Minutes of the Ordinary monthly meeting of Laleston Community Council held at Blandy Hall – 21st June, 2018

Present: Councillors Tony Berrow, Colin Davies, Cheryl Green, David Harrison, Tom Turner, Ian Griffiths, Ian Spiller, Dan Woolridge, Roger Davies, Charles Smith, Jon-Paul Blundell, Briony Davies and Pam Davies

Cllr Ian Griffiths in the Chair

Silent Reflection
The Councillors held a period of silent reflection.

18/78 Apologies
Apologies were received from Cllr’s Roger Davies, Charles Smith, Jon-Paul Blundell, Briony Davies and Pam Davies.

18/79 To consider suspension of meeting to receive representations from local residents, if in attendance at meeting, (15 minutes maximum)
None present.

18/80 Declarations of Interest
The Clerk asked if any Councillors had any declarations of interest to declare to the Council.
There were no declarations of interest to declare.

18/81 Minutes of previous meeting
It was resolved that the Minutes of the previous meeting held on 17th May, 2018 be approved as an accurate record. Cllr Tony Berrow moved that the minutes be approved as an accurate record and Cllr Cheryl Green seconded the movement.

The Chair signed the minutes.

18/82 Matters arising from Minutes
18/D The Clerk confirmed that she had researched the allowance for members from The Independent Remuneration Panel and stated that the Members Allowance has now increased to £150.00 per annum. She also stated that the Chair’s Allowance be considered by members as this has not increased for some years. Cllr Tony Berrow proposed a sum of £600 be granted, Cllr Dave Harrison amended the proposal asking for a sum of £650.00 be considered due to the length of time since the last increase in expenses for the Chair person. Cllr Cheryl Green seconded the amendment of the proposal that £650.00 be granted to the Chair for the year 2018-2019.
RESOLVED: That members note the increase for their allowance is now £150.00 per annum and agreed that the Chairs Allowance be increased from £500 per annum to £650.00 per annum.

18/52 The Pound, Laleston
The Clerk confirmed that no further quotes have as yet been sought due to the condition of the site in which she had been advised to clear the area of the overgrowth to establish the extent of the condition of the walls. She confirmed that she had received a quotation from Cee Jay Landscapes for the installation of a new bench at a cost of £650.00 plus VAT.
RESOLVED: That this be noted by Council and that following complaints from residents due to the old benches being removed that the installation of the new bench go ahead.

18/68 Update of the refurbishment of play areas at Barnes Avenue and Wordsworth Avenue
The Clerk confirmed that she is awaiting a quotation from a recommended painter by Sutcliffe’s Play Ltd.

18/69 Play area at Dol Nant Dderwen
The Clerk confirmed that she has asked for quotations from Sutcliffe’s Play Ltd.

18/71 Blandy Hall Refurbishments
The Clerk confirmed that she had met with the Electrician for an estimate to be sought for the heating and new water tank to be installed in which a further meeting has been arranged with the plumber and electrician on Friday 22nd June, 2018 at 1.00pm.

She confirmed that she had also asked for a quotation for the painting of the exterior of the building as well as well as the cleaning of the guttering and down pipes and repainting the main door.
RESOLVED: That this be noted by Council.

18/83 Bryntirion Community Centre Update
The Clerk confirmed a meeting took place by the Sub-Committee for the Community Centre on 7th June, 2018. She also stated that the Expression of Interest form had been submitted and was agreed by BCBC for the temporary lease of 12 months be applied to LCC. Cllr Ian Griffiths stated that a new Terms and Conditions for users had also been drafted and wished to seek approval from Council to implement as soon as possible. Cllr Cheryl Green stated that she was contacted by the nursery regarding the doors being left locked or unlocked, she confirmed that she had enquired with BCBC and an officer will be attending the Community Centre to carry out a fire safety inspection.
RESOLVED: That these issues be noted by Council.

