Penygroes Community News

Please note:

The next Forum meeting will be at the Pavilion
Wednesday 2nd May 2007 at 7pm

Present


Apologies

Kevin Kelly, Alun Lewis, Lynette Reynolds

Minutes of last meeting

•    The statement about the Gardening Club creating an allotment on the Apostolic land was incorrect.
•    Minutes approved, proposed by Yvonne Kelly, seconded by John Davies.

Matters Arising From Minutes

•    Mark Waygood to speak to Alun lewis regarding the ‘Mothers & Toddlers’ group, as it is not believed that Alun has spoke to any group.
•    A volunteer for the Vice Secretary’s position was again requested but no offers were forthcoming.

Emlyn Update

•    Residents of Nos 42-62 & 84-100 received letter from Protex regarding a proposed rear access road to services these houses with the maintenance being the responsibility of those residents.
•    Mark Durdin has replied to the letter saying that he was interested in principle but wanted certain matters clarified and that there be a meeting with all the residents affected by this proposed plan because they have always enjoyed access to the rear of their properties.
•    Cllr. Siân Thomas had a two hour meeting with John Taylor who said that he owned the land behind these properties. He also tried to explain away some of the problems and that the drainage system was working properly.
•    A meeting is to be requested by the sub-committee to clarify this situation.
•    Gully clearing was in operation in Gors Ddu Road today all day.
•    The concrete works in Norton Road have had Dyno Rod checking their drainage, although they were not requested by the works.  No complaints have ever been made about the concrete works.
•    The environment Agency has been out inspecting the drains.
•    The highways dept have already been out to clear the drains.
•    There has been water ingress into No. 85, soaking the carpets.

Garden Club

•    Community Garden - hopefully, all details will be complete by the next meeting.

One Fund

•    The one fund changed as of 1st November.
•    Since October 2004 the ‘One Fund’ has supported over 260 projects with 3.1 million pounds.
•    The Penygroes Officer looks good and the application is ready to be signed and only 6 letters of support are needed.
•    Match funding must be 5% of the overall project value.
•    100% is available for the Community Garden project as it is under £5,000  – a signed application, annual accounts and proof of land ownership are all that is required.
•    Cllr. Siân Thomas informed the forum that Mr Sutton and his group (The Penygroes Youth & Community Group) have applied for a garden in the park in Penygroes and are being assisted by the parks department with this application.  
•    Application for the community garden must be submitted quickly as the two projects are very similar.
•    There are still questions regarding the official status of this group which does not appear to have a constitution.
•    We need a development (feasibility) study carried out to ascertain if there are areas in our village that can be developed because there are grants available.
•    We need to find pieces of land that are not suitable for building on that we can use for the benefit of local residents.
•    Perhaps we could extend part of the coastal cycle path which goes up to Cefneithin, continues into the Beacons and then North Wales.  Large grants are available for this.
•    We may be able to do this through Llandybie community council as they are interested in having this type of project for the whole community.
•    Cross Hands, Gorslas and Drefach have all had studies on how they can improve their parks.  Trimsaran are having a feasibility study carried out now.

Forthcoming Events

Pavilion Opening Day.

•   This has been postponed in view of the need for the youth to actually set up the club and have something to show on the open day. This will probably now be held early in the New Year.
•    A report was read out to the forum on the youth project facilities, compiled by the forum Secretary.  Essentially, the pavilion is still first and foremost, a changing facility despite all the money spent on its refurbishment.  It is believed that certain adjustments will be required before it can be used for the Youth and will probably be a short term project until larger facilities can be found or constructed in the future.  
•    A full copy of the report is available for viewing.  Its contents are the views of the Secretary and do not necessarily represent the views of any other person.
•    An invitation to view the pavilion was then given to any interested parties.
•    A local developer that Cllr. Thomas is in discussion with intends to provide premises to house a youth club as part of his plans for a housing development locally.
•    The pavilion at the bottom of the field which the players sometimes use is owned by the Cricket Club.
•    Equipment in the pavilion needs to be secure, and someone needs to be responsible for the cleaning as it isn’t the responsibility of the Youth project to clean up after the players.
•    A community development officer would have this as part of their responsibility.
•    Eleri Beckett carried out a great deal of work in getting Caerbryn Hall for the community.
•    The grant we received was on the understanding that the pavilion would be for the benefit and use of the whole community.  That is why the amount for renovation increased from over £8,000 to over £80,000.
•    Alana did discuss requirements Gerwyn Thomas (parks dept.) who was also talking to the Rugby Club.
•    We need to have a meeting between the Youth Project, Rugby Club, Gerwyn Thomas, The Forum and Siân Thomas.  Mark Waygood to arrange.

Boxing Day Walk

•    Starting at 2pm in the car park in Llyn Llech Owain.  Adults and Childrens walks plus a prize

Christmas Fayre

•     Friday 15th December.  Help would be appreciated for stalls etc.  It is a 6.30pm start and a small charge to enter.

