MINUTES OF THE RECONVENED MEETING OF THE TOWN COUNCIL HELD ON WEDNESDAY 17th November 2010 at THE INSTITUTE, GORSEINON, commencing at 7pm

Present; V Bruno (Chairman), J Curtice, K Jones, M Curtice, D Lewis, N Rees, G Evans, C Parsons, H Payne, B Howard. M Latronico

422. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST. None received. Members completed the new schedule of Members interests.

423. APOLOGIES were received from Cllrs S Cannon. J Williams,

424. The Chairman welcomed the new Councillor Martin Latronico who signed his Declaration of Acceptance form before the Clerk.

425. POLICE MEETING . Apologies were received that the Police were unable to attend tonights meeting but a written report was forwarded by PCSO Rob Chapman as follows.

a. CRIME FIGURES- GORSEINON 39 crimes. 11 detections. 18 arrests. PACT Priority – GORSEINON 1. Anti Social Behavior at the rear of the Station Hotel. 2. Parking at Cross street.

CRIME FIGURES PENYRHEOL 17 crimes. 4 detections. 8 arrests. PACT Priority –PENYRHEOL 1. Locking of the gates at Parc y Werin / Vehicle annoyance.

COMMUNITY WORK Operation Bang is now underway with hi-visible patrols over the Halloween and Guy Fawkes period. There were 2 Incidents of egg throwing in Lower where the youths have now been dealt with.

CRIME MAPPING The average number of crimes for the area is down on last year by 22.8%. Burglary is down on last year by 33.3%. Vehicle crime is down on last year by 37.5% Anti Social Behavior is down on last year by 39.3%.

b. Cllr M Curtice reported that at the last PACT meeting an incident of disturbance at the Lewis Jones Public house had been reported relating to disturbances whilst awaiting taxis. The incident was raised with the new owner of the pub and it was agreed it was an isolated incident. A complaint had also been received about traffic incidents outside ASDAs regarding the lack of markings on the road causing concern where vehicles are crossing unmarked lanes.

426. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

The Clerk distributed a letter to all Members from Mrs L Davies, rd referring to the minutes of the 20 th October meeting, and comments from the Chairman, minute 404. Members noted the comments. Members noted a number of minutes had not yet been approved, because of shortened meetings and agreed to consider all outstanding minutes at the Dec 1 st meeting.

427. MATTERS ARISING a. Clerk reported that he had written to the Highways dept regarding the Cockle Shell junction concerns raised at previous meetings. Feed back was awaited on the criteria the dept. was using for new junctions.

b. Clerk reported that he visited Ms Creeber at 41 Heol Eira to discuss the flooding concerns raised at the last meeting and would contact the relevant departments. He had phoned Gwalia today and been assured that following an initial inspection on Oct 5 th , the contracts had been given out to Pentwyn building for the remedial work to be completed to the collapsed drain outside the property. Cllr Bruno confirmed that following his investigation he to had been advised that work had been authorised by Gwalia to address the collapsed drain, and overcome the flooding problem. c. Amanda Murphy of Musicality had responded to the Clerks queries regarding the protocol for future Mayors being invited to become honorary members of the organisation. Clerk outlined the protocol and Members reaffirmed the Councils desire to participate in the honorary role. d. Clerk had contacted County Cllr Alan Jopling to clarify the situation regarding historic e mails that had been sent by the Councillor. e. Clerk advised Members that he had placed public notices on display advertising the vacant seat in the east ward. The statutory period had expired on Wed 10 th November and the Clerk had been advised that a request to hold an election had been received by Council. An election was therefore being arranged by the City Authority for Gors. East ward on 22 nd Dec. Clerk was asked to clarify with A.Bebb some unclear dates on the election timetable f. Code of conduct training. The Clerk had arranged a refresher course with Swansea Council on November 2nd in County Hall. Members commented upon the session which was found to be useful, although still confusing. The responsibility always rested with individuals to decide if a breach had occurred, and the source of advice was outlined. The Chairman would be writing to the Ombudsman seeking clarification on certain items. The Clerk distributed spare copies of the handout from the training session. g. Clerk advised that following a complaint about the capacity of the Grenville room at recent meetings, Cllr H Payne had met with the Fire officer to discuss procedures in the room whilst meetings were taking place. . The capacity for meetings with a speaker in attendance, was set around 60 persons, and the stairwell was to be kept clear at all times.. The Clerk would await a letter from the Fire officer, setting out the guidance. . In future the capacity would be monitored during full meetings and access restricted if necessary.

