The Draft Minutes of the Meeting of the Blaengwrach Community Council Held at 6.30pm at the Welfare Hall, Heol Y Felin, Cwmgwrach, Neath on Thursday 16th September 2021.
PRESENT: Councillors – Carolyn Edwards (Chair); Amanda Doherty; Philippa Richards; Andrew Hippsley & Rhian Williams;
ALSO PRESENT: Clive Baker, Clerk to the Council;
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC PRESENT: Andrew Pughsley – Project Manager, Upper Neath Valley Cluster Group;
31/21 – APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE: Councillors Julia Hippsley; Helen Williams & Menna Mortimore (Vice Chair) had sent/given their apologies;
32/21 – DECLARATION(S) OF INTEREST: Councillor Carolyn Edwards made her usual declaration as a County Councillor;
33/21 – CONFIRMATION OF THE MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING AS A TRUE RECORD: The minutes of the meeting held on 15th July 2021 were accepted as a true record of that meeting;
34/21 – MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF 15th JULY 2021 and Agenda Items:
a) Reopening the Welfare Hall – One of the “regular users” has NOT yet decided when they will return; one of them returned on 8th September 2021; the other three had returned at earlier dates. Following the statement made by the First Minister on 6th August 2021 (relating to the a further Relaxation on the Coronavirus Guidelines in Wales), it has been decided to full use of the Hall providing the “hirers” (both existing & new) agree to adhere to the recommendation on Covid published on 6th August 2021 (See note below). NOTE: THE ABOVE MENTIONED STATEMENT FROM THE WALES GOVERNMENT WAS ACCOMPANIED BY A SEVENTEEN (17) PAGE SET OF GUIDELINES FOR PUBLIC SAFETY IN “ALERT LEVEL 0” AND A TWENTY-FIVE (25) PAGE SET OF GUIDELINES FOR EMPLOYERS, BUSINESSES AND ORGANISATIONS AND THESE WILL BE REFERRED TO AND ADHERED TO WITH BOTH EXISTING AND NEW/PROSPECTIVE HIRERS/USERS OF THE HALL;
b) Christmas 2021 Celebrations (Date Set – Saturday 20th November 2021) – There has been NO response regarding Santa`s Sleigh (letter of request sent 25th June 2021 and telephone message left on 9th August 2021); The “banner” and Christmas Tree was ordered on 25th June 2021; A request for an agreement for use of the lamp posts in the High Street for “Christmas Lights” was sent to NPTCBC on 19th July 2021 with a copy of the preferred contractor`s report. NO response has been received to date; The grant providers met on 4th August 2021 and have issued a “conditional offer” (the condition being that NPTCBC agree to use of the aforementioned lamp posts); the grant monies was received on 17th August 2021; The column mounted lights were ordered on 9th August 2021 and are expected to be delivered in the week commencing 4th October 2021; the extra lights for the Christmas tree were ordered on 9th August 2021 and were received on 11th August 2021. NOTE: AS THE WALES CORONAVIRUS GUIDELINES WERE NOT CHANGED IN RELATION TO “NUMBERS ALLOWED AT INDOOR EVENTS” UNTIL 7th AUGUST 2021, THIS WAS TOO LATE TO ORGANISE THE 2021 CHRISTMAS PARTY IN THE WELFARE HALL. AS IN 2020, THE CHILDREN`S “GIFTS” WILL BE DELIVERED TO BY THE SCHOOL FOR DISTRIBUTION;
c) The Effect of the Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021 on Town/Community Councils – As clarification on the “eligibility” relating to the General Power of Competence for Town & Community Councils is still awaited, it has been decided TO REMOVE THIS ITEM FROM THE MINUTES until an update is received;
d) Litter Bins in the Park – Everything to fit the bins has now been purchased and they will be put into place as soon as possible;
e) Request by the Dunraven Arms to Place a Access Gate in the Wall of the Welfare Park – The work was started on the wall/gate on 30th July 2021 and completed, to a very high standard, on 17th August 2021. THIS ITEM IS NOW CLOSED;
f) The Council`s Annual Return for 1/4/2020 to 31/3/2021 – All the relevant notices were published on 26th July 2021 with an expiry date for examination of the paperwork of 20th August 2021. The new Internal Auditor for future years has been appointed and the existing Internal Auditor has been contacted to notify them of the change. THIS ITEM WILL BE REMOVED FROM THE MINUTES UNTIL THE EXTERNAL AUDITOR`S REPORT IS RECEIVED;
