Minutes of the Rural Development Local Action Group (LAG) Meeting 10:00 a.m. Thursday 11th of October, 2018 Glasdir, , LL26 0DF Members Cllr. Goronwy Edwards (GE) - Conwy County Borough Council (CCBC) - Chairperson Public Present Rob Dix (RD) – CCBC Public Berwyn Evans (BE) - Heritage and Cultural Private Eleri Evans (EE) – Young Farmers Club (YFC) Private Bronwen Griffith (BG) – Rural Families First (RFF) Private Marianne Jackson (MJ) -CCBC Public Bryn Jones (BJ) - Environment Private Wendy Jones (WJ) – CVSC Private Nigel Morgan (NM) - Department of Work and Pensions Public Keith O’Brien (KO’B) - National Park Authority (SNPA) Public Alun Price (AP) – Natural Resources Public Gareth Roberts (GR) – Business Private Iwan Williams (IW) – Heritage and Cultural Private

Apologies Rhianwen Edwards (RE) - Grŵp Llandrillo Menai Group (GLLM) Public Cllr Louise Emery (LE) - CCBC Public Arfon Hughes (AH) - Rural Housing Enabler – Grŵp Cynefin Private Gethin Owen (GO) – Agricultural Private Iestyn Pritchard (IP) - National Farmers Union (NFU) Private Rhys Thomas (RT) - National Trust (NT) Public Ffuon Williams (FW) – Community and Voluntary Private

Absent Dafydd P Jones (DJ) – Farmer Union for Wales (FUW) Private Geraint Jones (GJ) – Environment Private Paul Williams (PW) – Business – Agricultural Private

Support Elen Haf Edwards (EHE) – Administrative Body Officers O Rhys Evans (ORE) – Administrative Body Laura Fisher (LF) – Administrative Body Ela Fôn Williams (EFW) – Administrative Body Meira Woosnam (MW) – Administrative Body Tom Jones (TJ) – Administrative Body

Translator Dwysan Williams – Cyfieithu Cymunedol - Menter Iaith Conwy

7 Private representatives 6 Public representatives 1 Welcome and Apologies Action GE welcomed all members to the meeting, all apologies were noted. For

GE informed members that KH had resigned from the LAG as she relocates to her new home in York, leaving a vacant seat representing the business sector. GE wished to thank KH for her dedication to the work of the LAG and the Conwy Rural Partnership (as was previously). Her input and opinions on a wide range of topics and discussions were greatly appreciated along with her and enthusiasm to see projects realised and taking effect in rural Conwy.

EHE asked members to put forward a name of an individual they think would best represent the business sector on the LAG.

Action: LAG members to put forward name(s) of individuals to represent the LAG business sector. members

LAG Meeting 11-10-2018 1

2 Declaration of connection or personal interest by members or officers regarding Action any business item or programme. For GE declared an interest in item 6.2 Eisteddfod – Agri Scope Group (paper H1 & H2). All necessary paperwork completed. 3 Minutes of the last meeting and matters arising Minutes of 05/07/18 meeting were accepted as a correct account.

Minutes proposed by KOB – all in agreement.

Actions Section 4 (page 3) Remove the “Total Spent” figure from the finance paper. Total spent removed from paper.

Section 4 (page 3) Officers to think of ideas in which to use the Moel Maelogan money and bring ideas to the LAG in the next meeting. Item to be discussed during the meeting.

Section 5.2 (page 4) Mobile Recycling - Approve project with the condition they look into the issue of classification of commercial vehicles and need for permits etc. The first mobile recycling day was successfully held in Cerrigydrudion last week. They’re not currently running at full capacity – letters have been sent out to all residents in rural Conwy.

Section 5.3 (page 4) Refuse the project until further clarification is sort. Applicants MUST provide cash match for the project. Three years is a long time to trial the project, suggest running the project over a year and see if there is a need. Applicant informed of project refusal.

Section 5.4 - (page 5) Move forward with some of the actions. Create a network for the Clerks. Make this matter an item at the next Area Forum. Item to be discussed during the meeting.

Section 5.6 (page 6) Feasibility – Pont y Pair - Suggest to the applicant that they look specifically at the feasibility of having a footbridge and therefore have a more detailed study together with costs for this option. If this is not the route they wish to take forward, they also offered that the applicant re-submit their application for more financial assistance. Applicant informed of LAG’s discussion.

Section 5.8 (page 9) Coding Club - Officer to seek further information and costings. LAG to approve over email. Item to be discussed during the meeting.