428. CLERKS MATTERS. a The Clerk updated Members on the election for the vacant Gorseinon West ward seat . There had been 2 nominations received from Mr Martin Latronico and Mrs Pam Evans. They had both been interviewed on November 3rd and the position had been offered to Mr Latronico, which he had indicated he was happy to accept. b. Clerk reported a request from the new Chief Executive of One Voice Mr Lyn Cadwallader to address the next meeting. Committee agreed to invite him to the January or February 2011 meeting. c. Clerk distributed photocopies of Time Together from the Gorseinon Development Trust promoting the concept of time banking. A lecture was being given at the Canolfan 4-6pm on Nov 24 th . d. Clerk reported an e mail from Kevin Griffiths regarding the help given by Cllr Howard to campaign for the recent reopening of the west ward in Gorseinon hospital. He acknowledged the help and support given to all staff by Cllr Howard. e. Clerk read out letter from TA Centre in Park rd concerning the recent alarm problems that had been experienced in the building. Contact numbers were given out by the Clerk in case of similar incidents in future.( contact Capt S N Gadd 01792 450164 email [email protected] ) f. Letter from WCVA charities was read out highlighting the implications of the latest spending announcements by Central government. g. Letter from Mrs Jeffreys the Clerk to school Governors at Penyrheol Comprehensive was read out highlighting the recent footpath work on the school playing fields, and requesting financial support towards the overall cost of £4559.00. Members agreed to allocate the residual amount left following the purchase of the display cabinet in 2009. h. Clerk advised that he had completed a questionnaire for the National Assembly on composition of the Town Council and its members as a data base exercise for central government information.

Cllr M Curtice commented that the following items were not on the original agenda and should be deferred to the December meeting . The Clerk commented that outstanding matters were falling well behind deadlines and there were certain items that needed progressing. Members agreed to consider the following matters as part of the Clerks items on the Nov 17 agenda.(proposed H Payne, seconded B Howard) . Cllr M Curtice / J Curtice / D Lewis and N Rees

asked for their objections to be recorded. i. Clerk reported letter from Mr Valentine Jones, 167 Alexandre rd. proposing the setting up of a Gorseinon brass band. Members discussed the proposal and asked the Clerk to contact Mr Jones supporting the concept in principle and asking for some idea of the likely costs. j. Clerk had received letters from the Ombudsman giving decision on the following cases that had been brought before him; Members noted that there was a 28 day for objections and so the content of the reports was not discussed. The Clerk merely summarised the outcome of each case as follows;

Code Conduct complaint made against Cllr V Bruno by Mr Martin Jones. The Ombudsman had decided not to investigate this complaint. Ref 201000955 Code Conduct complaint made against Cllr M Curtice by Cllr B Howard. The Ombudsman had decided not to investigate this complaint. Ref 201001329 Code Conduct complaint made against Cllr J Curtice by Cllr B Howard. The Ombudsman had decided not to investigate this complaint. Ref 201001330 Code Conduct complaint made against Cllr J Dunckley by Cllr B Howard. The Ombudsman had decided not to investigate this complaint. Ref 201001331 Code Conduct complaint made against Cllr D Lewis by Cllr B Howard. The Ombudsman had decided not to investigate this complaint. Ref 201001328 Code Conduct complaint made by Cllr J Dunckley against Cllr V Bruno. The Ombudsman had decided to discontinue his investigation following further investigation. Ref 2718/201001022 Code Conduct complaint made against Cllr V Bruno by Mr E Davies. The Ombudsman had decided not to investigate this complaint. Ref 201001410 k. A progress report / photos on the New Lodge playing field was given on behalf of Loughor Rovers AFC, l. Clerk reported a number of meetings in November to discuss the current review of the future of Fairwood Hospital .. m. resilience letter was read out from One Voice Wales Chairman. n. Time Together Gorseinon lecture taking place on 24 November at Canolfan from 4-6pm o. Next Community Forum was advised as being at County Hall on Thur 2 nd Dec at 5pm. p. Environment Agency Wales Community Flood plan was outlined from the flood prevention officer Simone Eade. Members noted the content and asked that a future meeting be arranged to consider further the local areas susceptible to flooding such as Trinity street. q. A thank you letter was read out from the Legends Friday nighters thanking the Town Council for its plaque which was presented to the Town Mayor on a recent cultural trip to Croatia. r. Clerk summarised the Remembrance week events attended by the Chairman and Members. Disappointment was expressed that the Poppy dance had to be cancelled due to lack of numbers. Cllr M Curtice as President of the Gorseinon Loughor branch of the Royal British legion highlighted that he was researching the names of those locals who lost their lives in WW1 and WW2. He was hoping that a plaque recording their names could be placed in St Catherines church. A future report would be forthcoming from the Councillor.The Chairman commented that we should as a Town Council record the achievement of local cadets in the services when they graduate. The issue was discussed and was to be considered at a future meeting. s. Clerk had received a written complaint from Cllr G Evans about the conduct of Cllr D Lewis at the last 2 meetings. She raised concern about the lack of respect offered to the post of Chairman within the Council by the Councillor, and suggested that he stands down as deputy Mayor. Cllr Lewis retorted he didn’t recall asking the Chairman to “shut up”, and asked for that to be recorded, and despite repeated requests of the Chairman for his views, no response was given by the Chairman.