18/84 Allotments Update
The Clerk stated that she had received complaints from the Allotments Association and other tenants regarding the state of 3 plots on the site. She further explained that one plot has not been attended to this year despite previous warnings. The other 2 are not being maintained to the standard required and the weeds are affecting other plots. The Clerk therefore suggested that the one tenant who has not maintained his plot this year be sent a letter of termination of contract and the other be spoken to accordingly to try and resolve why the plots are not being kept up the standard required. She stated that a site visit may then be required by the Allotments Sub-Committee to determine an outcome. Council agreed that the tenant that has not maintained his plot for over 12 months be issued with a letter of termination of contract as soon as possible.
RESOLVED: That the Clerk issue a letter of termination of contract to one tenant and resolve who the other 2 remaining plots are not being kept to the required standard.

18/85 Finance Update
Accounts for Payment – May, 2018

Description Total
McColls – 12 x 1st class stamps 8.04
Nest – Pension Contribution 54.62
St David’s Church Social Committee – Grant for Fete 500.00
Cariad – Cabinet & Installation of Defibrillator Broadlands 400.00
Cariad – Cabinet & Installation of Defibrillator Bryntirion 400.00
Luminent Creative Ltd – Payment for Laser show Nov 18 2670.00
CommuniCorp – Clerks & Council’s Direct Subscription 120.00
Sutcliffe Play – Play Park Wordworth Avenue 15482.40
Sutcliffe Play – Play Park Barnes Avenue 12670.80
Nottage Joinery – Payment for windows/doors Blandy Hall 5887.68
Nolan Recycling Ltd – Hire of Midi skip for allotments 145.00
Zurich Municipal – Annual Council Insurance 2294.13
Paragon – Panel hosting for website 119.98
Amanda Parsons – Salary for May 2018 1263.44
TOTAL 42016.09

Current Budget and Financial Report 2018-2019
The Clerk circulated the current Expenditure Report as of 31st May, 2018 in which no comments were made.

Report from FSG Meeting held on 13th June, 2018

The Clerk confirmed that the income and expenditure for the Bryntirion and Laleston Community Centre for 2017-2018 is as follows:-

Gas & Electric – £2309.93
Admin (Accountants fees 2016-2017) – £720.00
Petty Cash £1150
Insurance £407.59
Maintenance – £6152.55
Total – £10,740.07

Income £5933.85

Estimated Annual Income from Nursery 15hrs a week x 40 weeks = £5400.

Cllr Roger Davies stated additional payments that would be required to be paid by LCC which include future water bills in which £500 was agreed to be reserved for this. He confirmed that a previous grant had been given by BCBC of £1300 and requested the Clerk to clarify if this funding will continue to be made available. Cllr Ian Spiller proposed operating budget be set at £14,000 for the forthcoming financial year, Cllr Roger Davies seconded the proposal. The Clerk further stated that the current user has charged the former Community Association £72.00 for cleaning for the month of May which they had paid, in which Councillors agreed that this was not acceptable being charged for due to the user being the sole user of the building and clearing up after themselves is part of their contract, as well as currently using all the rooms in the building in which only one room is currently being charged for. The Clerk confirmed that she will resend Cllr Roger Davies a copy of the existing contract to amend accordingly. Councillors also agreed that in the future an invoice be submitted to any users hiring the building.
RESOLVED: That it was proposed an operating budget of £14,000 be included in the budget for the remainder of this financial year and be agreed by Council. The Clerk to clarify if previous receipt of grant funding would still continue. Cllr Roger Davies to amend the existing contract and submit to other members for approval. The Clerk to provide an invoice in the future for all users hiring the building.

FSG/18/8 Day to Day Operational Running of Bryntirion & Laleston Community Centre
This item was discussed at point FSG/18/7.

FSG/18/9 Budget and Financial Report Update 2018/19
The Clerk circulated the financial reports for the year up until 31st May, 2018 in which it was confirmed that 2 amendments be made to the totals.

End of Year Accounts 2017-2018
The Clerk circulated a copy of the Accounting Statements for 2017-2018 as well as a copy of the Internal Auditors report, all documentation as well as supporting evidence will be sent to the external auditor early next week in time for the 3rd July, 2018 deadline.

18/86 Clerks Report Update
The Clerk confirmed that the handing baskets had been erected with a couple that have had to be re-allocated due to overgrowth from trees and hedges.

The Clerk confirmed that 2 of the bus shelters at Laleston and Ton Glas have now been installed. She confirmed that a problem had occurred on the proposed bus shelter installation Llangewydd Road in which one resident objected, but stated this has now been confirmed by BCBC that the installation can go ahead.
RESOLVED: That this be noted by Council.

