Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on Thursday 8th January 2015 at 6.30 p.m.
Present: A Price (Chairperson), M Aveyard (Deputy Chairperson), A Siddley, G Harries, C Pavett, J Price, J Bodman, C Edwards
Clerk: D Roberts
333 /15 Apologies: C Harries, A Challenger
334/15 Declaration of Interest.
None declared
335/15 Minutes.
The minutes of the Meeting on 2014 of the Blaengwrach Community Council were accepted as a true record, proposed by Cllr J Price, seconded by Cllr Edwards.
336/15 Matters Arising
Martin Hooper (NPTCBC) has been contacted re the pollution monitor at The Cemetery.
Glynneath Historical Society will meet on 9th January to discuss the storage of documents at The Welfare Hall, the documents will be insured by Glynneath Historical Society.
337/15 Planning
No planning applications received.
Discussion on the development of the new health centre – concerns raised over allocated space for community/district nurses and health visitors. Action: Cllr Siddley to discuss with NPTCBC, letter to be sent requesting information on accommodation to practice manager at Vale of Neath Practice if accommodation is not allocated.
338/15 Crime and Disorder.
No issues raised
339/15 Finance
Payments agreed £8867
Payments Received £390
Cllrs decided to increase the cost of the rental of The Welfare Hall – notification to be sent to all groups. Cllrs also decided to increase the cemetery fees to bring them in line with the costs at Glynneath.
Precept – following examination of cash flow forecast it was decided unanimously that the precept would remain the same.
340/15 Correspondence
Gwenda Thomas AM – information on office hours and contact details.
NPTCBC – Information on applying for 2015/2016 precept. Action DR to complete.
341/15 Committee Reports
Cllr J Price – Selar Community Fund.
342/15 Any Other Business
Due to the increased use of The Welfare Hall Councillors decided to increase the caretaker’s hours by three hours per week.
Discussion regarding the extension of the cemetery was held and the issues of appropriate licenses, health and safety, insurance, planning application, cutting down trees and environmental/wildlife were highlighted, these issues would need to be addressed before any decisions were made. No action will be taken until all these issues have been addressed.
On line banking – application forms completed awaiting documentation.
A public meeting is being held at The Welfare Hall on 14/1/15 to discuss an application to Selar Community Fund by Cwmgwrach RFC.
Discussion on the development of the entrance to the village, Cllrs decided that a large stone with a welcome sign would be the best option.
Selar Community Fund – two applications were received for the vacancies on the panel, Paul Hinder will contact the residents with regard to training.
343/15 Set Date & Time of next meeting
Next meeting: Thursday 12th February 2015 at 6.30 p.m. at St Mary’s Church.
Meeting closed 7.45pm
Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on
Thursday 12th February 2015 at 6.30 p.m.
Present: A Price (Chairperson), G Harries, J Price, J Bodman, C Edwards.
Clerk: D Roberts
344 /15 Apologies: C Harries, M Aveyard, A Siddley, A Challenger, C Pavett.
345/15 Declaration of Interest.
None declared
346/15 Minutes.
The minutes of the Meeting on Thursday 8th January 2015 of the Blaengwrach Community Council were accepted as a true record, proposed by Cllr Edwards, seconded by Cllr Bodman.
347/15 Matters Arising
Health Centre consultation has been completed, without any objections, plans to be passed to developer.
Glynneath Historical Society have agreed to purchase cabinets for archived material to be stored at The Welfare Hall. Action: DR – letter to be sent stating that Glynneath Historical Society is responsible for insuring the items stored.
348/15 Planning
Details of planning application P2015/0018 e-mailed, no objections.
349/15 Crime and Disorder.
Newsletter and dates of PACT meetings emailed to Cllrs.
350/15 Finance
Payments agreed £1418
Payments Received £1246
351/15 Correspondence
SIA – request for donation – declined
Wales Kidney Foundation – request for donation – declined
RCT – information on RCT Draft Supplementary Planning Guidance Consultaion.
