County Council Councillor’s Annual Report 2017-2018

This annual report outlines the activities of the Councillor named below for the period May 2017 to May 2018 (the Council’s Municipal Year). It is provided for the information of constituents, and for no other purpose. The views expressed in the report are those of the Councillor and do not necessarily reflect the views of Carmarthenshire County Council.

Councillor: Tina Higgins Electoral Division: Tycroes

Section 1: Role & Responsibilities

Council Committees:

Full Council Environmental and Public Protection Scrutiny Committee Audit Committee (Chair) Welsh Advisory Panel

http://democracy.carmarthenshire.gov.wales/mgAttendance.aspx?UID=508

Section 2: Constituency Activities

Pavement petition - During my first couple of months as a Councillor I presented a petition from residents to have a pavement installed on Tycroes Road. I have met with officers and residents to consider the possible options. Village events - I have organised successful Coffee Mornings in Tycroes Village Hall as well as a successful Christmas Fayre. As part of the Local Aid Committee I have worked to deliver events such as the Firework display, the Twmpath and the Wine and Mince Pies evening. I have supported as many events and groups in the village as possible. Surgeries - I have held regular joint surgeries with the Police as well as holding a joint surgery with Lee Waters, AM. I am always available for contact by phone or email and am happy to make house calls. I met with the Police Commissioner to discuss how the Police we can work together with the community. Pedestrian crossing - I successfully (with Lee Waters, AM) secured Welsh Government backing for a pedestrian crossing assessment to be undertaken. The assessment was carried out in the Spring and I will be informed of the findings when they have been analysed. Planning matters - I have attended planning committees, raising issues and supporting residents. Mobile Library – At my request the Mobile Library is now calling in the village every Thursday morning. I encourage everyone to use this service as much as possible. Footpaths – I am working on registering footpaths and issues that have been raised e.g. blocked footpaths. Litter Pick - A successful litter pick was held in February. Several residents came along and we were also supported by Nia Griffith, MP and Lee Waters, AM. I report litter spots regularly and will continue to do so.

Highways issues including speeding – I met with the Head of Highways for Carmarthenshire County Council and showed him the problem spots in the ward which need to be addressed. Suffrage presentation – I gave a presentation about ‘The Suffrage Movement’ and the fight for women’s right to vote at Town Hall as part of International Women’s Day. Visit to the Senedd – I attended the Tycroes Friendship Group trip to the Senedd which included a tour. Litter – At my request more bins have been installed in the village and are emptied regularly. Health – I met with the Practise Manager of Margaret Street Surgery to discuss how we can work together to assist residents. Housing – Many housing issues have been raised and I have supported residents and worked with officers to resolve these issues. WASPI – I seconded a motion asking Carmarthenshire County Council to support the WASPI campaign and make representations on behalf of the Carmarthenshire women to the UK Government. Other case work – I have dealt with other various casework e.g. reports of dog fouling, overgrown footpaths, fence and crash barrier repairs, transport (bus services) and litter.

Section 3: School Governing Bodies

List of School Governing Bodies

Tycroes Primary School

Section 4: Outside Body Representation

List of outside bodies

Llanedi Community Council Tycroes Primary School Governing Body Tŷ Bryngwyn Fundraising Committee Tycroes Local Aid Tycroes Village Hall

Section 5: Learning & Development

I have attended the relevant training courses / learning sessions run by the County Council.

Section 6: Other Activities and Issues

Tycroes Local Aid – Committee member, arranging various village events. Tycroes RFC Ladies Group – Secretary Tycroes Village Hall - Secretary Tycroes School Governor Community Council – As part of the Community Council I have worked with other Community Councillors to improve the playing areas in Mill Terrace, Heol Brown and Coopers.

Signed by Councillor: Tina M Higgins Date: 05/08/18