A hybrid meeting of the Community Council took place on Thursday 4thAugust 2022 at 7.30pm in Llanfrynach and Cantref Community Hall.
Present
Gary Watkins GW Phil Kendrick PK
Jackie Williams JW (Chairperson)
In attendance:
Sue Dale SD (Clerk) , County Councillor Anita Cartwright AC.
The Chairperson opened the meeting by welcoming all and thanking them for attending.
1. Apologies for absence – JP and CdeW
2. Declarations of Interest.
3. Public Participation - provision for members of the public wishing to take part
4. Minutes from previous meeting. Approved unanimously; JW, GW and PK.
5. Matters arising from the minutes. Lechfaen rights of way are to be improved under a Powys County Council Access grant (see item 9).
6. Llanfrynach and Cantref Community Hall and Ty Bach update. The new sounds and projection system has been installed. Internet banking and a new roof are the next issues to be tackled. The National Parks Sustainable Development Officer is recommending the National Lottery Fund.
Drinks licensing and an Entertainments Licence will be managed by GW.
The porch roof is due to be painted soon.
7. Groesffordd Village Hall update – With the annual reports furnished by the treasurer, it seems that the Hall will pay some £1000 in electric bills this year. But they are not generating enough revenue to cover that and other expenses. There may be some benefit to an informal get together for the 2 halls, for them to arrange. The hall finances will be monitored annually.
8. Planning Applications None
9. Powys County Council Matters – Tetra Packs (such juice boxes) can be recycled in the red kerbside box. Powys County Council processes all of the recycled material within the UK. Anything that cannot be recycled is incinerated to produce energy.
AC asked the Clerk how many visits they have been on the website. The Clerk will find out.
AC has arranged a meeting with the National Trust concerning the development of parking facilities at Storey Arms.
Another meeting, about the “White Swan” has been arranged with the Head of Planning at Brecon Beacons National Park Authority (BBNPA). The flood plain map may be challenged by Natural Resources Wales. Phosphates are still an issue for building.
Llechfaen footpaths, the resident concerned is delighted with the work schedule Powys County Council (PCC) have committed to.
Pot holes near Llanfrynach and Cantref Village Hall and the road surface to the A40 are on PCC's list.
PK noted that there was a drainage issue in Cantref and a culvert blockage in Groesffordd which JP is looking into.
There are housing maintenance issues which are being investigated.
Gilestone Farm (see agenda item 16).
It is likely that Councillor Jackie Charlton (of Llangattock and Llangynidr ward) will be covering for AC during September.
Other highways issues concerning the Llangorse road from Groesffordd to Llanwern and the A40 dual carriage way into Llanhamlach up to the 1st house, the road surface is bad.
10. Llechfaen well fence is deteriorating and will need replacing shortly. Two councillors will report and a decision taken. The well is impressive. The brambles need to be removed before a hedge can be planted. Fencing before the brambles are dealt with will not be beneficial. It could be put on the budget list for next financial year. The Community Council would like to meet with the resident, Clerk to arrange.
11. A training needs analysis should be conducted over the summer. A report should be published by the beginning of November. A statutory obligation, the training needs analysis will be conducted by an electronic form.
12. To discuss the co-option of a community councillor for Llanhamlach and 2 for Cantref. All three co-options were approved.
13. The options for the damaged kiosk are either to replace the kiosk in a less risky place or to put the books in the bus stop and have no kiosk. The item was adjourned from last time so that Councillors could consider the costs, which have been circulated. It was decided to keep a kiosk in the village as preferred by the residents. Once the new location is decided, the Llanfrynach & Cantref Village hall trustees to discuss the matter and to send a letter to the Community Council for the kiosk to be sited on the Hall grounds (if that is what they wish). CdeW will contact the Farmer to inform him and put the process into action.
14. Llechfaen noticeboard is difficult to put notices on and this stops people from using it. A resident has offered to adapt it to make it more stable, but further work may be required. Councillor to inspect the noticeboard and report to Council for a decision. The decision was deferred to after the Community Council visit to Llechfaen well (see item 10).
15. Cheques, budget v actuals and bank reconciliation for approval.
- 01/08/2022 Clerks wage & stationery allowance £440.20so
- 01/09/2022 Clerks wage & stationery allowance £440.20so
- 04/08/2022 Grass cutting and hedge trimming (Mar-Jun) £700.00
- 04/08/2022 Internal Auditor £60.001
- 04/08/2022 S Dale ½ SLCC membership reimbursement £80.002
- 04/08/2022 Brecon Advice Centre (re-issue) £100.00
16. The ownership of Gilestone Farm in Tal-y-bont has recently changed hands. Plans are being made for it's future management. Usk Valley Conservation Group are inviting interest from local communities. To be discussed and action agreed. There is, as yet, no plan to be consulted on. Welsh Government have referred their purchase of the farm to audit. Welsh Government want to keep the Greenman Festival in Wales. The Greenman Festival have extended their existing lease to beyond 2026. The organisation is looking to diversify to smaller events (1-3/year of 1000 people) and businesses at the Gilestone Farm site. No lease has been signed. The Community has concerns, particularly about Horseshoe bats and Curlews, and are alert for problems but are putting their trust in the Welsh Government's audit process. Talybont on Usk are publishing any relevant correspondence on their website for transparency. Llanfrynach Community Council will not seek to make contact with the pressure group at this time.
17. Review and approve the Biodiversity Report for 2022. Approved, when the new play equipment has been installed the playground will be inspected for ways to improve biodiversity.
18. To book a playground inspection for October. Cost from Wicksteed is £165. Approved but costs for next year to be monitored.
19. To designate a councillor/s to attend the Storey Arms Car Parking meeting 16/9/2022. GW and CdeW, if neither can attend ask for another date. GW wondered if vouchers and discount schemes could be used to off set the £7.50 car parking tariff and encourage walkers to go into Brecon and enjoy the facilities there.
Clerk to ask Libanus (Glyn Tarrel Community Council) what they think.
20. Correspondence : Powys Teaching Health Board invite correspondence from community councils about the services they provide (or should provide). The CC can only feedback some personal observations:
A diabetic lady had to make 144 phone calls to try to get some medication to relieve her covid symptoms.
Another Councillor shared that he had had to go to Merthyr Tudful for a covid booster, because Powys could nor arrange a booster in time for him.
A Welsh Government consultation – A fairer council tax. A Councillor asked if the council tax banding was based on local estate agents views. (Closes 4/10/2022)
Your move survey (about exercise) (closes 9/9/2022) A PCC survey for individuals to complete if they choose. https://www.haveyoursaypowys.wales/hub-page/powys-county-council
21. Any Other Business (to be used to pass on information only)
Safeguarding vetting for Community Councillors was queried, the response was a safeguarding policy for job roles involving vulnerable individuals. Councillors to be asked if any safeguarding issues have arisen since the last meeting.
22. Date of next meeting 6th October 2022
The Chairperson closed the meeting at 9.20pm, there being no further business to discuss.
