Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on Thursday 14th January 2016 at 6.30 p.m.
Present: C Pavett (Chairperson), A Price (Deputy Chair), M Aveyard, A Challenger, J Price, C Edwards, C Harris.
Clerk: D Roberts
444/16 Apologies: M Aveyard, G Harris, A Siddley
445/16 Declaration of Interest. No declarations of interest 446/16 Minutes. The minutes of the Meeting on 12th November 2015 of the Blaengwrach Community Council were accepted as a true record, proposed by Cllr Edwards, seconded by Cllr A Price .
447/16 Matters Arising No matters arising
448/16 Planning No planning applications received.
449/16 Crime and Disorder. PACT meeting dates for 2016 emailed to Cllrs. Action: DR to display in notice board.
450/16 Finance Payments agreed £926 Payments Received £622
The Cllrs decided by a unanimous decision not to increase the precept for 2016/2017. Hall rental fees and pay increases will be discussed in March meeting.
451/16 Correspondence NPTCBC – Letter with query regarding repairs to footpath between Heol y Felin and Empire Avenue. Confirmed that Blaengwrach Community Council has not funded any maintenance work to the footpath owned by NPTCBC. DR to reply to NPTCBC. Welsh Government – Road safety Review, information distributed to Cllrs. ROSPA – information on safety inspections and training. 452/16 Committee Reports Cllr Edwards – Community Liaison Committee report.
Blaengwrach Community Council Cyngor Cymuned Blaengwrach
453/16 Matters Raised byCouncillors The Christmas celebrations were a great success. The date for 2016 was decided and booked for 26th November 2016. Cllrs approved the booking of sleigh and entertainer. The planting of wild flower seeds was discussed and purchase of seeds up to the value of £40 was approved. The purchase of bedding plants for the Welfare Park was approved. NPTCBC are no longer providing dog fouling bags. Cllrs agreed to purchase bags to be distributed free of charge. Summer Fair @ The Welfare Park – to be discussed at next meeting. Cllrs approved the erection of a flag pole at The Welfare Park.
454/16 Vacancy – Community Councillor NPTCBC have not been contacted regarding holding an election therefore a new Community Councillor will be co-opted to Blaengwrach Community Council. Action: DR to display appropriate information in notice board.
455/16 Set Date & Time of next meeting
Next meeting: 6.30 p.m. on Thursday 11th February 2016 at St Mary’s Church.
Meeting closed 7.45pm
Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on
Thursday 18th February 2016 at 6.30 p.m.
Present: A Price (Deputy Chair), M Aveyard, A Challenger, J Price, C Edwards,
Clerk: D Roberts
456/16 Apologies: C Pavett (Chairperson), A Siddley, G Harries, C Harries.
Letter from Cllr Siddley with apologies due to serious ill health. Cllrs agreed to accept apologies and agreed to non-attendance at Council meetings.
457/16 Declaration of Interest.
No Declarations of interest
458/16 Minutes.
The minutes of the Meeting on 14th January 2016 of the Blaengwrach Community Council were accepted as a true record, proposed by Cllr Edwards, seconded by Cllr J Price.
459/16 Matters Arising
NPTCBC have yet to decide if they are going to withdraw the supply of dog mess bags. Blaengwrach Community Council has distributed over 1500 bags to date.
460/16 Planning
No planning applications received.
461/16 Crime and Disorder.
PACT meeting – Vandalism in the Welfare Park was identified as the priority, PCSO agreed that there would be a higher police presence at the Welfare Hall, following an incident involving the Old Age group meeting at the Hall on 16th February 2016.
Dates requested for “Cuppa with a Copper” which are held at Blaengwrach Primary School.
462/16 Finance
Payments agreed £784
Payments Received £280
Transfer £6000.00 from General Account to Saver Account
Age Connect – discussion on rental of The Welfare Hall. Cllrs decided that rental for the Hall would be charged. The decision was made on the grounds:
- the project is grant funded and the cost of hall rental is included in the grant.