Section 8.1 (page 12) SMS - LAG happy to be part of the project. EHE to take project concept and costings to CCBC Strategic Leadership Team. Application has been submitted to Welsh Government. 4 Finances EHE referred members to paper B which showed a breakdown of the budget, committed spend to date and forecasted spend to the end of the programme.

TJ noted that he had amended the paper and removed the column which stated “Total

Spend” as requested by KH in the last meeting.

4.1 LEADER budget update EHE informed members that Welsh Government (WG) had asked if the LAG wanted to extend its contract until 2023 – Yes, but there needs to be money to run projects and not just pay wages. WG were currently looking to see if this could be done. EHE will inform members once a decision is made.

LAG Meeting 11-10-2018 2

4.2 Moel Maelogan Funding – Trustees Action EHE reminded members that there was £85,000 of “clean money” (no state aid) Moel For Maelogan funding sat in a Trust that was available as match funding or project money.

EHE explained that there are currently three trustees of the funding – GE chair of the LAG, PW and KH.

Due to KH resigning from the LAG, there was now a need to elect a new trustee. EHE explained that the new trustee would need to be an independent member from the private sector as members from public bodies usually aren’t allowed to be Trustees (this is the organisations stipulation and not the Trust). Anyone wishing to be a trustee should speak to EHE. Action – Anyone wishing to be a trustee of the Moel Maelogan funding should LAG contact EHE. members 5 Update from Community, Culture and Heritage Officer

Theme 1 – Adding value to local identity to Natural and Cultural 5.1 A Trilingual Culture Centre for Conwy County EFW referred members to paper C1 – The Conwy Culture Centre is a co-location project to establish a cultural hub and destination for the county that will be housed in a fit-for-purpose new-build, adjacent to Conwy World Heritage site.

The project is committed to creating a facility that offers as equal as possible access to the historic interpretation in the building including audiences who are deaf, blind, deafblind, experiencing a range of sensory loss, living with Dementia, or who have additional learning and support needs. They will pioneer a simple and low cost way of making all heritage interpretation at the centre equally accessible using digital technology through Welsh, English, BSL, easy-read and subtitles.

EFW explained that they have received quotes for everything, and they would be using a local company to work in partnership with. Their quote has come in much lower - there is justification there.

Match funding will come from “Project Match Funding Conwy”, which will go to Cabinet for final approval in November.

BJ questioned if it was a possibility to put the QR codes in other rural villages. RD noted in section 17 the QR codes will be shared all over the county in more than 400 areas, idea of the project to do this.

Recommendation: Approve (once conformation of match funding and been received). Action: Inform applicant of project approval (once conformation of match funding EFW has been received) and speak to HB to see if the QR’s are mapped.

General Update 5.2 POGIM EFW gave a brief background into the project which hoped to validate how amazing, relevant and culturally rich rural Conwy is by working with young volunteers to make videos promoting Conwy using the hashtag #LiveConwy. There are 22 videos in totally available on YouTube.

EFW explained that the project is now coming to an end and anyone wanting to use the videos are welcome to download them.

Project Management Comity (PMC) EFW explained that 15 members of the PMC visited Gwrych Castle last month to see how the gardens had been developed and how the LEADER funding had been spent. LAG Meeting 11-10-2018 3

The team received fantastic feedback from the members who visited. Action For Theme 3 – Exploring New Ways of Providing Non-Statutory Local Services 5.3 Dog Park – Project Idea EFW referred members to paper D and informed members this was not an application – it was a discussion paper.

The idea of this project is to develop and install Community Dog Parks in rural wards where incidents of dog fouling, anti-social dog behaviour and animal attacks are high. Such parks are areas of designated land that are set aside for dog owners to legally exercise, play and socialise with their dogs off the lead in a secure environment and have amenities and signage that make it clear dogs are permitted.

BG questioned if there is appetite from the communities for this and questioned the effectiveness of them? EFW informed members that the group had not yet done a consultation, it is just an idea. If successful the group will run a full consultation with the community etc.

EFW questioned if the LAG wanted to carry on with the application. GE suggested looking at other examples of where this works and how it could work.

Recommendation: LAG happy to move forward with the idea. Action: Inform applicant of project idea approval. EFW

5.4 Pre School support Scheme – Project Idea EFW informed members that they had been approached by a Pre-School Support Scheme Charity for funding to pay wage of an individual support worker who would work at pre-schools with children that have additional needs. Following discussions with the charity, it appears there is enough support for schools down the coast, but the rural schools are lacking the support.