Letter from resident regarding location of bus stop at High Street and request for the erection of bus stop sign. Action: DR to contact First Group
352/15 Committee Reports
Cllr Edwards – Community Liaison Committee.
Cllr Bodman has been unable to attend meetings due to a prior appointment and requested that another Cllr be appointed to the committee. Action: to be discussed at next meeting.
Cllr J Price – Selar Fund
353/15 Any Other Business
Discussed decoration to ceiling in The Welfare Hall, to be discussed at next meeting.
Residents had raised concerns regarding the closure of Glynneath Leisure Centre due to budget cuts at NPTCBC, now managed by Celtic Leisure not NPTCBC.
Closure of Cwmgwrach Post Office, more information required, Glynneath Post Office may also close, concerns raised regarding the lack of a Post Office.
354/15 Set Date & Time of next meeting
Next meeting: 6.30 p.m. on Thursday 12th March 2015 at St Mary’s Church.
Meeting closed 7.20pm
Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on
Thursday 12th March 2015 at 6.30 p.m.
Present: A Price (Chairperson), G Harries, C Pavett, J Price, J Bodman, C Edwards
Clerk: D Roberts
355 /15 Apologies: C Harries, M Aveyard A Challenger, A Siddley.
356/15 Declaration of Interest.
None received
357/15 Minutes.
The minutes of the Meeting on 12th Feb 2014 of the Blaengwrach Community Council were accepted as a true record, proposed by Cllr Edwards , seconded by Cllr J Price .
358/15 Matters Arising
Glynneath Post Office – under consultation
Cwmgwrach Post Office – no notice of consultation
Ceiling at Welfare Hall – the cause is possibly a leak will be investigated.
359/15 Planning
Planning application P2014/1137 emailed to Cllrs, no comments received.
360/15 Crime and Disorder.
Nothing to report
361/15 Finance
Payments agreed £53
Payments Received £1730
Cllrs discussed and approved annual pay increases and summer working hours for park keeper/gardener
362/15 Correspondence
Mazars – information on external audit for 2014/2015
NPTCBC – Consultation on Court Deputy Proposals – Cllrs A Price to seek clarification.
363/15 Committee Reports
No reports
364/15 Any Other Business
The matter of charging rental for The Welfare Hall if it was not used was discussed and it was decided that there would not be a charge if the Hall was not used.
Welcome to Cwmgwrach Project– Cllr Pavett has met with Aled Jones and Steve Owen of NPTCBC who have asked to be included in the costing process and will assist with the planning and highways issues related to the project, NPTCBC will provide a quote for the cost of the work. Application will not be completed to submit for next panel meeting.
The issue of damage at the cemetery has been resolved by placing large stones painted white and planting shrubs where cars had been driving over the grass.
There has been some damage to the stage at the Welfare Hall by the Celtic Archers. Celtic Archers have been made aware of this and have been asked to use barriers to prevent their arrows hitting the front of the stage.
Selar Community Fund – Friends of the Cabin would like to apply for funding for a graffiti project on the wall below the Scout’s Hall in the Welfare Park. No objections raised. Application for 50 chairs to be submitted by Blaengwrach Community Council, approved.
365/15 Set Date & Time of next meeting
Next meeting: 6.30 p.m. on Thursday9th April 2015 at St Mary’s Church.
Meeting closed 7.30pm
Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on
Thursday 9th April 2015 at 6.30 p.m.
Present: M Aveyard (Deputy Chairperson), G Harries, C Pavett, J Price, J Bodman, C Edwards
Clerk: D Roberts
366 /15 Apologies: A Price (Chairperson), C Harries, A Challenger, A Siddley.
367/15 Declaration of Interest.
No declarations of Interest
368/15 Minutes.
The minutes of the Meeting on Thursday 9th April 2015 of the Blaengwrach Community Council were accepted as a true record, proposed by Cllr Edwards , seconded by Cllr J Price.
369/15 Matters Arising
It was stated that there is a possibility of the Post Office moving into The Costcutter.
