Minutes of Llanbedr Community Council - Cafeteria on Thursday 2nd June at 7.00 pm.
Present
Iona Anderson, Annwen Hughes, Eirwyn Thomas Goronwy Davies, Helen Johns, Kevin Titley, Ed Richards, Gruffydd Price, Aled Morgan Jones.
Apologies for absence:
Iolyn Jones
Carol Williams from the Post Office was also present.
From the chairman - Welcoming everyone to the meeting, and a very special welcome to the new member of the Council, namely Ed Richards, hoping that he will enjoy the experience. Carol Williams also welcomed.
Extend sympathy with Annwen Hughes in her recent bereavement of losing her cousin Eirene Richards.
We received the minutes of last month’s meeting, and approved, signed by the Chairman Goronwy Davies.
Discussion with Carol Williams of the Post Office Network.
Explaining the way post offices are run. Many are closing and that there is a change in the network transformation. The Post master no longer receives a salary as such, but works on a commission for every transaction. Local Arrangement can be obtained for small sites like Llanbedr, which is not very busy. A Mobile van or 'Outreach' can be offered, if any organization can facilitate it within their store or building. The original plan of housing a post office in the stores has been rejected at Llanbedr. So now discussing the outreach option.
This would mean getting 2 hours a week service for Llanbedr. It has not been offered to the shops as yet. – Gwynfor from Cricieth could come to Llanbedr, or maybe the Post Officer from Dyffryn Ardudwy - somewhere fairly local would be beneficial to save on costs of travelling.
Therefore would need 'Co-branch' to run the service for Llanbedr.
Need a suitable site. Had started to discuss the possibility of using the Village Hall.
2 hours of service.
Post office would pay for broadband connection in the building and phone line put in place. Only for post office use.
3 months consultation.
Possibility of putting in the new Hall, but missed months of service before the building will be ready.

It was agreed that the Clerk would talk to the proprietors of Wenallt and Yr Efail - Explaining that this could attract people to their store.
Need a small counter or table, a phone connection and internet. The Post Office would facilitate all of this and also
pay for installation.
And Carol would look for a postmaster to do the outreach work at Llanbedr
These discussions took 45 minutes of Council time.
Carol was thanked for coming all the way from Anglesey to discuss the implications of this.
Matters Arising from the Minutes: -
Cemetery - has been cut.
Public footpath - That there were changes in the organization of refund of running costs for public footpaths. Following a programme of cuts across the Authority's services over the next two years, and a cut of £ 110,000 in the budget for the rights of way service. Llanbedr CC will get a maximum refund of £ 266.14 in March 2017. Therefore again restricting the service.
Japanese Knotweed - After receiving information from Gwynedd Council and National Park regarding our inquiry about the land - Victoria.
The information from Gwynedd Council - Emily Meilleur, Senior Officer (Biodiversity), GC.
Contractors list - capable of doing the work.
'Fact sheet - the knotweed Code of Practice'. Also note that the site is close to the river and the need to contact Natural Resources Wales (Cyfoeth Naturiol Cymru) before using any weed killers. There is no financial assistance available.
Also received a letter from Robinsons saying that this land does not belong to them. Perhaps the map is not very clear, and that the line in question includes the riverbank. Was agreed to pass the details to Cyfoeth Naturiol Cymru to inform them of this. (Land - ownership? - Dangerous because a site near the road, afraid of weed spread)
Planning applications
Comments on Planning from National Park Authority
Allowing the display advertisement information panel, Gwarchodfa Natur Morfa Dyffryn.
Planning application
NP5 / 62 / L215C - demolish the existing shop front, replacing the previous front elevation and minor changes to the rear elevation. Bronallt, 4 Moelfre Terrace, Lampeter.
No objection by the Community Council for this development.
Is there any unauthorized work done in Aberartro? - Old building and parking lot.
Work has also begun on the Barn. Although planning application was rejected!
