18th September 2023
Minutes of the ordinary meeting of Aberdyfi Community Council held at the Literary Institute on Monday 18th September 2023
Present: Cllr Brian Kelly – Chair
Councillors:
Cllr Sara Bradbury-Willis
Cllr Roman Hackelsberger
Cllr Ian Hewins
Cllr Catrin O’Neill
Cllr Dewi Owen
Cllr Megan Reynolds
Cllr Dave Williams
3 members of the public were present.
AGENDA ITEM 1 – Apologies
CL/46/18.09.23
Apologies received and accepted from Cllrs Dunton, Porter and Tyrrell
AGENDA ITEM 2 – Chair announcements
CL/47/18.09.23
The chair remarked on how good it was to see events taking place again after the pandemic and that the Food Festival and DyfiFest were both very successful. He thanked everyone who was involved in organising the events and hoped that they will continue next year.
In July there was an incident involving young people who live locally, where the signs etc. from outside the Post Office were placed on the main road, causing obstruction to traffic. CCTV footage has been passed to the police, they have issued a crime number and will be investigating further.
The chair has been researching the sewage outlet problems reported by residents and said that it is still ongoing and he will report back when he has the full picture.
AGENDA ITEM 3 – To receive and confirm minutes of the ordinary council meeting on 17th July2023.
CL/48/18.09.23
Proposed: Cllr Reynolds Seconded: Cllr Hewins
Unanimously agreed
AGENDA ITEM 4 – Matters arising
CL/49/18.09.23
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M/3/15.05.23 – Time & Tide Bell
The clerk reported she has been unable to contact the harbourmaster regarding the location of the information board for the Time & Tide Bell, or Peter Gringold.
Action: Clerk to contact the harbourmaster and Peter Gringold.
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M/24/19.06.23 – Coastal erosion
Cllr Owen reported that he is still waiting to meet with Mabon ap Gwynfor and the golf club to discuss this issue but is hoping to soon and will report at the next meeting.
Action: Cllr Owen to meet with Mabon ap Gwynfor and the golf club
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M/34/17.07.23 – Gwynedd Council report
Planning violations
Cllr Owen has not been able to contact SNPA regarding this issue.
Action: Cllr Owen to contact SNPA regrading planning violations and confirm they will visit Aberdyfi in the Autumn to meet with residents.
M/35/17.07.23 – Introduction of 20 mph speed limit
Cllr Owen is waiting to hear from Andrew Gregson of Gwynedd Council as to how much flashing speed limit signs will cost and if Gwynedd Council are willing to install them in Aberdyfi.
The clerk has requested brochures from companies who sell these signs.
Action: Cllr Owen to contact Andrew Gregson
Action: Clerk to add to the next agenda
M/39/17.07.23 – use of football field for golf junior training
The Chair has spoken to the secretary of the golf club and both parties seem agreeable to the proposal and agree that a legal lease or licence needs to be put in place.
The clerk has not yet been given the details of a solicitor.
Action: Clerk to obtain details and contact a solicitor regarding leases / licences.
Action: Cllrs Hackelsberger and Tyrrell to compile list of requirements to be included
Action: Clerk to put on agenda for next meeting.
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M/40/17.07.23 Installation of water-bottle filling station
This is due to be installed within the next few weeks
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M/42/17.07.23
Playground project
We have been advised that we require planning permission so an application has been submitted. Banners containing a QR code have been bought and put up. Cllr O’Neill pointed out that we can’t apply for any grants until we know if we have planning permission or not.
Railings in main car park
Cllr Owen has written 3 emails regarding this issue and is waiting to hear back.
Action: Clerk to chase up
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Maintenance of osprey sculpture
The clerk reported that she bought oil and arranged for it to be applied to the sculpture. There is enough oil left to last two or three years
House sign on old Catholic Church
Cllr Owen has been unable to contact the owners despite 3 visits to the property. It was reported that apparently several residents have written directly to the owners but none have received a reply.