Craft Fayre

•     Took place last week.  Over £200 raised

Games Afternoon

•      Planned for 2nd December 2pm-5pm
•      Need volunteers, Yvonne is happy to help train people.  Volunteers will need to man the games table for the duration.
•      Some games from Menter would be helpful.

Volunteers

•    Volunteers are needed if we are going to hold a large local festival.   An event of this size will require more than just a few helpers and if volunteers are not forthcoming then it will not be possible to host such an event.

A.O.B.

•    Apostolic Church Update – They have not spoken to other local developers which could benefit them.
•    They have re-submitted their planning application which has now been approved.  The ownership of the site is in dispute as the Apostolic Church say they are in possession of the deeds.
•    The park was given to the council by the Welfare Hall Trustees to maintain for the benefit of the people of Penygroes.
•    The Assets department are duty bound to contact the people of the village if the legal department agree it is ok to sell the land.
•    It may be necessary to arrange local meetings if it goes this route and the Forum will need to be actively involved.
•    There is 999 year lease which stipulates the land is only to be used for recreational purposes.   The legal department are studying the lease at the moment.
•    There were 26 houses consulted initially to this development with 15 objections and only 5 objections the second time.  Although it appears not everyone received the letter on the second occasion.
•    The planning officer is a Deacon of the Apostolic Church although he handed the application over to his colleague.
•    The planning department are not taking the first letters from concerned residents into account but are allowing initial reports from council officers to be considered.
•    Highways are happy to run a road adjacent to the park and there is reasonable safety there although it is only there duty to maintain the flow of traffic.
•    Consultation period is 2 weeks but this could take place over the Christmas period (possibly from 11th December).
•    There are plans for 680 homes in Penygroes but the facilities are not being put in place.  Promises from developers are not written in stone.  All local schools etc. are currently at full capacity.
•    The Guardian and the Journal should be publishing stories this week.
•    As soon as we know what is happening then a leaflet drop will be arranged for the village.  Contact Paddy French (who is researching the planning department of Carmarthenshire County Council) and the Executive members of the council at the same time.
•    All objections to the development should be available on the council website.  Siân has access to information and will provide if required.
•    Dog Fouling – Penygroes Rugby Club recently had to abandon a game because of dig fouling on the pitch.
•    They have requested signs which are being delivered and will let the forum know when he has them.
•    Complaints have been sent in, one from the square and two from the Rugby pitch.  The council have said they have cleaned the area, can we have confirmation of this.
•    The council do not provide bins for dog waste because they doe not have the facilities to dispose of it.
•    There may be a scheme for local communities to apply for a grant to police their own area and fine anyone they catch whose dog is fouling the area.

Meeting Closed

Date of next meeting;  7pm 12th December 2006 at Calfaria Chapel

Present

Apologies

Llinos Hindley, Mark Durdin


Minutes of last meeting

•    Correction to last month’s minutes – Councillor Sian Thomas was not billed for the Christmas Tree etc. outside the library only sent a query regarding the matter.
•    A Letter from The Penygroes Children & Youth Community Group was read to all.
•    Comments were raised after letter was read.  

1.    Does this group have a constitution; it will be difficult getting funding, grants and public money without it?  
2.    Many local parents do not seem to have heard of them.  
3.    They haven’t contacted Menter Cwm Gwendraeth (MCG)
4.    They must have an AGM open to the public.
5.    As far as the pavilion is concerned, they haven’t been part of the process from the start.
6.    This group have been invited to join in with local events and attend meetings, but have so far refused to attend.
7.    Mr Sutton is trying to arrange events at the same time as the forum.
8.    We have thanked the group for the Christmas Tree.

Pavillion Update

•    Only the changing rooms have been completed to date.
•    Councillor Sian Thomas read a letter from Mark James (CCC) regarding the upgrade to the park.  
•    The Rugby club are claiming ownership of the Pavilion although it should be for community use. Although the above letter refuted this.
•    Suggest that it used as often as possible for sports activities when it is completed.
•    The Head of Parks has confirmed that the pavilion is a public building, but must be booked.
•    Lights are planned so the multi-ball park can be used at night.
•    Funding is required for skateboard facilities, so that children have a place where they can play and be safe.  For summer play schemes, the park is ideal.
•    There are 40 youngsters who attend Sunday school.  It’s important to work with the children, but parents must take some responsibility (for their behaviour) and interest in what they are doing.  We must work together on this.
•    We need to call a meeting regarding this and the Memorial hall is free till 7pm every night.  Meeting to be arranged by the Youth Officers of MCG.
•    Is the work being done with the youngsters as they need to feel a part and have a sense of ownership?
•    Rubbish has been dumped on some wasteland between the pavilion and the Apostolic Temple.
•    There is the opportunity for us to something relevant that will benefit everyone.  The Forum will pay for CRB checks as has been mentioned in previous minutes.  Other meetings need to be arranged to work out what equipment needs to be bought and to look into what funds are available.
•    Can the Youth Officers of MCG get in touch with PC Higgins at Cross Hands and let the Chair know when they would require the hall and they can run the meeting with the support of the Forum.

