Minutes of the ordinary meeting of Aberdyfi Community Council held at the Literary Institute on Monday 18^th March 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 Dewi Owen

Cllr Megan Reynolds

Cllr Bob Tyrrell

Cllr Dave Williams

1 member of the public was present

AGENDA ITEM 1 – Apologies

CL/146/18.03.24

Apologies accepted from Cllr Porter

AGENDA ITEM 2 – Chair announcements

CL/147/18.03.24

The Chair welcomed everyone and thanked Cllr Hackelsberger for organising the work to tidy and plant up the main car park. He also thanked all the volunteers who helped and noted how much better the car park looks now. He reminded everyone that there is a meeting of the AA&I next Monday.

AGENDA ITEM 3 – To receive and confirm minutes of the ordinary council meeting on 19^thFebruary 2024.

CL/148/18.03.24

Proposed: Cllr Tyrrell Seconded: Cllr Reynolds

AGENDA ITEM 4 – Matters arising

CL/149/18.03.24

Page 44

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

It was agreed to continue negotiations with Gwynedd Council with a view to them removing the grass cuttings.

Action: Clerk to contact Gwynedd Council again

M/95/(20.11.23) Village noticeboard

The clerk is still waiting for a quote

Page 45

M/128/(15.01.24) Toilets closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day

The clerk shared an email she had received from Gwynedd Council, stating that the

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public toilets can not be opened on these days, as it is unfair to expect the cleaners to have 3 days worth of cleaning to do when they return to work. It was agreed to reply, stating again that we don’t expect them to be cleaned on those days.

Action: Clerk to reply

Page 46

M/139/(19.02.24) Golf club licence to use football field

The clerk still hasn’t heard from the Golf Club regarding this issue

Action: Cllr Williams to remind the Golf Club that they need to review the lease

M/142/(19.02.24) Ear wax removal at Tywyn Health Centre

The clerk has had it confirmed that this service will be offered again at Tywyn as soon as funding becomes available

AGENDA ITEM 5 – Treasurer’s report

CL/150/18.03.24

Proposed: Cllr Williams Seconded: Cllr Bradbury-Willis

It was noted that both savings accounts have now been opened.

AGENDA ITEM 6 – Gwynedd Council report

CL/151/18.03.24

Cllr Owen reported that at the full meeting of the council, it was agreed to increase Council Tax by 9.5%, which equates to £2.14 a week for Band D. He realises this a large increase and gave the clerk a helpline phone number for people who are struggling to pay their Council Tax. She will advertise this number on social media and in Rushlight.

He reported that the board of Gwynedd Council met in the Yacht Club earlier today and he was invited to join them for lunch. He discussed many of the issues in the village such as the problems with sand encroaching into the village and they responded that they understand our problems a lot better having been here. He hoped that some of the problems may start to be remedied as a result.

At the Harbour Users meeting, Cllr Owen was told that interviews for a new deputy-harbourmaster are being held imminently and a new Beach Warden for the area has been appointed. At the meeting the harbourmaster reported that he now has a drone so is able to check on moorings and buoys much easier. He also reported that mooring and launch fees are increasing by £10 this year. 

AGENDA ITEM 7 – Planning

CL/152/18.03.24

NP5/50/L89B 3 Copperhill Street, Aberdyfi LL35 0EU

Retrospective application to relocate existing condensing unit to its former location at side of property.

New description and amended plan for application

No objections were raised

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AGENDA ITEM 8 – To discuss purchase of flag for D-Day 80^th anniversary

CL/153/18.03.24

It was resolved to buy a 5’ x 3’ flag at a cost of £28.80.

Proposed: Cllr Williams Seconded: Cllr Hewins

Action: Clerk to purchase flag and arrange hoisting

AGENDA ITEM 9 – To receive a report on meeting with Gwynedd Council regarding village public toilets

CL/154/18.03.24

Cllr Tyrrell reported that he, together with Cllr Reynolds and the clerk, met with a representative of Gwynedd Council to discuss refurbishment of both sets of public toilets. It was a very positive meeting and they were told that the refurbishment of the main toilets is due to start in the autumn, though there is likely to be less money for the refurbishment than previously hoped. It was agreed that the Community Council could possibly collaborate with Gwynedd Council to ensure that the toilets are refurbished to a good standard. The Councillors were told that that the reason our toilets are being refurbished and not ones in other towns is because ours are not vandalised. Once the main toilets are refurbished, we will continue to talk to Gwynedd Council and seek to get the Neuadd Dyfi toilets refurbished in the near future. 

Action: Clerk to remain in contact with Gwynedd Council

AGENDA ITEM 10 – To receive an update on cycle path project

CL/155/18.03.24

Cllr Tyrrell reported that he walked along the route between Trefeddian Terrace and the cemetery with the clerk and found that it was completely under water for a distance of approximately 100 metres so a board walk or other solution would be needed to allow cycles and pedestrians to travel freely. However, a board walk would cause problems for the energy companies who need to access that area with heavy machinery to maintain the overhead cables. The need to build a bridge across the stream at a different location on the proposed path was also discussed and it was agreed that this section of cycle path is a much more complicated project than initially envisaged. It was agreed to wait and see if Gwynedd Council obtain funding for the other part of the cycle path and if they are successful, then the Community Council will ask to work with them to complete the section between the cemetery and the village, as it was felt the project is too complicated for the Community Council to undertake on its own. 