Cllr Cheryl Green stated that the Church Social Committee have asked for permission to use Blandy Hall and the grounds for an event on the Bank Holiday Monday in August. The Council agreed there was no objections to the use of the hall and grounds.
RESOLVED: That Council had agreed for the Church Social Committee to use Blandy Hall and the grounds for an event they are hosting on the Bank Holiday Monday in August. The Clerk to ensure that the grounds are maintained prior to the event.

18/87 Correspondence April/May 2018
The Clerk confirmed that no correspondence had been received since the last meeting.

18/88 Reports and Observations Received April/May 2018
The Clerk confirmed that no Reports and Observations had been received since the last meeting.

– Cllr Dave Harrison stated that he had received a request if any Community Centre or School wished to receive a 7ft Christmas tree with decorations that had been donated. He asked that all members of the local schools seek if anyone would be interested and e-mail him as soon as possible.

– Cllr Dave Harrison stated that he had a member of the public contact him, following the installation of the defibrillator at the Dance Centre in Bryntirion, in which he confirmed that he could provide defibrillator training which would be very beneficial for potential users. Cllr Dave Harrison agreed to pursue possible training within the Dance Centre and notify Council of any progress.

– Cllr Cheryl Green stated that she read a recent post concerning ‘The Well’ in Laleston and expressed concern that ‘The Well’ is believed to be an ancient monument within in the area and should be maintained as it is in a bad state and requires someone to tidy up and weeding the area. She therefore proposed that the Gardener that the Community Council be contacted to carry out the work needed, Cllr Ian Spiller seconded the proposal.

– Cllr Colin Davies confirmed that he had spoken to V2C and had met with Officers from V2C on Monday regarding the state and condition of some sites within the Bryntiron area, he stated that the meeting was very positive and further to the meeting V2C had submitted an action plan of areas that require attention, he therefore requested that this item be forwarded to the next agenda to discuss in more detail.
RESOLVED: That this item be put forward to next month’s agenda.

– Cllr Tony Berrow asked if Council would re-consider drafting a newsletter in the near future. Council agreed that this item be forwarded to the next agenda for discussion.
RESOLVED: That this item be put forward to next month’s agenda.

– Cllr Tony Berrow asked if Council, following previous enquiries and investigations, would give consideration for the installation of a skate park. Council agreed that this item to agenda this item be forwarded to the next agenda for discussion.
RESOLVED: That this item be put forward to next month’s agenda.

– Cllr Ian Griffiths expressed concern regarding the signage in Broadlands for a right of way not being clearly visible due to the overgrowth of trees. Council agreed for the Clerk to seek clarification from BCBC if and when the cutting back will take place and agenda this item for the next meeting.
RESOLVED: That the Clerk seek clarification from BCBC if and when the cutting back of the trees will be carried out and forward this item to next month’s agenda.

– Cllr Ian Griffiths reported that a resident had made a complaint due to parents parking across his driveway when dropping off children at Cefn Glas School, he confirmed that the resident was abusive towards the parents and staff at the school and wanted this to be noted to the Council.
RESOLVED: That this issue be noted by Council.
18/89 Planning Applications – May/June 2018
The following planning applications/appeals have been made during the past 2 months:-

REFERENCE
/DATE PROPOSAL LOCATION
P/18/362/FUL
Single storey side extension 13 Trem Y Dyffryn Broadlands Bridgend CF31 5AP
P/18/378/FUL Proposed single storey rear extension and two storey side extension to include conversion of existing garage to habitable room 19 Dol Nant Dderwen Broadlands Bridgend CF31 5AA
P/18/385/FUL

Retention of fence with colour change to light grey 31 Fairplace Close (Clos Manteg) Broadlands Bridgend CF31 5BY
T/18/24/TPO Remove number of lower limbs & dead branches of Oak tree 35 Llwyn y Groes Broadlands Bridgend CF31 5AJ
P/18/401/FUL Convert garage into living space and internal alterations 8 Bryn Melys Broadlands Bridgend CF31 5DN
T/18/26/TPO Fell dangerous hawthorn tree (T1) 4 Tyddyn Gwaun Laleston CF32 0LN

The Meeting Closed at 8.40pm

………………………………………… Chairperson