Minutes of the Meeting held on Friday 22nd February 2008 at the Village Centre, Gwernymynydd.

Chairman: Councillor K. Taylor.

The Chairman welcomed to the meeting members of the public who had come along to voice their opinions and concerns with regard to the forthcoming Public Inquiry into the proposal to re-open Bryn Gwyn Quarry in order to extract large quantities of aggregate.

1. Apologies for Absence

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Mrs. M. Bellis and

R. Astbury.

2. To Approve the Minutes of the January Meeting

The Minutes of the above had been distributed and were confirmed as a true record of the business transacted at the meeting.

3. Matters Arising from the Minutes

Ref: KSS/043076, Demolition of existing buildings and residential development of 24 dwellings and associated works including ground remodelling, located on land at Siglen Ucha, Ruthin Road, Gwernymynydd. Councillor Mrs. N. Matthews informed the Members that this application would now probably be heard by the Planning Committee, Flintshire County Council, in either March or April. The concerns expressed by local residents with regard to surface water and to the sewage system had now been referred by the Planning Department to the Environment Agency for further investigative work.

With respect to the proposal to site an additional street light along Gwernaffield Road, Cadole, the Clerk outlined to the Members the problems that maybe encountered with the project. The Clerk informed the Council that he was awaiting costs for the work from the Council’s lighting contractor.

4. Bryn Gwyn Quarry, Gwernymynydd

The meeting held on Friday the 22nd February 2008, was able to provide information to all concerned about the issues surrounding the possible re-opening of the Bryn Gwyn Quarry. With the Council taking this action it was hoped that members of the public would be equipped with sufficient knowledge to enable them to show a united front against the proposal at the Public Inquiry to be held on the 26th February 2008.

Councillor C. Bradshaw provided information for everyone at the meeting relating to the history of the quarry. Councillor Bradshaw then proceeded to outline the involvement of D. P. Williams (Holdings Ltd) and to explain the company’s intention to extract mineral from the quarry.

Councillor Mrs. N. Matthews provided additional information about the quarry and also explained to everyone why the Inquiry had been called. Councillor Matthews outlined how the Inquiry would proceed and how it would be focused on the two test points.

No winning and working of minerals has been carried out to any substantial extent for a period of at least 2 years; and it appears that resumption of development is unlikely.

Councillor R. Barton explained to the meeting, outlining from a neighbouring Community Council and Denbighshire County Council point of view, how the

re-opening of the quarry would affect everyone, he also referred to its location within the AONB and to the local road network that would be used to transport the extracted mineral.

Councillors appealed to members of the public to give their support to the Council and to Flintshire County Council in the endeavour to prevent the quarry from re-opening. Members of the public were requested to attend the Inquiry and to register their attendance in order to show to the appointed Inquiry Inspector how much public opinion was against the proposal to re-open the quarry.

5. Reports

1. Police Matters

The Chairman welcomed PC G. Aldous to the meeting; the Constable then introduced himself to everyone and proceeded to give his report relating that there had been no crime committed in the community within the last few months. There had been issues concerning speeding vehicles in Village Road, Cadole and also car parking along the A 494 near to the County boundary, both these complaints were being investigated.

Councillor T. Barley reported that a party had been held at Loggerheads Park resulting in large amounts of litter, beer cans, bottles, being left. Councillor Barley asked if the Police could be vigilant about such non-approved events taking place particularly in the coming spring and summer months.

The Members thanked PC. Aldous for his report and for attending the meeting.

2. Outside Bodies

With reference to the Village Centre Management Committee,

Councillor G. Morris provided an update of information for the Members. The Committee Room has now been decorated and the Management Committee AGM will be held on the 10th April 2008.

3. Sub-Committees

There were no items for discussion.

4. A494, Gwernymynydd/Cadole

With reference to previous complaints regarding loose manhole covers, Members were informed that 4 had been repaired. Councillor G. Morris reported that there were still some that needed attention, these to be identified and the information given to the respective contractor to effect repair.

5. Complaints received by Councillors

Councillor T. Barley related to the Council that he had received a complaint of noise nuisance caused by vehicles travelling over the red textured traffic calming markings on the road.

Councillor T. Barley informed the Members that he had received complaints concerning the bus operator GHA reference to the Mold/Ruthin service. This complaint concerning the operating practice of the contractor to be given to officers of Flintshire County Council, Transport Section, for their comments and for them to take the appropriate action to resolve the problem.

Councillor T. Barley related his concerns to the Council reference to the asbestos-cement roofing panels on the Cadole bus shelter. Explanations with regard to the safety of people using the shelter were given to allay the fears expressed.

Councillor C. Bradshaw informed the Council that the rut in the roadside, Glyndwr Road, had not been rectified and as such it now needs urgent attention.

Councillor K. Taylor informed the Council that the village notice boards were in need of repair/refurbishment.

Councillor E. Owens requested an update with regard to the village Post Office; will Eagles and Crawford allow the facility to be re-established? Councillor Mrs. N. Matthews explained to the Members the situation to date. The Clerk was requested to write to Mr. Eagles with regard to the possibility of the Post Office re-opening.

Concerning the Eagles and Crawford bus depot located at the former Rainbow Garage, the Council were pleased to note that the buses were not causing any traffic problems and that the site itself was well presented. The Clerk was requested to write to Mr. Eagles expressing the thanks of the Council for all that has been done to the new bus depot.

6. Correspondence

Items 1, 2, 3 and 4 were received by the Council.

7. Late Correspondence

The following information was received by the Council:-

A letter of thanks from Reverend W. McCabe for the kind gift given by the Council; Llangollen 2008, 8th to the 13th July, a diary of events; Flintshire County Council, Emergency Planning Update for Town/Community Councils, information given regarding forthcoming Seminars; Joint North Wales Health Organisations a Public Consultation document on Race Equality.

A request for financial assistance submitted to the Council from the Gwernymynydd Pre-School Playgroup. The Council resolved to donate £100 to the organisation. In addition the Council requested further information reference to the Group’s accounts, number of children attending Playgroup and whether other organisations (e.g. the Genesis Project) had been approached for help and assistance. The Council also agreed in principle to provide further help on the provision of the requested information.

8. Planning Matters

LEJ/044592; Erection of a two storey extension to the front of Cil y Coed, located at

Swan Lane, Gwernymynydd.

AGREED

9. Finance

Payments were authorised and cheques signed totalling £657.11

Chairman........................................................................................................

Payments authorised at the meeting held on the 22nd February 2008.