g) Revisit of the Agreement for Use of an Area of the Welfare Park by The Mine – The area of the park used is now being “roped off” when in use and the gazebos are being removed every evening, except for a Saturday evening (see minute 24/21(h) dated 15th July 2021); THIS ITEM IS NOW CLOSED;
h) The Defibrillator in the Welfare Hall – This defibrillator has been in place for well over seven years and it has been decided to look to replace it with a more up to date model. Whilst this defibrillator was being discussed , it was decided to look to put an extra “outdoor” model on the wall by the council notice board in High Street. The Chair & Clerk will obtain prices etc. in the next four/five weeks;
i) The 2021 Remembrance Service – Following the Wales Government Statement of 6th August 2021, the Remembrance Service WILL be held in the Hall on Sunday 14th November 2021. THIS ITEM IS NOW CLOSED;
j) Agenda Item 5a – Request by Councillor Rhian Watts for a Dispensation to Step Down from Council Duties – It was decided to agree with the request and allow Councillor Watts a dispensation of six months with effect from the date of her request (16th July 2021). THIS ITEM IS NOW CLOSED;
k) Agenda Item 5b – Remote Meetings – Although the Wales Government expect Town/Community Councils to “stream” their meetings “live”, this is NOT possible at the moment as there is NO Wi-Fi in the Welfare Hall (see minute 5n below);
l) Agenda Item 5c – The 2021 ROSPA Report on the Welfare Park – The inspection was carried out on 9th July 2021 and the report was received on 23rd July 2021. All but one piece of equipment checked by the inspector scored under 6 (low risk and considered to be tolerable where this is the innate risk of the item). The single item over 6 was scored 8 (medium risk and some control measures may be identified to reduce risks to low, tolerable levels). All maintenance items required were ordered on 9th August 2021 and any work needed to be completed with these items will be carried out upon their receipt. Any work that could be carried out without these items was completed by 13th August 2021. THIS ITEM IS NOW CLOSED;
m) Agenda Item 5d – The Project Development Officer of the Upper Neath Valley Project Development Group – Andrew (Pughsley) introduced himself and explained his role as the “Cluster Group Development Manager”. He is keen to explore not only “physical” projects but Community Help and Development Projects e.g. “Developing Young People Through Involvement” and intends trying to meet with as many community groups, the local school etc. to discuss and develop their ideas for the area. Anyone wishing to “work with”/discuss community based ideas with Andrew can contact the Chair (Councillor Carolyn Edwards), the Blaengwrach Community Council`s “Cluster Representative” (Councillor Amanda Doherty) or the Clerk, who will pass the details on to Andrew to arrange a suitable meeting/telephone call;
n) Agenda Item 5e – Discussion on Installing Wi-Fi in the Welfare Hall – In view of minutes 5k & 5m above and future possibilities of more groups using the Welfare Hall, it was decided to obtain prices/costs and to have Wi-Fi installed in the Hall. As this item has NOT been budgeted for in the Council`s 2021-2022 Budget, it will be paid for from the Council Reserve;
35/21 – PLANNING:
19/7/2021 – Ref: P2021/0740 – Mr. Rhys Jones, 12, St. Mary`s Close, Blaengwrach, Neath SA11 5SN – two storey side extension at the same address;
19/07/2021 – Ref: P2021/0714 – NOTE: COUNCILLOR RHIAN WILLIAMS DECLARED AN INTEREST AS A RELATIVE OF THE APPLICANT AND LEFT THE MEETING – Ms. Nia Jones, 4, Fothergill Road, Cwmgwrach, Neath SA11 5PN – Single Storey and two-storey side extension to existing semi-detached dwelling at the same address; COUNCILLOR RHIAN WILLIAMS REJOINED THE MEETING;
23/07/2021 – Ref: P2021/0762 – Mr. Paul Deacon, 2 Brynberllan Cottages, Cwmgwrach, Neath SA11 5PR – Construction of a wooden shed domestic outbuilding at the same address;
27/07/2021 – Ref: P2021/0763 – Mr. L & Mrs. V Williams, 9 Cedar Street, Cwmgwrach, Neath SA11 5PF – First-floor side/rear extension, new hipped roof to existing single-storey side extension and single-storey rear extension at 1 Cedar Street, Cwmgwrach, Neath SA11 5PF;
36/21 – CRIME & POLICING:
The reported crime figures for June 2021 were 15 & for July 2021 were 6. These were broken down as follows:
