VALE OF GLAMORGAN COUNCIL COUNCILLOR’S ANNUAL REPORT – MAY 2012 – MAY 2013 Name of CHRIS FRANKS Group PLAID CYMRU Councillor Ward DINAS POWYS Date Last 2012 Elected Council Positions / Committee Memberships Held (May 2012 – May 2013) Chair of Democratic Services Committee Senior Management Appointment Committee Local Authority Governors Advisory Panel Welsh Church Act Estate Committee Voluntary Sector Joint Liaison Committee …………………………….. I am also a member of, and contribute to the work of, the following Outside Bodies, School Governing Bodies and Partnerships : Council representative Ysgol Pen y Garth - Governor St Cyres School - Governor Other (e.g. WLGA capacity) Dinas Powys Community Council Member Development/Members Annual Reports 2012-13 C Franks Constituency Activity and Achievements There have been many challenges facing Dinas Powys over the last year. Some have been resolved and others continue to be of concern. The following is a sample of our work which we undertake as a team of Dinas Powys County Councillors Cross Common Bridge; we have battled to tackle the problem of the inadequate bridge and junction with the main road and the associated flooding issues. The recent consultants report, indicating that the bridge was in worse condition than previously acknowledged by the Council, illustrates that urgent action is required. We will continue to pressurise the council to take action. Local Development Plan; the proposed draft LDP as published by the last administration caused considerable dismay. There was scant regard for the lack of infrastructure capacity for the additional traffic generated both from within Dinas Powys and from wider a field. The current administration is undertaking a new version of the proposals and we have requested updates as the work progresses. Former St Cyres site, Murch Crescent; We are grateful that the Council conducted a public opinion survey regarding the future use of the former school and grounds. Almost 500 responses were received which heavily backed substantial community use of the site. Ash Path; We continue to work for improvements to the pedestrian routes to St Cyres School especially via the Ash Path. We welcome the continued discussions with the landowners involved but are anxious to see progress. We continue to hold free coffee mornings for residents to meet councillors in a relaxed and informal setting. We raise at every appropriate opportunity the need to address traffic issues and pedestrian safety especially the long awaited Dinas Powys By Pass. We are working with the Council to improve safety along Millbrook Road, Highwalls Road and Caer Odyn. The issue of pedestrian safety at local schools has been discussed with Cabinet members. The issue of access for Disabled residents has been raised with the Council Leader. A series of litter picks have been arranged with substantial amounts of rubbish being collected especially along Cross Common Road and the footpath from the Tesco Car park to the Sully Road. A number of roads in Valley View have been resurfaced, including Harlech Close, Harlech Drive and the access to the Tesco car park. White lines Member Development/Members Annual Reports 2012-13 C Franks throughout the community have been refreshed following our requests. Dropped kerbs have been installed adjacent to the Opticians, Cardiff Road, near Youlden House and Millbrook Close At our request overhanging vegetation has been cut back along Cardiff Road. We continue to serve as school governors at St Cyres School, The Murch and Infants schools. It was a joy to receive the excellent Estyn inspection report for the Infants school. The issue of public transport has been of concern and it is feared that services to Cardiff through Dinas Powys will be significantly reduced. This will potentially adversely affect the willingness of residents to use buses and result in yet more cars travelling through the community. We are objecting to these unfortunate changes. We have attempted to scrutinise the work of the Police and Crime Commissioner. This is work in progress. We have sought to ensure that the Council minimises the impact on the road system of adverse weather conditions as experienced prior to Christmas causing major flooding to Leckwith Road, Sully Moors Road and other sites. The provision of adequate care for the elderly continues to be a priority and we are pressing the Council to develop adequate plans to cope with the needs of vulnerable sections of society. Learning and Development Looked After Children seminar ICT training for councillors Mentoring guidelines Welfare Cuts Workshop Priorities For The Year Ahead To continue to work on behalf of the people of Dinas Powys, the Vale and Wales. Signature Of Councillor: Chris Franks Date: June 2013 Member Development/Members Annual Reports 2012-13 C Franks .