AGENDA ITEM 5 – Treasurer’s report
CL/50/18.09.23
Proposed: Cllr Owen Seconded: Cllr Williams
Unanimously agreed
AGENDA ITEM 6 – Gwynedd Council report
CL/51/18.09.23
Cllr Owen reported on Gwynedd Council matters as the Gwynedd Councillor for Aberdyfi. The report included:
20mph speed limit
Gwynedd Council acknowledge that the change will cause different feelings within the community and Cllr Owen said he will contact Mr Gregson again about installing flashing speed cameras at either end of the village.
Road closure in January
Cllr Owen has spoken to Griffiths Ltd, who have been inundated with complaints about the proposed closure at the cottages on the North side of the old bridge for 3 weeks in January. This will result in a diversion via Talyllyn and Corris, which will add approximately an hour onto the journey. Griffiths Ltd explained that the pipes they need to lay will have to go along the middle of the road, so the whole road will need to be closed. They also explained that they are contracted by the Welsh Government to do this work, so they have to obtain permission / direction from the Government to make any changes to the plans. The clerk reported that she had also spoken to Griffiths Ltd and was told that they are logging every complaint they receive and will be passing them all onto the Welsh Government. Cllr Owen reported that Gwynedd Council were not happy with the situation either and will be objecting to the closure.
Action: Clerk to ask liaison officer of Griffiths Ltd to attend the next council meeting
Action: Clerk to write to Highways, Griffiths Ltd, Mabon ap Gwynfor and Liz Saville-Roberts
AGENDA ITEM 7 – Planning
CL/52/18.09.23
No planning applications have been received
AGENDA ITEM 8 – To discuss placing double yellow lines at the entrance to Parc yr Ysgol
CL/53/18.09.23
It was noted that the zig-zag lines have been removed from the entrance to Parc yr Ysgol but have not been replaced by double yellow lines. It was agreed to request
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double yellow lines for the minimum distance either side of the side road.
Action: Clerk to contact Gwynedd Council
AGENDA ITEM 9 – To discuss removing grass cuttings from Maes Newydd playground
CL/54/18.09.23
The clerk has received a quote from Pennal Garden Services for cutting and removing the cuttings, which is approximately half the cost that Gwynedd want for just removing the cuttings. It was agreed to see if Gwynedd Council will allow the Community Council to take over responsibility for the grass cutting and reclaim the money back from Gwynedd.
Proposed: Cllr Owen Seconded: Cllr Reynolds
Action: Clerk to contact Gwynedd Council
AGENDA ITEM 10 – To discuss making a payment for storage of the mobile kitchen
CL/55/18.09.23
No payment has ever been made to Mr. George for storing the mobile kitchen for approximately the 7 years that we have owned the kitchen. It was agreed obtain a figure and invoice from Mr. George.
Action: Clerk to contact Mr. George
AGENDA ITEM 11 – To decide whether to make an insurance claim for locum clerk costs
CL/56/18.09.23
It was agreed to find out how much the policy excess is and how much premiums would go up if a claim is made. It was agreed for the Chair and Clerk to decide whether to make a claim based on the figures.
Action: Clerk to find out policy excess and premium increases.
Action: Clerk and Chair to jointly decide whether to make claim.
AGENDA ITEM 12 – To discuss RoSPA report and decide any actions
CL/57/18.09.23
The clerk reported that the last quote from GL Jones for repairing the wet-pour is out of date and though it was agreed to have the work done, GL Jones was not asked to do the work as the clerk went off sick before she was able to contact them. It was agreed to obtain a new quote and to go ahead if the Chair and Clerk decide if it is reasonable.
The Clerk reported she is going to meet with Stuart Myring to obtain a quote for repainting the play equipment that requires it.
The clerk has ‘No Dogs’ signs ready to be put up
The clerk is waiting for a reply from Barry Griffiths with a quote for repairing the concrete benches and bolting down the metal benches and picnic bench. It was agreed to go ahead if the Chair and Clerk decide the quote is reasonable.
Action: Clerk to obtain new quote for repairing the wet-pour and go ahead if reasonable
Action: Clerk to obtain quote for painting equipment
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Action: Clerk to put up ‘No Dogs’ signs
Action: Clerk to contact Barry Griffiths and decide with Chair if the quote is reasonable.
