LAMPETER TOWN COUNCIL MINUTES OF THE MONTHLY MEETING OF THE 28.04.2016 AT ST PETER’S CHURCH HALL, AT 7.30PM

Members were invited to participate in prayer before the onset of the meeting. Cllr Ann Morgan led members in prayer.

1. CHAIRPERSON’S WELCOME AND PERSONAL MATTERS The Mayor Cllr Christopher Thomas extended a warm welcome to all present. Condolences were conveyed to Cllr Kistiah Ramaya on the recent, sad loss of his sister.

2. PRESENT Mayor Cllr. Christopher Thomas; Deputy-Mayor Cllr David Smith; Cllr Rhys Bebb-Jones; Cllr John Davies; Town & County Cllr Hag Harris; Cllr Adrian Kendon; Cllr Ann Morgan; Cllr Rob Phillips; Cllr Kistiah Ramaya; & Cllr Dorothy Williams.

Reporter representing the Cambrian News: Mr Mike Lewis.

Carol Thomas, Simultaneous Translator. Mr Gary Thorogwood, Chair Transition Llambed Development Trust (during the Presentation only)

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE were received from: Cllr Andrew Carter; Cllr Elsie Dafis; Cllr ; Cllr Selwyn Walters; & Cllr Derek Wilson.

3. PRESENTATION: Mr Gary Thorogwood, Chair Transition Llambed Development Trust The Group would like to assume responsibility for the town’s planters, next Spring and encourage townsfolk to use them as vessels, to grow vegetables, to provide food to share. Such schemes have been tried in many places within the UK with positive effects, for

1

example Machynlleth and Fishguard. These communities have taken pride and ownership, not only for the planters and the beds but in a wider sense, over where they live. Some Cllrs believed that the planters could attract litter such as discarded drink cans and cigarette butts. Mr Thorogwood hoped that a plaque on the planter, stating which group was responsible for it, would act as a deterrent to such anti-social behaviour. It was felt that it would be good practice to discuss the matter with towns, who had already undertaken similar schemes. Mayor Cllr Christopher Thomas was confident that the six planters, could be transferred by County Council, to the Town Council at no cost, by the following Spring. It was RESOLVED to make further enquiries and to possibly, conduct a survey to gauge public opinion. 4. DISCLOSURE OF PERSONAL & PREJUDICIAL INTEREST The following declared a personal interest during the meeting:

4.1 WI Application re Centenary Celebrations: Cllr Dorothy Williams (Minute Ref: 10.6.2) 4.2 Request for Financial Support from Eisteddfod Gŵyl y Banc Rhys Thomas James Llambed: Cllr Rhys Bebb-Jones & Cllr Ann Morgan. (Minute ref: 10.6.3)

5. CONFIRMATION OF THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE 31 MARCH 2016 These were agreed to be a correct record and were signed by the Chairperson.

6. MATTERS ARISING FROM PREVIOUS MEETING

6.1 Lampeter’s Bid to stage the National Eisteddfod of in the environs of Lampeter in 2020 (Application submitted by Lampeter Town Council)

Letters of thanks, to those who had helped with Lampeter’s bid, to include individuals, businesses and organisations, have been sent by the Mayor to the local press (Clonc, Cambrian News, Carmarthen Journal, Ceredigion Herald & the Grapevine). These had included Dr Medwin Hughes (Vice-Chancellor University of Wales Trinity Saint David) & Mr Hywel Griffiths, Estates’ Dept University of Wales Trinity Saint David. Five Meetings of the Eisteddfod Sub-Committee had been arranged, of which the Town Council had Chaired and offered administrative support, during the first two meetings. Rhiannon Lewis had been nominated Chair of the Sub-Committee after the first two meetings and Rhys Bebb Jones as the Secretary; both would be mentioned by the Mayor in his correspondence to the press, for their thorough and dedicated work. Also the landowners’ input would be recognised. Two locations had been suggested viz Coedparc, Silian and another site in Cwmsychbant.

Members of the Eisteddfod Sub-Committee had included: Cllr Rhys Bebb Jones; Cllr Elsie Dafis; Cllr Elin Jones; Cllr Ann Morgan; Cllr Christopher Thomas; Rhiannon Lewis; Mrs Delyth Phillips; Dylan Lewis; Dr Medwin Hughes; Hywel Griffiths & Jane- Wyn (Head teacher Ysgol Bro Pedr). Minutes of the Eisteddfod Sub-Committee Meetings are available on the Town Council’s website.

