TOWN COUNCIL

MINUTES OF THE PONTARDDULAIS TOWN COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON THE 3RD JANAUARY 2008

Prior to commencement of business the Mayor invited questions from members of the public. There were no questions forthcoming. Cllr Waterhouse queried whether microphones could be used for the benefit of members of the public.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors C. A. Lewis and G. Williams.

107. TO RECEIVE DECLARATIONS OF PERSONAL INTEREST FROM MEMBERS IN ACORDANCE WITH THE COUNCIL’S CODE OF CONDUCT:

108. TO RECEIVE A PRESENTATION FROM REPRESENTATIVES FROM TESCO STORES AND MR HUGH FRANCIS:

The Clerk explained to Members that there had been a misunderstanding and that there would not be any preentations. It was agreed that Mr Francis be invited to address Members in the March meeting.

The Mayor queried why Councillors B. C. Lewis and D. T. Howells had informed the press that the Council was not supportive of the Tesco application and had created the impression that it was only they who supported the application. She reminded the two Councillors that at the Special Council meeting held on 20th November 2007 the Council had agreed to support the Tesco application together with the SWALEC site application. Cllr Howells responded that he had collected a petition from residents supporting the Tesco application. Cllr Beynon confirmed that the Council had supported the Tesco application from day one.

109. TO RECEIVE AND CONSIDER THE MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON THE 6TH DECEMBER 2007:

The Clerk reported a letter from Mrs Edwina Hart A.M. referring to a reply she had received from First Cymru. First Cymru confirmed that they had referred her letter to Mr Peter Tinsley their Network Manager. The Clerk also reported a reply letter from First Cymru requesting further details concerning problems associated with the bus service through Pontarddulais. The Clerk advised Members that he had forwarded further details to First Cymru.

Th Clerk informed Members that the Festival Committee had provided suggested dates for the joint meeting with themselves and Llanedi Community Council. It was agreed that the Clerk inform the Festival Committee that the most suitable date would be the 16th January 2008.

The Clerk informed Members that the specialist contractor had been in contact and would prepare an estimate for improvement works to the War Memorial by the end of January 2008.

The Clerk advised Members that he had been in contact with Ammanford Town Council and they would address the Council’s February meeting.

Cllr Beynon referred to the application relating to land between 57 and 63 Alltiago Road, Pontarddulais and stated that there was disquiet by residents living in Glanyrafon Road, Pontarddulais which the land overlooked.

110. TO ANSWER QUESTIONS FROM COUNCILLORS (NOTICE OF ANY QUESTION HAVING BEEN GIVEN TO THE PERSON TO WHOM IT IS ADDRESSED BEFORE THE MEETING BEGINS):

The Clerk reported an invitation from One Voice Wales to a training event in land use planning for community and town councillors in the Guildhall, Swansea om Monday 18th February 2008 at 6.30pm. Due to the limited number of spaces he had provisionally reserved a place for Councillor J. Harris, Chairperson of the Estates and Develiopment Committee. The Clerk’s actions were confirmed.

The Clerk reported an invitation from One Voice Wales to attend the above seminar delivered by Ammanford Youth and Town Councils on Saturday 5th April 2008 in Ammanford Town Hall. It was agreed that Cllr R. Yandle represents the Council.

The Clerk reported correspondence from the City and County of Swansea recommending the Council sets aside £2,500.00 for the above election.

113. TO RECEIVE AND CONSIDER REPORTS FRIOM REPRESENTATIVES ON OUTSIDE BODIES:

114. TO CONSIDER THE POSSIBILITY OF TAKING OWNERSHIP OF THE DULAIS GLEN GARDENS:

The Clerk reminded Members that the adjacent Cenotaph site was in the Council’s ownership and suggested that the Council consider aquiring the Dulais Glen Gardens. He stated that there was minimal maintenance which could be undertaken by the existing contractor who maintained the Cenotaph site. Cllr Beynon endorsed the Clerk’s comments stating that the site would look better if the Council owned it. Members agreed to pursue the matter subject to any cost implications.

115. TO CONSIDER THE POSSIBILITY OF PROVIDING A MUSEUM IN THE PONTARDDULAIS LIBRARY:

Cllr Beynon informed Members that following discussions with the Librarian he had suggested the possibility of constructing a conservatory to the rear of the building to house a museum. Members supported the suggestion and agreed to pursue further details.

116. TO AUTHORISE AND APPROVE THE EXPENDITURE FOR THE MONTH OF DECEMBER 2007:

NAME	AMOUNT	VAT	TOTAL
D. I. Y. Centre, Pontarddulais	3.25	0.57	3.82
City & County of Swansea	197.00	0.00	197.00
Cathedral Leasing Ltd	35.10	6.14	41.24
Clerk	89.55	3.02	92.57
Mazars	550.00	96.25	646.25
Community Cinema Group	142.62	0.00	142.62
Barcham Trees	3937.75	689.11	4626.86
Mayor	500.00	0.00	500.00
A. Williams & Saunders	800.00	0.00	800.00
Caretaker	324.48	0.00	324.48
Cleaner	382.07	0.00	382.07
Clerk	640.55	0.00	640.55
One Voice Wales	25.00	0.00	25.00
Growth Business	88.00	15.40	103.40
Phillips Entertainments	550.00	96.25	646.25

117. TO RECEIVE PLANNING APPLICATIONS PREVIOUSLY CONSIDERED BY THE ESTATES AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE:

(i) Land to rear of 55 Bolgoed Road, Pontarddulais – three bedroom bungalow with garage;

(ii) 42 Glanyrafon Road, Pontarddulais – rear dormer roof extension to facilitate loft conversion;

(iii) 8 Pentre Road, Pontarddulais – formation of habitable room in roof space with rear dormer;