Draft Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on Thursday 23rd February 2023,
held at the Welfare Hall, Heol Y Felin, Cwmgwrach commencing at 6.30 pm
Present: Cllr. Carolyn Edwards, Cllr. Rhian A Williams, Cllr. Rhian Williams, Cllr Peter Rudd,
Cllr. Jennifer Bulman, Cllr. David Jones, Cllr. Andrew Hippsley and Cllr. Menna Mortimore.
Council Employees Present: Clerk to the Council Linda Evans and RFO Clive Baker.
Members of the Public Present: Councillor Hayley Davies – Ward County Councillor with NPTCBC. Via Zoom, no members of the public were present.
89/22 Apologies: Cllr. Amanda Doherty and Cllr. Alan Edwards sent their apologies.
90/22 Declarations of Interest: Clerk Linda Evans, declared an interest in the Marketing Quote given for flyers promoting the Hall – Challenger Business Services Agenda Item 94/22 (k) family member – Councillor Carolyn Edwards and Councillor Hayley Davies in relation to Agenda Item 95/22 (a) Being members of Glynneath Town Council.
91/22 County Councillor`s Report:
- Councillor Hayley Davies reported that the blocked culvert has been added to the NPT Drainage Team’s “To do List” and she will continue to monitor.
- Councillor Carolyn Edwards voiced her concern regarding the length of time it is taking to complete the work being carried out by Western Power in Heol Wenallt. It is on the Bus Route and not far from the school. Councillor Hayley Davies will chase up what the delay is.
- Councillor Hayley Davies responded to the email complaint received to BCC regarding to the parking outside the school during drop off and pick up times. PCSO’s are aware and will increase their patrols during these times. There will also be the presence of the Police Camera monitoring parking on the yellow lines.
92/22 Public Observations on Matters Arising and Agenda Items Being Discussed at this Meeting – There were no Public Observations.
93/22 Confirmation of the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting 19th January 2023 as a True Record.
The minutes were passed as a true record and seconded.
94/22 Matters Arising from the meeting 19th January 2023
- Flat Roof & Kitchen Ceiling of the Welfare Hall – The work has been completed and the invoice has been. The decorating and lights to be refixed. Clerk to arrange for the work to be done. The kitchen ceiling above the cooker will need to be repaired and a date to be arranged.
- Leases to Council Owed Land – Item moved to closed session
- The repair of the Wall between The Dunraven Arms and the Welfare Hall – Work has been completed and invoice paid. Item closed
- The Coalfield Regeneration Trust Energy Efficiency Community Buildings Support Programme – Cllr’s have received the report.
- The use of the Welfare Hall as a Warm Hub – Due to a lack of interest it has been decided to close. The “Singing for the Brain” has been successful and has a good and growing attendance.
- Reiterations of New Council Projects and Non-Budget Items – Tree cutting will be done on Tuesday 7th Neighbour has been contacted and given permission to cut overhanging branches. Clerk is still looking into the repair of the apparatus in the Park, and to look into a quote for stage curtains.
- Precept 2023/24 – this item is now closed.
- Payments by RFO (from personal bank account) Clerk has completed the Bank Mandate in person.
- Aberpergwym Colliery – this item is now closed
- Cremation Memorials – email has been sent and no response received. This item is now closed.
- Increase of Fees – Cemetery and Hall Hire – The changes to the current Blaengwrach Cemetery Fees were agreed by all Councillors, changes are as follows from 1st April 2023:
| Local Resident prior to Interment | ||
| Current Fees | Frees from 01/04/23 | |
| New Burial Plot | £300.00 | £400.00 |
| Re-opening of grave for additional interment | £200.00 | No changes to fees |
| New Cremation Plot | £150.00 | £200.00 |
| Re-opening of cremation plot for additional interment | £125.00 | No changes to fees |
| Non-Residents prior to Interment | ||
| New Burial Plot | £500.00 | No changes to fees |
| Re-opening of grave for additional interment | £350.00 | No changes to fees |
| New Cremation Plot | £250.00 | No changes to fees |
| Re-opening of Cremation Plot for additional interment | £225.00 | No changes to fees |
| Other Fees | ||
| Addition of inscription to Memorial Stone Work – Local Resident | £30.00 | No changes to fees |
| Addition of inscription to Memorial Stone Work – Non-Resident | £60.00 | No changes to fees |
A quote received from Challenger Business Services to design, print and distribute leaflets for the Hall Marketing as discussed along with the increases to the Hall’s fees. The breakdown of costs for an A5 flyer is as follows:
Design double sided: £29.00 Print of 1,500 flyers double sided: £66.95 Distribution of 1,500 flyers: £120.00. Clerk to ask permission from the Clubs using the Hall to advertise their session on the leaflet.
12 RH emailed Clerk to confirm that the Cinema equipment could be added to the Halls equipment, and used for Marketing purposes. Clerk passed on a thank you on behalf of the Community Councillors for confirming. Cllr RW has been in touch with Glynneath Library to discuss the use of hiring Film DVD’s for a Cinema Club. Clerk to investigate the legalities and if there is a need for the renewal of an Entertainments License.
13.Crisis in the NHS – The letter from the Councillors or Blaengwrach was acknowledged and a reply received from Richard Morgan Department for Health and Social Service. The Clerk passed on this response to all Blaengwrach Community Councillors for their information.
14,Underpass – swearwords – See item 91/22 County Councillor Report for update on blocked culvert. No further information regarding the cleaning of the underpass.
15.Centergreat Invoice – this item is now closed.
