18th November 2024
Minutes of the ordinary meeting of Aberdyfi Community Council held at the Literary Institute on Monday 18th November 2024
Present: Cllr Dewi Owen – Chair
Councillors:
Cllr Sara Bradbury-Willis
Cllr Mark Dunton
Cllr Roman Hackelsberger
Cllr Ian Hewins
Cllr Brian Kelly
Cllr Catrin O’Neill
Cllr Sadie Porter
Cllr Dave Williams
2 members of the public were present
AGENDA ITEM 1 – Apologies
CL/106/18.11.24
Apologies accepted from Cllrs Reynolds and Tyrrell
AGENDA ITEM 2 – Chair announcements
CL/107/18.11.24
The Chair welcomed everyone and commented that the recent good weather has helped boost visitor numbers and in particular, the bonfire and fireworks were extremely well attended, and he wished to thank the Fire Service for their hard work in organising this event. The rain also held off for the Remembrance Day services for which we fortunate to have the Lord Lieutenant in attendance. He was impressed by the number of people in attendance and how well it was organised and thanks also go to those involved in organising the Remembrance Services.
Action: Clerk to thank the Fire Service and organisers of the Remembrance services.
AGENDA ITEM 3 – To receive and confirm minutes of the Ordinary Council meeting on 21stOctober 2024.
CL/108/18.11.24
Proposed: Cllr Kelly Seconded: Cllr Williams
AGENDA ITEM 4 – Matters arising
CL/109/18.11.24
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M/75/(16.09.24) To review training plan
The clerk reported that Planning Aid Wales have given a final quote of £792.00 for a Face to Face training course of 2.5 hours, which includes travel and overnight costs. It was agreed to cover the extra cost and organise a date early next year.
Action: Clerk to arrange training event
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M/79/(16.09.24) Playground project
There was a good response to the survey with over 110 responses and they were overwhelmingly supportive of the project. The main points that came out of the survey was that new equipment is needed in the playground, more sheltered seating would be welcome and that there is not enough for children to do in the village. It was noted that the seating and other concerns can be addressed at a later date.
The clerk reported that she is now working with Resources 4 Change to complete the grant application. Cllr O’Neill reported that the shelter has had some substance thrown over the perspex backing and it was agreed to arrange for it to be cleaned
Action: Clerk to arrange cleaning of shelter
M/80/(16.09.24) Terrace Road shelter
Cllr Hewins reported that the work has now been completed and it is hoped this will solve the problem. It was noted that the AA&I pay for the shelter to be cleaned and they will arrange for it to be cleaned before the Spring season.
M/82/(16.09.24) Wi-fi at the Literary Institute
The clerk reported that she established that the Council internet has a setting for public use, which does not require a password but does not give access to the council router. She has enabled this function but the signal is not strong enough to reach the Reading Room. It was agreed that the Literary Institute would buy a repeater and it would be linked to the Council router and placed in the Reading Room.
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M/95/(21.10.24) Re-printing of Aberdyfi walking guide
Cllr Hackelsberger reported that the guide has now been finished and is ready to go to the publisher once an ISBN number has been purchased. The clerk has started this process. It was suggested that perhaps people could also pay to download a copy of the guide. It was agreed to research this further and to research the cost of translation.
Action: Clerk to chase purchase of ISBN number, research payable downloads and cost of translation.
M/99/(21.10.24) Digital noticeboard
The Chair reported that he had tried several times to contact Mr. Jones at Parc Eryri and left messages, but he had no reply. It was agreed that paying £3,000 more for a free-standing notice-board was unreasonable and makes the project unfeasible. It was suggested that a solution may be to place the noticeboard on the wall under the canopy next to the toilets, where the large noticeboard is currently sited. It was agreed to propose this to Gwynedd Council.
Action: Clerk / Chair to contact Gwynedd Council.
M/100/(21.10.24) Maintenance of CCTV cameras
The clerk reported that the list of tasks had been received from Cllr Kelly and it was
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agreed to get some quotes for the work.
