19 February 2024

by Sandy Andrews | Mar 20, 2024 | ** COUNCIL, MINUTES ARCHIVE

Minutes of the ordinary meeting of Aberdyfi Community Council held at the Literary Institute on Monday 19^th February 2024

Present: Cllr Brian Kelly – Chair

Councillors:

Cllr Sara Bradbury-Willis

Cllr Mark Dunton

Cllr Roman Hackelsberger

Cllr Ian Hewins

Cllr Dewi Owen

Cllr Sadie Porter

Cllr Megan Reynolds

Cllr Bob Tyrrell

Cllr Dave Williams

1 member of the public was present

AGENDA ITEM 1 – Apologies

CL/132/19.02.24

Apologies accepted from Cllr O’Neill

AGENDA ITEM 2 – Chair announcements

CL/133/19.02.24

The Chair welcomed everyone and reported that it has been a very quiet month in the village.

AGENDA ITEM 3 – To receive and confirm minutes of the ordinary council meeting on 15^thJanuary 2023.

CL/134/19.02.24

Proposed: Cllr Hackelsberger Seconded: Cllr Williams

AGENDA ITEM 4 – Matters arising

CL/135/19.02.24

Page 41

M/94/(20.11.23) Removing grass cuttings from Maes Newydd playground

The clerk has emailed Aled to see if he would be willing to remove the grass cuttings but has not yet had a reply.

Action: Clerk to chase up

M/95/(20.11.23) Village noticeboard

The clerk has asked Stuart Myring for a quote to refurbish the large white noticeboard but has not had a reply and has not yet asked Gwynedd Council if the lights are their responsibility. 

Action: Clerk to chase up Stuart Myring

Page 42

M/127/(15.01.24) To note new pension arrangements for the clerk

44

Cllr Porter reported that pension contributions have been paid for November, December and January and will be paid every month going forward. She has agreed the figure to be back-dated with Mr. Lister, so she will now arrange for this to be paid.

Proposed: Cllr Porter  Seconded: Cllr Hackelsberger

M/128/(15.01.24) Correspondence

Vehicle stuck in Cwm Maethlon

The clerk met with Andrew Gregson and asked if Gwynedd Council could put ‘do not follow satnav’ signs at each end of the valley. He agreed to look into it and it was noted that Pennal and Tywyn Councils have both asked for the same thing.

Toilets closed on Christmas and Boxing Day

The clerk is meeting with Bryn Hughes on 28^th February to discuss the cost of refurbishment of the Neuadd Dyfi toilets and will also ask him for the toilets to be open every day of the year. She will also ask him about the lights under the canopy and the blocked gutters at the main toilets

Action: Clerk to meet with Bryn Hughes.

AGENDA ITEM 5 – Treasurer’s report

CL/136/19.02.24

Proposed: Cllr Reynolds Seconded: Cllr Bradbury-Willis

AGENDA ITEM 6 – Gwynedd Council report

CL/137/19.02.24

Cllr Owen reported that there will be a full meeting of Gwynedd Council in two week’s time when the council tax rates will be set for the coming year. He has been told that the work at Dyfi Bridge is progressing well and they are hopeful of finishing at the end of next week, ie. beginning of March.

The greenery at the side of the road between the Penhelig and Outward Bound has now been cut back and has made a big difference to visibility for vehicles. He urged everyone to let him know if there are any other hedges/ overgrown areas on the roadside and he will arrange for them to be cut back. 

The footpath known as Lover’s Lane is in danger of becoming blocked by landslip if the shale that is piled next to it moves. This is especially concerning with the heavy rain recently experienced in Aberdyfi. 

Action: Clerk to inform Gwynedd Council.

Number 4 Maes Newydd has been bought by Gwynedd Council as part of their scheme to buy back local housing. This house will now be refurbished and let out to local residents.

Two new nurses have been recruited for Tywyn hospital, a new Nurse Practitioner for the GP practice and it is hoped that 3 GPs will join the practice full-time in the next few months. 

AGENDA ITEM 7 – Planning

CL/138/19.02.24

NP5/50/573B Rhos Awel, Aberdyfi LL35 0NR

45

Demolition of existing single storey extension and construct new single storey extension, and demolition and replacement of front boundary wall

No objections were raised

NP5/50/130D Bwlch Gwyn, Aberdyfi LL35 0SG

Construction of rural enterprise dwelling (re-submission)

No objections were raised and it was resolved to write in support of this application.

