Minutes of Taff’s Well & Nantgarw Community Council held at:-
Ty Rhiw Community Centre on Thursday 23 April 2009
PRESENT: Cllrs: - C Dyke (Chairperson) S Lintern, L. Thomas, Megan Jones, A. Evans, Tracy Williams.
J. Bonnetto and Pat Prothroe
APOLOGIES, Cllrs: C E Griffin and Fred Meech.
Also present: Clerk to the Council Derek Allinson. Police representatives Pc 141 Andrew Townsend and
PCSOs Robert Lewis and Rachel Price
MINUTE No: 1/04/09 DISCLOSURES OF PERSONAL INTEREST:
Cllr Dyke declared an interest in all matters associated with the Ty Rhiw Community Centre.
MINUTE No: 2/4/09 POLICE MATTERS:
Pc 141 Andrew Townsend and PSCOs Robert Lewis and Rachel Price attended on behalf of the police authority and presented the following report:
· Pc Townsend reported back on the proposed CCTV initiative. Whilst CCTV provision was available, at a price, there were additional costs if the equipment was to be mobile. PC Townsend was still awaiting further information and a full report together with proposed costs would be presented to the next meeting.
· The officers outlined the PACT priorities for this month and reminded members that full details were available on www.ourbobby.com. The next meeting was scheduled for Thursday 7 May at the Ty Rhiw Community Centre
· Pc Townsend reported on the burglary at Illustrated Printers and stressed the need for individuals to make sure that garages and outbuildings were locked as these were often a target
· It was reported that vehicle crime was on the increase and the police would be making this a priority action over the next month
· It was recognised that some irresponsible scramble bike users were causing problems for local residents and eliminating this nuisance was a PACT priority. Two bikes had been stopped in the Tawelfryn Area and issued with warnings. In addition, two quad bikes had been confiscated by the police following previous warnings.
· Members expressed concern over: Vehicle for sale being parked on the Tawelfryn Green, parking problems around the Co-operative Store. Officers agreed to give these matters particular attention in the coming weeks.
There being no other business the officers were thanked or their attendance and reports.
MINUTE No: 3/4/09 PUBLIC SESSION:
Three Members of the public were present at the meeting and raised questions in respect of the Community Council’s planning application to change the use of Ty Rhiw Chapel into mixed community use.
The Clerk outlined the community council’s intention in this matter and the misinformation given by the local County Council Member about the proposed uses of the building. Throughout the process the County Council’s planning officer had recommended approval of the application but this had been rejected by members on, what the community council believed to be misinformation and matters not related to planning law, the Community Council would therefore appeal to the planning inspectorate with a view to getting the decision reversed.
MINUTE NO: 4/4/09 MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING:
The minutes of the meeting held on 24 February 2009 were amended to reflect that the problems of horses ‘breaking up’ the footpath/ cycle track was not, as stated in the minutes, necessarily caused by horses from Ty Rhiw Farm but by other horse users. With this correction the minutes were confirmed as a true record and signed by the Chairman:
MINUTE No: 5/4/09 MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES:
There were no matters arising which were not included on the agenda or covered within the Clerk’s report.
MINUTE NO; 6/4/09 CORRESPONDENCE - CLERK’S REPORT
TY RHIW CHAPEL – PLANNING APPLICATION
Members’ received a copy of the refusal notice in respect of the Community Council’s application to change the use of the Ty Rhiw Chapel into Community mixed community use.
The Clerk confirmed that the decision to refuse the application was taken against the advice of the County Planning officer who throughout has recommended approval of the application. It is clear, from emails and conversations with aggrieved residents that the information presented to the committee by the County Council Member was misleading and his decision to fight the application was not based on planning law but other considerations.
The Community Council had already resolved that: -“if the application was refused it would appeal to the planning inspectorate” and this process in now underway. The appeal will be by written submissions and should take approximately 16 weeks.
Members discussed what further action it should take in respect of this item and agreed that as a full explanation was contained within both the Council’s Newsletter and Website no further action was needed at this time. Members will revisit this matter in the future and take the necessary action to ensure that the public was given the correct information about the Community council’s intentions.
COMMUNITY COUNCIL WEBSITE
The Council’s Website was now fully functional and can be accessed at www.taffswellandnantgarwcc.com. The Community Council have already had 12 ‘hits’ and two communications via this media. One to congratulate the council on its imitative and one whilst supporting the site suggested that: - “it was petty not to include the contact details of the local county councillor”. These details were available via the RCT link but, on reflection and to avoid and suggestion that we are omitting the details deliberately they have now been included in the link. The Clerk had asked Councillor Hobson for a reciprocal arrangement but had not t received a reply.
The Clerk confirmed that the local news section was updated on a weekly basis and the following has been added this month.
· Review of Electoral Arrangements
· Ty Rhiw Chapel (article in Newsletter) + current position statement
· Crackdown on Anti Social behaviour (PACT report)
· Gas Safety Warning (New registration requirements)
· Bus service Review (Local residents requested to write to RCT)
· Taff’s Well Car Park Extension
· Taff’s Well Park Refurbishment (Green Flag scheme details)
· Advert for Cyclch Meithrin Ffynnon Taff enrolment
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS – ELECTION FEES
Members’ received a copy of RCTs invoice for the 2008 local government elections, together with a breakdown of the costs associated with the Community Council’s three wards at a total cost of £926.72. Members approve this expenditure.