It was noted that no decision has yet been made on the planning application for the section of cycle path between Caethle and the cemetery.

AGENDA ITEM 11 – To agree grants to be awarded

CL/156/18.03.24

Applications were received from several organisations and it was resolved to award £100 to each of Meirionnydd Young Farmers, Welsh Air Ambulance, Urdd Gobaith Cymru and Dail Dysynni.

It was noted that the grant to the Neuadd Dyfi for 2023/24 is £4,091.00 

Action: Clerk to distribute grants

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AGENDA ITEM 12 – To agree date for Annual Community Meeting and discuss format and agenda

CL/157/18.03.24

It was agreed to hold the Annual Community Meeting on 22^nd April, with reports from the Community Council, AA&I, Neuadd Dyfi and Aberdyfi Community Projects Group followed by an open forum. 

Action: Clerk to advertise date and agenda

AGENDA ITEM 13 – To discuss RoSPA report and receive an update on Playground Project

CL/158/18.03.24

Cllr Tyrrell reported that he had found an identical helter-skelter to the one in Aberdyfi in Goodwick but which had been removed on Health and Safety grounds. The clerk contacted Goodwick and Pembrokeshire County Council and was told that they had spent a long time and exhausted all possibilities to get theirs fixed and as repairs were going to cost £10,000, it was removed. Cllr Dunton reported that the fibreglass is sound and that it is the gelcoat that is wearing, which can be repaired quite easily. 

The clerk reported that we have received planning permission for the new playground and Cllr O’Neill reported that most grants are not available to Community Councils. She also reported that she understood Machynlleth council had sold their redundant play equipment to a reclamation yard and she noticed that Abergynolwyn play equipment was being painted when she travelled through recently.

It was agreed to clean the inside of the helter-skelter, repair the gelcoat, remove the concrete bench ends and to organise painting of the other equipment.

The clerk reported she had contacted GL Jones who said they will repair the wet pour as soon as possible, but the wet weather has delayed work.

Action: Cllr Dunton to source someone to repair gelcoat

Action: Cllr Tyrrell to try to find someone to paint equipment

Action: Cllr O’Neill to research funding options

Action: Cllr Hewins to remove concrete bench ends and bolt down other benches

Action: Clerk to contact Abergynolwyn Council to ask who paints their play equipment

Action: Clerk to arrange cleaning of inside of helter-skelter

Action: Clerk to ask GL Jones for date of repair

Action: Clerk to find out how Machynlleth council disposed of their play equipment.

AGENDA ITEM 14 – Correspondence

CL/159/18.03.24

* Introduction of Strategic Development Plans.

The Chair reported that he and the clerk attended a meeting where Strategic Development Plans were explained, though no date has been given as to when they will be implemented. There will be 4 development plan areas and Aberdyfi will be in an area stretching from Aberdyfi up to Angelsey and across to Wrexham. The plans are envisaged to create more cohesive plans for these areas, such as transport and housing etc. but at the moment they are in the very early stages and who will be involved in creating the strategic plans has yet to be decided. 

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* BCUHB update

The clerk reported that she had attended a meeting with representatives of BCUHB presenting on progress made one year on from being put in special measures. Improvements have been made in all areas, though generally these have only been small, and it was acknowledged that there is a long way to go. BCUHB have been working hard on creating closer links with staff and agencies such as the ambulance service and creating a more open culture so that improvements can be made from the bottom up rather than top-down. They will be holding face to face meetings throughout communities in Gwynedd this year to find out what local communities need and want to happen.

* Residents have expressed concerns about the new junction near Machynlleth as it is hard to see when travelling from Machynlleth and traffic coming from the other direction is travelling fast round a bend, so may well not be able to stop in time if someone is pulling out of the junction. It was agreed to write to Steffan Jones at Gwynedd Council.

Action: Clerk to write to Steffan Jones expressing the concerns of the Community Council

AGENDA ITEM 15 – Items for consideration at future meetings

CL/160/18.03.24

* Creation and adoption of new operating policies

* Training plan review

* Water situation in Aberdyfi and frequency of burst pipes

* Slate compass in wharf gardens

* Shelter on way to Penhelig

AGENDA ITEM 16 – Items for release / Rushlight / Website / Facebook

CL/161/18.03.24

• Council Tax helpline number
• Gwynedd Council Board meeting in village
• Date & Agenda of Community meeting
• Welsh Language sessions
• Neuadd Dyfi events

AGENDA ITEM 13 – Date of next meeting

CL/162/18.03.24

Monday 15^th April 2024

There being no further business, the Chair closed the meeting at 9.15pm

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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

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

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Minutes of the ordinary meeting of Aberdyfi Community Council held at the Literary Institute on Monday 18^th December 2023

Present: Cllr Brian Kelly – Chair

Councillors:

Cllr Sara Bradbury-Willis

Cllr Roman Hackelsberger

Cllr Ian Hewins

Cllr Dewi Owen – Gwynedd Councillor

Cllr Bob Tyrrell

Cllr Dave Williams

1 member of the public was present.

