Minutes of the Meeting held on Thursday 28th June 2007 at the Village Centre, Gwernymynydd.

Chairman: Councillor K. Taylor

The Chairman welcomed to the meeting Members of the Public, the main issue of their concern being speeding vehicles in the village of Cadole and what could be done to effectively reduce/stop the said problem by utilising measures for traffic calming.

1. Apologies for Absence

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors T. Barley, Mrs M. Bellis,

E. Owens and PC. G. Aldous.

2. To Approve the Minutes of the May 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

With reference to Item 7; Gwernymynydd Post Office; Councillor K. Taylor provided an up-date for the Members. The suggestion put forward that in the event of a closure of the Post Office at the Rainbow Garage the Village Centre Management Committee would have no objection to a Portakabin being sited on the Centre’s car park to accommodate the facility had been further discussed at length by the Committee. A decision had been reached whereby it was agreed that such a proposal was not a feasible option. The issue of finding a new location for a Post Office away from the Rainbow Garage is still the responsibility of the present Post Office Licensee, Members were hopeful that a solution to the problem could still be found.

Item 9.3; the grass verge at Llys Enfys, it was reported that the remaining stumps of the trees/shrubs were preventing Flintshire County Council’s grounds maintenance teams from cutting/trimming the verge. The Clerk was requested to pursue the matter with the County Council.

4. Gwernymynydd Community Development Plan

Councillor C. Bradshaw outlined to the Council the main theme of the Plan, that is; Communication, Feedback and Actions to be taken. The Plan to be a live document changing as required to the needs of the Community.

Councillor Bradshaw related what the issues were and requested feedback from the Members on the points given. The Council will ultimately have an overview of the Development Plan with the aim to achieve a proactive approach as to what is desirable for the Community of Gwernymynydd. Initially topics such as Planning Issues and Traffic flow to be in the forefront as identified through the complaints procedures that are already in place. It is hoped that the guidance from the Welsh Assembly Government where Town/Community Councils are to be considered for more individual responsibility that the stated initiative will help the Council in its endeavour to formulate the Development Plan.

Members were requested to consider items for further discussion.

5. Traffic Calming Measures, Village Road, Cadole

The Chairman, Councillor K. Taylor, informed everyone that he would take the observations of the Councillors first and then open up the meeting in order to hear the concerns of the public.

A letter received from Councillor T. Barley regarding the problem of speeding vehicles was discussed in depth, suggestions submitted to resolve the issue were considered and Members offered their own opinions as to what could be done to alleviate the concerns of the residents of Cadole.

As a result of the comments received from members of the public and Councillors it was resolved that the Council writes to Flintshire County Council requesting the following actions be taken in order to prevent motorists from speeding within the village.

1. To close the village road access onto Gwernaffield Road (the final straight section of road towards Gwernaffield) and make the T-junction, Village Road/Gwernaffield Road the only access at this point. To resurface the road at this junction and to narrow the road width on the straight section of Village Road.

2. To relocate the 30 mph signs to more appropriate sites to ensure that motorists entering Cadole know that there is a speed restriction in place.

3. To pursue a speed limit of 20 mph within the village.

6. Aircraft Noise Nuisance

Councillor Mrs. E. Parry related her concerns to the Council regarding noise pollution caused by an increase in passenger aircraft flying over Gwernymynydd. Councillor J. McCormick provided additional information with regard to an increase in the number of aircraft using the existing flight path over the village and also altered flight paths to accommodate the increase in air traffic using Liverpool John Lennon Airport. Councillor Mrs. N. Matthews volunteered to obtain further information on the matter and the Council resolved to seek comments from neighbouring Councils with regard to the noise pollution problem.

7. Reports

1. Police Matters

Councillor C. Bradshaw reported to the Council the main items of interest that were discussed at the recently held Liaison Meeting with North Wales Police (South Flintshire) and Town/Community and County Councillors. Performance figures for 2006/07 were given with the police able to announce that all set targets had been achieved. Two new CBM’s were now in post and details were shared concerning Operation Debar. Environmental Audits will continue to take place and new financial investigation operations will look into people who appear to be living beyond their means as compared with their known income.

2. Outside Bodies

With reference to the Village Centre Management Committee,

Councillor G. Morris provided an update of information for the Members. The recently held concert was a success and details were given about the scheduled improvement and repair work that will be taking place at the Centre. Fees for the hire of the facility will rise in September and the Centre proves to be a popular venue available for letting.

Councillor R. Astbury reported to the Council the main points discussed at the recently held UDP Pre-Inquiry meeting; Inspectors have been appointed to hear the Inquiry and the Council has also appointed a programme officer to co-ordinate the event. There have been nineteen thousand objections to the UDP and the Inquiry will commence in September, procedures have been established for outlining objections and or support and it is anticipated that the Inquiry will be a long process

3. Sub-Committees

There were no items for discussion.

4. A494, Gwernymynydd/Cadole

Councillor G. Morris informed the Council that the footways had been brushed ‘partially clean’ by Flintshire County Council’s Amenity Cleansing Department; hopefully the brushing/cleaning action will be improved upon at the next scheduled visit.

5. Complaints received by Councillors

With reference to a previous complaint ‘Councillor Mrs M. Bellis informed the Council that the Pelican Crossing, A 494, by the Village Centre was not working properly’ Councillor C. Jackson informed the Members that again there was a fault with the Crossing’s lights. Flintshire County Council to investigate and repair the Crossing’s lights.

8. Correspondence

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

Item 2, Community Health Council, information received and a request regarding the recruitment of new members; Councillor Mrs. E. Parry stated that she would be interested in joining the Community Health Council.

9. Late Correspondence

The following information was received by the Council:-

One Voice Wales, notification of the Conference/AGM to take place Saturday, 13/10/07 at the Metropole Hotel, Llandrindod Wells; Flintshire County Council, a reply to the Council regarding the Village Sign A 494; Flintshire County Council, notification of a Cemetery Memorial inspection throughout the County; Letters of thanks to the Council for giving donations to Gwernymynydd CP School and the Senior Citizens’ Social Committee; An outline of the demise of Dunvant Community Council; An invitation to the Chairman to attend the Local Authority’s Buffet at the National Eisteddfod on Saturday 4th August 2007 at 12.30.

10. Planning Matters

With reference to the following Planning Applications, the Chairman,

Councillor K. Taylor declared an interest in both proposals and as such he did not take part in the discussions or the decision making process.

Ref: LEJ/043430; the erection of a front single storey bay extension, pitched roof to garage and a rear single storey extension located at 11, Bryn Eithin, Gwernymynydd.

AGREED

KYT/043440; the erection of a garage located at Gorst Mount, Ruthin Road, Gwernymynydd.

AGREED

Councillor C. Bradshaw provided for the Members an up-date with regard to the Bryn Gwyn Quarry proposal, the report is attached for information.

11. Finance

Payments were authorised and cheques signed totalling £350.91

The Clerk related to the Council the comments/observations received from the Council’s Internal Auditor, Mr. D. Griffiths regarding the Council’s Accounts for 2006-07.

The Council received the said comments/observations and agreed to act upon them accordingly.

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

Payments authorised at the meeting held on the 28th June 2007.