370/15 Planning
No planning applications received.
371/15 Crime and Disorder
Nothing to report.
372/15 Finance
Payments agreed £1477
Payments Received £1057
Cllrs discussed and approved annual pay increases and summer working hours for park keeper/gardener.
373/15 Correspondence
Mazars – information on annual audit
Play Works – Information update, Action: DR to file
374/15 Committee Reports
No reports
375/15 Any Other Business
AGM – agreed to hold AGM prior to monthly meeting on May 14th 2015, Action DR to email nomination forms.
Cllr Pavett has spoken to Aled Jones (NPTCBC) regarding the erection of the welcome to Cwmgwrach project who will in turn submit a map and information on the project to Nicola Lake (NPTCBC) for advice on issues relating to the Highways Department.
376/15 Set Date & Time of next meeting
Next meeting: 6.30 p.m. on Thursday 14th May 2015 at St Mary’s Church. Meeting closed 7.10pm
Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on
Thursday 14th May 2015 at 6.30 p.m.
Present: A Price (Deputy Chairperson), M Aveyard, A Challenger, A Siddley, G Harries, C Pavett (Chairperson), J Price, C Edwards, C Harries
Clerk: D Roberts
377/15 Apologies: J Bodman
378/15 Declaration of Interest.
Cllr Challenger – Nu Generation
Cllr Siddley – NPTCBC
379/15 Minutes.
The minutes of the Meeting on 2015 of the Blaengwrach Community Council were accepted as a true record, proposed by Cllr C Edwards, seconded by Cllr J Price.
380/15 Matters Arising
Welcome to Cwmgwrach project – Head of planning has been on annual leave, Cllr Pavett will contact her next week on her return to work.
381/15 Planning
No planning applications received.
382/15 Crime and Disorder.
The PCSO has been made aware of the issue of dog fouling around the school and has accompanied a member of the Council to view the problem.
383/15 Finance
Payments agreed £4435
Payments Received £5116
384/15 Correspondence
The Council has been copied into a letter sent by Bethan Jenkins AM to The Environment Agency regarding an incident in Cwmgwrach. No action to be taken until outcome has been decided as Blaengwrach Community Council have only been copied in on the original letter.
Glynneath and Cwmgwrach Historical Society – Letter of thanks re storage and confirming the society will comply with the terms and conditions.
The Ombudsman – Information on Revised Guidance on the Code of Conduct. Action: DR to email website address to Cllrs.
Age Concern – Request for Community Council to postpone payment of the rental of the Welfare Hall for three months while the application to Selar Community Fund is processed to ensure that the service will continue without a gap in provision. The service will be run by volunteers during this period. Agreed by all Cllrs present. Action DR to reply.
385/15 Committee Reports
Cllr Price – Selar Community Fund have approved application for the new chairs for The Welfare all. Some of the old chairs have been donated to Cwmgwrach RFC. Action: Dr to contact Enfys re recycling existing chairs.
386/15 Any Other Business
A local business woman has requested that a flyer is placed in the notice board. – approved.
Clun y Bon is due to close with the residents moving to Glynneath.
Nu Generation has requested a reduction in rent of the Welfare Hall for their presentation event. Approved – nominal charge of £20 to be paid.
Keep Wales Tidy will no longer be able to fund the skip that is available on a monthly basis. An application the Selar Trust Fund will be submitted to fund the skip on the middle Wednesday of each month.
387/15 Set Date & Time of next meeting
Next meeting: 6.30 p.m. on Thursday 11th June 2015 at St Mary’s Church.
Meeting closed 7.35pm
Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on
Thursday 18th June 2015 at 6.30 p.m.
Present: A Price (Deputy Chairperson), M Aveyard, A Challenger, G Harries, C Pavett (Chairperson), J Price, Joan Bodman.
Clerk: D Roberts
388 /15 Apologies: C Harries, G Harries, A Siddley
389/15 Declaration of Interest.