Finance report - Llanbedr CC
The finance report and budget for the year sent by e mail. It was agreed that the budget spread sheet needed some restructuring. For benefit of Councillors only.
The Clerk thanked Eirwyn Thomas for his help to do this work.
Cash at the end of May was £ 12,395.28 Bank
Situation demonstrates the Council rolled over from the previous financial year the sum of £ 10,422.46 (excluding £ 100 that had not been adjusted as yet).
Form showing expenditure April and May - received the precept of £ 5500 (one part).
Thus making the actual total £ 10584.96
So the difference of £ 1810.32 shown
namely
£ 100 has not been banked
£1030.00 GJJ
Carpet cleaning £ 200
£145.32 CCF
£200.00 Show (Royal Welsh – Meirionnydd host)
Total exp. £ 1675.32
There is still a difference of £ 135.00 in payment of refund from Gwynedd Council for work on footpaths. Therefore £ 10584.96 to last until the end of August. Second half of precept will be in hand - the sum of £ 5500 .Also applied for VAT refund of £ 468.22 ( last year’s expenditure)
Already identified this year expenditure since April 2016 - the VAT refund of £ 432.11
A significant sum for such a short period of time.
The Council approved these accounts. But also noted that there's a problem arising with the budget because of the need to pay more and taking over responsibility for other projects in the community.
Note that refund for clearing public foot paths has been cut by Cyngor Gwynedd, no re claiming of deficit in the Cemetery Accounts. Annwen Hughes stated that she had sent a copy of Gwynedd Council etc burial costs to the Clerk, in order that we at Llanbedr are consistent with other areas of Gwynedd relating to burial costs.
There is more demand on the Council financially.
* Already the need to cut and take care of the War Memorial and Village hall grounds, also cutting around the playground equipment. It was agreed that Henrique Costa would do the work. Also agreed that a donation was given to Eirwyn for his work mowing the grass in the playing field (the use of a tractor and mower, and costs and time.) Village residents are quick to complain about things, and the time for volunteering for such work has since passed. So it must be made clear and known to the residents of the village – where their money is spent (Council tax payment.)
* Passed that Eirwyn should receive a funding of. £ 50 for his service. One cut per month. From May until October. 6 cuts in all. (Need to add this in the budget).
* Councillors also are entitled to travel expenses to and from committees such as One Voice Wales, (send an invoice to the Clerk. (This has not been a consideration when forming the budget)
Cutting roadsides - Annwen Hughes noted that only one cut from County Council from now on . Situation becoming more and more difficult.
Important points for the Llanbedr CC to remember!
Must look after the interests of the Village and Parish firstly. Llanbedr first when thinking about giving money away. More care in setting out the budget.
* Request by the Beer Festival for a contribution- Debate regarding this, that money goes back and forth between the Council and the Beer Festival.
Explaining that the Beer Festival has applied to the Community Council to advertise a beer barrel or pay £ 25 for an advertisement on the Internet, but advertising on barrel no longer an option by now.
Expressed an interest in this (Eirwyn, Gruff and Kevin).
Aled and Helen noted that the annual beer festival puts Llanbedr on the map, and attracts many visitors to the area in September. Annwen also commented the excellent work being done with the Christmas arrangements each year and that many other Communities were jealous of this arrangement.
Agreed for goodwill purposes to contribute, to show support rather than an advertisement. No doubt said Aled that the Council Precept will have to be raised again next year in order to finance all work needed. Thus Payment of £ 25.00 for advertising on their website. Goronwy to ensure the correct wording on the website. (Although the ad will be placed on the Festival website, advertising on www.llanbedr.com is free.)
Councillors reports from various meetings.
Eirwyn - One Voice Wales
That One Voice Wales is aware that there are many Community Councils interested in taking over the running of public toilets in their area. Noted that Council should be extremely careful in preparing for this. That we as a Council know the estimated cost, such as water tax, a tax on the site, insurance. That matters are dealt by a lawyer to act on our behalf. (Additional costs).