- Age Connect have used The Welfare Hall free of charge from the end of the last grant funding in May 2015 and the start of the current grant funding which was secured in December 2015.
- The Hall is not available for alternative rental while Age Connect has it booked for two day a week.
Action: DR to inform Age Connect of the Council’s decision.
463/16 Correspondence
NPTCVS – invitation to The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service
Derek Vaughan – Public meeting announcement
NPTCBC – Local Development Plan Information
464/16 Committee Reports
Cllr Edwards – Community Council Liason Committee.
Cllr Edwards – Vale of Neath Surgery Committee, request for a new committee member. Action: item to be discussed at March meeting.
465/16 Matters raised by Councillors
A public meeting will be held at Cwmgwrach Rugby Club ON 3RD March 2016
466/16 Election of Co-opted Councillor
Three applications were received for the vacancy at Blaengwrach Community Council. Sheila Whitrow was co-opted by the Cllrs present. Action DR to notify and arrange paper work.
467/16 Set Date & Time of next meeting
Next meeting: 6.30 p.m. on Thursday 10th March 2016 at St Mary’s Church.
Meeting closed 7.15pm
Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on
Thursday March 10th 2016 at 6.30 p.m.
Present: C Pavett (Chairperson), A Price (Deputy Chair), M Aveyard, J Price, C Edwards,
Clerk: D Roberts
468 /16 Apologies: C Harries, A Siddley, G Harries, A Challenger, S Whitrow
469/16 Declaration of Interest.
None declared
470/16 Minutes.
The minutes of the Meeting on 2016 of the Blaengwrach Community Council were accepted as a true record, proposed by Cllr A Price , seconded by Cllr J Price.
471/16 Matters Arising
There is a limited supply of dog mess bags still available from NPTCBC.
No dates received for “Cuppa with a Copper” at Blaengwrach Primary School. Action: DR to email to request a list of dates to publish in notice board.
472/16 Planning
Planning Application P2015/1117. Change of use of rear of building from retail to martial arts centre. No objections
473/16 Crime and Disorder.
No reports
474/16 Finance
Payments agreed £488.
Payments Received £534
475/16 Correspondence
Selar Community Benefit Fund – details of next deadline. Action: DR to display in notice board.
Post Office – details of closure of current Post Office and transfer to Premier Store at Cwmgwrach. Cllrs agreed that the facility was essential in the village. Action: DR to respond in a positive manner to the plans.
476/16 Committee Reports
No Committee reports
477/16 Matters Raised by Councillors
Cllrs raised concerns regarding the graffiti project in the Welfare Park. It was suggested that the content was not relative to Cwmgwrach and that a more historical content should be considered before the actual work started. Action: Cllr A Price to discuss with the young people and artist.
Blaengwrach Primary School has been awarded a “green” level. Action: DR to write a letter of congratulations to the head teacher.
Fire Service – Cwmgwrach is now covered by the Fire Station in Seven Sisters, Cllrs raised concerns that the station is only manned on a part time basis. Action: Invitation to be extended to Gordon Walker to attend a meeting to discuss the situation.
There is maintenance work needed to safety rails at the Welfare Park. Action: DR to get quote to be approved at next meeting.
Vale of Neath Surgery Patient Participation
478/16 Set Date & Time of next meeting
Next meeting: 6.30 p.m. on Thursday 14th April 2016 at St Mary’s Church.
Meeting closed 7.00pm
Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on
Thursday 14th April 2016 at 6.30 p.m.
Present: C Pavett (Chairperson), C Edwards, S Whitrow.
Clerk: D Roberts
479 /16 Apologies: A Price (Deputy Chair), A Siddley, G Harries, J Price, M Aveyard, A Challenger, C Harries
Cllr Pavett welcomed Cllr Whitrow to her fist meeting at Blaengwrach Community Council.
480/16 Declaration of Interest.
No declarations of interest.
481/16 Minutes.
The minutes of the Meeting on 14th April 2016 of the Blaengwrach Community Council were accepted as a true record, proposed by Cllr Edwards, seconded by Cllr Pavett.