Action: Clerk to seek quotes
AGENDA ITEM 5 – Treasurer’s report
CL/110/18.11.24
Proposed: Cllr Bradbury-Willis Seconded: Cllr Porter
AGENDA ITEM 6 – Gwynedd Council report
CL/111/18.11.24
Cllr Owen reported that Nia Jeffries has been nominated as the next leader of Gwynedd Council and there will be a vote at the full meeting of Gwynedd Council on 5th December to decide on the new leader and vice-leader.
He reported that between 16th and at least 22nd November, all trains from Shrewsbury to Birmingham will terminate at Wolverhampton and from 8th to 16th December, buses will replace trains between Machynlleth and Pwllheli.
Work has started on the gas pipe with traffic lights between Aberdyfi and Tywyn likely for some time.
He reported that at a recent extra-ordinary meeting of Gwynedd Council, it was decided not to move to a single transferable vote, the motion being defeated by just one vote.
AGENDA ITEM 7 – Planning
CL/112/18.11.24
No applications have been received
AGENDA ITEM 8 – To review and adopt the One Voice Wales Financial Regulations (2024)
CL/113/18.11.24
It was agreed to adopt the model Financial Regulations.
Proposed: Cllr Bradbury-Willis Seconded: Cllr O’Neill
AGENDA ITEM 9 – To note the new salary scales from the National Association of Local Councils (NALC)
CL/114/18.11.24
The new salary scales were noted
AGENDA ITEM 10 – To discuss maintenance of toilets on Christmas and Boxing Day
CL/115/18.11.24
The clerk reported that she had an email from Gwynedd Council, agreeing that if Aberdyfi Community Council takes responsibility for cleaning and maintenance of the toilets on Christmas and Boxing Day, they will leave the main toilets open, as a trial. It was agreed to go ahead with this and for the clerk to request a supply of toilet paper from Gwynedd Council and for the Community Council to buy cleaning supplies for the street cleaner to use.
Action: Clerk to arrange and reply to Gwynedd Council, accepting their proposal
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AGENDA ITEM 11 – To discuss proposals for lay-by on outskirts of Aberdyfi
CL/116/18.11.24
It was agreed that Option 1 is the preferred option and it was suggested that a sign warning of an upcoming parking area somewhere East of the lay-by would be useful and that the blue arrows would be better as P signs.
Action: Clerk to respond to the proposal with suggestions
AGENDA ITEM 12 – To discuss putting artificial turf in goal areas of playing field
CL/117/18.11.24
The Clerk reported that the grounds-maintenance contractor had sought advice from a turf maintenance company regarding the problem of lack of grass in the goal-mouths of the playing field. He had been told that it’s not worth re-seeding the areas and the only solution is to lay artificial turf. The Council was felt that artificial turf was not a suitable solution and it was agreed, as a trial, to try aerating the area and laying sand in the goal-mouths, in the hope of reducing the amount of mud.
Action: Clerk to inform ground-maintenance contractor
AGENDA ITEM 13 – To discuss VE celebrations 8th May 2025
CL/118/18.11.24
It was agreed to research buying a beacon and to speak to members of the church and British Legion, to establish any plans they have.
Action: Clerk to research purchase of a beacon and contact British Legion representative
AGENDA ITEM 14 – To discuss renewing printer lease
CL/119/18.11.24
The Clerk presented quotes from various suppliers and it was agreed to continue with the current supplier and take out a contract for a refurbished machine, which will reduce both lease and printing costs.
Proposed: Cllr Hackelsberger Seconded: Cllr Bradbury-Willis
Action: Clerk to arrange lease for new printer
AGENDA ITEM 15 – Correspondence which requires a response from the Council
CL/120/18.11.24
* Gwynedd Council – withdrawal of planning application for cycle path
Network Rail and Dwr Cymru objected to the planning application for the cycle path, so Gwynedd Council withdrew the application. The Clerk has been informed that they are still keen to complete the project and extend it to the village instead of finishing at the cemetery and wish to work with the Community Council to enable this. It was agreed to work with Gwynedd Council to ensure this happens.
Action: Clerk to respond to Gwynedd Council
* Gwynedd Council – consultation on car park charges.