Games Night

•    Choice of dates, need to speak to Rhys Jones to confirm.
•    No date yet – liaise with Alun beginning of May (7-11)
•    Very good night last time, bowls for the youngsters and paint ball at the back.
•    Old mixing with the young needs to be encouraged.

Emlyn and Apostolic Church brief update

Roger Evans was invited along to speak about what was happening at the Emlyn site

•    John Davies gave a brief update from the sub committee meeting.
•    Phil Owen contacted the Environmental Agency and CCC to check if the site was clear, both bodies are happy that it is.
•    All the waste has been removed and taken to a landfill site.
•    Earth moving equipment will be landscaping last week in May.
•    Excess water will be collected in holding tanks and drained off into a new pipe, which will take 10-12 weeks to complete.
•    Gorsddu Road – test grouting.
•    Scrap metal at the top of Norton Road still hasn’t been removed yet, Roger Evans assured the forum that this would be addressed.
•    Complaints about a howling dog and spoil dumped behind John Davies house.
•    Lorries and heavy equipment parked in Rugby club/Memorial hall car park may damage the tarmac surface which isn’t constructed to take this type of wear.  Also excess mud is being left and washed up in the road.
•    Road to be replaced in time.
•    Western Mail featured details of the re-structure of the companies.
•    Eastern Management -> John Taylor <- Protex
•    £8.5 Million lent for infrastructure only.
•    A Sports facility on the site has been proposed.
•    Could MCG talk to John Taylor or Roger Rees about grants for match funding.

Apostolic Church

•    Public consultation in May – decision will be with lawyers.
•    Need as many people as possible to attend the meeting in Llandeilo.  If they win it could mean any developer could build anywhere.

Community Development Worker

•    A full time development worker based in Penygroes is hoped to be appointed for one year to try and source funds and grants for local issues.  We currently have a 20% shortfall for this project but hope to be able to raise the funds.
•    It is proposed that the computer room at the Memorial Hall can be used as an office.
•    We need someone else to carry out this important work as we are all busy working and have other committee obligations.  The person appointed would have specific experience in sourcing grants etc.
•    This person would work with all the local groups with the sole intention of obtaining any money that’s available from the community council.


Gardening Club

•    1st meeting to be held immediately after this meeting has ended.

The Easter Walk

Marie Hughes-Jones read information supplied by Mark Durdin as he could not attend.
•    Volunteer Walk Leader courses are being arranged and funded by the council.
•    Insurance will be provided if the VWL organises a walk that the council are aware of.
•    Marie-Ann is looking for weekly short duration walks (c. 30mins) for people who have health issues or are recovering from illness etc.  She is also trying to get rights of way information so that local routes can be developed.
•    Guided walks around Llyn Llech Owain every Wednesday will commence at Easter.  Details to follow.  Marie-Ann wants to know what we are looking for e.g. weekly local walks, monthly walks, walks further from home etc.
•    Mark to arrange something for Easter and put it in the newsletter.
•    Dai Thomas will have a certificate for walking, wait till next meeting.

Fund-raising Events

•    Work on the Village Of The Year award.  We need someone to work on this.
•    Information on Penygroes and what’s going on there is required, events, groups etc. Villages are judged on this.
•    £3,500 has been raised for the Eisteddford already, Llandybie has raised just over £1,000.  Lots of projects, Forum part of process to raise £6,000 but not lose all of it.
•    Adventure Flower show.
•    Committee meet in the Farmers Arms – Support from the forum.

A.O.B.

1/ Volunteer of the Year award
•    Need proposals by 25th May for week 1st – 7th June.
•    This is an opportunity to thank someone for work they have done in the community, schools, chapels etc.
•    Elected and/or paid officials i.e. councillors or committee members cannot be proposed.
•    Information needs to go to every house, ballot boxes placed in the Post Office/Surgery and Club.
•    If voting isn’t effective then a panel can choose.  Nomination either one per person or one per house (to be decided) and only local population eligible.
•    Perhaps Protex could contribute either a plaque or plate.

2/ Newsletter

•    Editorial team to speak to local businesses to help fund for the long term.

3/ Courses

•    MCG are arranging courses, 2 sessions each. The first is chairing a committee for prospective Chairman training.  
•    Courses for committee secretaries, minute writing etc.

4/ Dog Fouling

•    People are walking their dogs and letting them foul on the soccer fields.

5/ Bus Shelter in Caerbryn

•    An extra bus shelter has been requested in Caebryn towards Penygroes (only one going to Llandybie).
•    Current funds used up, new financial year coming.  Alun to confirm.

6/ Insurance

•    3rd party liability Insurance – Huw to look into further.

Meeting Closed

Next Meeting 11th April 2006 in Penygroes