AGENDA ITEM 13 – To review Food Festival
CL/58/18.09.23
It was agreed that the festival was an overall success, having received a lot of positive feedback. The clerk reported that she had had one complaint about dogs being allowed onto the site and another about the fumes from the generator entering the properties in Rhos Dyfi. It was agreed the generator could be sited in a different place next year. It was agreed to try to get more quotes for a generator next year. It was agreed that it would be good to continue with the Food Festival next year on the same site, but noted that the organisers will need more help next year with the organising in the run-up to the event, not just on the day. Cllr Owen reported that he will meet with the clerk and the organisers to review the Food Festival and make a plan going forward.
Action: Cllr Owen and Clerk to meet with the organisers
AGENDA ITEM 14 – Correspondence
CL/59/18.09.23
Coach signs at the Neuadd Dyfi.
Gwynedd Council are going to create a design to include cars as well as coaches and will provide a quote as well. The Community Council will then decide whether to go ahead.
Fingerposts
Stuart Myring is going to paint 3 of the fingerposts in the village, at a cost of £125 per post. Cllr Tyrrell is going to ask Les Hunt to remove the fingerpost by the toilets. It was agreed to ask Stuart Myring if he could repaint the part of the village sign that has been painted out by persons unknown.
Action: Cllr Tyrrell to contact Les Hunt
Action: Clerk to contact Stuart Myring
Boardwise
Boardwise are having a demonstration weekend on 7th and 8th October and in previous years they have been allowed to park campervans in the Neuadd Dyfi car park. The clerk has given permission again for this.
Campervans in main car park
Complaints have been received that campervans have been staying overnight in the car park and emptying their waste in the surrounding bushes etc. Apparently the traffic warden has told them it’s OK to stay overnight, so long as they have paid the fee for 24 hours. It was noted that Gwynedd Council are trialling specific campervan sites so it was agreed to wait to see the results of these trails and to tell Gwynedd Council about the complaints and what the traffic wardens have said.
Action: Clerk to contact Gwynedd Council
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Buddlea by Old School House
This is pulling the wall down on the footpath opposite the council office. It was agreed for the clerk to write to Gwynedd Council.
Action: Clerk to contact Gwynedd Council
Area above Penhelig Gardens
It was reported that the path, railings and bench above Penhelig Gardens are in poor repair and need attention.
Action: Clerk to find out who is responsible for this area and contact them.
Water on road in front of the Britannia Inn
The clerk reported that workmen have been several times to try to fix this, but when they put cones out to clear the area, cars move them and park in the way, so they have been unable to do the work as yet.
Footpath behind the Penhelig Arms
It was reported that this footpath is deteriorating further and needs urgent attention.
Action: Clerk to contact Gwynedd Council / Snowdonia National Park
Time & Tide Bell
Cllr Owen reported that he had received an email from a person involved with the Time & Tide Bell in Angelsey, asking to create closer links between our 2 Bells, as they are the only ones in Wales. It was agreed it would be good to explore options on how we can increase the profile of our bell and it’s remit to raise awareness of climate change.
Action: Clerk to contact them and arrange a meeting
Action: Clerk to contact harbourmaster with regard to revamping Time & Tide Bell signs with QR codes etc.
Drug use / dealing at Parc Yr Ysgol
Complaints have been received regarding apparent drug use and dealing by some residents at Parc yr Ysgol. It was agreed to write to Adra expressing concern.
Action: Clerk to write to Adra
AGENDA ITEM 15 – Items for consideration at future meetings
CL/60/18.09.23
* Digital Noticeboard
* EV charging points
* Review social media policy
* Review training plan
* Footpath between Picnic Island Bridge and OB
AGENDA ITEM 16 – Items for release / Rushlight / Website / Facebook
CL/61/18.09.23
* Thank organisers of the Food Festival and DyfiFest
* Road closure
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* Community lunches
* Water bottle filling station
* Boardwise
* Messy church
* Time & Tide Bell
AGENDA ITEM 17 – Date of next Meeting
CL/62/18.09.23
Monday 16th October 2023 at 7.00pm
There being no further business, the Chair closed the meeting at 8.50pm
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20th November 2023
Aberdyfi Community Council Council Offices
Literary Institute
Aberdyfi, Gwynedd
LL35 0LN
Notice is hereby given that a meeting of the Community Council of Aberdyfi will take place on Monday 20thNovember at 7.00pm in the Literary Institute when all the several members of the said Council are hereby summoned to attend. Please contact clerk for log-in details if you wish to attend remotely.
