COMMUNITY COUNCIL MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE COUNCIL HELD AT: TYDU COMMUNITY HALL, WELFARE GROUNDS, ROGERSTONE, NEWPORT, ON WEDNESDAY THE 1ST JUNE 2011

Members present:- Chairperson: Councillor H. Beavis Councillors: W. Palmer, A. Wate, Mrs V. Dudley, Mrs A. Bailey, Mrs P. Ambrose, A. Mazey, D. Hall, A. Cooksey, M. Harnden, E. Mok.

Apologies for absence were received from:- Councillors: L. Hart, S. Jones, Mrs A. Gunn, Mrs Toleman.

It was agreed to take item 7.2 (Bethesda Field/Community Investment) and then item 7.1 (Police Matters) prior to other agenda items.

7.2 Bethesda Field/Community Investment

The Clerk informed members that the meeting with representatives of the ‘Save Bethesda Field Committee’ was held on the 23rd of May 2011. As agreed at the last meeting the Council was represented by the Chairman, Councillor H. Beavis, Councillor A. Cooksey, and the Clerk, Colin Atyeo; unfortunately Councillor Harnden was unable to attend. Minutes were taken at the meeting and the first draft has been forwarded to the ‘Save Bethesda Field Committee’, for approval and if necessary, amendment; when the minutes are finalised a copy will be circulated to all Councillors.

The Chairman, Councillor H. Beavis informed members that the meeting went very well and a very informative question and answer session was had between the two parties, adding that the Clerk presented the issues at the meeting in a very structured way.

The Clerk read out the inaccuracies that are on the petition website and also on literature being circulated by the Committee (from the draft minutes). In advance of the finalised minutes being circulated, the Clerk outlined the general tenor of the meeting, viz:-

♦ The Committee agreed to amend some of the inaccuracies as discussed earlier, asking for time to amend the website as the person who set this up is no longer involved in the campaign. ♦ The Clerk agreed to forward the finalised Community Investment Report to the Committee, which has since been done and council members were also provided with a copy for perusal. ♦ The Clerk agreed to establish the traffic survey weather conditions, as the Committee were of the opinion that it was snowing when the survey was conducted. ♦ The Committee agreed to provide the names of the Councillors who reportedly spoke about accounts deficit and who was party to this conversation. ♦ One of the questions asked by the Committee was, ‘are the Council legally committed at this stage, i.e. could the Community Council back out of the arrangement without incurring costs’, and the Clerk advised that, terms have been agreed, and the partner is funding all expenses up to the planning stage at no risk to the Council, and if the Council were to withdraw at this stage a claim for loss and expense would of course be a possibility, subject to a legal view. The agreement is subject to a planning consent being

1 achieved and should the Council withdraw prior to this, then there may be a reasonable claim for loss expenses. ♦ The Committee asked if the Council would be minded to withdraw from the sale of the field and the Clerk had advised that the planning application will be submitted imminently, however any subsequent sale is still a little way off. ♦ The Committee requested that the Community Council be made aware of the strong feeling against the sale of the field and of the resident’s support of over 1000 signatures so far. ♦ The Committee asked if a pre-planning public meeting to be chaired by , could take place?

Members discussed the following matters at length, viz:-

♦ The careful and long consideration given to the sale of the field, for the benefit of the wider community. ♦ The possible effect of the development to residents of Bethesda Close, Bethesda Place and the wider community. ♦ The inaccurate information contained not only on the online petition but also on the door to door petition, which people may have signed without the correct information. ♦ The Council’s previous vote for the submission of plans, whether unanimous or by a majority. ♦ A public meeting to be held for the views of the Save Bethesda Field Committee, adjacent residents and the wider community. ♦ Newport City Council taking an independent view on the proposal. ♦ Newport City Council’s current land management, in particular, Capital Receipts. ♦ Possible external influences.

The Chairman advised that the planning application information has now been received for the Council to view and decide whether to approve prior to submission to Newport City Council, Planning Committee.

Following a majority vote it was agreed to submit the application. (Councillors Mrs A. Bailey & Mrs V. Dudley abstained).

Following further discussion it was agreed that the Clerk approach Newport City Council to ascertain if they would host a public meeting. (Councillor Mrs V. Dudley abstained).

7.1 Police Matters

Members were pleased to welcome Chris Evans, the Community Support Officer for the area of and . The Officer provided members with an up to date report on police matters in the area as detailed on Appendix 1.

