MINUTES OF THE ORDINARY MEETING OF THE
ABERDYFI COMMUNITY COUNCIL HELD IN THE
COUNCIL CHAMBER, LITERARY INSTITUTE, ABERDYFI,
ON MONDAY, 18TH JANUARY 2016.
Present were :- Cllr G Pugh Chairman
Councillors :- D Owen
B Bates
G Jones
G Davies
C Fowles
D Richardson
M Richards
AGENDA ITEM 1- APOLOGIES
CL/117/18.01.16
Apologies received from Cllrs Lloyd, Reynolds and Williams
AGENDA ITEM 2 – CHAIRMAN’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
CL/118/ 18.01.16
Cllr Pugh observed how quiet the village was in the New Year but that the community was looking forward to the annual pantomime at the Neuadd Dyfi.
AGENDA ITEM 3 – MINUTES OF ORDINARY MEETING 21st DECEMBER
CL/119/18.01.16
It was agreed that the minutes were a true and accurate record of the December regular meeting.
PROPOSED by Cllr D Richardson and SECONDED by Cllr Jones
AGENDA ITEM 4 – MATTERS ARISING
CL/120/18.01.16
A/M55/(27.07.15) Wharf toilets
Cllr Jones wished to minute the principle that pressure should be maintained on Gwynedd to invest more of the car park revenues in Aberdyfi specific projects, such as the public toilets, essential to the success as a centre for tourism in Wales.
B/M88/(18.10.15) School path from Institute
Cllr Jones suggested that Jerry Moore might have the contact details for the property in which the lamp post, and the buddleia which it is blocking the light, for the Clerk to point out, to the said owner, the responsibility of landowners to keep trimmed trees and hedges on their property which encroach beyond their boundaries. It was also noted the very poor condition of the steps themselves. The Clerk is to liaise with Liz Haynes from Gwynedd Footpaths.
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C/M81/(18.10.15) Dyfi Bridge
Cllr Owen observed that it had been suggested in some quarters that Aberdyfi had not been involved in the Dyfi Bridge discussions. The Clerk reminded the meeting that this Council had attended the public meetings and written to the engineers on behalf of the community, expressing the same reservations that had been aired by others regarding the flooding issues and the necessity to keep open the old bridge for access by light vehicular traffic.
Cllr Davies joined the meeting at 09.15
D/M65/(21.09.15) Fishermen’s compound
Cllr Bates expressed ongoing concern at the state of the fishermen’s compound. Cllr Owen agreed and said that Gwynedd Estates were still assessing the legal implications regarding the compound’s future.
E/M96/(16.11.15) Network Rail invitation
The Clerk has invited Network Rail to speak at a Council meeting. No response as yet. Cllr Owen was meeting Network Rail engineers at Picnic Island Bridge to assess the engineering integrity of the structure. The Clerk is to liaise with the Harbourmaster over its general maintenance.
F/M108/(16.11.15) Aberdyfi School building
The Clerk is now in possession of the school building keys. A set of keys has been given to George and Tomos Architects, who need access in order to progress the Lottery Stage 2 application.
G/M96/(16.11.15) Barmouth Bridge
Cllr Richardson enquire of Cllr Owen whether there had been any progress regarding the proposed closure of Barmouth Bridge. Cllr Owen said that he would respond under Gwynedd Council report.
H/M96/(21.12.15) Wharf reconstruction
Cllr Owen informed the meeting that the wharf plans had been submitted for approval. The question of finance still represents a major problem, given the time scales involved. More will come to light at the next harbour meeting in March
J/M109/(21.12.15) Gasworks – Defective Title Indemnity Policy – fees
The Clerk has negotiated with National Grid, and been informed that all legal fees will be covered by National Grid, including the extra costs in respect of the Defective Title Indemnity Title.
K/M110/(21.12.15) Salt bins
The Clerk has checked the salt bins around the village and found them all full, not requiring refilling. Cllr Owen asked how much it would cost to purchase a salt bin and place it at Penhelyg, to be replenished by Gwynedd.
L/M116/(21.12.15) Broadband
The Clerk is in talks with BT’s Geraint Strello regarding the problems encountered in the village, and to organise a talk to Council.