BG noted that the applicants needed to be aware not to duplicate what was already being done and also take into consideration double funding.

WJ added that there is a huge lack of support before children receive. WJ added she was fully supportive of the idea.

MJ questioned if there is anyone within the council already doing does this work. EFW noted that they are currently in discussions with Conwy who are supportive of the project as they don’t offer the service themselves.

Recommendation: LAG happy to move forward with project idea. Action: EFW to arrange a meeting with the applicants and invite BG to discuss EFW project in full.

5.5 Community Council Clerks EFW referred members to paper E and briefly discussed the paper and noted that the full report had been submitted to the council and most items had since been resolved.

MJ added that since the meeting, they were looking at ways of working with the town and community councils. One thing that was bought to light was that the town councils were happy to assist (where possible) with the community councils. MJ also noted that instead of having two levels, there will now be a three levels of support (some town councils are very large in comparison to others and therefore not fair to place them all under one level).

EHE added that there had been no resolution to the issue of appointing community clerks, and it was still a concern for many areas in rural Conwy. LAG Meeting 11-10-2018 4

KOB informed members that in Trawsfynydd they have a volunteer doing the finances Action for them. EHE suggested looking into appointing a finance officer for the rural area. For

Action: EHE to look into the option of appointing a finance officer to cover the EHE rural area.

General Update Mobile Recycling 5.6 EHE informed members that the first mobile recycling session had been held in Cerrigydrudion and had been well received by rural residents. Letters had been sent out to all rural residents to inform them when and where the sessions were being held.

Snapdragons EFW informed members that the project had been running successfully since April, offering after school services to children who are aged 5-11 years with disabilities and live in rural communities.

Hiraethog Project EFW informed members that a meeting was held last month in Cerrigydrudion to discuss rural shows (in the Hiraethog area) to see what the challenges were. We hope to receive a project idea in the New Year that will be presented to the LAG in January.

Project “Babi Active” EFW explained that she had received a project idea that was looking at working with mums for the first 1000 days. The project would look at making new mothers more confident to go out and keep active. BG noted that a similar project had been run in the past by Menter Iaith. BG suggested meeting with the applicants to discuss the project in more detail. Action: EFW to arrange a meeting with applicant and invite BG. EFW

5.7 Theme 5 – Exploitation of digital technology

5.7.1 Digital Strategy There is now a Digital Strategy for the county of Conwy along with a wider regional Strategy for the 6 counties across the North. Implementation of the North Wales Digital Connectivity Strategy is underway, and it is seeking support from a number of different sources: the North Wales Growth Deal, the Local Full Fibre Networks Challenge Fund (LFFN) and the Welsh Government (through Superfast Cymru 2, Voucher Schemes and Rural Community Development Fund (RCDF)).

5.7.2 LFFN Application EHE informed members that that a LFFN application had been submitted and was currently being assessed. An application to LFFN has been submitted to support the provision of competitive infrastructure to key local sites around the region and to roll fibre connectivity to public buildings throughout the region.

5.7.3 North Wales Growth Deal EHE informed members that an Action Plan had been submitted under the North Wales Growth Deal and was currently being assessed. The Growth Deal Action Plan builds on the North Wales Digital Connectivity Strategy and LFFN Action Plan to take the ambitions for digital connectivity in North Wales much further.

5.7.4 Pinacl Update & Rural Community Development Fund (RCDF) Expression of Interest (EoI) EHE informed members that we had been successful in the EoI stage to install Wi-Fi provision in three areas across rural Conwy and were now looking to move them on to full application.

LAG Meeting 11-10-2018 5

EHE asked the members for approval to extend Pinacl’s contract to develop the work, Action noting that £5,000 was the maximum value that the contract could be extended to. All in For agreement. Recommendation: Approve contract extension. EHE Action: EHE to inform Pinacl of contract extension.

5.7.5 Coding Club TJ informed members that the aim of the project was to establish a network of coding clubs in Conwy. The project will see collaboration between Conwy primary schools, Conwy County Council and Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor, to deliver a series of workshops and ongoing support aimed at establishing coding clubs in primary schools across Conwy and provide opportunities for Conwy children to learn how to code.

Following the last meeting, there were three questions needing answers. 1. Why are we working in junior schools and not high schools – TJ informed members that similar sessions were already being held in high schools and statistics show better results when working with younger children. 2. Do STEM deliver the same service? TJ informed members that nothing is currently being offered and never has been. They do however has ambassadors and we will ensure that they attend the sessions run by the club. 3. It was questioned if youth service already ran these clubs – TJ informed members that one session had been held on the coast and one session had been held in the rural area but was poorly advertised so not well attended.