PLANNING APPLICATION – 6 WEST VIEW, TY RHIW
At its previous meeting the Community Council lodged an objection to the erection of a fence at 6 West View on the grounds of ‘highway safety. However the application has now been amended to ensure that there is a clear unobstructed view of the highway. The proposed fence was now to be set back 2 metres from the road and the height reduced to 1.8 metres. Given that the Council’s concerns had now been met Members agreed that they no longer wished to object to the application.
RENTAL OF LAND AT PARISH ROAD
At its last meeting it was agreed that the Clerk should again write to the tenant of the field at Parish Rd regarding her non payment of rental on the site. The Clerk report that despite two letters urging the tenant to contact the Council no reply has been received, the Clerk advised a further letter be sent informing the tenant that if no contact is made within 7 days the Community Council will institute County Court proceedings and that the Clerk be empowered to take this course of action if no contact is made.
APPLICATION FOR GRANT AID
Members received a application from the Taff’s well and Nantgarw Allotments Association requesting a grant to install 46 metres of chain link fencing at a cost of £2,254.00.
Given the improvements to the allotments members resolved to approve the grant.
CHANGE OF COUNCIL MEETING DATES
The Clerk reported that owing to work commitments Councillor Griffin would, from September, be unable to attend meetings on a Thursday evening. It was agreed that, from September 2009, Council meetings would be held on a Monday.
MINUTE No; 7/4/2009 MEMBERS’ REPORTS
Cllr Audrey Evans
Informed members that ‘Cars for Sale’ were still being parked on the Green at the entrance to the Tawelfryn Estate. This was a continual problem and the member requested that the County Council be requested to provide bollards to restrict access to the green. The Police officers present informed the Member that they would take immediate action if she contacted them with the registration numbers of the vehicles as they were committing an offence.
Cllr Jill Bonetto
Informed members that the Ty Rhiw Community centre had acquired four Computers and was looking for assistance in getting them set up so that ‘classes’ could take place at the centre. Following discussion it was agreed that the Clerk would contact an IT specialist and ask if a quote could be provided to network the computers and provide internet access. It was agreed when the quote was available Members would once again revisit this matter.
Cllr S Lintern
Had been requested by the residents of Ty Wern to enquire what action was being taken to ensure that the grassed areas, at the flats, were cut. The area surrounding the flats was recently cut but the contactor informed residents that the work they requested was not part of the contract. In addition to the grass cutting the residents had also requested that the ‘large bush’ within the confines of the flats be removed. It was agreed that the clerk would contact the county council on these matters.
Once again expressed concern about the state of the footpaths in the area, the Clerk confirmed that this problem had been reported to the county council and remedial works would be undertaken when financial resources were available
Requested that Councillor Meech be asked to provide the bench, that was previously agree by the Council and site it on the corner of Yr Hendre and the old Nantgarw Road, Councillor Meech to liaise with Councillor Lintern on the exact position of the bench, the Clerk would contact Councillor Meech and request that this matter be expedited as soon as possible.
Had received complaints about the stability of a ‘dead tree’ at the Children’s’ play area. It was agreed that the Clerk would pursue this matter with the County Council.
Cllr L Thomas
Informed Members that the Japanese Knotweed was evident on the Railway line and was adversely affecting the property at 12 Yew Street Taff’s Well. It was agreed that the Clerk would contact both Network Rail and the County Council over this matter and request immediate action to eradicate this problem.
Reported that RCT Council workers had been carrying out work in the village, they have cut the grass to the entrance to the village, which is one of the areas on our tender list, and they also edged the grass around the green in Bryncoch, again an area the Community Council’s tender list. It was agreed that these items should now be excluded from the list and the Clerk would contact the Council’s contractor on these matters.
Cllr Tracy Williams
Informed members about the meeting that had taken place with local residents who were trying to improve youth facilities in the Yr Hendre and Tawelfryn area, the residents were pleased to note that the Community council was prepared to provide funding, up to £3000 and would be contacting the local County Councillor on this matter. It was hoped that the residents would attend the next meeting of the Community Council.
Cllr Megan Jones
Informed Members that the footpaths in the Views were uneven and broken, this was as a consequence of tree roots raising the pavement an making parts of the area ‘dangerous’. It was agreed that the Clerk would contact the Highways Department in respect of this matter.
A white van had been parking on the green at the views causing damage to the grasses area it was agreed that the Clerk would request that bollards be erected around this area.
Requested that the Community Council contact the Taff’s Well Medical Centre to enquire what progress had been made in ascertain who was responsible for the road leading up to the Medical Centre, it was agreed that the Clerk would pursue this matter and report back at the next meeting
Cllr C Dyke
Informed members that the drain covers outside numbers 25 and 119 Ty Rhiw had collapsed leaving the iron grids exposed above the height of the road. This was particularly dangerous for road users as there was poor lighting in the vicinity. It was agreed that these matters would be brought to the attention of the Highways Authority.
Reported a telephone call had been received from Lisa Austin requesting a meeting with the Clerk to discuss proposals for play provision within the area. The Clerk confirmed that Ms Austin already had his contact details but he would contact her and arrange a meeting
MINUTE No; 8/4/09 FINANCIAL REPORT:
The Clerk presented Members with details of current balances within the Community Council’s Current and Deposit Accounts.
Members approved payment of the accounts presented in the sum of £4,125 including the grant to the allotment association
MINUTE No: 9/4/2009 PLANNING APPLICATIONS:
Members’ received the following planning application and resolved that the following observations be made known to the County Council.