M/M116/(21.12.15) Garden Club
Cllr Richardson informed the meeting that the Garden Club had held its final meeting and that as no one felt able to take over the running of the club, it was now dormant. The bank account has been closed and the monetary balance had been lodged with AA&I, and ring-fenced in the hope that the club may be re-started in the future. Cllr Richardson requested that it be minuted that the club silverware and minutes were held in safe keeping in the loft of Nant Glyn.
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AGENDA ITEM 5 – 2016 PRECEPT
CL/121/18.01.16
Aberdyfi Community Council must advise Gwynedd Head of Finance, by 29th January, of the precept requirement for 2016/17. Clerk suggests that 1% increase might be considered prudent.
Proposed Cllr Jones Seconded Cllr Richardson
AGENDA ITEM 6 – 2016 CHARITABLE DONATIONS
CL/122/18.01.16
The following requests for donations have been received
- British Red Cross
- Wales Air Ambulance Charity
- International Sheepdog Trials, Sandilands Farm, Tywyn Sept. 9th – 11th
- Bobath Childrens Therapy Centre for Wales. Cerebral Palsy charity
- National Eisteddfod, Abergavenny
- Citizens Advice Centre – Gwynedd & De Ynys Mon
- Dance for Conway, Gwynedd and Ynys Mon
The following donations will be made
- Wales Air Ambulance Charity £150.00
- International Sheepdog Trials, Tywyn 2016 £100.00
- Aberdyfi Brochure £1500.00
- Dail Dysynni £50.00
- Urdd Gobaith Cymru £50.00
- Meirionydd Access Committee £50.00
AGENDA ITEM 7 – ABERDYFI TOURISM & COMMERCE
CL/123/18.01.16
The Council has been advised of the disbandment of the ATC. Cllr Pugh felt that this be discussed at the next AA&I meeting, and was not a Council matter. Cllr Jones disagreed in that he felt it was indeed a matter for discussion. Cllr Richardson said that he believed it to be an AA&I Committee matter, but asked whether the closing of ATC was a ‘done deed’. He had been informed that as 150 e-mails had been sent by the ATC Committee, asking whether anyone was interested in taking it over, with a ten day deadline, that perhaps it was premature to discuss the matter at this stage. Cllr Owen agreed with Cllr Richardson and that it was disappointing that this situation had occurred. Cllr Davies observed that he had not received any e-mails from ATC. Cllr Fowles noted her concern regarding the responsibility for brochure production.
AGENDA ITEM 8 – SEAGULL NUISANCE
CL/124/18.01.16
The Clerk has received an e-mail from Steve Myatt, read to Council by Clerk, enquiring whether the seagull nuisance, which was a major problem last season for many visitors to Aberdyfi, was something the Council might consider taking preventative action for the forthcoming season, perhaps by egg-oiling. Cllr Davies had visited Steve Myatt and had been shocked at the mess he had seen, generated by seagulls. A health hazard at least. Cllr Bates reported he had experienced problems with gulls blocking his gas vents.
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Cllr Pugh asked whether Council felt it had a responsibility to assist the village regarding this matter. Cllr Owen felt that Council did have some element of responsibility. There have been reports of people being attacked by gulls guarding their chicks and were a danger to children. Cllr Richardson agreed that something should be done, but that also people should be discouraged from feeding the birds. Responding to a suggestion from the Clerk that perhaps the Council might contribute 50% towards the cost of egg oiling, Cllr Davies suggested that Council should seek costings from Rob Venables in order that a decision can be made.
AGENDA ITEM 9 – GWYNEDD COUNCIL REPORT
CL/125/18.01.16
Cllr Owen reported that there were to be no changed to Council boundaries for the next elections and as a result there will still be 75 County Councillors for the foreseeable future.
Regarding the Gwynedd Challenge, Cllr Owen was able to confirm that the savings target was £5m, and that the area of Gwynedd that provided the most responses was Tywyn, including Aberdyfi. The worst response was from Bangor and Caernarfon. The cuts will be published on 3rd March, but there will be another opportunity for discussion before then. The Clerk will advise in due course. The strong possible threat of closures of toilets is very worrying.