It was felt that the proposal to charge for a minimum of 4 hours would negatively impact business, especially as the free parking is only 45 minutes. It may also lead
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to more people parking in inappropriate places, which could mean emergency
vehicles unable to get through smaller streets in the village.
Action: Clerk to respond highlighting these issues
* New junction near Machynlleth
It was noted that nothing has been done about this junction yet and it is difficult to see the kerb in the dark. It was agreed to speak to Machynlleth Town Council to find out if they have had similar complaints and to contact Gwynedd Council highways regarding the issues.
Action: Clerk to contact Machynlleth Town Council and highways.
AGENDA ITEM 16 – To note correspondence not requiring a decision from the Community Council which has already been circulated to Councillors
CL/121/18.11.24
* One Voice Wales – Joint One Voice Wales / SLCC event
* Email from Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning regarding proposed Pylons in Wales
* Independent Renumeration Panel – draft annual report meeting invite
* One Voice Wales – responses to consultation on role, governance & accountability of community and town councils
* Llais Cymru – invite to public forum regarding local health care provision
* One Voice Wales – training for November and December
* One Voice Wales – Local Places for Nature exhibition
AGENDA ITEM 19 – Items for consideration at future meetings
CL/122/18.11.24
* Shelter at cemetery
* Community Action Plan
* Decide parking charges for Neuadd car park and new signage
* VE Day – January meeting
AGENDA ITEM 20 – Items for release / Rushlight / Website / Facebook
CL/123/18.11.24
* Bike repair station
* Train disruptions
* Christmas tree
* Clwb sgwrsio 2nd Dec
* Advent windows
AGENDA ITEM 21 – Date of next meeting
CL/124/18.11.24
Monday 16th December 2024
There being no further business, the Chair closed the meeting at 8.25pm
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Agenda
T. B. C.
TR November 2024
21st October 2024
Minutes of the ordinary meeting of Aberdyfi Community Council held at the Literary Institute on Monday 21st October 2024
Present: Cllr Dewi Owen – Chair
Councillors:
Cllr Mark Dunton
Cllr Ian Hewins
Cllr Brian Kelly
Cllr Catrin O’Neill
Cllr Megan Reynolds
Cllr Bob Tyrrell
Cllr Dave Williams
2 members of the public were present
A presentation from a member of the public regarding a proposal to run a portable sauna business was received during the public session.
AGENDA ITEM 1 – Apologies
CL/88/21.10.24
Apologies accepted from Cllrs Bradbury-Willis, Hackelsberger and Reynolds
AGENDA ITEM 2 – Chair announcements
CL/89/21.10.24
The Chair welcomed everyone and remarked how lucky it was that no major damage was reported in the village as a result of the recent storm.
AGENDA ITEM 3 – To receive and confirm minutes of the Ordinary Council meeting on 16thSeptember 2024.
CL/90/21.10.24
Proposed: Cllr Tyrrell Seconded: Cllr Kelly
AGENDA ITEM 4 – Matters arising
CL/91/21.10.24
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M/39/(17.06.24) Recycling facilities and waste bins in Aberdyfi
The Chair reported that the recycling bins in the main car park have had new labels attached which are much brighter and clearer, and the area by the fire station is much tidier and clean.
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M/75/(16.09.24) To review training plan
The clerk reported that she has been granted a bursary for the CiLCA training. Planning Aid wales have quoted £650 for a bespoke course though a Face to Face course would also incur travelling expenses. It was agreed to go ahead with a face to face course.
Action: clerk to obtain possible dates
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M/77/(16.09.24) Purchase of new P&D machine
This has been ordered and will be installed early next year.
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M/79/(16.09.24) Playground project
The survey has now been completed and the clerk has written a draft for the grant application. A meeting with Resources 4 Change will take place this week.
M/80/(16.09.24) Terrace Road shelter
Cllrs Hewins and Tyrrell reported that the gutters have been cleaned and repaired and they have found someone willing to do the groundworks for £330 so will arrange for this work to be done asap. They have agreed this work with the harbourmaster.
M/81/(16.09.24) Time & Tide bell
Cllr O’Neill reported that she met with the Time & Tide bell group representative and they have funding for someone to collect stories from local residents which will be collated and added to the offering around the Time & Tide bell.