The Mayor had presented Lampeter’s Bid to representatives of Ceredigion County Council on Wednesday 30th March 2016. The deadline had been Thursday 31

2

March 2016. Cllr Rhys Bebb-Jones thanked the Mayor Christopher Thomas for his work.

6.2 War Memorial Garden

Negotiations are presently ongoing concerning the drafting of a strong case for the possible transfer of the War Memorial Garden from the County Council to the Town Council.

6.3 Town Council’s ICT Arrangements

New Desktop: work involving Files are ongoing.

Individual E-mails for Councillors-the matter is in hand.

ICT Training: no developments to report.

6.4 Maes-y-Felin Play Area

It was reported during the previous meeting that Mr Llyr Edwards, Director of the Housing Association, Tai Ceredigion had conveyed that he was in receipt of a Draft Lease from the Solicitor, in relation to the possible transfer of the Play-Area to the Town Council. He had also mentioned that he would forward the Draft Lease to the Town Council, in the near future. Awaiting developments.

6.5 Lampeter Birthplace of Rugby: Cllr Walters had stated during the previous meeting that the celebration of the 150th anniversary of the first competitive rugby match ever played in Wales, on Wednesday 23rd March 2016 at Lampeter, could lead to a major tourism boost. As Lampeter has been officially recognised as the birthplace of Welsh rugby Cllr Walters believed that it was incumbent on the Town Council to promote the fact. The historic match was held on the University’s playing fields between St David’s College, Lampeter and Llandovery College in 1866.

From a tourism perspective he suggested the provision of signage, highlighting places of interest, which could be visited. It had been RESOLVED during the previous meeting to do so. Mayor Cllr Christopher Thomas stated during this meeting that he would assign further attention to Brown Signs and to possibly include information on the large signs presently within the town. He would contact the Highways Dept Ceredigion for further information.

6.6 Painting of the Gates of the War Memorial Field, Rugby Club, Lampeter

Mr Dai Charles-Evans, Chair of the Lampeter Rugby Club is assigning attention to this matter.

6.7 Key for Parc-yr-Orsedd: Duplicates have been made: Present key-holders include RAY Ceredigion, Grass Cutters-Dyfed Gardening Services; Cllr Dorothy Williams and the Clerk.

6.8 Planters at the Town Entrances: The Mayor reported that they had been ordered and would be positioned in close proximity to the Entrance Signs. 3

6.9 One Voice Wales 2016-17- Area Meetings, which meet on a quarterly basis

Area Meeting Wednesday 27th April 2016 at 7.30pm at Penmorfa, .

The Mayor Elect Cllr David Smith and Cllr Dorothy Williams will represent the Town Council at Quarterly Area Meetings of One Voice Wales during the 2016-17 Municipal Year. The Town Council had not been represented at the above meeting.

6.10 Long Wood Woodland

. Email from Andrew Gajlikowski stating that in September 2013 Lampeter Town Council made a one-off donation towards the Long Wood Community Woodland, to purchase a bench and wildlife cameras. There is currently no indication on these items that they were funded by the Town Council (although the Town Council is acknowledged whenever pictures are displayed from the cameras). It was asked whether the Town Council could provide plaques, which could be exhibited adjacent to these items. It was RESOLVED to provide metal plaques. Enquiries had been made by the Town Council. Deputy-Mayor Cllr David Smith agreed to discuss the matter with representatives of Longwood.

6.11 LAMPETER TWINNING

A group from St Germain-sur-Moine had visited Lampeter as part of the Lampeter Twinning/Exchange Visit on Saturday 9th April – Tuesday 12th April 2016. Cllr Kistiah Ramaya (Chair of Lampeter Twinning) thanked all who had been involved. A Civic Reception had been held at the Lampeter Church Hall on Saturday 9th April, which had proven to be a success. Representatives of Lampeter Town Council had included, Mayor Cllr Christopher Thomas, Mayoress Janet Thomas; Deputy-Mayor Cllr David Smith; Cllr Rhys Bebb-Jones; Cllr Andrew Carter; Cllr Elsie Dafis; Cllr Robert Phillips; Cllr Selwyn Walters; Cllr Dorothy Williams (who had assumed responsibility for the catering arrangements) & Eleri Thomas (Clerk).

Cllr Kistiah Ramaya had been unable to be present at the Civic Reception due to the bereavement in his family. His wife, Mrs Carol Ramaya had assumed the role of Town Twinning Co-ordinator during this visit.

7. MATTERS ARISING NOT FROM PREVIOUS MEETING

7.1 Mayor’s Installation Ceremony 2016: Friday 6th May 2016 at 6.30pm at the Old Hall, University of Wales Trinity Saint David, Lampeter. Arrangements were discussed.