Members also discussed:-

♦ A recent burglary at High Cross Lane, whereby the victim has been hospitalised. PCSO Evans advised that this has not yet been brought to his attention, the matter is probably still with the C.I.D. ♦ Drugs and alcohol issues with youths in Rogerstone. ♦ Drug problems in the locality. ♦ Councillor A. Cooksey thanked PCSO Evans for his comprehensive report. At a previous meeting Councillor Cooksey asked if the police in Rogerstone support new initiatives and new funding opportunities that enable young people to engage in activities, which aid the police in keeping young children off the street, and PCSO had agreed that they would. 2 Councillor Cooksey reiterated these comments adding that it would be of benefit for a partnership between the police and youth services . The Officer confirmed that he had passed on the Council’s comments to P.C. Lanfear and he will get back to the Council as soon as possible. Councillor Cooksey thanked the Officer for his help.

The Chairman thanked PCSO Evans for attending.

1. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

There were no declarations of interest at this point in the meeting.

2. MINUTES

The following minutes were approved and signed by the Chairman: -

Annual General Meeting 4th May 2011

3. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES

Councillor A. Mazey declared an interest in the next item.

3.1 Fugitives Club

The Clerk advised members that the Lease (as discussed at the last meeting), has now been finalised and a copy received for file, was circulated for members information.

3.2 Rogerstone & Bassaleg Burial Board

At the last meeting the Chairman, Councillor H. Beavis agreed to contact the Clerk, Pam Thomas, with a view to arranging a presentation to Rogerstone and Graig Community Council’s on the issues facing the Burial Board and a strategy to deal with them. The Chairman confirmed that he had spoken with Mrs Thomas and asked her to contact the Clerk. The Clerk advised that he has not been contacted, therefore, following lengthy debate, it was agreed that the Council’s representatives on the Burial Board, discuss the matter with some urgency at the next Burial Board meeting which is on the 27th of June 2011.

3.3 Works Garage

The Clerk confirmed that the doors for Tydu House and garage have now been fitted.

3.4 Miniature Golf Course

Members inspected the miniature golf course prior to the meeting, and following discussion it was agreed to:-

♦ Keep the course open for this season (weather permitting as usual). ♦ Permit the Head Groundsman to tidy the area up generally and carry out some coppicing of the tree limbs, which are affecting the area; members agreed that felling healthy trees

3 was not an option. The Chairman offered to liaise with the Head Groundsman on the incremental improvements. ♦ The upgrading and improving of the facility be added to the community project list.

3.5 Accounts 2010/2011

The Clerk advised that the accounts are currently being prepared by Suzanne Evans, of Nathan Evans Limited, and it will be necessary to have a short meeting towards the end of July 2011.

3.6 Incinerator ‘No’ Campaign

The Chairman, Councillor H. Beavis, advised members that he had attended a meeting at Newport City Council, hosted by Councillor Kellaway, regarding the plans for an incinerator to be erected at Village, Newport, and outlined the proposals. The Chairman urged members to visit the following web site for further information and for details on how and where to make comments. www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/waste/128186.aspx

3.7 Liaison Meeting – Newport City Council

The Clerk advised members that the resident who queried attendance at the last Liaison Committee meeting, discussed at the last meeting, has been informed that Council’s representatives were not able to attend the meeting, but previous representations have been made over the level of concurrent precept. If the resident checks on past attendance, it is clear that Rogerstone Community Council are usually represented where appropriate and written comments are also submitted where deemed necessary.

3.8 Queen Elizabeth II Fields Challenge

Members were advised that a press release has been issued and a notice put on the website, informing members of the public that Rogerstone Community Council has resolved to participate in the QUEEN ELIZABETH II FIELDS CHALLENGE and register the Welfare Grounds, High Cross Open Space, and Mount Pleasant Open Space, in the scheme. This will reiterate and reinforce the Council's commitment to protect and enhance its areas of Public Open Space. The Council already has covenants in place to protect these valuable community assets; however registration should help raise awareness of the importance of such facilities for both physical activity and relaxation. An email has been received from a resident requesting that Bethesda Field be included in the scheme, and it was agreed that he/she be directed to the Queen Elizabeth II Field Challenge website, where he/she will see that the field does not fit the criteria.

3.9 R.A.F.C. Presentation Night

The Clerk informed members that tickets are not required for the above event discussed at the last meeting; members attending should notify the person on the door that they are Community Councillors and they will be admitted.