The Chairman asked that the Council move on from these destructive actions and petty silliness to more positive actions. Cllr Lewis responded to ask why the Chairman was being so inconsistent in his comments and actions. The Chairman asked for a meeting with Cllr Lewis and the Clerk to discuss concerns, but this was declined as Cllr Lewis felt he would only meet with the full Council present. He stated he would not meet behind closed doors as that was undemocratic. He referred to the Chairman having been seen leaving the newly appointed Cllr Latronicos house just before the meeting started, and stated that it was a well known fact that Cllr Beverley Howard had secret meetings with the Mayor at the Canolfan centre even before she became a Councillor. The Chairman advised Cllr Lewis to be careful in the comments he was making, which could be taken as slanderous. Members noted the

comments and responses made by Cllr Evans, the Chairman and Cllr David Lewis. Cllr J Curtice asked why her request for an apology from Cllr J Williams to recent accusations he made about her actions, hadn’t been brought to the meeting. The Chairman then asked for Committee to make progress on the agenda.

429.ANNUAL ACCOUNTS 2009/10

Clerk reported a letter from Mazars auditors, approving the audited accounts for the Councils for 2009/10 and asking that they be signed of formally now by the Chairman of the Council. The Clerk highlighted the changes in the format of the Annual accounts and the implications of signing the approved document. It was agreed following discussion n that the Chairman would sign on behalf of the Council, but a future Finance meeting should examine in detail the financial consequences and Financial standing Orders of the Council. The Chairman signed off sections 1 and 2 of the ANNUAL RETURN accordingly on behalf of the Council.

430. VARIOUS CORRESPONDENCE a. Invoice from Amico for Xmas lighting reported at £3530 plus vat. Members accepted the tender and instructed the Clerk to proceed to instruct Amico to install the Councils Christmas lights. Clerk advised that SWALEC had been asked to handle the payment of electricity used in the Gorseinon Bus station for the Christmas lights. b. SCVS AGM on Nov 3 rd was reported and Noted. c. Request for funding from Victim Support Nat. Eisteddfod 2011 and fundraising committee /Penyrheol for Eisteddfod 2011 were reported and Noted . Request were to be referred to Feb 2011 Finance meeting. d. An e mail was reported sent from Cllr D Lewis about antisocial behaviour in the bus stop outside a property in Penyrheol. The Local County Member David Jones had been contacted as had the local Police to advise them of the situation and request the position to be monitored. e. Cllr J Curtice had been contacted by the warden of Llys Gwalia regarding the replacement of the damaged seat hit by a car. Members felt that before Cllr G Seabourne considers using his local allowance to purchase a replacement, it should be investigated to see if the drivers insurance would pay for a replacement seat (as original seat bought by Council).

431 . REPORTS FROM COUNTY COUNCIL MEMBER. A written report was submitted from Cllr Jopling re;. a. Numerous complaints regarding the Cockle Shell traffic light sequencing. He advised that the reasons for the lights were pedestrian access and to stop backing up for High Street. He also noted that Cllr W Fitzgerald is campaigning for the adjoining ward in on the same issue. b. Speed humps outside Penyrheol school. He has requested average speed cameras as an option, but with current cutbacks the cost is considered prohibitive.

432. REPORTS FROM OUTSIDE BODIES .

Members received reports from the Council’s Representatives on Outside Bodies on following meetings; • Lantern Parade working group Thursday 4 th /18Nov. Clerk advised of the Lantern parade on 30th November at 6.30pm And asked for support from members for the Marshalling duties on the evening of 30 th November.

433. PLANNING APPLICATIONS a. NO OBJECTIONS were raised to the following applications received from Swansea Council as the LPA. • 2010/1418 Demolition of existing timber shed and build new pitched roof garage 85 Alexandre rd Gorseinon • 2010/1512 Rear extension, Christadelphian meeting hall, 110 Pontarddulais rd Gorseinon • 2010/1522 Single storey side extension 25 Hawthorn Ave. Gorseinon • 2010/1565 New chiller plant and RTO plant and new fire escape Toyoda Gydsey UK, Heol Mynydd, Gors. • 2010/1584 New shop front/extractor duct Domino Pizza , 6 West St Gorseinon Members asked that attention is given to the position of extractor fans/air conditioning Cooling outlets at the rear of the property, in view of the close proximity of a number of residential properties to the rear of the premises. It was also noted that the rear elevation of the extension currently being built on these premises is not in accord with the submitted plans regarding windows and their positions-Members asked for this to be investigated.

431. ACCOUNTS. T he Chairman of the Accounts sub Committee , Cllr M Curtice confirmed that the accounts submitted on Nov 3 rd had been scrutinised and approved for payment. (Proposed Cllr H Payne seconded C Parsons).

THE MEETING ENDED AT 9.20pm