Regarding Barmouth Bridge, Cllr Owen said that Network Rail were not prepared to discussion options with any third party regarding the future of Barmouth Bridge. It has been widely acknowledged that the bridge is an essential part of the coastal path and hence an asset to the economic well-being of the local economy.
Regarding the Aberdyfi TIC, Snowdonia has confirmed it is going to be in one half of the Canolfan building and the other half is going to be advertised as a business opportunity for private enterprise. The lack of appropriate services provision may pose problems. The building work is due to commence in March.
Cllr Bates asked if Gwynedd Highways were aware of the sand build-up problems already evident in the main car park. Cllr Owen had met with Huw Davies to discuss the sandshift who confirmed that it would take place before March. Cllr Owen told him that Aberdyfi Council was dissatisfied with the quality of the work of the sandshift contractors in both 2014 and 2015, which Mr Davies acknowledged. Cllr Richardson noted how much the beach by the slipway has risen in recent years. Mr Davies said that from next year, Gwynedd would not be funding the Aberdyfi sandshift, and Cllr Pugh suggested that there was now a compelling argument to negotiate with Gwynedd over earmarking some of the funds from the main car park for future sandshifts. Cllr Owen felt that officials from Gwynedd should be invited to Aberdyfi, before the sandshift, to appreciate the scale of the problem. Responding to a question from the Clerk, Cllr Owen said he would provide the Clerk with contact names at Gwynedd.
Cllr Richardson expressed concern about Jerry Moore’s use of the buoystore slipway during the work on bath Place quay wall. Cllr Davies gave Council a resume of the work and the Clerk confirmed that permission had been granted to Jerry Moore by Harbourmaster.
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AGENDA ITEM 10 – PLANNING
CL/125/18.01.15
PLANNING
NP5/50/658A The Old Tannery, Aberdyfi
Change of use of existing shepherds hut and shed into holiday letting accommodation
PERMISSION DENIED
AGENDA ITEM 11 – TREASURER’S REPORT
CL/126/18.01.16
The Treasurer’s report was accepted and minuted as a true record.
PROPOSED by Cllr Davies SECONDED by Cllr Richards
AGENDA ITEM 12 – COMMITTEE REPORTS
CL/127/18.01.16
Cllr Richardson noted that the dog poo bag committee were active around the village, to good effect.
AGENDA ITEM 13 – CORRESPONDENCE
CL/128/18.01.16
CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED
Gwynedd Council Confirmation that the old school building is subject to small business rate relief. Therefore, no rates due whilst it under this Council’s ownership in the context of the renewable short term lease.
NHS Blood Transfusion The next blood transfusion session at the Neuadd Dyfi will be Wednesday 17th February, 2016, from 14.45 to approximately 19.00
Meirionydd Access Group Confirmation received of the Chairman’s Report for 2013/14
AGENDA ITEM 14 – PUBLICATIONS
CL/129/18.01.16
The Clerk Magazine
Clerk and Council Direct
AGENDA ITEM 15 – ANY OTHER BUSINESS
CL/130/18.01.16
- Cllr Bates suggested, in light of his recent resignation, that the Meirionydd Access Group vacancy should be publicised in Rushlight. The vacancy is open to any member of the community, not just Councillors.
- Cllr Pugh reported that Tom Jones had carried out the shoring work in the allotment. It was noted that Mrs Pearson needs to be contacted, perhaps by Cllr Owen, regarding the tree trimming. He also asked whether Cllr Richardson would assist in the discussions with contractors to ascertain who is best equipped to carry out the tree trimming work.
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- Cllr Fowles asked for an update on the Copperhill Street Macro Carpa tree removal issues. The Clerk confirmed that the ownership of the land was a significant problem, with no indication with land registry to whom the land belongs.
- The Clerk confirmed that Aberdyfi Arts Society had agreed to utilise the old school building twice a month, Tuesdays 10.00 to 16.00.
AGENDA ITEM 16 – ITEMS FOR THE PRESS/RUSHLIGHT
CL/131/18.01.16
- Garden club
- Broadband problem
- Neuadd Dyfi
- Fishermen’s compound CCTV
- Welcome to new Councillor Mike Richards
- Access Committee vacancy
- Sandshift
- Pantomime
There being no further business the meeting closed at 8.30pm
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