482/16 Matters Arising
Cllr A Price was not present, update regarding graffiti project to be discussed in May meeting.
Clerk stated that she has not had any response from Fire Service, Action: Cllr Pavett to contact Fire Service re joint meeting with Glynneath Town Council.
483/16 Planning
P2016/0117 – no objections raised
P2016/0254 – no objections raised
Action DR to write letter of support from Blaengwrach Community Council for the project.
P2016/0135 – No objections raised
Cllr Edwards declared that she had responded to the planning application as a resident stating concerns regarding road safety and access issues.
484/16 Crime and Disorder.
The next PACT meeting will be on 18th April. Action: DR to email PCSO requesting dates for “Cuppa with a Copper” meeting at Blaengwrach Primary School Community room.
485/16 Finance
Payments agreed £1702
Payments Received £1803
Cllrs discussed and approved annual pay increases and summer working hours for park keeper/gardener.
Quote received for repairs to railings at the Welfare Park approved, Action: DR to contact contractor.
486/16 Correspondence
NPTCBC – Boundaries Commission for Wales – Review. Action: DR to file.
487/16 Committee Reports
Cllr Edwards – Patient Participation Committee
Cllr Pavett – Cwmgwrach Old Age
488/16 Matters Raised by Cllrs
Cllrs have received complaints about dog mess and litter in the village. Action: DR to write letter of complaint to NPTCBC
Cwmgwrach Scouts are in the process of putting together a litter picking project. Cllr Pavett will give the Scout leader information regarding funding available from Aberpergwm Colliery fund and Selar funds.
489/16 Set Date & Time of next meeting
Next meeting: 6.30 p.m. on Thursday 12th May 2016 at St Mary’s Church.
Meeting closed 7.40pm
Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on
Thursday 12th May 2016 at 6.30 p.m.
Present: C Pavett (Chairperson), A Price (Deputy Chair), M Aveyard, A Challenger, J Price, C Edwards, , S Whitrow.
Clerk: D Roberts
490/16 Apologies: G Harries, C Harries, A Siddley,
491/16 Declaration of Interest.
None
492/16 Minutes.
The minutes of the Meeting on 14th April 2016 of the Blaengwrach Community Council were accepted as a true record, proposed by Cllr Edwards, seconded by Cllr Whitrow.
493/16 Matters Arising
The contractor has been contacted regarding the repairs to the railings in the park and work will go ahead as soon as possible
New boiler, action DR to arrange to quotes to replace the boiler.
The graffiti project will commence next week with amendments to the original drawings.
Chairs at the Welfare Hall. Action: Cllr Pavett to contact the scouts to ask if they would agree to Blaengwrach Community Council donating chairs to the organization.
494/16 Planning
No planning applications received
495/16 Crime and Disorder.
No issues raised.
496/16 Finance
Payments agreed £234
Payments Received £1535
497/16 Correspondence
Post Office – information on date of relocation of Post Office. New post office will open on 24th June 2016.
Marie Curie – Poster. Action DR to display in notice board
CAB Leaflet – Action: DR to file
NPT CVS – Voluntary Voice. Action: DR to file
Zurich Insurance – notification of annual renewal, awaiting quote.
498/16 Committee Reports
Selar Community Benefit Fund – The two community counsellors representing Blaengwrach Community Council have completed their term of office on the Committee. Cllrs voted for Cllr A Price and Cllr Edwards to represent Blaengwrach Community Council. Action: DR to contact Paul Hinder with names and contact details.
499/16 Matters Raised by Cllrs
Cllr Challenger raised concerns regarding the information on the notice board at the cemetery as it was faded and could not be read. Action: DR to replace with up to date information.
Planning applications P2016/0117 petrol station & P2016/0254 restaurant/pub/carpark- Cllrs discussed the importance of the development of the area in relation to job creation and economic development. Action Cllrs to contact AM’s and MP’s re letter of support for the project. Action: DR to place a petition in Cwmgwrach Post Office in order for residents to sign in support of the project.