ME0452 Tides Inn, Aberdyfi LL35 0EE

Application to vary premises licence

Unanimously resolved to object on grounds of close proximity of residential properties and bedrooms of The Dovey Inn directly above the bar. 

AGENDA ITEM 8 – To approve Deed of Variation to the licence between Aberdyfi Community Council and Gwynedd Council

CL/139/19.02.24

Proposed: Cllr Hackelsberger Seconded: Cllr Hewins

It was noted that the Golf Club have not yet commented on the licence to use the football field sent to them for approval 

Action: Cllr Williams to chase up

AGENDA ITEM 9 – To agree to lead the campaign for Plastic Free Aberdyfi by example, to remove single use plastic items from the Council premises and operations, and to encourage plastic-free initiatives in the area, promoting the campaign for Plastic Free Aberdyfi and supporting its events.

CL/140/19.02.24

Proposed: Cllr Hackelsberger Seconded: Cllr Porter

Resolved unanimously

AGENDA ITEM 10 – To note grant awarded by Gwynedd Council for allotment improvementsand to approve installation of a communal greenhouse and other essential works to improve safety in the allotments.

CL/141/19.02.24

It was agreed to spend the money originally budgeted for the work on the trees on installing the greenhouse, creation of a communal compost area and replacement of handrail. 

Proposed: Cllr Owen Seconded: Cllr Williams

AGENDA ITEM 11 – Correspondence

CL/142/19.02.24

• Email regarding wax removal from ears at Tywyn Health Centre. A query was raised about why this service no longer being offered at the GP practice in Tywyn. Cllr Bradbury-Willis reported that in Hywel Dda Health board, this service is being moved to an out-patient service and will be carried out by a Health Board professional with specialist ear nurses being trained. She reported that locally a wax removal service is available from herself at Balance in Aberdyfi and Specsavers in Aberystwyth. 46Action: Clerk to ask what measures are being taken by Betsi Cadwaldr Health Board. 
• The clerk met with Andrew Gregson of Gwynedd Council regarding speed signs and he advised that current speed signs would not work in Aberdyfi due to cars parked along the side of the road. He also reported that the life cost of one camera is approximately £20,000. He said that smaller, mobilecameras are being trialled so suggested waiting to see if the technology and price make it a more feasible option for Aberdyfi. 
• Email from Arthog & Fairbourne Council asking if we are willing to donate helter-skelter slide. It was felt that this was not a feasible option, as there is no point in getting a new spiral slide if the helter-skelter is still useable. It was agreed to look more into extending the life of the helter-skelter. It was agreed to revisit the RoSPA report at the next meeting.Action: Cllrs Tyrrell and Dunton to research repairing the helter-skelterAction: Clerk to add to agenda for next month
• Free training on Strategic Development Plans
• Email regarding Westhaven apartments. It was agreed this it is not within the council’s remit to comment on the issue of UPVC windows.
• Email regarding BCUHB meetings this year. The clerk has asked to be informed when a meeting is held locally in order for Aberdyfi Councillors to attend.
• Cllr Hackelsberger reminded everyone that volunteers are needed on Saturday morning to help plant in the car park. 

AGENDA ITEM 12 – Items for consideration at future meetings

CL/143/19.02.24

RoSPA report

AGENDA ITEM 13 – Items for release / Rushlight / Website / Facebook

CL/144/19.02.24

• Congratulations on pantomime
• Community planting on 24^th February
• Community lunch 8^th March
• New photo ID required for voting
• Food Festival and Dovey Fest dates

AGENDA ITEM 14 – Date of next meeting

CL/145/19.02.24

Monday 18^th March 2024

There being no further business, the Chair closed the meeting at 8.40pm

47

15 January 2024

by Sandy Andrews | Feb 20, 2024 | ** COUNCIL, MINUTES ARCHIVE

Minutes of the ordinary meeting of Aberdyfi Community Council held at the Literary Institute on Monday 15^th January 2024

Present: Cllr Brian Kelly – Chair

Councillors:

Cllr Sara Bradbury-Willis

Cllr Mark Dunton

Cllr Roman Hackelsberger

Cllr Ian Hewins

Cllr Catrin O’Neill

Cllr Sadie Porter

Cllr Megan Reynolds

Cllr Dave Williams

1 member of the public was present

AGENDA ITEM 1 – Apologies

CL/119/15.01.24

Apologies accepted from Cllrs Tyrrell and Owen

AGENDA ITEM 2 – Chair announcements

CL/120/15.01.24

The Chair welcomed everyone and reported that the person who vandalised the Christmas Tree lights had handed themselves into the police and will pay the cost of replacing the lights. He reported that he has been told of broken glass which has been found in the dunes on several occasions so has forwarded this information onto the harbour master. On Saturday there was a presentation to the previous sub-Post Mistress to thank her for all her work. 