No declarations of interest
390/15 Minutes.
The minutes of the Meeting on 14th May 2015 of the Blaengwrach Community Council were accepted as a true record, proposed by Cllr J Price, seconded by Cllr Challenger .
391/15 Matters Arising
Some of the old chairs from the Welfare Hall have been donated to Cwmgwrach Rugby Club.
The Welcome to Cwmgwrach project is still at the planning stage and NPTCBC have asked for more details for the structure. Action: to be discussed at September meeting.
392/15 Planning
No planning applications received.
393/15 Crime and Disorder.
There is a new PCSO in Cwmgwrach, he will continue to use The Cabin. Cllrs requested information on the date of the next PACT meeting. Action: DR to re-email newsletter with dates.
394/15 Finance
Payments agreed £1316
Payments Received £546
395/15Annual Return & Accounts
The Annual Accounts and return to the external auditors approved for submission.
396/15 Correspondence
Letter received form a resident with several issues. Action: Cllr Pavett (Chairperson) to reply.
397/15 Committee Reports
No reports
398/15 Any Other Business
Cllr Challenger has been approached by a local artist asking for use of the Welfare Hall to display and sell her works. Action DR to contact and invite to the next meeting.
Discussion on the development of the Welfare Park and pumping station to be added to the agenda for August.
Plans for Christmas festivities – The activities will take the same format as Christmas 2014.
It was suggested that a summer event could also be held in Cwmgwrach with outdoor activities in the Welfare Park. Action: to be discussed at next meeting.
Cllr Bodman is unable to attend the Community Liaison Committee meeting. Action: DR to add to agenda for next meeting.
399/15 Changing rooms at The Welfare Park
Cwmgwrach RFC has replaced the roof of the changing rooms. There were concerns regarding the disposal of the old roof, the chair of Cwmgwrach RFC has reassured the Community Council that all the legal issues have been adhered to and he the rubbish will be disposed of by a company who has all the necessary certificates and documentation.
Set Date & Time of next meeting
Next meeting: 6.30 p.m. on Thursday 13th August 2015 at St Mary’s Church.Meeting closed 7.45pm
Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on
Thursday 13th August 2015 at 6.30 p.m.
Present: A Price (Deputy Chairperson), A Siddley, G Harries, J Price, C Edwards, M Aveyard, C Harries
Clerk: D Roberts
400 /15 Apologies: C Pavett (Chairperson), A Challenger, J Bodman,
401/15 Declaration of Interest.
Cllr Siddley due to County Borough Council status
402/15 Minutes.
The minutes of the Meeting on 16th June 2015 of the Blaengwrach Community Council were accepted as a true record, proposed by Cllr J Price seconded by Cllr Aveyard.
403/15 Matters Arising
There has been no contact from Mazaars.
404/15 Planning
No planning applications received.
Planning Inspectorate – Information on Planning Act 2008.
405/15 Crime and Disorder.
There have been two incidents in Cwmgwrach in the last month.
406/15 Finance
Payments agreed – £2776
Payments Received – £800
407/15 Correspondence
Barclays Bank – information on Glynneath branch closing – to be added to September’s agenda.
Letter from resident regarding the condition on the road side on the A465. Action: Issue to be raised at County Borough Council/SWTRA by Cllr A Siddley.
Age Concern – request to sore equipment at the Welfare Hall. The foyer has to be cleared due to risk of fire hazard. Seating and corner unit to be removed, Age Concern will be able to use the storage cupboard until next fire inspection.
Age Concern have been granted a rental holiday until the October meeting of Selar Community Fund.
408/15 Committee Reports
To be discussed at September meeting
409/15 Any Other Business
Cllr Pavett is progressing with the planning application for the welcome to Cwmgwrach project.
Cllr Siddley has received a request to have yellow lines on the road along Bryn Berllan Cottages. Action: Cllr Siddley to contact Highways Department at NPTCBC.
There has been no progress with the development of the rugby field at Fothergill road.
