Among matters considered and discussed at the January monthly meeting of Penally Community Council were the following:

Consideration of the position for a new co-opted councillor: The clerk reported that she had advised the returning officer that Mr. Cavill had resigned as a community councillor and the requisite notices would be displayed on various notice boards through the village. It was noted that several persons living in the village had shown an interest in applying for co- option, but none havd come forward to the clerk.

Pembrokeshire County Council - Local Development Plan update: The clerk advised that an email from Pembrokeshire County Council had just been received advising that the consultation period regarding the Local Development Plan opened on January 11 and would close on March 11. Further information had been promised to the clerk regarding which sites had been shortlisted. This item has been diarised for February.

New revised railway timetable: Train times from Swansea to London had been changed, but times from Penally had not been altered to allow for connecting trains

Clr. Rilstone presented his report to the council regarding the new times of trains from Pembroke Dock station and the possibility that there was not enough time allowed for onward connections. A discussion took place on how these changes and the possibility of missed connections would effect travellers. Clr. Rilstone proposed that the clerk compose a letter to Transport Wales and other interested parties expressing their serious concerns on the new time tables; Clr. D’Arcy seconded the proposal, with all in full agreement.

Planning

Application

Extension to existing balcony at 20 Penally Heights, Penally. The council had no objections or concerns regarding this planning application.

Correspondence

• Email received from Mr. Meophem of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority advising about charging for parking in the car park adjoining Penally Railway Station. The charging period in 2020 would be from 9 am to 7 pm from March 15 to November 7. (Thirty minutes free parking allowed). Price boards and paying machine would be erected before then.

• Notice of planning decision received from Pembrokeshire County Council - 13 Strawberry Gardens, conditionally approved.

• Email received from Pembrokeshire County Council regarding the timings of the Public Engagement sessions being offered by them appertaining to the budget for 2020/2021

• Email received form Pembrokeshire County Council advising of the introduction of a Community Works Grant providing an opportunity for town and community councils to submit bids for small highway schemes. This item has been diarised for February when possible schemes will be discussed.

Reports from

Council Committees

Clr. C. Bradbury, on behalf of the ground committee, reported that:

• The off-cuts of the trees and shrubs that were cut and reported as such in the December meeting, had been cleared away by Kiln Park Leisure.

• Smart Gardens had been requested to carry out further gulley and leaf clearing through the village.

• Clr. Neal reported that the bench ends were still awaited to be returned. (Post meeting note - these have now been returned to Clr Neal who will liaise with Mr. Cavill regarding reconstructing such).

• The Christmas tree had been taken down, cut into pieces and the lights stored in the hall. Smart Gardens would be removing the tree.

Clrs. M. Neal and P. Bradbury together with S. Cavill undertook a litter pick along the village road from the Kiln Park entrance to Four Winds Lane. Five bags of rubbish were collected, the majority of which was from the fly-tipping in the hedge opposite the electricity sub-station. The county council’s Street Clean Department had been advised of this previously. The clerk was to contact Pembrokeshire County Council to ensure collection as soon as possible (Post meeting note - the bags of refuse were collected on Friday morning by Pembrokeshire County Council).

Following discussion regarding the grass-cutting contract, Clr. D’Arcy proposed that this be extended by one year, with new tenders being sought November 2020 prior to the setting of the 2021/2022 precept. Clr. C. Bradbury seconded the proposal, with all in full agreement.

Agenda items

Petanque court update: Clr. P. Bradbury advised the council that he had spoken with the secretary of the Petanque court committee who advised him that arrangements were progressing with Pembrokeshire County Council.

Date of next meeting: Wednesday, February 12.