AGENDA ITEM 1 – Apologies

CL/103/18.12.23

Apologies received from Cllr Dunton, O’Neill, Porter and Reynolds

AGENDA ITEM 2 – Chair announcements

CL/104/18.12.23

The Chair welcomed everyone and congratulated everyone involved in the Tractor Run at the weekend, saying it was spectacular and hoped it raised a lot of money for charity. He noted that the lights in the subway are not working at all and some of the CCTV cameras around the wharf area need maintenance or replaced. It was agreed to ask Phil Pugh to look at the cameras and for the clerk to inform Gwynedd Council about the faulty lighting in the subway.

The Chair reported that the lights on the Christmas Tree had been vandalised and were not working any more. The perpetrators were caught on CCTV and this footage has been passed to the police, and it looked as though boats and other items on the wharf had been damaged too. The clerk reported the incident on Facebook and received offers of help from various local and national businesses to replace the lights. Unfortunately new lights had been bought before the offers were received but it was agreed how appreciative the council are of the support from the community. 

AGENDA ITEM 3 – To receive and confirm minutes of the ordinary council meeting on 20^thNovember 2023.

CL/105/18.12.23

Proposed: Cllr Owen Seconded: Cllr Hackelsberger

Unanimously agreed

AGENDA ITEM 4 – Matters arising

CL/106/18.12.23

Page 31

M/87/20.11.23 – To approve licence for use of football field by golf club

The clerk has sent the draft licence to the golf club but has not yet received a reply

36

Page 32

M/88/20.11.23 – To approve change of lease with Gwynedd Council

The clerk has sent the draft licence to Gwynedd Council and has requested the lease be changed to contain a generic clause regarding the licence. They felt this would be acceptable and are in the process of amending the lease for the approval of the Community Council.

M/90/20.11.23 – To discuss installation of speed signs

The clerk has received examples of the speed signs Gwynedd Council intend to use and she has arranged to meet with Mr Gregson of Gwynedd Council early next year to discuss where they could be sited and how much installation and ongoing costs would be. 

M/93/20.11.23 – Sharing CCTV system with the harbour authority

The Chair has spoken to the harbour master and it has been agreed that the harbour authority will buy their own system. 

Cllr Owen reported that the harbour office is not fit for purpose and a portacabin will be placed close to the office early next year and this will be used until a new office can be found / built. 

Page 33

M/94/20.11.23 – Removing grass cuttings from Maes Newydd playground

The clerk has not heard back from Aled if he is agreeable to doing this work

Action: Clerk to chase up

M/95/20.11.23 – Village noticeboard

The clerk has not had time to talk to the pharmacy about putting a monitor in his window. Cllr Owen reported that he has been told by Parc Eryri that the digital noticeboard included in the recent Tourist Information Centre planning application is for Aberdyfi Community Council, not Parc Eryri. It is not clear if they will pay for the digital noticeboard, so it was agreed to wait to see who will have to pay for it. 

Wooden noticeboard by the toilets: it was agreed to wait to see what happens with the digital noticeboard before doing anything about this board.

Large white cork board in the covered area: It was agreed to ask Stuart Myring if he could clean up this noticeboard and repaint it.

Proposed: Cllr Williams  Seconded: Cllr Owen

Action: Clerk to contact Stuart Myring

M/96/20.11.23 – Main car park planting

Gwynedd Council have given their permission for the Community Council to go ahead with this work. Cllr Hackelsberger reported that the plan is to set a date, hopefully in February, and ask the village residents to come along and help on that day. A small digger has been offered and a call for hardy plants will be made in Rushlight, although plants will also be bought and Cllr Hackelsberger will apply to the AA&I for funding for this. 

37

Action: Clerk to put something in Rushlight and to inform Bob Nickless that this work will be happening and ask for his suggestions / help.

Page 34

M/96/20.11.23 – Public toilet concerns

The clerk has contacted Gwynedd Council and they confirmed that they have been successful in obtaining funding to refurbish the main toilets in Aberdyfi and the work will be carried out next Autumn / Winter to avoid the tourist season. The work will not include the toilets by the Neuadd Dyfi and the clerk will be meeting with Gwynedd Council to discuss how much it would cost to refurbish these ones and to find out exactly what work is planned for the main toilets.

The clerk reported that both sets of toilets were given a deep clean in the spring and then again in the autumn and she has arranged for the same to be done next year.

Action: Clerk to meet with Gwynedd Council

AGENDA ITEM 5 – Treasurer’s report

CL/107/18.12.23

Proposed: Cllr Bradbury-Willis Seconded: Cllr Owen

Unanimously agreed

AGENDA ITEM 6 – Gwynedd Council report

CL/108/18.12.23

Cllr Owen reported on Gwynedd Council matters as the Gwynedd Councillor for Aberdyfi. The report included:

The recent full meeting of Gwynedd Council lasted over 5 hours. BCUHB reported that the situation at Tywyn hospital and Health Centre is improving steadily and 2 more nurses have been recruited. The plan is for them to start at the beginning of next year. 

It was reported that more houses than ever in Gwynedd are not paying any rates at all. Cllr Owen asked who is responsible for checking that houses are being let for the full 182 days in order to claim rate relief and was told that there are not the resources to check them. Cllr Owen pointed out that quite a few businesses in Aberdyfi are potentially coming up for sale soon and this is being echoed in other sea-side towns, so he has asked for an impact assessment to be done into the effect of businesses closing down on the local communities. 