Cllr raised concerns regarding the lack of outdoor space at Blaengwrach Primary School since the erection of the building to be used by Flying Start. Action: School governors to raise the issue at the next meeting.
500/16 Set Date & Time of next meeting
Next meeting: 6.30 p.m. on Thursday 9th June 2016 at St Mary’s Church.
Meeting closed 7.45pm
Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on
Thursday 16th June 2016 at 6.30 p.m.
Present: C Pavett (Chairperson), A Price (Deputy Chair), J Price, C Edwards, C Harries, S Whitrow.
Clerk: D Roberts
501 /16 Apologies: M Aveyard, A Challenger, A Siddley, G Harries,
502/16 Declaration of Interest.
No declarations of interest
503/16 Minutes.
The minutes of the Meeting on 12th May 2016 of the Blaengwrach Community Council were accepted as a true record, proposed by Cllr Edwards , seconded by Cllr Whitrow.
504/16 Matters Arising
Replacement of central heating boiler – awaiting quotes.
Donation of chairs to Scouts. Action: Cllr Pavett to contact scouts.
Outdoor play space at school – Cllr Pavett has spoken to the head and they have plans to develop further outdoor space.
506/16 Planning
P2016/0410 – no objections
P2016/0117 – letter of support to be sent to NPTCBC.
Letter of support submitted by Bethan Jenkins AM.
507/16 Crime and Disorder.
Dates for Cuppa with a Copper sessions to be held in the community room at Blaengwrach Primary School emailed to Cllrs.
508/16 Finance
Payments agreed £2632
Payments Received £637
Further quotes are required for the replacement of the central heating boiler at The Welfare Hall – to be discussed at July meeting.
509/16 Acceptance of Annual Accounts 2015/2016/Annual return to year end 31st March 2016.
Annual accounts and internal audit
Approved unanimously.
Annual Return to external auditors Year end 31st March 2016
Approved unanimously.
510/16 Correspondence
Letter from resident requesting information on the cost of renting The Welfare Hall. Information posted.
Notification of polling station requirements for 23rd June 2106.
Age Connect – letter requesting reduction in rental cost. Cllrs regretfully could not agree to a reduction in rental cost for the grant funded project due to rising fuel costs. Cllr discussed the implication of the reduction in cost for all community groups using the Welfare Hall as it would not be fair to reduce the cost for one group and not others and the impact on the budget of the Community Council. Action: DR to respond.
511/16 Committee Reports
Cllr Edwards – Vale of Neath Surgery
512/16 Matters Raised by Cllrs
Further development of the Welfare Park. Cllrs requested that suitable companies would be contacted with the view of obtaining quotes.
Dog mess bags – NPTCBC will no longer be able to supply bags for distribution in the village. Cllrs agreed that the service goes some way to addressing the problem and agreed to fund the purchase of bags.
Cllr Edwards raised the issue of membership for One Voice wales and Cllr agreed to invite a representative to the next meeting.
513/16 Set Date & Time of next meeting
Next meeting: 6.30 p.m. on Thursday 14th July 2016 at St Mary’s Church.
Meeting closed 7.55pm
Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on
Thursday 14th July 2016 at 6.30 p.m.
Present: Cllr Pavett (Chairperson), Cllr Edwards, Cllr Whitrow
Clerk: Apologies – D Roberts
514 /16 Apologies: Cllr Siddley, Cllr A Price, Cllr J Price
515/16 Declaration of Interest.
Cllr Whitrow declared interest re St Mary’s Church.
516/16 Minutes.
The minutes of the Meeting on 16th June 2016 of the Blaengwrach Community Council were accepted as a true record,
proposed by Cllr Edwards, seconded by Cllr Whitrow
517/16 Matters Arising
Valley services have withdrawn the quote – will re submit quote to include industrial boiler
British Gas – 2 no shows
Atom Heating Ltd – quote received
Rhys Williams – awaiting quote.
Clerk and Chair authorized to continue with works if quotes under £10,000.
