MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE BLAENGWRACH COMMUNITY COUNCIL HELD IN THE WELFARE HALL, HEOL Y FELIN, CWMGWRACH ON THURSDAY 22nd September 2022, commencing at 6.30 p.m.
NOTE: This meeting was originally scheduled for 15th September 2022 but was postponed as a mark of respect for the passing of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth the Second.
COUNCILLORS PRESENT: Councillor Carolyn Edwards (Chair); Councillor Peter Rudd; Councillor David Jones; Councillor Rhian Williams & Councillor Andrew Hippsley;
COUNCIL EMPLOYEES PRESENT: Clive Baker – Clerk to Blaengwrach Community Council;
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC PRESENT: Mrs. Linda Evans (who will replace the present Clerk on Monday, 3rd October 2022) & Councillor Hayley Davies – Ward County Councillor for Blaengwrach/Glynneath West Ward;
35/22 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE: The following Councillors had sent their apologies: Councillor Menna Mortimore (Vice Chair); Councillor Amanda Doherty; Councillor Jennifer Bulman; Councillor Alan Edwards & Councillor Rhian A Williams;
36/22 DECLARATION(S) OF INTEREST: There were no new declarations of interest made at this meeting;
37/22 COUNTY COUNCILLOR`S REPORT: County Councillor Hayley Davies reported the following:
a) There will be a traffic survey carried out in High Street, Cwmgwrach by NPTCBC to ascertain the number and types of vehicles using the road. The radar cameras will be mounted on the lighting columns. No specific date has been given for this survey;
b) The Aberpergwm Site Liaison Committee – A meeting of this Committee was held last week but the Blaengwrach Community Council representative had sent their apologies. Councillor Davies reported that a review of the Committee took place and it was decided that it will now require two representatives from the Local Town/Community Councils (See minute 44/22 below (Proposed Agenda Items));
38/22 CONFIRMATION OF THE MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING(S) AS A TRUE RECORD: The minutes of the meetings held on 21st July 2022 and 18th August 2022 were accepted as a true record of those meetings;
39/22 MATTERS ARISING & AGENDA ITEMS:
a) Remote/Hybrid Meetings – Pen-Y-Cymoedd CIC have agreed that the grant monies secured by the Council can be used towards the purchase of items/services needed to allow remote meetings from the Welfare Hall i.e. Television (to be used as a monitor); microphone/speaker; a Media Package (to allow remote attendance); a wall mounting/cabinet to “house” the television. P-Y-C agreed that a part of the grant could be used for the first six (6) months rental of the Media Package. The microphone/speaker was purchased on 17th September 2022; the Television was purchased on 20th September 2022 & a Zoom Business Media Package was set up on 15th September 2022. The possible purchase of a bespoke, lockable cabinet for the TV was discussed but because the lowest quote/estimate received was £950.00, it was decided not to purchase a cabinet but to re-explore a wall mounting. It was suggested that a TV Licence (£160.00 per year) be purchased so that the TV could be used by all Hall users, but this suggestion was NOT accepted;
b) The Hall Kitchen Ceiling – There was no update available on this item;
c) Christmas 2022 Celebrations – The request for agreement to use the street lighting columns for the Christmas Lights, with a plan of which posts are to be used, was emailed to NPTCBC, Streetlighting Department on 14th July 2022 (a hard copy was posted to them on 15th July 2022). On 20th September 2022, the Manager of the NPTCBC Streetlighting Department emailed to ask if the BCC intended erecting Christmas Lights this year and a copy of the email and letter dated 14th July 2022 were emailed back to him on the same day. The Clerk emailed the lighting contractors on 21st June 2022 confirming that BCC would like the “lights” to be lit from 25th November 2022 until 6th January 2023. On the 12th September 2022 the Clerk emailed the lighting contractor to remind them that the poles near the “Witch” needed to be changed to support the “cross street banner” (a “chaser” was sent on 20th September 2022). The 2022 Christmas Party in the Welfare Hall was discussed and it was decided NOT to hold a party this year. As in the last two years the “gifts for children” will be purchased and distributed by the Local School;