Post Office project
Cllr O’Neill reported that work has started on the retaining wall behind the Post Office building and it is hoped that it will soon be completed to the satisfaction of the insurance company which will allow the grant funding to be released to purchase the building.
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M/82/(16.09.24) Wi-fi situation at the Literary Institute
Cllr Williams noted that the Literary Institute will meet within the next few days and it is suspected that they will ask if it is possible to use the Council wi-fi, as the only telephone line into the building is in the Council Office. The clerk reported that the Neuadd Dyfi has more than one wi-fi connection, and it was agreed to speak to Mr. George, as he might know if this is possible without compromising the security of the Council. If it is, then the Council have no objection to this proposal.
Action: Cllr Williams to speak to Mr George.
AGENDA ITEM 5 – Treasurer’s report
CL/92/21.10.24
Proposed: Cllr Kelly Seconded: Cllr Hewins
The clerk reported that the Audit had been received and it was satisfactory, save that more detail regarding variances is requested in future.
AGENDA ITEM 6 – Gwynedd Council report
CL/93/21.10.24
Cllr Owen reported that there was a special financial meeting last week and at that meeting Gwynedd Council reported that they will have a deficit of £14million in 2024/25. Another meeting this week will discuss where cuts will be made and it is expected that these will be in areas of less importance, meaning Gwynedd may be
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asking Community Councils to take over the running of services such as toilets etc. Gwynedd Council reported that Homelessness in Gwynedd last year cost £6.4million but only £3million was received from central Government, meaning a shortfall of £3.4million. He noted that they have now bought two houses in Aberdyfi, one over a year ago, and they are still empty. When asked about this, Gwynedd Council replied that they have been unable to get tradespeople in to do the work required. Local tradespeople are reluctant to try to become an official supplier to Gwynedd Council as there is too much red tape.
He reported that the Welsh Government are pressing ahead with the Single Transferable Voting system, which will see voters voting for a party and not an individual. He expressed concern that Community and Town Councils may be amalgamated as a result, as the plans are to increase the area of local Councils.
Cllr Owen reported that he was voted in as Chair at the recent Harbour users meeting. At the meeting, the Harbourmaster reported that the number of moorings has increased since last year, from 73 to 81 this year, with more enquiries for next year. It was noted that the channel has changed a lot this year and is being closely monitored by the Harbourmaster via a drone. It was reported that Aberdyfi harbour, after several years making a loss, has broken even in the last two years and it is projected to continue. Cllr Own reported that the new Harbourmaster’s building is likely to cost approximately £500,000.
AGENDA ITEM 7 – Planning
CL/94/21.10.24
NP5/50/622B
Cllr Kelly declared an interest in the first item
NP5/50/622B Chalet 63, Plas Panteidal, Aberdyfi LL35 0RF
Demolition of a storage building and the construction of a residential chalet and associated access, parking and drainage works
Objection raised on grounds of no services available at this location, and an 11KV electricity pole and cables within the plot. Trees would have to be removed to build the decking and there are buildings which require access missing from the application
NP5/50/719A Arfryn, Gwelfor Road, Aberdyfi. LL35 0NT
Construction of domestic workshop at first floor above existing garage
No objections raised
NP5/50/C152B Bryn Awelon, Aberdyfi LL35 0LE
Removal of tree and replacement with smaller species
No objections raised
NP5/50/130E Bwlch Gwyn Farm, Aberdyfi LL35 0SG
Online application with all matters reserved for erection of a rural enterprise dwelling
No objections raised
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NP5/50/771 Chalet N22, Plas Panteidal, Aberdyfi LL35 0RF
Variation of Condition No. 2 (8 month occupancy period) attached to Planning Permission NP5/42/160L dated 27.09.1982 to allow 10 months occupancy period (March to December)
No objections raised
AGENDA ITEM 8 – To discuss and approve re-printing and publishing the Aberdyfi walking guide
CL/95/21.10.24
It was agreed to re-print and publish the walking guide. It was agreed to find out if local shops and organisations will stock the guide and a decision will be made at the next meeting about the best way to manage this.