AGENDA ITEM 3 – To receive and confirm minutes of the ordinary council meeting on 18^thDecember 2023.

CL/121/15.01.24

Proposed: Cllr Hackelsberger Seconded: Cllr Bradbury-Willis

AGENDA ITEM 4 – Matters arising

CL/122/15.01.24

Page 37

M/94/(20.11.23) Removing grass cuttings from Maes Newydd playground

The clerk has emailed Aled to see if he would be willing to remove the grass cuttings but has not yet had a reply.

M/95/(20.11.23) Village noticeboard

The clerk has asked Stuart Myring for a quote to refurbish the large white noticeboard but has not had a reply. The Chair reported that he had noticed there is a light under the canopy but it doesn’t work.

Action: Clerk to contact Gwynedd Council and ask if this light is their responsibility.

41

M/96/(20.11.23) Main car park planting

A date has been set for Saturday 24^th February at 10am for the planting. The preparation work will be done beforehand by Cllr Hackelsberger and others. Posters have been put up in the village and on social media, asking for volunteers.

AGENDA ITEM 5 – Treasurer’s report

CL/123/15.01.24

Proposed: Cllr O’Neill Seconded: Cllr Porter

AGENDA ITEM 6 – Gwynedd Council report

CL/124/15.01.24

No report as Cllr Owen was unable to attend the meeting

AGENDA ITEM 7 – Planning

CL/125/15.01.24

No Applications had been received

AGENDA ITEM 8 – To agree and approve precept for 2024-25

CL/126/15.01.24

It was resolved to set the precept at 4.5%.

Proposed: Cllr Hackelsberger Seconded: Cllr Porter

AGENDA ITEM 9 – To note new pension arrangements for the clerk

CL/127/15.01.24

Cllr Porter reported that she has enrolled the clerk in a pension scheme though is still investigating the issue of backdated payments. The clerk has been re-enrolled with the Pension Regulator.

AGENDA ITEM 10 – Correspondence

CL/128/15.01.24

• The Ardal Ni team will be working in the village from 22-26 January when they will continue with work on the lights in the main car park
• It has been confirmed that the road at Dyfi bridge will be closed from 10th February for up to 3 months. No mitigation has yet been received. It was thought that the route of the detour goes through Cwm Maethlon, not Talyllyn, and it was agreed to write to Gwynedd Council to ask for clarifictaion and to ensure that signs are put at each end of the valley. Action: Clerk to contact Gwynedd Council
• It was reported that a large articulated vehicle got stuck on the hairpin corner in Cwm Maethlon recently and it was agreed to ask Gwynedd Council for permanent ‘do not follow satnav’ signs to be put at each end of the valley.Action: Clerk to contact Gwynedd Council 
• Fly-tipping was reported by the main train station and it was agreed to contact Gwynedd Council with this information and ask if parking bays could be created to help stop this in the futureAction: Clerk to contact Gwynedd Council42
• The clerk reported that both sets of toilets were closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day and as a result, the street cleaner had to clear up at least 5 sets of human faeces around the village. It was agreed to write to Gwynedd Council to request that they be left open, even if they can’t be cleaned on those days.Action: Clerk to contact Gwynedd Council
• Pont y Brics road is currently closed while the old changing rooms are being demolished. If people go across the level crossing instead, they MUST phone before crossing. 
• Car charging points should be connected within the next few weeks.

AGENDA ITEM 11 – Items for consideration at future meetings

CL/129/15.01.24

No items reported

AGENDA ITEM 12 – Items for release / Rushlight / Website / Facebook

CL/130/15.01.24

• New Year’s Day fundraiser
• Pantomime
• Community planting on 24^th February
• Ceilidh on 24^th February
• Community lunch 8^th February
• New photo ID required for voting
• 10^th February road closure

AGENDA ITEM 13 – Date of next meeting

CL/131/15.01.24

Monday 19^th February 2024

There being no further business, the Chair closed the meeting at 7.55pm

43