d) The Statutory Items in the Governance and Financial Guidelines for Town/Community Councils in Wales – Following the receipt of the Statutory Guidelines on 15th June 2022, the Clerk has been working on the requirements therein. The following Council policies/guidelines have been amended, where necessary: the Freedom of Information Policy; Health & Safety Policy; Financial Regulations; Standing Orders; Concerns/Complaints Policy; Cemetery Guidelines; Management of Transferrable Data Policy; Social Media Policy; Electronic Communications Policy; Council Members Register of Interests; Fixed Asset Schedule; Allowable Payments to Council Members; & the Welsh Language Policy. All of these have been uploaded to the council`s website (The Cemetery guidelines can be viewed in the “Cemetery Section” of the website; the Council Members Register of Interest; the Fixed Asset Schedule & Allowances Paid to Council Members for 2021-2022 can be viewed in the “Notices” Section and all other policies etc. can be found in the “Policies and Regulations” Section. The “time-table” for completion of the Statutory Training Plan for BOTH Councillors and Council Staff that MUST be published on the website by 5th November 2022 is still under discussion. The Chair urged all Councillors to look at the One Voice Wales Training Courses that are sent to them each month and to complete at least one course by the end of April 2023;
e) Renewal of Leases on Council Owned Properties – The remaining Lessee has contacted one of the Councillors to say that “we have never had a lease in the past, so why do we need one now?”. The Council has asked the Clerk to try to locate any past leases and give copies to Councillor David Jones who has agreed to liaise with the Lessee;
f) The 2022-2023 Winter Programme of Works – The work required will commence on Monday, 3rd October 2022;
g) Repairing the Wall between the Welfare Park & the Dunraven – There was no update available on this item;
h) From “Closed Minutes” of 21st July 2022 & 18th August 2022 – Following interviews held on 11th August 2022, the role of Clerk to Blaengwrach Community Council was offered to Mrs. Linda Evans. The contract was signed on 15th September 2022 and Mrs. Evans will commence in the role on Monday, 3rd October 2022. It has been decided that Clive Baker will change his role from Clerk to BCC to Responsible Financial Officer of BCC with effect from 3rd October 2022. The contract for the change of role was also signed on 15th September 2022. THIS ITEM IS NOW CLOSED;
i) Agenda Item 6a – The Coalfield Regeneration Trust for Energy Efficiency Community Buildings Support Programme – After examining the invitation to join the programme it was decided to accept and obtain a FREE energy efficiency survey for the Welfare Hall;
j) Agenda Item 6b – Unruly Children in the Area – The Councillor who requested this item was not present at the meeting;
k) Agenda Item 6c – The Use of the Welfare Hall to Support the Local Community in the Present Energy Crisis – It was decided to liaise with Rhiannon Powell at NPT Safe & Well and the Manager of the Glynneath Training Centre with a view to progressing this item. There was a suggestion made to hold a “drop-in coffee morning” in the Hall at least twice a week;
l) Agenda Item 6d – The 2022 Remembrance Service – The Council has received a quote for printing/supplying 100 Order of Service from a local printer. This was accepted and the printer will be instructed to print them, with an extra hymn, to be sung between the Lord`s Prayer and the National Anthems, and the required amendment to “God Save the Queen”. It was also decided to ask the usual pianist and minister to attend and to provide teas/coffees after the service. NOTE: THE DATE OF THE 2022 REMBEMBRANCE SERVICE IS SUNDAY, 13th NOVEMBER;
m) Agenda Item 6e – Discussion on Trem-Y-Glyn, Glynneath – It was reported that the proposed closure was still scheduled for early 2023. This Council decided to give their full support to the local Trem-Y-Glyn Action Group and would like to meet with the members of the Action Group to discuss their proposed future actions etc.
40/22 PLANNING:
21st July 2022 – Ref: NPT17245 – Pre-Planning Notification for a Proposed 5G Telecommunication Installation for H3G UK at E:286749; N: 205566 (site address: B4242, Blaengwrach, Neath SA11 5NZ) – Type of Installation; 16 metre, phase 8 monopole c/w wraparound cabinet at base and associated ancillary works;
12th August 2022 – Ref: P2022/0652 – Mr. Neil Stevenson, 27 Glannant Place, Cwmgwrach, Neath SA11 5TE – Retention & completion of a gabion wall, two (2) first floor windows in rear elevation & a replacement conservatory at 27 Glannant Place, Cwmgwrach, Neath SA11 5TE;
12th September 2022 – Ref: P2022/0729 – Mr. Smith, 10 Parish Road, Blaengwrach, Neath SA11 5SW – Single storey side extension, raised access platform, safety rail and steps at 10, Parish Road, Blaengwrach, Neath SA11 5SW;
13th September 2022 – Ref: P2022/0780 – Mr. Craig Morgan, 37 Parish Road, Blaengwrach, Neath SA11 5SW – Discharge of Condition 3 (Contaminated Land Assessment); Condition 4 (Contaminated Land Remediation); Condition 5 (Construction Method Statement) & Condition 12 (Site Levels) in Planning Permission reference P2022/0495 for the construction of a dwellinghouse & integral garage at 37 Parish Road, Blaengwrach, Neath SA11 5SW;
41/22 CRIME & DISORDER: The reported crime figures for the Blaengwrach/Cwmgwrach & Glynneath West Ward for June 2022 were 18. They were broken down as follows: Anti-Social Behaviour – 2; Criminal Damage & Arson – 3; Other Theft – 2; Public Disorder – 4 & Violent and Sexual Offences – 7.