Dated: 15th November 2023
Ordinary Meeting Agenda
1. Apologies
2. Chair announcements
3. To receive and confirm minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Council held on 16th October 2023 (see PDF)
4. Matters arising
5. Treasurer’s report (see PDF)
6. Gwynedd Council report
7. Planning (see PDF)
NP5/50/754 Aberdyfi Playground, Bodfor Terrace LL35 0EA
Refurbishment of playground equipment and wet-pour surface.
NP5/50/532F Tourist Information Centre, The Wharf, Aberdyfi
LL35 0EE
Change external doors and glazing to shop fronts for new automatic opening doors, install notice boards on the front of the building, refurbish external ramps and installation of solar PV panels.
And any planning applications received after this agenda was published.
8. To approve licence for use of football field by golf club (see PDF)
9. To approve change of lease with Gwynedd Council (see PDF)
10. To discuss opening a savings account (see PDF)
11. To discuss installing digital speed indicator signs (see PDF)
12. To approve enrolling clerk in a pension plan
13. To note new salary scales from NALC (see PDF)
14. To discuss sharing CCTV system with the Harbour Authority
15. To discuss paying Gwynedd Council to remove grass from Maes Newydd playground
16. To discuss installing a new village noticeboard
17. Correspondence:
* WeSwimRun have offered to do New year’s Day fundraiser for playground again.
* Menter-Mon have offered to do another session on the public wi-fi project to local businesses
18. Items for consideration at future meetings
19. Items for release / Rushlight / website / Facebook
20. Date of next meeting
Sandy Andrews
Clerk to the Council
Rushlight October 2023
17th July 2023
Minutes of the ordinary meeting of Aberdyfi Community Council held at the Literary Institute on Monday 17th July 2023
Present: Cllr Brian Kelly – Chair
Councillors:
Cllr Sara Bradbury-Willis
Cllr Mark Dunton
Cllr Roman Hackelsberger
Cllr Ian Hewins
Cllr Catrin O’Neill
Cllr Dewi Owen – Gwynedd Councillor
Cllr Sadie Porter
Cllr Megan Reynolds
Cllr Bob Tyrrell
Cllr Dave Williams
4 member of the public were present.
AGENDA ITEM 1 – Apologies
CL/27/17.07.23
No apologies received.
AGENDA ITEM 2 – Chair announcements
CL/28/17.07.23
The Chair welcomed everyone and said how good it is to have the clerk back at work.
AGENDA ITEM 3 – To co-opt a new councillor
CL/29/17.07.23
Roman Hackelsberger was co-opted as a councillor.
Proposed: Cllr Williams Seconded: Cllr O’Neill
Unanimously agreed
Mr. Hackelsberger signed an Acceptance of Office form in the presence of the clerk and council.
AGENDA ITEM 4 – To receive a presentation and discuss the 2023 Food Festival
CL/30/17.07.23
A presentation was received by the organisers of the Food Festival which is planned for Sunday 20th August and it was agreed that the council would arrange for the football posts to be removed on the Friday before the festival and would help on the Saturday to set-up chairs, water-connections etc. and clean the site before and after the event. The council also agreed for dogs to be allowed on the site for the event and would provide dog poo bags to be positioned around the site.
Action: Councillors to remove football posts and help set-up and clear-down the event. Clerk to supply dog poo bags.
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AGENDA ITEM 5 – To receive and confirm minutes of the ordinary council meeting on 19th June2023.
CL/31/17.07.23
Proposed: Cllr Reynolds Seconded: Cllr Williams
Unanimously agreed
AGENDA ITEM 6 – Matters arising
CL/32/17.07.23
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M/3/15.05.23 – Matters arising
The clerk reported that it is unclear whether anyone has spoken to the harbourmaster about the location of the information board for the Time & Tide Bell, or if anyone has written to Peter Gringold for examples of other information boards. The council confirmed that neither has been done and asked the clerk to follow up both items.
Action: Clerk to contact the harbourmaster and Peter Gringold.