Gwynedd council reported that they have bought over 30 houses with a view to letting them to locals, but couldn’t give a figure of how many are currently unoccupied, as most are being refurbished. Cllr Owen pointed out that as many second homes are now being sold and becoming holiday lets, local communities are being eroded and lost. He reported that Parc Eryri are thinking of following Gwynedd Council in implementing Section 4 of planning, whereby people will have to apply for planning permission to change from residential use to a second home or to a holiday let, but they will wait to see how it works first. 

Cllr Owen reported that he has been voted in as Chair of Network Rail’s Cambrian Coast Committee. The council congratulated him on his appointment. He

38

reported that more coaches are currently being built so that the trains on the Cambrian Coast can have 4 carriages rather than 2, but these will not be in service until 2025. Cllr Tyrrell asked if the railway bridges in Aberdyfi could be painted. 

AGENDA ITEM 7 – Planning

CL/109/18.12.23

NP5/50/165C Glygyrog Ddu, Aberdyfi LL35 0RL

Retrospective application for part single / part two storey side extensions including balcony / terraced areas, two storey rear extension, front porch, alterations to roof of existing dwelling including installation of 3 rooflights, and associated work.

Action: Clerk to contact Parc Eryri expressing disappointment that we were not given a chance to comment on the application had it come though in the normal manner

NP5/50/10M Outward Bound Centre Aberdyfi LL35 0RA

Formation of additional car parking areas in connection with the Outward Bound Centre

No objections raised

NP5/50/647B Existing highway verge adjoining A493 between Aberdyfi & Tywyn

Formation of a footpath (Active Travel route) between the communities of Tywyn and Aberdyfi adjacent to the A493

No objections raised

NP5/50/L89B 3 Copperhill Street, Aberdyfi LL35 0EU

Retrospective application to retain condensing unit at side of property

No objections raised

AGENDA ITEM 8 – To discuss councillor’s consumables renumeration

CL/110/18.12.23

The clerk reported that councillors will be paid £156 expenses going forward, but they will be able to decline this payment. If they do, it will be up to the full council to decide what to do with the money, not the individual councillor. 

In addition, councillors can either be paid a flat rate of £52 for consumables, or can claim this back from the council. If a flat rate, it is exempt from PAYE, but if reimbursed from the council, this will be subject to PAYE.

The clerk informed the council that each individual councillor will be able to choose what they want to do about both payments, which will come into force in the next financial year. 

AGENDA ITEM 9 – To approve budget for 2024/25

CL/111/18.12.23

Proposed: Cllr Owen Seconded: Cllr Hackelsberger

AGENDA ITEM 10 – To discuss opening two savings accounts

CL/112/18.12.23

The finance committee proposed opening two instant access accounts to allow the ring-fenced money from Aberdyfi Tourism and the Playground appeal to be kept

39

separate from working capital and everyday savings.

The finance committee proposed reviewing the situation next year with a view to opening a notice account then.

Proposed: Cllr Hackelsberger Seconded: Cllr Owen

Action: Clerk to open two instant access savings accounts

Action: Finance committee to discuss notice accounts next year

AGENDA ITEM 11 – To discuss purchase of a council laptop for CCTV access

CL/113/18.12.23

It was agreed to purchase a laptop which runs Microsoft software up to £200.

Proposed: Cllr Bradbury-Willis Seconded: Cllr Kelly

Action: Clerk to purchase laptop

AGENDA ITEM 12 – To approve payment for storage of mobile kitchen

CL/114/18.12.23

It was agreed to pay 3 years back-dated rent for storage and to pay yearly going forward at a rate of £10 per month.

Proposed: Cllr Williams Seconded: Cllr Hackelsberger

Action: Clerk to arrange for payment to be made

AGENDA ITEM 13 – Correspondence

CL/115/18.12.23

* Parc Eryri Recreation Strategy

* Coastal path above Hillside Park is overgrown

Action: Clerk to contact Aled and ask him to cut it back

AGENDA ITEM 14 – Items for consideration at future meetings

CL/116/18.12.23

* Ask a representative from BCUHB to come to our meeting

AGENDA ITEM 15 – Items for release / Rushlight / Website / Facebook

CL/117/18.12.23

* Advent windows

* Fireworks New year

* New Year’s Day fundraiser

* Nurses recruited for Tywyn

* Tractor Run

* Vandalism of tree lights

* Cycle path update

* Car park planting

AGENDA ITEM 26 – Date of next Meeting

CL/118/18.12.23

Monday 15^th January 2024 at 7.00pm

There being no further business, the Chair closed the meeting at 8.50pm

40

Minutes of the ordinary meeting of Aberdyfi Community Council held at the Literary Institute on Monday 20^th November 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 Megan Reynolds

Cllr Sadie Porter

Cllr Dave Williams

2 members of the public were present.

AGENDA ITEM 1 – Apologies

CL/80/20.11.23

Apologies received from Cllr Tyrrell

AGENDA ITEM 2 – Chair announcements

CL/81/20.11.23

The Chair welcomed everyone and announced that the official opening of the wharf development took place last week with dignitaries from Gwynedd Council and other organisations present. He thanked Cllr Reynolds for replacing the batteries in the defibrillators and the clerk noted that the battery needs to show 0 before it will stop working. 

AGENDA ITEM 3 – To receive and confirm minutes of the ordinary council meeting on 16^thOctober 2023.