95/22 Agenda Items:
- Paul Hinder – Community Council presentation for Concrete “Street Course” Skate Park at the Vale of Neath Leisure Centre Site – PH and ES presented the proposed development showing maps and designs. An explanation was given to why the existing skate park is no longer “fit for purpose”, and the transfer of ownership to Glynneath Town Council if the project was to go ahead. A discussion on cost and how this is to be funded was explained to the Community Councillors at the meeting, this was later discussed by the Councillors present in close session under Section 100 of the Local Government Act 1972 & the Council Standing Order 1c.
- Christmas Celebrations 2023 – Ideas for this year’s Celebrations were discussed (screening a Panto? Party?) decision to be made later.
- Coronation of King Charles III – 6th May 2023 – No plans at this stage to celebrate the Coronation. Clerk to cost the decoration of the Hall and purchasing of a ceremonial flag for the occasion. The Hall will be made available for anyone who wishes to hire for a party.
96/22 Planning:
Application number: P2022/1096. Applicants Name/Address: Cignal Infrastructure UK Ltd., C/O Huthcinson 3GK Ltd., 450 Longwater Avenue, Green Park, Reading. RG2 6GF. Site Location: B4242. Blaengwrach, Neath. SA11 5NZ. Proposed Development: Prior notification application for a proposed telecommunications installation: 16m high phase 8 monopole C/W wrapround cabinet at base and ancillary equipment. Easting 286746 Northing 205566.
97/22 Crime and Disorder.
The reported crime figures for the Blaengwrach/Cwmgwrach & Glynneath West area for December 2022 – All crimes 10 – criminal damage and arson 4, other theft 2, violence and sexual offences 2, all other crimes 2 – (From the “Crime Map” the reported crime figures show that with the Blaengwrach/Cwmgwrach area for December 2022 – 4 reported crimes. Criminal damage and arson 2, public order 1, violence and sexual offences 1.
Note: Future Pact Meetings, hosted by The South Wales Police may well be on-line via Zoom and the South Wales Police will post all required details of the meetings on their web page. NOTE: The public can attend any local PACT meeting to ask questions & give their views re: local crime & policing.
98/22 Finance
Income/Expenditure 20/01/23 to 23/02/23
Payments made:
HMRC – Tax and NI Due 06/01/23 to 12/02/23 £ 171.36
British Gas – Welfare Hall 17/12/22 to 16/02/23 1045.11
Utility Warehouse Ltd – Electricity Welfare Hall January 2023 206.47
Welsh Water – Welfare Hall 136.00
Welsh Water – Cemetery 10.50
Zoom Business – (Clive Baker) On line 14.36
EE Ltd – Monthly Wi-Fi Welfare Hall (2 months) 44.40
Norton 360 Premium – (Clive Baker) Annual Renewal 104.99
Luke Griffiths – Payment for Stone Wall Repair 3056.00
The Post Office – 3 x books 2nd class Stamps 16.32
A M Williams – Repair to Hall Kitchen and Toilet Ceiling 1382.40
Sainsburys – (Linda Evans) picture frame 15.00
NPTCBC (Selar Com. Benefit Fund) – Unused Grant Money – Lights 672.05
Viking Direct – Cleaning Materials for Hall 30.37
Viking Direct – Office Supplies 62.27
Westward Energy Services – Annual Service – Hall Boiler 264.00
Total payments for this period (Debits) 10103.57
Income received:
SRCC Stores Ltd – Monthly rental of Shed in the Park 30.00
TSB Bank – Monthly interest on Reserve Saver A/C 13.92
VIEW (Glynneath) Ltd – Hall Hire (Dec 2022 and Jan 2023) 60.00
Celtic Archers – Hall Hire (Dec 22 and Jan 23) 140.00
Singing for the Brain – Hall Hire (Jan 23) 60.00
Total Credits for this period 303.92
Account Balances:
General Account 23rd February 2023 4292.42
Reserve/Saver Account 23rd February 2023 13292.57
Total Account Balances 23/02/23 17585.99
99/22 Correspondence
- Training needs survey 2023 – to be completed by Chair and Clerk
- Renewal of OVW membership 2023/24 – RFO to pay
- NPTCBC – Heritage Grant Scheme
- Environment (Wales) Act 2016 Part 1 – Section 6. The Biodiversity and Resilience of Ecosystems Duty.
- A Shared Community – Charter Agreement
100/22 Review Budget Items and “5 Year Plan” – carried over to next meeting.
101/22 Section 137 Requests: There were no Section 137 requests.
102/22 Set Date, Time & Proposed Agenda Items for the next meeting;
The next meeting is scheduled will be held on Thursday 16th March 6.30pm. The venue of the meeting will be the Welfare Hall, and available remotely on Zoom. The proposed agenda items are, currently – None
Notices for the meetings will be posted at least three working days before they are due to take place.
Meeting closed at 8.36 pm
Accepted as a true record
Signed:
Councillor – Carolyn Edwards (Chair Person)
The Council resolved to enter Closed Session under Section 100 of the Local Government Act 1972 & the Council Standing Order 1c to Discuss Personnel Issues.
NOTE: ANY DISCUSSIONS/ETC WHICH TAKE PLACE IN “CLOSED SESSION” MUST REMAIN IN “CLOSED SESSION” AND NOT BE BROUGHT INTO THE PUBLIC DOMAIN (MINUTES) UNLESS AGREED BY THE FULL COUNCIL AT A FUTURE MEETING.
Any Closed Session Item (Review of Staff Practices etc) will be held in Closed Session. All HR meetings must be “Closed Meetings” without the public being in attendance.