4. CORRESPONDENCE

4.1 The following routine correspondence was made available to members:-

Newport City Council: Summons & Agenda for the Annual Meeting & Making Ceremony of Newport City Council, 24th May 2011. 4 Gwent Association of Local Councils: Newport Community Directory 2011/2012 – Revised Edition Annual Volunteer Awards 2011/2012

Aneurin Bevan Community Health Council: Agenda for a meeting 12th May 2011, minutes of meeting 17th February 2011

The following correspondence was received and dealt with accordingly:-

4.2 The next Liaison Committee meeting at Newport City Council is on the 23rd of June 2001 at 6pm, at the Civic Centre; agenda items should be notified by the 7th of June 2011. Members briefly discussed the precept, and it was agreed that Councillors attending should make representations on behalf of the Community Council as previously agreed. Rogerstone Community Council manages land and employs staff, therefore receives a larger precept that the smaller Community Councils.

5. ACCOUNTS

COUNTRYWIDE Roundup Pro Bioactive £ 69.60 Jonhsons pitch £ 139.20

DEAL Service Ransomes £1780.20

HUGHES FORREST Boots £ 16.04

SOLUTION CLEANING SERVICES Providing a cleaning service including all materials 2 hours, five days per week. £ 398.88 Service period: 01/05/11 – 31/05/11 (less 1 day)

BERNARDS Lawn Flite long reach hedge trimmer £ 516.79 Belt £ 33.97 Service Ransome mower £ 82.20

CRAIG ANDREWS CARPENTRY Replacement internal doors (3) & fire door £ 503.00

MAINDEE TREE & GARDEN SERVICES Remove 3 dead top sections from trees at Cefn Road Wood/Allotments £ 650.00

B&Q Compost, sundries £ 77.72

BT Quarterly invoice Tydu Hall & Grounds £ 89.72

5 TIM O’BRIEN Supply and fit new heating and hot water cylinder as per quote (£12559.00) £15152.40 Extra to cut in 2 non return valves for showers (£68.00) Clean out spray on heater and seal; sink top £ 45.60

VIKING DIRECT Stationary items – pads, envelopes, pens, files, tape, scissors etc. £ 170.63

£19725.95

Replacement cheque issued to AON (approved last month) and an additional premium £168.10 after updating the asset register.

6. PLANNING

The following comment was submitted to Newport City Council Development Control during the interim period:

11/0418 5 Pontymason Court, Rogerstone, Newport Erection of two storey rear extension Please ensure neighbours are consulted

The following plans were considered:

11/0486 186 Bassaleg Road, Newport Existing plans are required before comment can be made. Only the proposed floor plan and elevations were received.

11/0488 4 Lily Way, Rogerstone Erection of a conservatory Please ensure neighbours are consulted.

11/0437 14 Ruskin Avenue, Rogerstone Demolition of garage & conservatory, erection single storey rear extension, and two storey extension to the side. Please ensure neighbours are consulted

11/0454 44 Laburnum Close, Rogerstone Construction of 2 storey side extension (resubmission) Please ensure neighbours are consulted

11/0420 14 Tulip Walk, Rogerstone Garage conversion Please ensure neighbours are consulted and that there is sufficient off road parking.

11/00378 25 Cwm Lane, Rogerstone Demolition of garage and rebuild to rear of the garden. Part demolition of existing rear extension and erection of new single storey extension to side & rear. Please ensure neighbours are consulted

6 7. THE FOLLOWING MATTERS WERE CONSIDERED:

7.1 Police Matters

Dealt with earlier in the meeting.

7.2 Bethesda Field/Community Investment

Dealt with earlier in the meeting

8. MATTERS CONSIDERED URGENT

Council Surgery – 3rd August 2011, 6pm.

The following members will attend the Council Surgery – The Chairman Councillor Beavis, Councillor Mrs Bailey and Councillor Mrs Dudley.

Rogerstone History Society

Councillor Mrs A. Bailey informed members that she and other members had attended the presentation held by the Rogerstone History Society held at Tydu Community Hall recently, and that it was a most informative and enjoyable event. At the presentation, Derek Picken announced his thanks on behalf of the Society for the Council’s generous donation which was used to purchase projection equipment that was used on the night.

Bethesda Field Meeting

Councillor M. Harnden apologised for not attending the above meeting on the 23rd of May 2011, due to unforeseen circumstances.

9. DATE OF NEXT MEETING

The meeting of Council will be:

6th July 2011 (Clerk on annual leave)

A further meeting (as discussed) will be arranged towards the end of July 2011.

Council Surgery at 6pm on the 3rd August 2011.

7