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M/23/29.06.23 – Correspondence
Benches to replace the curved ones in the wharf gardens have been ordered and will be delivered on 18thJuly.
M/24/19.06.23 – Items for consideration at future meetings
Coastal erosion
Cllr Owen reported that he is meeting with Mabon ap Gwynfor and members of Aberdyfi Golf Club on 1stAugust to discuss this issue, so will be able to give an update at the next meeting.
AGENDA ITEM 7 – Treasurer’s report
CL/33/17.07.23
Proposed: Cllr Hewins Seconded: Cllr Owen
Unanimously agreed
AGENDA ITEM 8 – Gwynedd Council report
CL/34/17.07.23
Cllr Owen reported on Gwynedd Council matters as the Gwynedd Councillor for Aberdyfi. The report included:
Some information from the census which was done a few years ago has now been published and contains some statistics such as there were less Welsh speakers in Gwynedd than the last census and the average age of the population in Gwynedd has increased.
He also reported that he has spoken to National Resources for Wales who informed him that the recently reported pollution in the water in Aberdyfi is due to animal waste being washed down the estuary from farms and areas further upstream during high tides and it is not human waste being discharged from the storm drain in the village.
Action: Clerk to find out more information regarding storm drain in Aberdyfi.
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It has been reported that Aberdyfi has a high incidence of planning violations and Cllr Owen will ask if Snowdonia National Park planning department are coming to Aberdyfi in the Autumn as normal, and if not, he will request that they come down to meet with the council to discuss planning matters.
Action: Cllr Owen to contact Snowdonia National Park planning department
AGENDA ITEM 9 – To discuss 20mph speed limit to be introduced in September
CL/35/17.07.23
It was reported that all 30mph signs will have to be replaced by 20 mph signs by law and Cllr Owen reported that he had asked Gwynedd Council how much this was going to cost, but a figure was not available. He was assured he would be given the figure at the next meeting of Gwynedd Council.
Cllr Owen reported that he has discussed the possibility of placing flashing speed signs at the entrance to the village with the Highways department at Gwynedd Council and they are happy to work with the Community Council to explore this idea.
Action: Cllr Owen to research price of flashing speed signs.
AGENDA ITEM 10 – To confirm members of the Finance Committee
CL/36/17.07.23
The clerk informed the council that at the Annual Meeting this year, the members of the finance committee were agreed to be Cllrs Bradbury-Willis, O’Neill and Owen, with Cllr Tyrrell as deputy. Cllr O’Neill informed the council that she had not agreed to be on the finance committee and this was a mistake. The council agreed that going forward the finance committee will be comprised of Cllrs Bradbury-Willis, Owen, Tyrrell and Williams.
Proposed: Cllr Reynolds Seconded: Cllr Porter
Unanimously agreed
AGENDA ITEM 11 – Planning
CL/37/17.07.23
No planning applications have been received
AGENDA ITEM 12 – To discuss and confirm member’s allowance payments to be made to councillors
CL/38/17.07.23
All councillors did not want to claim any allowances for the year to end of March 2023 and supplied written confirmation of their wish to opt out.
The clerk reminded the council that next year it will be compulsory to accept allowance payments and the council noted that this will need to be taken into account when setting the budget for next year.
Action: Clerk to ensure allowance payments are included in next year’s budget.
AGENDA ITEM 13 – To discuss and decide on a proposal for the golf club to use the football field for junior training
CL/39/17.07.23
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The Chair informed the council that he was approached by the golf club with a request to use the football field for training junior members in return for maintaining the field, cutting the grass etc. It was agreed in principle to go ahead, with a final decision being made after consultation with a solicitor and a lease being agreed.
It was agreed that in the interim Cllr Owen would cut the grass with a tractor and the council would pay for the fuel. Cllrs Hackelsberger and Tyrrell agreed to compile a list of requirements and responsibilities to be included in any lease.
Proposed: Cllr Dunton Seconded: Cllr Hewins
Unanimously agreed
Action: Cllr Hackelsberger and Tyrrell to compile list of requirements and responsibilities to be included in lease
Action: Clerk to contact a solicitor and ask them for more information on leases
Action: Cllr Owen to cut the grass on the football field.