8. CORRESPONDENCE

8.1 Consultation on multiple proposed changes to speed limits on county roads within Ceredigion: Ceredigion CC proposes multiple changes to speed limits on county roads within Ceredigion to include the following locations: A482-Creuddyn Bridge to Lampeter; Lampeter - A485; Lampeter – Cwrt Dulas. No Objections were expressed concerning these changes.

4

8.2 Waste Collection Arrangements: May Day Bank Holiday Monday 2nd May – waste will be collected on Tuesday 3rd May. Whitsun Bank Holiday 2016- Monday 30th May 2016- waste will be collected on Tuesday 31 May. For Information.

8.3 T2424 Ysgol Bro Pedr Safe Routes in Communities Scheme 2016-17 The Welsh Government has approved the Safe Routes in Communities Scheme bid for improvements in Lampeter for the financial year 2016/17. The Welsh Government has provided funding of £98,750, which in addition to match funding contributions of £9,500 from Ceredigion Council and £8,000 from Lampeter Town Council a total of £116,250 is available for this scheme. Ceredigion CC reminded the Town Council that approximately £61,000 will be required to undertake further improvements in Year 2 (2017/18) and respectfully requested Lampeter Town Council to consider further match funding. 8.4 Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Authority Strategic Plan 2016-2021 and Annual Improvement Plan 2016-17 are available on the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service website www.mawwfire.gov.uk. 8.5 Request to add a link to the Town Council’s Website www.counselling-directory.org.uk. a leading support network in the UK asked if it was possible to add a link to the Town Council’s website from the 'Services' section: http://www.lampeter-tc.gov.uk/Services and were of the opinion that the Counsellors and Psychotherapists in and near Ceredigon, page http://www.counselling- directory.org.uk/region_173.html could be a useful resource for those looking for additional support. Counselling Directory is a confidential service that encourages those in distress to seek help. The directory contains information on many different types of distress, as well as articles, news, and events. It was RESOLVED to inform the person, who had submitted the request that the Town Council’s website does not include links to Directory Websites. 8.6 Request to list a B&B within the Town Council’s Website: Caer Cadwgan B&B, Cellan, Lampeter SA48 8JP, which is not included within the Lampeter Ward. A discussion ensued concerning whether it should be included within the Lampeter Town Council’s website. It was RESOLVED to endeavour to establish a rule which could be applied when considering requests such as this in the future. 8.7 Traws Link Cymru (campaign to reopen the railway line from Carmarthen to ) has organised an aeroplane to fly and photograph the line from Carmarthen to Aberystwyth (weather permitting). It was enquired whether Town Cllrs could be at the site of the Old Lampeter Station on Monday 2nd May 2016 at 12.30pm to take part. A representation of the Town Council is expected to be present. 8.8 Communication from Jamie Mascall asking the Town Council to support the former direct Aberystwyth to Carmarthen railway line (Minute ref: 8.7 also). It was RESOLVED to inform Mr Mascall that the Town Council has already expressed its endorsement to this Campaign.

5

8.9 Lampeter Chamber of Trade: Communication from Carol Davies, Secretary of the Lampeter Chamber of Trade stating that she has resigned from her role as Secretary after ten years of service. Her replacement is Tina Morris, LAS Recycling Ltd, Road, Lampeter, Ceredigion SA48 8LT. Tel: 01570 421 421; E-Mail: [email protected]. It was RESOLVED to forward a letter of thanks to Carol for all her help and support during the last decade.

8.10 Communication from Alec Amos expressing his disappointment, in what he perceived as the general uncleanliness of Lampeter town and the high proportion of empty shops. Cllrs Hag Harris and Dorothy Williams felt that the observation was unjustified and stated that Lampeter did not have a high percentage of empty shops or was particularly untidy.

8.11 Other correspondence: For Information only.

9. PLANNING MATTERS

9.1 Planning Application: A160289: Proposal: Change of use – Sui-Generis to B1 Business Location: 26 Bridge Street, Lampeter. Applicant: Mrs F Pimblett. Town Council’s Comments: No Objections.

9.2 Ceredigion County Council: Development Control Committee: Minutes of the last Meeting and Agenda of the next Meeting: for information.