June 2021 – Anti-Social Behaviour – 1; Public Disorder – 3 & Violent & Sexual Offences – 11;
July 2021 – Anti-Social Behaviour – 2; Public Disorder – 2 & Violent & Sexual Offences – 2;
37/21 – FINANCE:
For period 16th July 2021 to 16th September 2021:
PAYMENTS MADE:
Staff Pension Scheme (9 weeks) – £116.55;
Welsh Water (2 months) – Water Rates for Cemetery – £24.00;
Welsh Water (2 months) – Water Rates for Welfare Hall – £211.00;
NPTCBC (2 months) – General Rates for Cemetery – £92.00;
NPTCBC (2 months) – General Rates for Welfare Hall – £856.00;
Utility Warehouse (June, July & August 2021) – Electricity at Welfare Hall – £144.21;
British Gas (17th June 2021 to 16th August 2021 (2 months) – Gas at Welfare Hall – £20.66;
HMRC – Staff Tax & NI (6th July 2021 to 5th September 2021) – £271.71;
O2 – Council Mobile Top-Up – £30.00;
Councillor Menna Mortimore – 2021-2022 Councillor`s Allowance – £150.00;
Staysafe Electricals – “Making safe” Broken Junction Boxes on “Path” Lights in Welfare Park – £300.00;
Tesco – Printer Cartridges for the Office – £66.00;
Euro-Garages – Petrol for Machinery (June, July, August & September 2021) – £58.72;
Small Plant & Machinery – To Replace Strimmer Head & Lines – £86.00;
The Post Office – 2 books of 2nd class stamps – £15.84;
Tumbleweed – Small Maintenance Items re: ROSPA Report – £5.74;
Lumalite Ltd – Seven (7) Column Mounted Christmas Lights for Lamp Posts (Christmas Lights Project) – £1,270.45;
Lights4Fun Ltd – 40 Metre (80 Christmas Tree) Lights (Christmas Lights Project) – £368.99;
B & Q plc – 5 bags of cement for use in Welfare Park – £24.45;
Travis Perkins Ltd – Extra sand/chippings/cement for use in Welfare Park – £48.31;
Gay & Hunt Ltd – Purchase of Mower for the Cemetery – £904.00;
Small Plant & Machinery – 2021 PAT Testing & Service/Repair to Honda Mower (Old Mower) – £155.00;
Hartson Fire Ltd – 2021 Annual Inspection & Testing of Fire Fighting Equipment at the Welfare Hall – £42.00;
J G Rees – 2 Spare Keys Cut for New Shutter Lock at the Welfare Hall – £6.40;
Argos – New Paper Shredder for Office (GDPR) – £34.99;
INCOME RECEIVED:
Hall Hire/Rental Fees etc. – £200.00;
Burial Fees – £640.00;
Monthly Interest on Reserve Account (2 months) – £8.96;
Selar Community Benefit Fund – Grant for Christmas Lights Project – £5,776.00;
Aberpergwm Community Benefit Fund – Grant for Christmas Lights Project – £3,000.00;
38/21 – CORRESPONDENCE:
Various Updates from the Wales Government relating to the Coronavirus in Wales;
2/8/2021 from E.On – Notice that rates of electricity for unmetered supply (Witch Light) are increasing w.e.f. 1st September 2021;
4/8/2021 from South Wales Police – Notification that Inspector Lindsey Sweeney has replaced Inspector Matt Otteson as the Sector Inspector for Neath Pontardawe Area;
26/8/2021 from One Voice Wales – Their response to the Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales consultation on Town/Community Councillor Allowances;
31/8/2021 from Think Family Partnership, NPTCBC – Details of their “Playful Childhoods – Storybook Treasure” Initiative;
8/9/2021 from The Boundary Commission for Wales – Notice explaining the Proposed Changes to UK Parliamentary Constituencies in Wales;
10/9/2021 from Building Blocks Centre, Resolven – Details of their “Growth & Mindset” Project and asking for support. IT WAS AGREED THAT THE COUNCIL WOULD SUPPORT THE PROJECT IN ANY WAY THEY CAN EXCEPT FOR PECUNIARY SUPPORT;
14/9/2021 from Utility Warehouse Ltd – Notice of an increase in Electricity Tariff (HALL) w.e.f. 1st October 2021;
16/9/2021 from Swansea Bay University Health Board – Reminder that the consultation “Changing for the Future” – Swansea Bay University Health Board (nhs.wales) closes on 1st October 2021;
There were NO Section 137 Requests received between 16th July 2021 & 16th September 2021.
39/21 – COUNTY COUNCILLOR`S REPORT(S) – Councillor Carolyn Edwards had NO further reports for this meeting;
40/21 – SET DATE, TIME, VENUE & PROPOSED AGENDA ITEM(S) FOR THE NEXT MEETING:
The next scheduled meeting will take place on Thursday 21st October 2021 at 6.30pm. It is proposed to hold the meeting in the Welfare Hall. NOTE: BECAUSE OF THE UNAVAILABILITY OF SEVERAL COUNCILLORS ON THE 18th NOVEMBER 2021 IS HAS BEEN DECIDED THAT THE NOVEMBER 2021 WILL TAKE PLACE ON 25th NOVEMBER 2021.
The meeting closed at 8.22pm