NM noted that his son had attended one of the sessions held down the coast and had really enjoyed it, and found it hugely beneficial. He also noted that a Skills Workshop was being held at Venue Cymru the following week if anyone wished to attend.

Recommendation: Approve project. TJ Action: TJ to inform applicant of project approval. 6. Update on project ideas / projects from supply chin and business partnership officer

Theme 2 – facilitating pre-commercial development, business partnerships and short supply 6.1 Conwy Fisheries Feasibility Studies ORE referred members to paper G1 & G2.

ORE informed members that the paper was an application for funding to assist in the preparation of a feasibility study that would look into the viability of the Conwy mussel industry, highlighting key managerial issues needed to maintain a viable industry for the next 15-20 years.

The study would look into current practices, and detail the strengths and failings. The study would also look into external threats and challenges facing the industry, and highlighting any mitigation needed.

The study would also incorporate a workable management plan for the area that would be used as a guide to ensure and safeguard a successful local industry and part of our local history and heritage in Conwy

ORE also noted that the name on the application works for the company, but the application is for the whole of Conwy.

Recommendation: Approve Action: ORE to inform applicant of successful application. ORE

LAG Meeting 11-10-2018 6

6.2 Eisteddfod – Agri Scope Group - GE left the room. Action ORE referred members to paper H1 1 & H2. With the 2019 National Eisteddfod being For held in the county of Conwy and more locally in Llanrwst, the project aims to raise awareness of the products and businesses in Llanrwst and the wider area for the thousands who will be visiting during the period.

ORE informed members that the applicants were looking to operate a café / shop at the Eisteddfod caravan site, to showcase as much local produce as possible. The aim of the project is to prove that the offer of local food and drink provision can be done by pulling producers together, reducing food miles and keeping the pound local.

By promoting an area of food and drink at a cultural festival, it puts a different focus and combines a campaign into a service that will be used by thousands of visitors to Llanrwst.

NM suggested trialling a mobile transport aspect to the project and explained there was a company in Llandudno offering something that could work. EHE suggested inviting them to the meet the buyer event which was being held at Glasdir on the 8th of November.

ORE informed members that the Welsh Government had approved project and confirmed there was no state aid involved in the project.

EHE noted that they were working with Alwyn from the Eisteddfod and added it was a good time to look at the model and hoped it would leave a legacy with local producers working together, selling Llanrwst’s history at the same time. Recommendation: Approve Action: ORE to inform applicant of project approval. ORE

6.3 General Update Virgin Trains ORE informed members that the officer whom he usually dealt with had now left Virgin Train but was in contact with the new officer and hoped things would be back on track soon.

Electronic Payment Systems All electronic payment systems were now in use and ORE informed members that he would be presenting a report to members at the next meeting.

Agricultural Event ORE informed members that an event was arranged for the agricultural sector on the 7th of November, which was being held at the Eagles hotel in Llanrwst. Information will be emailed out to members once everything is finalised. Action: ORE to email LAG members with information on the Agricultural Event. ORE

Theme 4 - at community level 6.4 Renewable Energy & Digital Open Call MW informed members that she was in discussions with thoes who had shown an interest in having a bench in their community (Llangernyw, Llanfair T.H and Conwy). The three interested communities have been informed that they will need to pay for the installation of the concrete (which will be their match contribution).

6.5 General Update Pico Hydro ORE noted that the price which was agreed during the last LAG (£1000) to look at Pico Hydro systems in primary schools was not enough. ORE noted that they were now looking for a further two quotes. Full costs will be presented at the next LAG.

LAG Meeting 11-10-2018 7

7 Rural Community Development Fund (RCDF) Action For 7.1 Enabling Natural Resources and Well-Being in Wales Grant EHE informed members that the window was currently open but officers weren’t 100% what the funding opportunity was offering. A telephone conference was scheduled the following week to find out exactly what was eligible under this fund.

It was discovered indirectly via the PMC that funding had been moved from measure 7.4 (Support for investments in the setting-up, improvement or expansion of local basic services for the rural population including leisure and culture, and the related infrastructure) to establish a new Enabling Natural Resources and Wellbeing in Wales grants. Concern has been expressed via the WLGA as to the way this was done and also that the RCDF was sold by the WG as the “Vehicle for tackling poverty in Wales” but the funding has been moved and the blame laid on community groups which is unfair.