CL/82/20.11.23

Proposed: Cllr O’Neill Seconded: Cllr Hackelsberger

Unanimously agreed

AGENDA ITEM 4 – Matters arising

CL/83/20.11.23

Page 23

M/3/15.05.23 – Time & Tide bell information board

The board is now in place but it was noted that it is looking tired. It was agreed for the clerk to check the if it needs replaced and if the wording needs to be changed. Also to consider the possibility of adding a QR code to the information.

Action: Clerk to check the information board

M/24/19.06.23 – Coastal erosion

Cllr Owen is to meet with the golf club and Parc Eryri to see what needs to be

Cllr Williams noted that NRW dictate what maintenance the golf club can do 

29

on the sand dunes

M/34/17.07.23 – Planning violations

The clerk contacted Parc Eryri and they confirmed that they plan to hold an online meeting this year

Page 24

M/42/17.07.23 – Railings in main car park

Cllr Owen showed the problem to the Head of Highways of Gwynedd Council at the wharf opening and he has agreed to come to Aberdyfi again soon to discuss a solution.

M/51/18.09.23 – Road closure in January

It was noted that this is now likely to happen in February and more details should be forthcoming within the next week.

M/55/18.09.23 – Payment for storage of kitchen

Clerk has contacted Mr George but has not had a reply

Action: Clerk to chase up

M/57/18.09.23 – RoSPA report

The clerk has met with Stuart Myring and is waiting for a quote to paint the playground equipment.

Page 25

M/58/18.09.23 – Review Food Festival

Cllr Owen and the Clerk met with organisers of the Food festival and they have agreed to run the event next year, but asked for more help. It was agreed the clerk will take responsibility for the financial aspect of the festival and the organisers will contact the clerk if they need help with other things.

M/59/18.09.23 – Correspondence

Fingerposts

These have been painted, as has the welcome sign at the Penhelig end of the village.

Page 26

M/68/16.10.23 – Gwynedd Council report

Release pf game birds

Cllr Owen reported that he had spoken to Gwynedd Council and Parc Eryri and both organisations replied that there is nothing they can do about the problem of game birds being released in Pennal and Happy Valley area, as it is currently

unregulated. Cllr O’Neil reported that she had had several close calls with birds and other cars trying to avoid birds on the road and was concerned that an accident will happen soon. She reported that there are bird feeders on the bank above the road at Cwrt, meaning that the birds are feeding on the food

that has fallen out of the feeder onto the road and she had moved one of the

30

feeders as they had fallen into the road. She has contacted Highways at Gwynedd Council and sent them photos and Cllr Owen has asked Gwynedd Council to contact the organisers of the shoots.

Cycle path

The clerk reported that Gwynedd Council were unsuccessful in obtaining grant funding to complete the cycle path and they will apply again when the next round of funding opens for applications.

AGENDA ITEM 5 – Treasurer’s report

CL/84/20.11.23

Proposed: Cllr Bradbury-Willis Seconded: Cllr Porter

Unanimously agreed

AGENDA ITEM 6 – Gwynedd Council report

CL/85/20.11.23

Cllr Owen reported on Gwynedd Council matters as the Gwynedd Councillor for Aberdyfi. The report included:

Thank you to everyone who attended the Remembrance Services on Sunday and it was agreed to write to Mr Richardson who organises both events.

It was good to meet with the Chief Executive of Gwynedd Council face to face at the wharf opening as Cllr Owen was able to speak to him about various issues in the village and he plans to come back to Aberdyfi soon to discuss these issues further.

Action: Clerk to thank Mr Richardson

Action: Cllr Owen to meet with Gwynedd Council early next year

AGENDA ITEM 7 – Planning

CL/86/20.11.23

The council declared an interest in the playground application.

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.

No objections were raised.

AGENDA ITEM 8 – To approve licence for use of football field by golf club

CL/87/20.11.23

It was agreed the licence is acceptable as a draft and should be sent to the golf club.

Proposed: Cllr Hewins Seconded: Cllr Bradbury-Willis

Action: Clerk to send licence to the Golf club 

31

AGENDA ITEM 9 – To approve change of lease with Gwynedd Council

CL/88/20.11.23

It was agreed to go ahead with a change to the lease, ideally allowing the community council to sub-let the football field to anyone using the licence which is being used to sub0let to the golf club.

Proposed: Cllr O’Neill Seconded: Cllr Porter

Action: Clerk to send draft licence to Gwynedd Council and ask for the sub-let clause to be generic

AGENDA ITEM 10 – To discuss opening a savings account

CL/89/20.11.23

It was agreed to open an instant access savings account with Charity Bank and for the finance committee to research a notice account.

Proposed: Cllr Hackelsberger Seconded: Cllr Bradbury-Willis

Action: Clerk to open an instant access savings account 

Action: Finance committee to meet to discuss notice accounts.

AGENDA ITEM 11 – To discuss installation of speed signs

CL/90/20.11.23

It was agreed to ask for examples of the type of speed signs Gwynedd Council are able to provide and to ask for cost of civil works if signs will be put on lamp-posts.

Action: Clerk to contact Andrew Gregson at Gwynedd Council

AGENDA ITEM 12 – To approve enrolling clerk in a pension plan

CL/91/20.11.23

It was noted that the clerk hasn’t yet been enrolled in a pension plan. Cllr Porter volunteered to take this on.