(FROM THE CRIME MAP OF THE ABOVE FIGURES, 13 of THEM WERE REPORTED IN BLAENGWRACH/CWMGWRACH. THEY WERE: Anti-Social Behaviour – 1; Criminal Damage & Arson – 2; Other Theft – 2; Public Disorder – 3 & Violent and Sexual Offences – 5;
42/22 FINANCE: (for the period 22nd July 2022 to 22nd September 2022):
Payments Made:
Staff Pension Scheme (9 Weeks) – £119.97;
Welsh Water – 2 months water rates for Cemetery – £21.00;
Welsh Water – 2 months water rates for Welfare Hall – £272.00;
NPTCBC – 2 months general rates for Welfare Hall – £856.00;
NPTCBC – 2 months general rates for Cemetery – £92.00;
HMRC – Staff Tax & NI Payable from 6th July 2022 to 5th September 2022 – £634.04;
EE Limited – 3 months Wi-Fi Signal Fee for Welfare Hall – £134.68;
British Gas – Gas used at Welfare Hall from 17th July 2022 to 16th September 2022 – £238.00;
Utility Warehouse – Electricity used at Welfare Hall in July & August 2022 – £260.20;
Eurogarages – Petrol for Park/Cemetery Machinery – £31.67;
CRB Direct – Council Registration for/and DBS check for “new employee” – £95.00;
Viking Direct – 3 XL Black & 1 XL Colour Printer Cartridges for the Office – £89.10;
B & M Retail – Small maintenance items – £10.00;
Councillor Andrew Hippsley – 2022-2023 Councillor Allowance – £120.00;
Hartson Fire Ltd – 2022 Fire Fighting Equipment Test & Report – £48.00;
Viking Direct – Cleaning Materials – £68.68;
Tesco – Top-Up of Council Mobile – £20.00;
Wired-Up Wales – Annual fee for Registration & Hosting of the Council Website – £100.00;
Small Plant & Machinery – Annual Service & Repair of Council Machinery – £526.29;
Zoom Business – monthly fee to allow hybrid meetings – £14.39 (Connectivity Project);
Curry`s – Purchase of a 50″ HD LED Television for the Welfare Hall – £349.00 (Connectivity Project);
Amazon UK – Purchase of a Conference Microphone/Speaker for Welfare Hall – £229.99 (Connectivity Project);
Amazon UK – 2 Condolences Book & Other Related Items (death of H M Queen Elizabeth the Second) – £32.98;
Income Received:
Glynneath Town Council – Payment for 1 Condolences Book – £16.49;
E.ON – Overpayment on Electricity Supply to “Witch Light” – £1.38;
NPTCBC – 2nd Payment of 2022-2023 Precept – £16,262.66;
Burial Fees – £375.00;
Hall Hire & Other Rental Fees – £380.00;
43/22 CORRESPONDENCE:
11th August 2022 from the Welsh Government – Notice of restrictions and full road closures on the A465 from 17th August 2022 to 24th August 2022;
11th August 2022 from the Wales Audit Office – Notice that the Bleangwrach Community Council has been chosen as one of the seventy-five Town & Community Councils in Wales for a full audit for the Financial Year, 1st April 2021 to 31st March 2022. (NOTE: All the paperwork was delivered to the Wales Audit Office in Penllergaer, Swansea on Thursday, 1st September 2022);
25th August 2022 from the Welsh Government – Notice of restrictions and full road closure of the A465 from 3oth August 2022 to 1st September 2022;
31st August 2022 from Swansea University – Invitation for a Representative of the Council to participate in the upcoming Circular Economy Innovation Communities (CEIC) Programme;
7th September 2022 from the Welsh Government via One Voice Wales – Notice that the Welsh Government will be holding a seminar in South Wales (venue and time to be advised) on “Diversity in Local Democracy”;
8th September 2022 from The Childcare Officer for Wales – Details of how to access childcare costs in Neath Port Talbot;
12th September 2022 from the Welsh Government via One Voice Wales – Publication of the Notice of the Ten-Day National Mourning in Wales Guidelines;
SECTION 137 Requests Received:
18th August 2022 from Tenovus Cancer Care – Request from Financial Support – Declined;
44/22 SET DATE, TIME, VENUE & ANY PROPOSED AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE NEXT MEETING: The next meeting is scheduled for 6.30 pm. on Thursday, 20th October 2022. It will be held in the Welfare Hall, Heol Y Felin, Cwmgwrach, Neath. At this time the proposed agenda items are: a) Quarterly Examination & Explanation on the 2022-2023 Budget Figures; b) Preliminary Discussion on any Council Proposals for Items to be Purchased/Projects to be Undertaken for the 2023-2024 Financial Year; c) The Appointment of a Second Community Council Representative on the Aberpergwm Colliery Site Liaison Committee (see minute 37/22(b) above;
The meeting closed at 7.50 p.m.