There has been a cow in the cemetery, all repair to damage to the cemetery have been completed.
A local artist has requested to hold an exhibition of her work at the Welfare Hall. Cllrs agreed to a commission of 15% of sales to be charge which will be used for the Christmas activities in Cwmgwrach.
The dram donated by Selar has been installed in the Welfare Park and secured free of charge. Cllrs agreed to the purchase of bulbs for spring.
410/15 Set Date & Time of next meeting
Next meeting: 6.30 p.m. on Thursday 10th September 2015 at St Mary’s Church.
Meeting closed 7.30pm
Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on
Thursday 17th September 2015 at 6.30 p.m.
Present: A Price (Deputy Chair), M Aveyard, A Challenger, A Siddley, G Harries, C Pavett (Chairperson), J Price, C Edwards
Clerk: D Roberts (Apologies)
411 /15 Apologies: C Harries, M Aveyard J Bodman
412/15 Declaration of Interest.
None
413/15 Minutes.
The minutes of the Meeting on 13th August 2015 of the Blaengwrach Community Council were accepted as a true record, proposed by Cllr Edwards, seconded by Cllr J Price.
414/15 Matters Arising
Entrance to Cwmgwrach – Cllr Siddley and Cllr Pavett to visit NPTCBC to discuss progress.
415/15 Planning
No planning applications received.
416/15 Crime and Disorder.
No matters to report.
Next PACT meeting will be held on 23rd September at 6.00pm at Church Hall Cwmgwrach
417/15 Finance
Payments agreed £406
Payments Received £598
Accounts set up on line banking as queried in last meeting
418/15 Correspondence
Mazars – There were no issues highlighted by the external auditors.
Accounts to be displayed at The Welfare Hall on 17th October 11.00am to 12.00pm
Thanks were expressed by the Councillors to the Clerk for the completion of the paperwork for the auditors.
419/15 Committee Reports
Cllr A price will replace Cllr Bodman on the Community Liaison Committee.
420/15 Any Other Business
Christmas Party booked for Saturday 28th November, Santa will arrive at 5.30pm, Children’s party in The Welfare Hall, tickets to be arranged by Blaengwrach Primary School as per last year.
Santa, Sleigh and entertainer booked. Cllrs agreed that refreshments will be provided for the children and turkey rolls will be on sale for the adults.
Residents have spoken to the Cllrs with regard to applying for a grant to show films in The Welfare Hall. It was agreed that a joint application would be made by Blaengwrach Community Council and a residents group which will be set up. The residents group will open a bank account and put together a constitution to enable them to apply for the grant.
Dram in the park – Cllrs to bring to the next meeting suggestions for the wording on the plaque to be put on the stone near the dram, acknowledging where the dram came from etc, Pandy Colliery and Selar.
Cllr G Harries brought up that the road to the underpass is in a very bad condition and as it is the only access out of the village for disabled people. Action: Cllrs Siddley to contact Mr Ian Carter @ NPTCBC regarding resurfacing the road to allow this road to be used.
A report from residents at Empire Avenue of the overgrown state of the rear of their gardens which is causing water towards houses. Action: Cllr Siddley to make enquiries
421/15 Set Date & Time of next meeting
Next meeting: 6.30 p.m. on Thursday 8th October 2015 at St Mary’s Church.
Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on
Thursday 8th October 2015 at 6.30 p.m.
Present: A Price (Deputy Chair), G Harries, C Pavett (Chairperson), J Price
Clerk: D Roberts
422 /15 Apologies: C Harries, M Aveyard, A Challenger, A Siddley, J Bodman, C Edwards
423/15 Declaration of Interest.
None declared
424/15 Minutes.
The minutes of the Meeting on 17th September 2015 of the Blaengwrach Community Council were accepted as a true record, proposed by Cllr A Price , seconded by Cllr J Price .
425/15 Matters Arising
Cllr Siddley has spoken to NPTCBC and they have agreed to fill in the potholes on one side of the access to the underpass.