No change is circumstance at Blaengwrach Primary School re Flying Start. Porta Cabin should be finished by September, children able to start after 2nd birthday.
Dates given for “Cuppa with a Copper”
518/16 Planning
No planning applications received.
519/16 Crime and Disorder.
There was a drugs raid in Empire Avenue during June.
520/16 Finance
Payments agreed
Flowers Mrs Sedgemoor £19
Postage £7.25
St Cadoc’s £6.00
Swalec £383.30
Brit gas £709.80
Celtic flags £61.20
Fuel(mowers) £24.52
Payments Received – nil
521/16 Correspondence
Thank you card from Gwyneth Sedgemoor for flowers.
Letter from PCC re upkeep of Church Road to respond to Jennifer Jenkins PCC.
Letter from PCC re upkeep of church yard – clerk to respond to Jennifer Jenkins – advised to get quotes to get work done and bring back to CC to investigate possible grants.
Letter from BM James Grave Digging Services – carried forward.
522/16 Committee Reports
None
523/16 Matters Raised by Cllrs
Fun day at Welfare Park – 6th August – Council notes fun day in park organized by residents. Clerk to check all necessary insurances are in place. Bar supplied by Cwmgwrach Rugby Club, Burger Van.
All expenses to be met by the organising group including insurance – co-ordinated by Stuart James.
Chief Executive of One Voice Wales has agreed to attend.
Cllrs received a delegation from residents.
Allowed to speak on several issues/concerns
- Age Connect re funding – Cllrs explained that Age Connect had received funding for the cost of rental of The Welfare Hall.
- Seat needed at bottom end of park and Cwmboyle Road.
- Water at bottom gate of park
- Cemetery gates – weeding needed. Needs a shelter/closure of gates
- Trees at bottom of Empire Avenue need cutting
524/16Adoption of amended Code of Conduct
Code of Conduct accepted. Query training.
525/16 Set Date & Time of next meeting
Next meeting: 6.30 p.m. on Thursday 8th September 2016 at St Mary’s Church.
Meeting closed 7:55pm
Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on
Thursday 8th September 2016 at 6.30 p.m.
Present: C Pavett (Chairperson), A Price (Deputy Chair), J Price, C Edwards, C Harries, S Whitrow
Clerk: D Roberts
Guest Speaker: Lyn Cadwallader, Chief Executive, One Voice Wales
Guest Speaker: Jeremy Miles AM
526 /16 Apologies: A Challenger, G Harries, M Aveyard
527/16 Declaration of Interest.
No declarations of interest.
528/16 Minutes.
The minutes of the Meeting on 16th June2016 of the Blaengwrach Community Council were accepted as a true record, proposed by Cllr Edwards , seconded by Cllr Whitrow .
529/16 Matters Arising
No matters arising
530/16 Planning
P2016/0748 – No objections
P20160556 – No objections
P2016/653 – No objections
531/16 Crime and Disorder.
Next meeting of Cuppa with a Copper will be held at St Mary’s Church on 21st September 2016 at 6.30pm.
532/16 Finance
Payments agreed
Dog mess bags £46
LH Evans £96
Maintenance materials £37
Flowers £12
Payments Received
£1095
533/16 Correspondence
Cwmgwrach Moving Forward – Information on Family Fun Day. Action DR to invite committee members to January meeting.
Trem y Glyn Consultation information. The information has been displayed in the notice board.
NPTCBC – “Alleged public footpath between High Street, Empire Ave and Heol y Felin Community of Blaengwrach”. Deadline for representations 19th September 2016.
NPTCBC – Invitation to Partnership Event, Tuesday 11th October 2016. Cllr Pavett to attend. Action DR to reply to invitation.
One Voice Wales – Invitation to meeting on 14th September 2016 at 7.00pm. Cllr Pavett to attend.
534/16 Committee Reports
No committee reports
535/16 Matters Raised by Cllrs
Deadline for requests for election for Blaengwrach Community Councillor is 13/9/16 and a provisional date for the election has been set for 20th October 2016.
