
                           No recent meeting had been held.  Councillor Fox reported that the Environment                               Agency will reinforce areas of the sea wall that may flood and manage other areas with                    drainage strategy etc.  900 properties in Caldicot could be affected, with 5,000 between                 this area and Newport.
   
               e)         Heritage Trail
                           The Severnside Heritage Trail wish to include the Portskewett and Sudbrook trails in                        the wider version.  No objections to this.  It was hoped that it would be extended as far                      as Mathern in the future.
   
   

11.       DISCUSSION WITH COUNTY COUNCILLOR

Councillor Watts asked if an amended plan had been submitted from Bellway Homes as the original planned walkway had been blocked up and the land sold back to the owner of the barn. No amended plans had been submitted. Clerk to check with Planning Dept.
The old dairy/granary had been sold to someone from Mathern.

Councillor Fox stated that he was disappointed that Councillor Watts had made a comment at last month’s meeting, which he had been unable to attend, regarding the planning application for number 1 Main Road, which could mislead members of the public.  As he was not at the meeting he was unable to defend himself.


            SUSPEND STANDING ORDERS

It was agreed to suspend Standing Orders for 15 minutes in order to complete the agenda.

12.       NEW CORRESPONDENCE

1. MCC Planning Committee Agenda.  Circulation
   
2. MCC  Severnside Area Committee.  Agenda and minutes.  Circulation.
   
3. SEWTA  This year’s business plan may be viewed at www.sewta.gov.uk.  Circulation
   
4. WAG  Fire and Rescue Authority.  Consultation on Performance Indicators.  Circulation.
   
5. Gwent Police  Opportunity to co-fund recruitment of PCSO’s in Monmouthshire.  Discussed.  No funding would be made.
   
6. Severnbridge Concern Group  Notes from Meeting Re Woodstock Waste. Circulation.
   
7. MCC  Emergency Contacts Directory.  The Clerk and Councillor Griffiths were current contacts and would remain so.  Clerk to inform MCC.
   

Planning Applications Received
01292  Change of Use from Storage (B8) to vehicle repairs with MOT Station.  3 Castle Way.  No objections.
01265  Replacement of existing conservatory.  8 Wedgwood Drive.  No objections.
01174  Extension to include kitchen and en-suite.  Aust Farm Black Rock Road.  No objections.
00226  Infill of Railway Cutting to form extension to garden.  Black Rock Cottage.  (See Matters Arising x)

Planning Applications Approved
None this month

Planning Applications Refused
None this month

13.                ANY OTHER BUSINESS

a) Councillor Standing reported that he had not seen the correspondence file last month and often did not circulate very quickly. The Chairman apologised as he had been moving and had kept the file for longer than he should have.

b) A 4x4 vehicle had been parking on the green area opposite the Portskewett Inn.  Clerk to write to Mr Phelps of The School House asking him to move the vehicle.

c)Councillor Griffiths asked if the dog fouling signs could be erected in Harold’s Park.  Councillor Parker would install them at his earliest convenience.

d) Councillor Watts stated that when the circulation file is late, Councillors may be missing opportunities to attend events that are detailed in the file.
 
e)Councillor Watkins reported that NY583 is not working. Clerk to report to One Stop Shop.

f)  Councillor Turner asked what was happening with Woodstock Waste.  Councillor Evans attended a meeting with neighbouring factories.  Notice had been served on Woodstock Waste to reduce the amount of waste.  He had appealed so can operate until 5th November.  WAG will inspect the site to see if there has been a significant reduction in the size of the pile.  It would be difficult to reduce it significantly in the time given, he is, however, making an effort to do this.

g)  Councillor Turner asked if the advertising signs at the turning to Leechpool had been removed following a request from any Councillor.  The Clerk and Councillor Parker informed him that the signs were probably illegal and may have been moved by the Highway Inspector.

h)  Councillor Turner reported that the young girl with learning difficulties who often wandered around Treetops was still doing so.  Councillors informed him that this would be a Police or Social Services matter and for Councillor Turner to contact them directly.
 

14.       FINANCE
 
 
The Clerk had received a Worksheet from the Caretaker, Mr Spooner for 4 weeks.  The hourly rate for minimum wage had been raised to £5.52 per hour from 1st October 2007.  Clerk had informed Mr Spooner of this and had adjusted his payments accordingly.

It was proposed by Councillor Evansand seconded by Councillor Standing that the above-mentioned payments as well as the following payments be authorised: 

           


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 November 2007 at 7 p.m. ARW School, Portskewett. The meeting was then declared closed at 10.00 pm.