Cllr O’Neill noted that there should be a Welsh version printed. It was noted that this is in the proposal and a smaller print run will be done for the Welsh version, though it will take longer to produce as the translation will take time and the cost will have to be taken into account.
Proposed: Cllr Hewins Seconded: Cllr Dunton
Action: Mrs Owen to speak to local businesses
Action: Cllr Hackelsberger to organise re-printing.
AGENDA ITEM 9 – To review and adopt the Ombudsman for Wales Model Councillor Code of Conduct
CL/96/21.10.24
It was agreed to adopt the Model Councillor Code of Conduct
Proposed: Cllr Williams Seconded: Cllr Kelly
AGENDA ITEM 10 – To review and adopt the Information Commissioner’s Office Model Publication Scheme
CL/97/21.10.24
It was agreed to adopt the Model Publication Scheme
Proposed: Cllr Tyrrell Seconded: Cllr Kelly
AGENDA ITEM 11 – To review and adopt the Ombudsman for Wales Model Concerns and Complaints Policy and Procedure
CL/98/21.10.24
It was agreed to adopt the Model Concerns and Complaints Policy and Procedure
Proposed: Cllr Tyrrell Seconded: Cllr Williams
AGENDA ITEM 12 – To discuss sharing digital noticeboard with Parc Eryri and approve changing format to freestanding from wall-mounted
CL/99/21.10.24
The Clerk reported she had a reply from Mr Jones of Parc Eryri and noted that he stated the wall would not be strong enough due to recent problems with the foundations and the noticeboard needed to be free-standing as a result. The Clerk reported that the wall-mounted version weighs 80kg and the free-standing one weights 128kg. Cllr Hewins noted that the wall is 18 inches thick so should easily
take the weight. The Clerk reported that a free-standing noticeboard would cost over
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£3,000 more. The Council felt that this is unreasonable and it was agreed that the Chair will speak to Mr Jones to explain the situation.
The Council agreed in principle to share the noticeboard with Parc Eryri, though it was noted that the Clerk should have sole access to the content of the noticeboard.
Action: Chair to contact Mr. Edward Jones of Parc Eryri.
AGENDA ITEM 13 – To discuss maintenance of CCTV cameras
CL/100/21.10.24
It was noted that some of the cameras need attention and it was agreed that Cllr Kelly would give the Clerk details of what needs to be done.
Action: Cllr Kelly to send details to the clerk
AGENDA ITEM 14 – Correspondence which requires a response from the Council
CL/101/21.10.24
* email regarding running a portable sauna business in Aberdyfi
It was agreed to support this business though the Council do not own any suitable land.
Action: Clerk to contact business and offer support
* email regarding Cambrian Coast Railway Liaison meeting
It was agreed there is are no current concerns regarding this issue
* email regarding charity music festival in Aberdyfi
It was agreed that the Council do not own any suitable land for such an event and are unable to support it at this stage.
Action: Clerk to contact organiser
AGENDA ITEM 15 – To note correspondence not requiring a decision from the Community Council which has already been circulated to Councillors
CL/102/21.10.24
* One Voice Wales – Training for September – December
* Transport for Wales – Future Timetable Review summary of responses and actions
* One Voice Wales – Rural Housing Action Guide for Wales survey
* One Voice Wales – reply from Welsh Government regarding rail timetable changes
* IRP for Wales draft annual reported
* One Voice Wales – Pethau Bychain notice of meeting
AGENDA ITEM 16 – Items for consideration at future meetings
CL/103/21.10.24
* Creation and adoption of new operating policies
* Shelter at cemetery
* Community Action Plan
* Decide parking charges at Neuadd Dyfi car park and signage
AGENDA ITEM 20 – Items for release / Rushlight / Website / Facebook
CL/104/21.10.24
* Lord Lieutenant attendance at Remembrance services
* Fireworks 1st November
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* Clwb Sgwrsio 4th November
* Events at Neuadd Dyfi
AGENDA ITEM 21 – Date of next meeting
CL/105/21.10.24
Monday 18th November 2024
There being no further business, the Chair closed the meeting at 9.20pm
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