Proposed: Cllr Williams Seconded: Cllr Hewins

Action: Cllr Porter to enrol clerk in a pension plan

AGENDA ITEM 13 – To note new salary scale from NALC

CL/92/20.11.23

The new salary scales were noted and the clerk reminded the council that the scales date from 1^st April 2023

AGENDA ITEM 14 – To discuss sharing CCTV system with the harbour authority.

CL/93/20.11.23

It was agreed to go ahead with this, though some concerns were raised about the effect using a tilt and zoom camera will have on the wi-fi and function of the card payment system in the Tourist Information Centre. It was agreed to bring this to the attention of the harbourmaster.

It was noted that currently Cllr Kelly was the only one in the council with access to the CCTV footage and that the clerk also needs to be able to view the footage. It was also agreed that the system should only be checked occasionally. It was suggested that in the interest of transparency, anyone who accesses the footage

32

should keep a log of when they log in and out of the system. It was noted the police have also been given log-in details to the system.

Proposed: Cllr O’Neill Seconded: Cllr Bradbury-Willis

Action: Cllr Kelly to liaise with the harbourmaster 

Action: Clerk to check she is able to log in to the system

Action: Anyone accessing footage to keep a record of when they log in and out of the system.

AGENDA ITEM 15 – To discuss paying Gwynedd Council to remove grass cuttings from Maes Newydd playground

CL/94/20.11.23

Gwynedd Council have told the Community Council that there is no mechanism for them to reimburse us for the cost of cutting and removing the grass cuttings. It was agreed to ask Aled how much he would charge just to remove the cuttings.

Action: Clerk to contact Aled

AGENDA ITEM 16 – To discuss installing a village noticeboard

CL/95/20.11.23

It was noted that Parc Eryri are planning on putting a digital noticeboard in the Tourist Information Centre where the Community Council were hoping to site one. It was suggested that we could potentially share their digital noticeboard. The clerk informed the council that a physical noticeboard would cost approximately £1000 and this would replace the noticeboard by the toilets in the centre of the village. It was suggested that it might also be possible to install a TV in the pharmacy window which could act as a digital noticeboard. It was agreed to ask the pharmacy if they are willing to do this and ask Aberdyfi Tourism group if they are willing to spend their money on this system. 

Action: Clerk to contact Aberdyfi Tourism

Action: Clerk to contact Pharmacy

Action: Clerk to add to agenda for next month.

AGENDA ITEM 17 – Correspondence

CL/96/20.11.23

* New year’s Day fundraiser

WeSwimRun are planning a playground fundraiser again on New year’s Day

* Aberdyfi wi-fi project

Menter-Mon have offered to come and do another session for local businesses

* Car park planting

Cllr Hackelsberger has proposed a planting solution for the main car park.

Action: Clerk to contact Gwynedd Council

* Aberdyfi Plastic Free Community

A proposal for Aberdyfi to become part of the Plastic Free Community Campaign was received. It was agreed to join the campaign. Cllr Porter volunteered to be on the steering group

Action: Clerk to inform the campaign of our intention to be involved

33

* Public toilet concerns

Email received from a member of the public, expressing concerns about the state of the public toilets.

It was agreed to find out if Gwynedd Council plan to refurbish them and if not, how much it would cost to refurbish them, with the view to possibly covering the cost between the community council and AA&I.

Action: Clerk to contact Gwynedd Council

* Tywyn Hospital update

Cllr Reynolds gave an update on the staffing issues at Tywyn hospital 

AGENDA ITEM 18 – Items for consideration at future meetings

CL/97/20.11.23

* Village noticeboard and digital noticeboard at the pharmacy 

AGENDA ITEM 19 – Items for release / Rushlight / Website / Facebook

CL/98/20.11.23

* Remembrance Day services

* Opening of the wharf

* Advent windows

* Plastic Free Campaign

* Welcome to the new Post Office owners

* Fireworks New year

* New Year’s Day fundraiser

AGENDA ITEM 20 – Date of next Meeting

CL/99/20.11.23

Monday 18^th December 2023 at 7.00pm

There being no further business, the Chair closed the meeting at 9.10pm

34

Minutes of the ordinary meeting of the financial committee of Aberdyfi Community Council held at the Literary Institute on Monday 27th November2023

Present:

Cllr Sara Bradbury-Willis

Cllr Bob Tyrrell

Cllr Dave Williams

AGENDA ITEM 1 – Apologies

CL/100/27.11.23

Apologies received from Cllr Owen

AGENDA ITEM 2 – To discuss budget for 2024/25

CL/101/27.11.23

The budget was discussed and it was agreed to present to the full council at the December or Januarymeeting.

Action: Clerk to add to agenda

AGENDA ITEM 3 – To discuss opening a notice savings account

CL/102/27.11.23

It was agreed to propose opening an instant access savings account with Unity Trust Bank for the money currently ring-fenced for the Aberdyfi Tourism organisation and Playground Appeal donations. It was also agreed to propose opening a second one with Charity Bank for all but £10,000 of the remaining balance in the current account, assuming it is not too difficult to administer, and the current account balance to be kept at approximately £10,000. It was agreed to review the situation again next year with a view to possibly opening a notice savings account. 

Action: Clerk to research how easy it is to administer the Charity Bank savings account.

Action: Clerk to add to agenda for December meeting

The meeting closed at 11.30am

35

Minutes of the ordinary meeting of Aberdyfi Community Council held at the Literary Institute on Monday 16^th October 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 Dave Williams

2 members of the public were present.