MJ thanked EHE for the work she was doing, supporting the communities and making sure they don’t miss out on the opportunities and doing the best for the rural communities.

7.2 Measure 7.1 – Approval EHE referred members to paper I and gave a brief background into the funding pot.  This measure is part of the Rural Community Development Fund (RCDF), available to all Local Action Group (LAG) Administrative Bodies.  Conwy has been given an indicative allocation of £36,661.63 and projects require 50% match funding (for a total pot of £73,323.26).  We are unable to give grants to organisations, so projects must be commissioned, run and paid for by CCBC – LAG Administrative Bodies.

What the funding could be used for:  PLACE PLANNING: CCBC already have place plans underway for Abergele and Llanrwst and as part of this wider process they have a “tool-kit” that has been developed. This money could allow other villages to apply for their own version to be undertaken.  SECTOR SPECIFIC WORK: The energy proposal presented at this meeting could be the basis of an energy sector plan covering the rural area.  AREA BASED PLANS: To protect the local environment in “high value” nature areas.  Outputs should suggest projects that can be submitted to the wider RCDF, so should be Capital and under £160k

Approval in principle had been received from the WG with regards to this funding. However, EHE wants a firm approval before starting to promote the funding.

General Update 7.3 EFW referred members to paper J – an outline of the RCDF funding to date, and gave a brief update on some of the projects which have been successful.

- Nant Conwy received funding for some flood lights, and have received lots of positive press coverage. - Menter Iaith received funding to purchase the HSBC building, work to renovate the building is in process. - Penmachno football pitch work has been completed. - Four digital projects were successful in submitting EOI’s and are in the process of completing full applications, which are due to be submitted in November.

EFW informed members that they weren’t sure when the next window would be opening and it was proving very frustrating for communities who have projects ready to submit. LAG Meeting 11-10-2018 8

7.4 Tourism Amenities Investment Fund (TAIS) Action EHE informed members that the Gwydir Park EOI had been successful and were For waiting to hear if the full application had been approved. More information will be available at the next meeting.

7.4.1 Gwydr Park Public Toilets and Cycle Facilities EFW explained that the Expression of Interest submitted for new Public Toilets and bike wash/ storage and Wi-Fi provision for Gwydir Park toilets was approved and a full application submitted but were still waiting to hear the outcome.

8 Any Other matter

8.1 Brexit and Our Land – Consultation EHE explained that the Brexit and Our Land consultation (which was launched in July at the Royal Welsh Agricultural Show) was currently on going. A Conwy County Borough Council response was been formed and a final meeting was being held on the 23rd of October to finalise the response. Anyone wishing to have their say or attend the meeting were told to contact LF before Friday the 19th of October.

8.2 Cynllun Eryri – Consultation – 09/07/2018 – 30/09/2018 EHE informed members that the consultation closed in September and Conwy’s response had been submitted.

8.3 Skills & Employability Strategic Board EHE informed members that a Skills and Employability Board had been established with representatives from different departments sitting on the board to focus on four cross cutting themes - 1: Tourism & Hospitality group 2: Creative & Digital group 3: Social Care & Health group 4: Food, Land Management & Diversification group

EHE informed members that she and ORE had been tasked with leading on the Food, Land Management and Diversification theme.

Next LAG Meeting - 24th of January, 2019

Section & page Summary of Actions Action for of minutes Section 1 LAG members to put forward name(s) of individuals to represent the business LAG (page 1) sector. members Section 4.2 Anyone wishing to be a trustee of the Moel Maelogan funding should contact LAG (page 3) EHE. members Section 5.1 Inform applicant of project approval (once conformation of match funding has EFW (page 3) been received) and speak to HB to see if the QR’s are mapped. Section 5.3 Inform applicant of project idea approval EFW (page 4) Section 5.4 EFW to arrange a meeting with the applicants and invite BG to discuss project in EFW (page 4) full. Section 5.5 EHE to look into the option of appointing a finance officer to cover the rural area. EHE (page 5) Section 5.6 Action: EFW to arrange a meeting with applicant and invite BG. EFW (page 5) Section 5.7.3 EHE to inform Pinacl of contract extension. EHE (page 5) LAG Meeting 11-10-2018 9

Section 5.7.4 TJ to inform applicant of project approval. TJ (page 6) Section 6.1 ORE to inform applicant of successful application ORE (page 6) Sctn 6.2 (page ORE to inform applicant of project approval. ORE 7) Sctn 6.3 (page ORE to email LAG members with information on the Agricultural Event ORE 7)

LAG Meeting 11-10-2018 10