Cyngor Cymuned Llanarthne Community Council

CYNGOR CYMUNED LLANARTHNE LLANARTHNE COMMUNITY COUNCIL ______

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF LLANARTHNE COMMUNITY COUNCIL HELD ON TUESDAY 14th JUNE 2016 AT THE OLD SCHOOL IN CAPEL DEWI.

Present: Councillor P. Edwards Councillor D. E. Jenkins (Chair) Councillor Mrs D. M. Jones (Vice Chair) Councillor D. D. Morgan Councillor Mrs I. M. Tobias Quick Councillor Mrs J. Roberts Councillor K. Thomas

In attendance: Mr Gethin James (Clerk to the Community Council)

The meeting commenced at 19.00

LCC 16/25 PRELIMINARY MATTERS

a. Apologies

Councillor H. Bryer Councillor County Councillor W. J. W Evans

b. Minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Council held on Tuesday 10th May 2016 (Min. No’s 01 – 24).

The Minutes were approved as a correct record. Proposed by Councillor Mrs J. Roberts and seconded by Councillor Mrs D. M. Jones .

c. Matters arising from the above mentioned Minutes

[Min No 09(b) & 149(a)] The signed Notice of Vacancy has been displayed throughout the Community (from Monday, 16th May). We will be kept informed as to whether an Election is called to fill the vacancy, or if we are free to co-opt a replacement member as soon as possible after the 6th June. [Min No 18] The bar with the inscription “2016 D. E. Jenkins’' has been received and duly attached to the Council Chain of Office. [Min No 19] Capel Dewi Tennis Court - Mr Tony Emmerson is awaiting costs from Carmarthenshire County Council on white line painting – probable cost £150.00. The new tennis net will amount to around £138.00 including VAT. He has also asked two contractors for quotations to replace the chain-link fencing - anticipated cost £2,500.00 but neither contractor has provided a quotation yet, and to rebuild the wall opposite the side door to the school, where there is an old gate – anticipated cost £600.00 However, the latter two items are not necessary this year. It was suggested at the meeting that surface water ponding is an issue on this tennis court and should be addressed before any line painting takes place. [Min No 21] Acknowledgement received from the Kidney Wales Foundation thanking the community council for our financial contribution of £30.00

The next Capel Dewi Newsletter will be circulated in September 2016, clerk will produce the A5 community council newsletter by that date.

d. Declarations of Personal Interest

There were no formal declarations of interest recorded.

LCC 16/26 AREA MATTERS

i. Long grass is evident around the post box at Troed-y-rhiw-goch and there is also a visibility issue at this road junction due to verge overgrowth. ii. Despite being reported previously, some branches are leaning on utility cables on the B4300 from Llanarthne to Ynyslas and needs to be addressed. iii. The outcome of the recent animal welfare issues on land below Penallt Isaf needs to be investigated. Members are somewhat astounded that no legal action has taken place against the animal owner. iv. Paxton’s tower is becoming less visible on the landscape due to nearby tree overgrowth. In the past the National Trust has agreed to contact land owners about this issue but no action from landowners or the National Tust is evident on this matter. v. External graffiti on the Penyffin and Capel Dewi Bus Shelters need to be removed. vi. Weeds evident in and around the village of Llanarthne. vii. The following verges are causing visibility issues: C2059 from Penrhiwgoch to Closglas, Maesybont. C2060 from Closglas to junction near Penpal, and the C221 from Penallt to B4297

Chair thanked Councillor Mrs J. Roberts for the recent planting undertaken by her below village signage in and around the community, and for the wild flower sowing at the village hall accompanied by Mr Spencer Davies.

LCC 16/27 MEMBERS REPORTS

Chair attended the recent Capel Dewi Community Association Tea Party at the Old School, and was given the pleasure to formally judge the cup-cake competition. There were no other reports from members who had attended meetings as representatives of the council.

LCC 16/28 CORRESPONDENCE

Resolved to note the following general correspondence onto the minutes:-

Writer Subject One Voice Wales The Annual Meeting of the Carmarthenshire Area Committee will be held on Tuesday 28th June 2016 Cawdor Hall, Market Square, Newcastle Emlyn at 7.00pm

Independent Remuneration It is a statutory requirement that all Councils’ Panel for Wales publish and report annually to the Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales on allowances and expenses payable to community councillors by th 30 September each year. Contd……………….

One Voice Wales List of training sessions that are taking place for councillors received.

Heritage Lottery Fund Currently recruiting for two new committee members for the Committee for Wales. Contact the clerk if interested.

Community Energy Wales Community Energy Awards for 2016 the ceremony takes place on 3rd September in Oxford.

National Pay Agreement The National Joint Council for Local Government Services (NJC) forward information on new pay scales for 2016-2017

Community Land Advisory (CLAS Cymru) is hosting an event to discuss the Service Wales future of food production and security in Wales at Coed Hills St Hillary, Vale of Glamorgan CF71 7DP. 1pm Friday 8th July to 4pm Saturday 9 July

Age Cymru Age Cymru Advice has re-launched their national advice line service and can be contacted between 9am and 5pm, Monday – Friday on 08000223444 or by email: [email protected]

LCC 16/29 PLANNING MATTERS

i. There were no objections to the following Non-material Amendment planning application:-

Planning Application Number W/33893 Non-material Amendment to W/33155, Llwynhaf, Llanddarog Road, Cefn Abbey, Carms SA32 8AR Applicant: Mr Mir Hadian