AGENDA ITEM 1 – Apologies

CL/63/16.10.23

Apologies received from Cllr Reynolds

AGENDA ITEM 2 – Chair announcements

CL/64/16.10.23

The Chair welcomed everyone and said there seems to have been quite a few visitors to the village in October. He has also noticed a poster has been stuck to the bus shelter so he is going to ask them to remove it.

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

CL/65/16.10.23

Proposed: Cllr Williams Seconded: Cllr Bradbury-Willis

Unanimously agreed

AGENDA ITEM 4 – Matters arising

CL/66/16.10.23

Page 16

M/3/15.05.23 – Time & Tide bell

The clerk has not been able to talk to the harbourmaster yet

Cllr Owen offered to speak to him at the Harbour Users meeting planned for the next day.

Action: Cllr Owen to speak to harbourmaster

Page 17

M/24/19.06.23 – Coastal erosion

Cllr Owen is waiting for Mabon ap Gwynfor to set a date to meet.

Action: Cllr Owen to bring up this issue at the Harbour Users meeting

M/34/17.07.23 – Planning violations

Cllr Owen has not had time to ask Parc Eryri if they plan to come to Aberdyfi this year  Action: Clerk to contact Parc Eryri

23

M/42/17.07.23 – Railings in main car park

Cllr Owen has had an email stating that Gwynedd Council have no money to upgrade the railings or replace them with a wall at this time. It was noted that they will have to be replaced eventually.

Page 18

M/51/18.09.23 – Road closure in January

Griffiths Ltd have advertised public meetings at the end of October and it was agreed to encourage as many people as possible to go to them to pressure them to do the work at night and keep the road open during the day. Clerk has put up posters in the village and will also put in Rushlight.

It was noted that it has been rumoured that the new bridge is behind schedule, which will affect the dates of this road closure as the new bridge needs to be open before this work can be done.

Action: Clerk to put in meeting dates in Rushlight and on website

M/53/18.09.23 – Double yellow lines at entrance to Parc yr Ysgol

The clerk confirmed that Gwynedd Council will be going ahead with this. The council unanimously agreed to the proposal. 

Page 19

M/54/18.09.23 – removing grass cuttings from Maes Newydd playground

The clerk has emailed Gwynedd Council suggesting that the Community Council take over the grass cutting service and is reimbursed for the cost, but has not has a reply.

Action: Clerk to chase up

M/55/18.09.23 – Payment for storage of kitchen

Clerk has contacted Mr George but has not had a reply

Action: Clerk to chase up

M/56/18.09.23 – Insurance claim for locum costs

The Chair and clerk have agreed to go ahead with a claim as the excess is £250 and will have a minimal affect on premiums 

Action: Clerk to pursue insurance claim

M/57/18.09.23 – RoSPA report

GL Jones have agreed to honour their previous quote for repairing the wet- pour so the clerk has asked them to go ahead with the repairs. She is still waiting to meet with Stuart Myring to discuss painting some of the play equipment. It was noted that non-toxic paint needs to be specified. She is also waiting for a quote for repairing the benches and has not had time to put up the no dogs signs.

Action: Clerk to contact Stuart Myring and Barry Griffiths and put up no dogs signs

24

Page 20

M/58/18.09.23 – Review Food Festival

Cllr Owen and Clerk to meet with organisers of Food festival at the beginning of November.

Action: Cllr Owen and Clerk to meet with organisers

M/59/18.09.23 – Correspondence

Fingerposts

These are going to be painted imminently

Campervans stayng overnight in main car park

Clerk has reported this to Gwynedd Council

Page 21

Buddlea by old School House

Clerk has reported this to Gwynedd Council

Area above Penhelig gardens

Action: Clerk to report to Gwynedd Council

Water on road in front of Britannia Inn

This has now been fixed

Footpath behind Penhelig Arms

The clerk has not yet contacted Gwynedd Council about this

Action: Clerk to report to Gwynedd Councillor

Drug use & dealing at Parc yr Ysgol

Clerk has not yet reported this to Adra. Cllr Owen reported that he had been in touch with Adra and they are aware of the situation, as are the police. 

Action: Clerk to contact Adra

AGENDA ITEM 5 – Treasurer’s report

CL/67/16.10.23

Proposed: Cllr Owen Seconded: Cllr Williams

Unanimously agreed

It was requested that going forward the clerk produces separate accounts for the playground fundraising funds.

AGENDA ITEM 6 – Gwynedd Council report

CL/68/16.10.23

Cllr Owen reported on Gwynedd Council matters as the Gwynedd Councillor for Aberdyfi. The report included:

Gwynedd Council have reported that half the houses they bought with a view to improving them and renting them to local people have been empty since last November as they have been unable to find people to do the work. There have also been problems as Gwynedd Council have been bidding against local people for the same properties. 

25

Gwynedd Council will have a deficit of £6 million next year, so there will be more cuts and these will be discussed in more detail soon so Cllr Owen will be able to give more details at the next meeting. A tourism tax has been discussed but no decision has been made.

Gwynedd Council have been in talks with NRW regarding sewage discharges into rivers. NRW have denied being responsible, so there is an ongoing investigation. 

Gwynedd Council are looking into the cost of replacing the harbourmaster’s office in Aberdyfi, as it has very large cracks and is not fit for purpose. It is hoped that it might be replaced next year. 