The “Welcome to the Village” is ongoing, policy at NPTCBC has now changed and it now has to made as a formal planning application, Cllr Pavett agreed to collate the costings and an application will be made to the Selar Community Fund.
Discussed the wording for the plaques on the dram located in the Welfare Park, Action: DR to email proposed wording to all Cllr to be discussed at next meeting.
Work to the rear of the gardens on Empire Avenue is scheduled for next year’s budget by NPTCBC.
426/15 Planning
No planning applications received.
427/15 Crime and Disorder.
Three attendees at the PACT meeting, crime is down.
428/15 Finance
Payments agreed £527
Payments Received £1185
The bank accounts at Barclays bank will be reviewed at the AGM, sue to the local brach closing.
429/15 Correspondence
NPTCBC consultation on the Licensing Act – web address given to Cllrs.
NPTCBC consultation on the Gambling Act – web address given to Cllrs.
Wales Audit Office – notification that there will be changes to the external audit next financial year.
Glynneath Town Council – request for information on funding for a skip at Glynneath Leisure Centre. Action: DR to contact Glynneath Town Council, Cllrs are willing to support an application to Selar Community Fund.
Blaengwrach Primary School – letter of thanks. Action: DR to post in notice board.
430/15 Committee Reports
No Committee Reports
431/15 Issues raised by Councillors
The Remembrance Service will be the same format at pervious years on 8th November 2015.
McMillan Cancer Support requested the use of the Welfare Hall for a fundraising coffee morning on 12th November – agreed by Cllrs.
432/15 Set Date & Time of next meeting
Next meeting: 6.30 p.m. on Thursday 12th November 2015 at St Mary’s Church.
Meeting closed 7.55pm
Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on
Thursday 12th November 2015 at 6.30 p.m.
Present: A Price (Deputy Chair), M Aveyard, A Challenger, A Siddley, G Harries, C Pavett (Chairperson), J Price, C Edwards, C Harries
Clerk: D Roberts
Cllr Pavett informed the Council of the sad news of the passing away of Cllr Joan Bodman, a two minutes silence was held as a mark of respect.
433/15 Apologies: A Siddley
434/15 Declaration of Interest.
Cllr Challenger re planning application
435/15 Minutes.
The minutes of the Meeting on 8th October 2015 of the Blaengwrach Community Council were accepted as a true record, proposed by Cllr J Price, seconded by Cllr A Price.
436/15 Matters Arising
The coffee morning held in The Welfare Hall was a great success.
The wording for the dram in The Welfare Park will be bilingual.
The Remembrance Service was well attended and support by The Old Age group who organized and served refreshments to all attendees.
437/15 Planning
P2015/0984 – no objections
P2015/0962 – no objections
P2015/0847 – no objections
P2015/0872 – no objections
438/15 Crime and Disorder.
Report emailed to Cllrs.
439/15 Finance
Payments agreed £652
Payments Received £602
All Cllrs agreed to a donation in lieu of flowers to Alun Lewis for Cllr Bodman.
he “Chair’s Allowance” has been used for the Christmas activities.
440/15 Correspondence
NPTCBC – RDP scheme, Cllr requested further information regard in the scheme. Action: DR to Contact NPTCBC
Invitation to Thanksgiving Service at St Cadoc’s Church.
Letter of complaint received regarding parking at Remembrance Service. Action: Chair to reply.
Art Exhibition was poorly attended, commission waived by Council.
441/15 Committee Reports
Cllr Edwards – Glynneath Health Centre
442/15 Matters Raised by Councillors
There is now a vacancy for a Councillor. Action: DR to contact NPTCBC as to the process and the cost of an election and the possibility of co-opting a new Councillor. Information on the funeral to be displayed in the notice board.
The number of children at Blaengwrach Primary School is increasing.
443/15 Set Date & Time of next meeting
Next meeting: 6.30 p.m. on Thursday 10th December 2015 at St Mary’s Church.
Meeting closed 7.00pm
