The annual meeting of the Community Council took place on Thursday 12^th May 2022 at 8.30pm in Groesffordd Village Hall.

 

Technical difficulties meant the council were unable to offer the usual hybrid facility.

 

Present:

Ms Jackie Williams JW (incoming Chairperson)

Mr Charles de Winton CdeW (out going Chairperson)

Mr Jason Palmer JP

 

In attendance:

Ms Sue Dale (Clerk) SD, County Councillor Anita Cartwright AC and Phil Kendrick (Internal Auditor) PK.

1. Election of a Chairman Jackie Williams was elected and signed the declaration of acceptance of office as witnessed by the clerk. Proposed by JP and seconded by CdeW.

2. Election of a Vice-Chairman. Jason Palmer was elected, proposed by CdeW and seconded by JW.

3. Election of representatives:

One Voice Wales – JP.

National Parks – CdeW.

Liaison with neighbouring community councils – CdeW and JW

4. Apologies for absence None

5. Declarations of Interest None

6. Retiring Chairman's report

 

ANNUAL REPORT APRIL 2021 to MARCH 2022.

 

This report complies with Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021. The legislation and draft guidance for this legislation state that the Councils priorities, activities and achievements should be reported. Some priorities were established in meeting, some at the setting of the precept and some at the establishment of the Community Council.

Priorities	Activities	Achievements
The Community Council prioritised reducing the precept.	Reduced the precept from £13k to £11k.	Reduced the precept from £13k to £11k.
To improve the Bus Service or Groesffordd and Llanfrynach, the first step is to survey the residents.	In the midst of designing the residents survey for bus service improvement (March 2022).	Ongoing
To comply with legislation, standing orders and financial regulations.	Changed the way meetings are run to comply with legislation. Helped to persuade the two halls to connect to the internet.	Unqualified opinion at Audit 5 planning consultations.
To publish newsletters/ Chairmans letters.	Gathering items from the whole of the widespread ward.	A circular published to whole of the ward.
To participate in the Platinum Jubilee Celebrations.	Parties being organised. Positions for the planting of trees plotted.	4 trees to be planted. Ongoing
To support the two halls in their activities.	This can take the form of grants, and/or practical help.	Ongoing
To seek grants to fund the rejuvenation of the playground.	Applied for a grant from the Big Lottery Fund and then Powys County Council.	Awarded a grant to purchase a piece of playground equipment.
To help the community articulate their views on the continuing closure of the pub (The White Swan).	Residents survey, results used in discussions with BBNPA and the Owner.	Ongoing.
To support selected local charities and local activities.	Checking Accounts and checking appeals.	Eg.Wales Air Ambulance, Brecon Advice Centre, Brecon Mountain Rescue Team and Dial-a-ride.
To adopt policies reflecting the needs of the community.	Drafted an ecological policy.	Approved a new ecological policy

The retiring Chairman also thanked the Councillors Ray Powell, Ian Matthews and Gareth Watkims retiring at this election, for their service. Another recent retiree, Kate Coton-Wright was also thanked.

7. Public Participation see especially item 16.

8. Minutes of the last meeting The minutes of the meeting on the 31^st March were approved and signed.

9. Matters Arising see Groesffordd Hall.

10. Llanfrynach and Cantref Community Hall & Ty Bach They are still waiting for the builder to return and finish the interior of the porch

11. Groesffordd Village Hall Management - JP has been appointed a trustee of Groesffordd hall. The hall is now under a new governance document.

12. Planning Application None

13. Powys County Council Matters (PCC) AC introduced herself saying that her drive was to help the community develop and grow, facilitating and liaising between communities and dealing with escalations. There is a possible partnership forming between the WLD and Labour at the County Council.

14. The insurance cover will be renewed with Zurich Municipal at £548.22. Approved. 4 quotes from Zurich Municipal, BHIB, Forum and Community First were invited but only 2 replied, it is suggested that Zurich Municipal may be difficult to beat on price.

15. Cheques and financial statement for approval The cheques, payments and budget were approved.

- Clerk's wage & allowance 01/06/2022 standing order £440.20

- Zurich Municipal (Insurance) £548.22

16. Appointment, remit of and report of the Internal Auditor. Mr Phil Kendrick announced his intention to become a Community Councillor and so can no-longer be the internal auditor. A new internal auditor will be sought. Adjourned.

17. Dates of meetings for 2021-2022. Adjourned to next meeting

18. Update on the “White Swan” proposed meeting. The meeting proposed was between the owner and the CEO of Brecon Beacons National Park Authority and CdeW. However, it has been observed that the owner has put the property up for sale and a meeting may not serve all parties. The business rates of the “White Swan” are considerable at around £30,000. The recent scheme, to build an accommodation block was called in by the Welsh Government and deemed to be not permissible. CdeW has accepted the task of facilitating the return of the pub to the Llanfrynach. SD to supply the results of the survey to AC.

19. The Community Council would like to recruit more councillors, to be discussed and action agreed. Some possible candidates were mentioned and it was suggested that the “whatsapp” groups in the area could be asked to relay the message. JW and JP.

20. An opportunity has arisen for the community council to apply for a grant from Powys County Council to improve the rights of way around Llechfaen. To be discussed and action agreed. CdeW and AC to pursue. Clerk to send contact details to AC.

21. Millbrook crossings have been commented on by Transport Orders Branch of Welsh Government. A concerned local resident has been asked to comment. Transport orders branch have said that the crossings are on their list for examination.

22. Correspondence: Powys County Council has requested an end of grant report concerning the playground equipment , due to time constraints the report was returned 15/4/2022. Approved

23. The kiosk in the (Llanfrynach) village met with an accident recently. Is the kiosk insured by the community council? To be discussed and action agreed. A local person has offered to restore a kiosk in that position subject to the views of insurers/loss adjusters. CdeW will liaise for the Community Council.

The accident has brought up the matter of parking on that corner. Double yellow lines were considered for the corner but were viewed as a last resort to solve the problem. JW to seek the views of residents. SD to draft a letter to residents about the issue.

24. To document the Jubilee celebrations in Cantref, Groesffordd, Llanhamlach, Llechfaen and Llanfrynach. Cantref are having their celebrations on the 29^th May. Llanhamlach are having a private tea, Groesfford and having a tea. JP to ask a resident at Llechfaen if they will have a celebration. JP asked if there are jubilee memorabilia for the children, a Councillor remarked that commemorative books are available for a price. Alternatively a picture could be taken of the planted tree with plaque for children of the ward. The Community Council did approach the communities 6-8week ago.

25. Any Other Business (to be used to pass on information only). Groesffordd does not to have a bus service (apart from the school bus). A resident's survey is to be undertaken to determine the market for a bus service, clerk awaiting the questions to be circulated. To be discussed and action agreed.

The HR committee is to meet soon. Clerk to pass on the last appraisal and the form to be completed and to put the matter on the agenda.

26. Date of next meeting is Thursday 23^rd June 2022 at Llanfrynach and Cantref Community Hall.

There being no further business the Chairman closed the meeting at 10.10pm.