LCC 16/30 PAYMENT OF ACCOUNTS

The following accounts were passed for payment:-

i. Mr. G.G. Griffiths.Cleaning bus shelter for 3 months to 30.06.2016 £97.50 gross, less PAYE -£19.40 = £78.10 net £78.10 Cheque No. 102354

ii. Mr T. R. Carruthers. Cleaning Capel Dewi bus shelter for 3 months to 30.06.2016. £ 97.50 and Penyffin £22.50 = £120.00 gross. £120.00 Cheque No. 102355

iii. Gethin L James - Clerk’s salary for 3 months to 30.06.2016. £1,200.90 gross (SCP 27 @ 7.5hrs). Less -£66.05 Superannuation, less - £226.80 PAYE, less - £63.47 Employee NIC = £844.58 net £844.58 Cheque No. 102356

iv. Carmarthenshire County Council. Superannuation, Clerk’s Contribution £66.05, Employers Contribution £188.54, and Past Service Deficit £25.00 Totals: £279.50 £279.50 Cheque No. 102357

v. Inland Revenue PAYE Mr G. Griffiths £19.40 and Mr G. L. James £226.80, Employee & Employer NIC £135.91 = Totals: £382.11 £382.11 Cheque No. 102358

vi Thomas Fattorini Ltd.– Invoice No 1208622. 1 No silver gilt bar 36 x 8mm machine engraved with “2016 D. E. Jenkins” £46.22 + £9.24 VAT , = Totals £55.46 £55.46 Cheque No. 102359

LCC 16/31 PLANTING IN THE COMMUNITY AND SOWING OF WILD FLOWER SEEDS

Councillor K. Thomas proposed, Councillor Mrs I. M. Tobias Quick seconded and all agreed that Councillor Mrs J. Roberts be reimbursed in full for the goods purchased with respect to planting in the community. £121.23 Cheque No. 102360

It was also agreed that at the next meeting of the community council consideration be given to acknowledge the assistance given by Mr Spencer Davies to Councillor J. Roberts on the wild flower seed planting, and also to Councillor Mr J. Roberts for all the planting work undertaken which is very much appreciated.

LCC 16/32 SPEEDING ISSUES

Regrettably our scheduled meeting with Mr Mike Jacob on Monday 13th June, Llanarthe Hall at 6.00pm had to be cancelled at very short notice due to Mr Jacob being unwell. This meeting has now been re-scheduled for Monday 20th June, Llanarthne Hall at 6.00 pm

LCC 16/33 CO-OPTION OF COUNCIL MEMBER

The Returning Officer of Carmarthenshire County Council has not to date confirmed that the regulation 10 requests from electors has not been fulfilled and that the Council can fill the casual vacancy by co-option. However, upon confirmation of the above, written expressions of interests from persons wishing to serve as a councillor need to be submitted to the Clerk. All being well the anticipated closing date (subject to confirmation) for the written submission interest is 11th July 2016 and following that date the council will fill the casual vacancy by co-option. Statutory qualifications to be a Community Councillor will apply. Clerk agreed to keep members updated on matters via email.

LCC 16/34 FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO CARMARTHENSHIRE RWAS

Mrs Brian Jones MBE, Brynhawddgar, Llanarthne, will be president of the Royal Welsh Show in 2017. Under the guise of Castell Howell Foods, Mr Jones has supported a number of local clubs and associations including the Young Farmers movement, rugby and football clubs and charitable associations. Llanddarog and Llanarthne RWAS fund raising committee under the Chairmanship of Mr Meirion Owen have written to the clerk and ask if financial consideration be given to their fund raising appeal. Councillor Mrs D. M. Jones proposed, Councillor Mrs I. M. Tobias Quick seconded and all agreed that a first instalment in the sum of £500.00 be granted this financial year, and a second instalment be considered in the next financial year. £500.00 Cheque No. 102361

LCC 16/35 LETTER OF SUPPORT (Middleton: Paradise Regained – Reclaiming a Regency Rarity).

The National Botanical Garden in Llanarthne is now poised to submit its Round 2 application to the Heritage Lottery Fund. This will be crucial to ensuring the success of the project. As contributors to the Development Phase of the project, we have now been asked to provide a letter of support for the Round 2 application.

Prior to the meeting the clerk had produced a draft letter of support which was circulated at the meeting for member’s observations. It was resolved to forward the letter of support to the Garden Director.

LCC 16/36 CENTENARY FIELDS PROGRAMME

The Royal British Legion and Fields in Trust are introducing a nationwide programme to secure recreational spaces in perpetuity, in honour of the memory of the millions of people who lost their lives in the conflict. The Royal British Legion is leading the nation in respecting the sacrifices made during World War 1 Our local fallen soldiers of this war are commemorated at the war memorial in Gorslas. As we approach the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme this July, perhaps now could be an appropriate time to commemorate this significant milestone in our shared history. Member’s suggested having a commemorative plaque installed in Llanarthney Church identifying local soldiers who served and lost their lives during this conflict. Clerk agreed to investigate matters further.

LCC 16/37 PRESENTATION OF YOUTH AWARD 2016

Chair welcomed Mr Simon McCall to the meeting. Simon a self-employed carpenter and former Coleg Sir Gâr award-winning apprentice has won the Wales-wide Vocational Qualification (VQ) Learner of the Year Award. He is also a European silver medallist who was chosen for the prestigious World Skills Squad UK earlier last year. He completed a CITB carpentry apprenticeship with Jones and Johnson, Carmarthen, studying at Coleg Sir Gâr. Simon was encouraged to further hone his skills by competing in regional, national and international competitions, winning a gold medal at the World Skills UK regional heat/Welsh National Final last year and silver at Euroskills in Lille, France.

Chair presented Simon with the Llanarthne Community Council Youth Award 2016

LCC 16/38 Date and time of next meeting

12th July 2016 at 19.00 at the Old School in Capel Dewi

The business of the meeting terminated at 20.26.

______Councillor D. E. Jenkins Gethin James Chairperson Clerk to the Council (Min No’s 25 - 38)