Party in the Park organised by Cwmgwrach Moving Forward was a great success. Action: Invite Committee member to January meeting to discuss how Blaengwrach Community Council can support future events and activities.
New water heat required in kitchen at The Welfare Hall. Spend approved. Action: DR to contact contractor.
Cllr Edwards and Cllr A Price to gather quotes re the demolition of the pumping station and development of The Welfare Park.
The required three quotes were discussed for the replacement of the central heating boiler at The Welfare Hall following discussion the contract will be awarded to Valley Services. Action DR to contact company to arrange suite date for installation.
536/16 Set Date & Time of next meeting
Next meeting: 6.30 p.m. on Thursday 13th October 2016 at St Mary’s Church.
Meeting closed 8:45pm
Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on
Thursday 13th October 2016 at 6.30 p.m.
Present: C Pavett (Chairperson), A Price (Deputy Chair), A Challenger, G Harries, J Price, C Edwards, C Harries, S Whitrow.
Roger Hopkin, Shirley Hopkins (Cwmgwrach Moving Forward)
Clerk: D Roberts
537 /16 Apologies: M Aveyard, C Harries
538/16 Declaration of Interest.
None received
539540/16 Minutes.
The minutes of the Meeting on Thursday 8th September 2016 of the Blaengwrach Community Council were accepted as a true record, proposed by Cllr Pavett , seconded by Cllr Edwards .
541/16 Matters Arising
Quote received for replacement of water heater, approved.
542/16 Planning
P2016/0770 – sent via email, no objections
543/16 Crime and Disorder.
No information received
544/16 Finance
Payments agreed
Rental £12
Sundry supplies for Welfare Hall £132
Wired up Wales £90
Fuel for gardening machinery £19
British Gas £281
NPT Waste £180
Dog mess bags £15
Payments Received
Hall Rental £537
In line with cash flow forecast. Budget approved
Council approved two new signature on bank accounts – Cllr Edwards and Cllr Whitrow. Action Cllr A Price to contact bank.
545/16 Correspondence
Email received re rental of Welfare Hall for new dance group. Action: DR to reply with availability, suggest classes start after Christmas as Blaengwrach Primary School use the Hall for practice and school concerts which restricts availability.
Boundaries Commission – The 2018 review of Parliamentary Constituencies in Wales – Initial proposals, deadline 5/12/16.
NPTCBC – Alleged footpaths between High Street and Empire Avenue and Heol y Felin – Notice of confirmation and copy of Notice of its making.
NPTCVS – Invitation to AGM – Cllr Pavett to attend, Action: DR to confirm attendance.
Cwmgwrach Moving Forward – letter requesting support for the cinema project re funding application to Selar Community Benefits Fund. Action: DR to write letter of support.
546/16 Committee Reports
Cllr Edwards – Vale of Neath Surgery.
Cllr Pavett – NPTCBC budget meeting.
Selar Liaison Fund – five grants approved. Education grant will be for full time university education for two year @ £250.
547/16 Approval of amended external Audit documentation.
Actions – Date of appointment for internal auditor and letter of engagement for internal auditor.
Matter of budget monitoring during financial year – although the budget is monitored on a monthly basis with approval of payments and bank balances provided for Cllrs this is not recorded in the monthly minutes as budget formally being monitored and approved. Action: DR to minute the budget approval in the monthly minutes.
548/16 Matters Raised by Cllrs
Membership of One Voice Wales – Cllrs decided not to apply for membership. Action: DR to write and thank Lyn Cadwallader for attending the meeting and note to review the membership at the AGM in May.
Cllrs approved the replacement of the water heater at The Welfare Hall. Action: DR to contact contractor.
Celtic Archers have been notified that The Welfare Hall will not be available on 20th October as is required as a polling station.
The new gas boiler has been installed at The Welfare Hall.
549/16 Set Date & Time of next meeting
Next meeting: 6.30 p.m. on Thursday10th November 2016 at St Mary’s Church.
Meeting closed 8.00pm