These are costs that we received - incurred by Gwynedd Council for running the Llanbedr public convenience for half yearly costs - e mail
Maintenance £ 860
taxes £640
Water - £250 Meter
electricity £ 60
insurance £50
cleaning £ 1560
Supervision and cleaners £130
clothing, materials £290
Management overhead and cleaning £350
A total of £ 4190 (Easter to October)
In the same way with SALT BINS.
One Voice Wales states unfairness that we as a Community Council will take over the salt bins, and GCC charge for the salt and distribution. Some Councils have looked at buying salt from other sources, and getting it cheaper.
But other circumstances arise also said Eirwyn.
Who is responsible if an accident occurs on the road - because of lack of salt in the winter months? What is our responsibilities and accountability?
A number of other matters arising from this meeting - we have not given enough thought and consideration to the obligation of taking control of extra work/duties and premises. Need to tread with care before accepting any other responsibilities!
BUT, and a big but says Eirwyn, - there is talk of merging councils in the future. If this is the case and Llanbedr CC does not comply with the order then our Council in Llanbedr will be the first to dissolve and merge with another council. Leaving us with little or no voice.
PLAYING FIELD REPORT
Noted that the boundary fence is now in place, no animals able to stray onto the field.
Gwynedd Council have informed us that they are ordering a bulb for the solar panel. But worried about the effectiveness of the battery system. The ground has been mowed.
DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE REPORT for Village hall - summary of reporting back
Kevin, Gruff ,noted that 6 tenders had been sent out by Wakemans . Tenders in by 15th June. (It was also noted that Artro Properties have not been included for tendering) One Company near Bala had no interest in tendering. It’s too late for Artro Properties to apply now. Disappointment by some of the Councillors.
£ 384 thousand has been raised already and more contributions are expected. Magnox application has gone in to fund about 7 thousand towards 'wi fi' and so on. Hopefully the work will begin in the summer. This all depends if the money is in place, and therefore on the results of the tenders.
COMMITTEE REPORT PUBLIC FOOTPATHS
Gruffydd Price noted that he had received the maps from Aled. The idea of ​​forming routes and paths with relevant themes ie. trees, rivers and so on.
The subcommittee will do this.
With finances low, it is necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of doing the booklet, consider costs and so on.


REPORT by Annwen Hughes - Gwynedd Council Affairs
1. Signs - give way - Llanbedr Bridge - CG doing an assessment.
2. CCF white lines - that this work is scheduled.
3. yellow lines near Yr Efail - work has been done (last days)
4. Signs 20 m.p.h. near the School. That arrangements have been made for a competition to produce a sign - Primary School children. CG has been in contact with Meryl Jones Headteacher, Llanbedr, and is now awaiting a date to visit the School regarding this.
5. TOILET - discussed closing toilets. The Committee did not approve the closure of public toilets. Must consider forming a partnership. The Community Council will receive further instruction from Gwynedd Council in the future.
An example of some visitors going to CCF and requesting public facilities. Also note that there is no sign indicating the Village has a Public Toilet.
OTHER COUNCIL MATTERS
UK Web Archive - Goronwy Davies noted that the National Library of Wales has asked for permission to archive http://llanbedr.com website. The Web archive is a partnership between the UK National Library, the British Library and the National Library of Scotland to protect websites for future users. They have identified this site as an important part of the documentary heritage of Wales and would like it to continue to be available to researchers in the future. The archived copy of the website will become part of their permanent collection. This is a feather in our cap, because they recognize the good practice of the Council.
1. Complaint received regarding wall near Talwrn Bach (Coastal route) and also unauthorized development has been done near Tai Croesion. These issues have been referred to the appropriate authorities.
2. Morfudd noted that she had received a query regarding construction and development at the Barn. Previous Planning Permission was refused. Inquire regarding this.
3. Railway Crossing Talwrn Bach - no further information - Annwen noted that she had failed to attend the last Committee. However, information was obtained by Eirwyn orally that the crossing was to close for 2 days in late summer for apparent work.