10. FINANCE

10.1 PAYMENTS

10.1.1 Planter Containers £1,570, VAT £314.00 TOTAL £1,884.00 10.1.2 Simultaneous Translator £70.00 10.1.3 Hire of Shiloh Vestry, Eisteddfod Meetings; 3hrs £8.50 x3 10.1.4 Clerk’s Pay April 2016 £720.59; HMRC £63.87 10.1.5 Padlock and keys for Parc-yr-Orsedd £18.49 (including VAT) 10.1.6 Mayor’s Allowance 2016-17 £3,004.40 10.1.7 Catering Town Twinning Civic Reception £279.28 10.1.8 Hire of St Peter’s Church Hall Monthly Meeting 28.04.16 £28.50 10.1.9 Premier: Pop and crisps for Disco £48.59 10.2 RECEIPTS 10.2.1 £5.00 deposit from the RAY Ceredigion organisation in receipt of a key for Parc-yr-Orsedd. 10.2.2 Precept 2016-17 Ceredigion CC £41,000

10.3 Financial Applications: It had been RESOLVED during the previous meeting to place Financial Applications as an Agenda item, during this meeting in order to categorise financial requests. Categories have been established concerning the amount donated but it was felt that they should be further categorised according to the nature of the organisation.

http://www.lampeter-tc.gov.uk/upload/public/documents/webpage/policies- publications/2015-donations-policy-english.pdf

6

The above link outlines the present arrangement. It was RESOLVED to defer the matter until the next meeting, in the absence of Cllr Elsie Dafis.

10.4 Financial Risk Assessment 2015-16: This was accepted by Members.

10.5 Internal Auditor: Audit of the Accounts of Lampeter Town Council for the Year ending 31 March 2016 to be undertaken during June 2016. It was resolved to make enquiries concerning a suitably qualified person.

10.6 FINANCIAL REQUESTS

10.6.1 RAY Ceredigion: It was RESOLVED to request the Balance Sheet.

10.6.2 Women’s Institute, Lampeter who are celebrating their Centennial Year in June 2016: It was RESOLVED to request the Balance Sheet.

Custard Queens WI – proposal to celebrate the Lampeter WI’s Centenary. The request has been withdrawn.

10.6.3 Eisteddfod Gŵyl y Banc £1,000.00 10.6.4 Aelwyd yr Urdd, Llanbedr PS £300.00 10.6.5 Ras yr Iaith £50.00 10.6.6 Teenage Cancer Trust (re-issue of Cheque as previous one had been stolen) £25.00 11. SUB-COMMITTEES

11.1 Footpaths: Mr Eirwyn Williams will maintain the footpaths over the summer months.

11.2 Parc-yr-Orsedd: it was reported that one cut had been undertaken.

11.3 PAVEMENTS

11.3.1 It was reported during the previous meeting that the pavements at Bridge Street were in poor condition after work on the road. Mr Lyn Williams, Ceredigion County Council had been informed. Further information was requested; in the response it was stated that there was no step-up from the road to the pavement along the section outside the Gwilym Price Chapel of Rest and outside the Mark Lane Café. Tyre marks were also evident on some of the paving slabs as a result of vehicles encroaching onto the pavements with tyres covered in soft tar from the road’s surface.

11.4 WELSH LANGUAGE

11.4.1 Welsh Language Annual Review: usually undertaken during the month of February and Cllr Rob Phillips has executed the task in the past. He will also undertake this year’s Review.

11.5 MAESYDERI FIELD MANAGEMENT

11.5.1 Response received from Ceredigion County Council regarding the possibility of Lampeter Town Council purchasing the field. The County Council is not in a position to consider a sale of this land at the current time. The field adjoins a larger parcel of land which is in separate ownership. Both 7

sites have been designated for potential housing development in the Ceredigion Local Development Plan (LDP), with the proviso that both sites be developed as one. Discussions are ongoing with agents representing the owner of the larger site and the County Council would not wish to consider a sale of this land until it is clear whether or not this land is required to facilitate development of the larger site.

11.5.2 A Sub-Committee Field Meeting had preceded this Meeting. Minutes to follow.

12. AOB

12.1 Lampeter Walks & the Steering Group- Ramblers are Welcome was discussed £55/year.

12.2 Lampeter Rotary was thanked for organising a health -awareness initiative in the town recently where members of the public were offered the opportunity to measure their blood-pressure.

12.3 Trawslink Annual General Meeting will be held at the Victoria Hall on Wednesday 11th May at 7.30pm: for information.

12.4 Lampeter and District Motor Club will hold a rally and classic car run on Sunday 1 May 2016 organised by Islwyn Evans and also Delun Evans, in memory of her father, Cllr Greg Evans. The proceeds will be donated to a Brain-Tumour Research Charity.

12.5 The Mayor Cllr Christopher Thomas thanked all present for their help and support during his term of Office.

The Meeting was adjourned at 9.25pm.

------(signed/date)

8