Penygroes Ward Forum Minutes 6th June 2007 

Present
List on file

Apologies
Yvonne Kelly, Llinos Hindley

Minutes of last meeting
Proposed as correct by Vicky Thomas, Seconded by Mair Griffiths

Matters Arising

•    ‘Clean up week’ starts 9th July.  Organisation forms are available from Menter Cwm Gwendraeth.  We will need to inform the press.  Teen challenge may be involved.
•    How many people have used the new community web site?  It would be a good idea to try using the English site first.  The Welsh version is to be started shortly but will need help with translation.  Huw may be able to help but it will probably require more than one person to assist.  We will need a moderator for the Welsh site, would Siân Thomas be happy to do this?
•    Games Evening - Very successful as usual with many people playing Tippet and Jenga.  All the games were occupied throughout the evening.  The climbing wall was as popular as ever.  The next will hopefully be in September.
•    The Gardening Club trip to Malvern – A very enjoyable day and pleasant lunch.  Twelve people went on the day trip.
•    Phil Owen is now able to drive the community bus.

Community Garden

•    There is still some ground work to be completed before the garden can actually be planted but should be completed within the next couple of weeks.
•    This Friday the plants people are inspecting the site.  A press announcement will be given.  The majority of the work should be complete before the Flower Show with a possible grand opening on the Flower Show day itself.
•    The Forum needs to safeguard against the Community Garden being moved as part of access to the Protex site because the European grant would need to be repaid.
•    If any plans are forthcoming there is an eight week time limit between the plans being submitted and any decision being made to allow for a public consultation.
•    The planning department would need to be mad aware that there are conditions on the garden.
•    If new plans are available, they can be left with the Community Development Officer for villagers to view.
•    For the time being we must continue with our plans until or if other development plans are put in place.
•    Mark James has agreed we should continue as there is a 15 year covenant in place.

Community Development Officer Report

•    Phil Owen read a report on his activities and successes so far.  This was an in-depth report which is available for public viewing (contact Phil at the memorial hall) or on the community web site.
•    Police Surgery – the next is available at the memorial hall on Wednesday 27th June between 5 and 6pm.  Unfortunately no-one attended the last meeting but this may have been down to communication.  However, if no-one turns up at the meetings it may be viewed that we do not have any problems and future surgeries will not be necessary.
•    One problem that will need to be brought to their attention is the number of ‘boy racers’ speeding down Waterloo Road late at night.  Although registration details etc. need to be gathered, this problem is sporadic and often over before there is an opportunity to gather the information.
•    Perhaps it would be a good idea to invite the police to the Forum?
•    Developing Walks – This is an area where Llandybie Community Council and the Parish Council may be able to help.

Visit to Llandysul

•    This proved to be an interesting and informative visit to a village with a smaller population than Penygroes but one that was utilising its assets more effectively owing to a number of shops that are gradually being lost to larger shopping areas. 
•    There is a larger Youth Club and Community Centre with a purpose built computer room for internet access and training.
•    The village benefits from being situated on a river which it makes use of where possible.  Llandysul residents have formed committees for Tourism, Environment etc. and used local people who are interested in those particular issues to run them.

Land on Caerbryn Road

•    The Community Development Officer is trying to develop a woodland walk along Caerbryn Road where there is plenty of wildlife. 
•    A number of organisations have been approached.  Welsh Water is happy with the proposed plans.  The local landowner is also prepared to make land available for the next 15 years for a ‘peppercorn’ rent although safety around the lake is an issue which will need to be addressed.
•    There is more information in the CDO’s report.

A.O.B.
•    The application for 31 houses in Caerbryn Road was refused as it was considered too many.  A revised application for 24 houses was also turned down.  Siân has had residents contact her regarding the issue of losing valuable trees; there are also major sewerage problems in Caerbryn Road.  The problem is compounded by the fact that there are already people working on the site although no plans have been agreed.
•    A sign has been requested to indicate the name of the flats opposite the memorial hall of as residents of the flats are having problems getting their post when a relief postman is covering the area.
•    The next meeting of Gwendraeth Community Network is on Thursday 21st June 2007 at 7pm – Five Roads Community Hall.
•    Can Siân check on the facilities available for recycling plastic?
•    Strawberry Tea event Saturday 14th July at the memorial hall.
•    Flower Show on Saturday 21st July at the RFC
•    Next Gardening Club Meeting Tuesday 19th June.

Meeting Closed

Next Forum Meeting Wednesday 4th July - 7pm at the Pavilion