AGENDA ITEM 14 – To discuss and decide on installation of water-bottle filling station
CL/40/17.07.23
The clerk reported that she has had confirmation from SNPA that planning permission is not needed as it comes under permitted development. The clerk will forward this information to Mr Edward Jones at SNPA and it was agreed for Cllrs Hewins and Owen to install the station.
Proposed: Cllr Porter Seconded: Cllr O’Neill
Action: Clerk to contact Mr. Jones and copy in the harbourmaster
Action: Clerk and Cllrs Hewins and Owen to liaise with the harbourmaster regarding installation
Action: Cllrs Hewins and Owen to install the filling station
AGENDA ITEM 15 – To delegate powers to the Clerk and Chair until the September meeting
CL/41/17.07.23
Proposed: Cllr Reynolds Seconded: Cllr Hackelsberger
Unanimously agreed
AGENDA ITEM 16 – Correspondence
CL/42/17.07.23
* Fisherman’s compound
The Chair informed the Council that this project is now not going ahead, as new planning permission was required for the project to go ahead without electricity, as this was proving to be too expensive to include in the project, but planning permission would not be completed in time before the deadline for the EU money to be spent, so FLAG took the decision not to proceed with the project. FLAG has now disbanded due to the EU funding stream coming to an end.
* Dovey Fest
This will take place on 26th / 27th August on the wharf gardens with fireworks on the Sunday evening on the beach.
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* Graffiti at Pont y Brics
Cllr Reynolds sent photos to the Clerk, who forwarded them on to Gwynedd Council. The Council came to view the graffiti the next day and informed the clerk that it will be dealt with.
* Playground Project update
Cllrs O’Neill and Porter informed the council that the working group had a site meeting with Calloo last week. The colours have been toned down and slight changes made to the wetpour design and they are waiting for these changes to be sent through. Once the new design has been received, banners will be created which will include the design and a QR code linked to the fundraising page. Cllr O’Neill reported she has meetings about National Lottery and Community grants in the next few weeks.
Action: Cllr O’Neill to meet with grant-giving bodies
It was agreed to ask Barry Griffiths for a quote to repair the concrete benches.
Action: Clerk to contact Barry Griffiths for quote
* Railings in main car park
Cllr Tyrrell reported that Ardal Ni have been working through the list of areas in the village needing attention, but the list needs updating. He is meeting with Gwynedd Council next week to discuss the railings between the car park and the promenade and will suggest a wall be put in place of the railings, to help stop the sand being blown into the car park. They will also discuss what options are available to tidy the areas that currently contain trees, boulders etc. in between the parking bays. He reported that Gwynedd Council have agreed to replace all the lamp-posts in the car park.
Action: Cllrs Owen and Tyrell to meet with Gwynedd Council
* Maintenance of Osprey sculpture
The clerk informed the council that she will purchase the oil required to maintain the sculpture and arrange for it to be applied.
Action: Clerk to purchase oil and arrange for it to be applied
* House sign at the old Catholic Church
Several complaints have been received about the house name being displayed outside the old Catholic Church. It is felt to be an inappropriate and disrespectful name as people’s ashes are scattered in the land adjoining the property.
Action: Cllr Owen to speak to the owners
* Community wi-fi network
The clerk and Cllrs Hewins, Owen and Porter attended a meeting last week regarding the community wi-fi network installed in the village. Currently it only covers the wharf gardens, the car park and the bottom of Copperhill Street, but there are plans to extend it further and it was requested that it be extended as far as the Neuadd Dyfi.
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Sensors are available to collect different types of data such as footfall, pollution levels, noise levels etc. and the data would be uploaded to a website so that the information would be in the public domain. More information will be forthcoming on the project as it progresses.
Action: Clerk to keep council informed of project progress
AGENDA ITEM 17 – Items for consideration at future meetings
CL/43/17.07.23
List of improvements needed in the village
AGENDA ITEM 18 – Items for release / Rushlight / Website / Facebook
CL/44/17.07.23
Food Festival
Dovey Fest
Wellbeing Hub
Fire Service 125 year celebrations
AGENDA ITEM 19 – Date of next Meeting
CL/45/17.07.23
Monday 18th September 2023 at 7.00pm
There being no further business, the Chair closed the meeting at 9.15pm
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