A question was asked regarding the release of game birds, as they are causing a lot of problems on the roads and elsewhere and are considerably disrupting the local ecosystem. Cllr Owen will ask if anything can be done about this.

It was asked how the cycle path project was going. 

Action: Cllr Owen to ask Gwynedd Council about the release of game birds.

Action: Cllr Tyrrell and clerk to find out about the cycle path project. 

AGENDA ITEM 7 – Planning

CL/69/16.10.23

Cllr Porter declared an interest in this agenda item.

NP5/50/147Q Nyth Robin Campsite, Panteidal, Aberdyfi LL35 0RG

Adapt and extend existing workshop building to include staff welfare facility, secure bike storage area, laundry area, plant / store room and the installations of EV charging points.

No objections were raised

AGENDA ITEM 8 – To discuss installation of speed signs

CL/70/16.10.23

The clerk has not received any information from manufacturers. Cllr Owen is waiting to hear from Andrew Gregson but noted that last time he spoke to Mr Gregson, he had been told that these type of signs are very expensive.

It was suggested that perhaps small reminder 20mph signs could be a cheaper alternative.

Action: Cllr Owen to contact Mr Gregson to discuss small reminder signs and cost of flashing speed signs

Action: Clerk to contact manufacturers for costs

AGENDA ITEM 9 – To discuss use of football field by the golf club

CL/71/16.10.23

The clerk has contacted Jenkins & Jenkins solicitors in Machynlleth who have said they are able to draw up a lease / licence for us so she will make an appointment with them as soon as the list of requirements have been agreed. They will charge £250 + VAT per hour.

Cllr Hackelsberger has produced a draft lease which will be circulated to all councillors and once agreed, this will be taken to the solicitors. 

Action: Cllr Hacklesberger to email draft licence to clerk

Action: All councillors to provide feedback on draft licence 

26

AGENDA ITEM 10 – To discuss opening a savings account

CL/72/16.10.23

It was agreed to open a savings account. Cllr Tyrrell offered to research suitable accounts.

Action: Cllr Tyrrell to research suitable savings accounts

Action: Clerk to put on agenda for next meeting

AGENDA ITEM 11 – To discuss installing a digital noticeboard

CL/73/16.10.23

It was noted that the costs of a digital noticeboard is expensive and that this might not be the best use of public funds, as even with the addition of the Aberdyfi Tourism money, the cost is quite considerable. It was also noted that the operating system of these particular noticeboards is Windows, when we would prefer a different system. It was greed to check if the operating system can be something other than Windows and what the monthly cost for the router etc. would be. It was also agreed to find out the cost of a better physical noticeboard than the one currently in use. 

Action: Clerk to contact noticeboard company

Action: Clerk to research cost of physical noticeboard.

AGENDA ITEM 12 – To discuss installing a card payment system to the pay & display machine in the Neuadd Dyfi car park

CL/74/16.10.23

It was agreed that the cost was too much at this time to justify, as people are able to get change from the post office across the road. It was agreed to change the coach signs and also see if it is possible to change the signs at the main car park also, to see what effect this has. It was agreed to wait to see how the new owners of the Post Office feel about the public getting change from them and revisit the card payment system at a later date.

Action: Clerk to chase up new signs from Gwynedd Council

Action: Clerk to ask Post Office if people getting money for the car park is a problem. 

AGENDA ITEM 13 – To receive an update on the playground project

CL/75/16.10.23

The clerk reported that the planning application has been rejected 4 times as the plan scales do not conform to those of Parc Eryri. Caloo is now in direct contact with Parc Eryri to solve the problem. Cllr O’Neill informed the council that she had been to an Un Llais meeting and many people there had expressed dismay that we needed to get planning permission. One of the Gwynedd Councillors offered to help if we need it. Cllr O’Neill confirmed we cannot apply for grants until we have planning permission in place.

AGENDA ITEM 14 – Correspondence

CL/76/16.10.23

* Public meetings with Griffiths Ltd

27

* D-Day commemorations on 6^th June 2024

It was agreed to make a decision about a lighting beacon closer to the time. 

* Aberdyfi wi-fi project

It was agreed to write back to say that the wi-fi needs to cover a much larger area

to be of any real use

Action: Clerk to reply to email

AGENDA ITEM 15 – Items for consideration at future meetings

CL/77/16.10.23

Planting in the middle sections of the main car park

AGENDA ITEM 16 – Items for release / Rushlight / Website / Facebook

CL/78/16.10.23

* Remembrance Day services

* Public meetings with Griffiths Ltd

* Blood service at the Neuadd Dyfi 27^th November

* Christmas Fair at the Neuadd Dyfi 25^th November

* Thanks to village planter team and dog poo bag volunteers

* Pantomime

* Village road closures 6^th and 13^th November

* 50^th Anniversary of Aberdyfi SART.

* Fireworks 6^th November

AGENDA ITEM 17 – Date of next Meeting

CL/79/16.10.23

Monday 20^th November 2023 at 7.00pm

There being no further business, the Chair closed the meeting at 8.55pm

28

Minutes of the ordinary meeting of Aberdyfi Community Council held at the Literary Institute on Monday 18^th 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 17^th July2023.

CL/48/18.09.23

Proposed: Cllr Reynolds Seconded: Cllr Hewins

Unanimously agreed

AGENDA ITEM 4 – Matters arising

CL/49/18.09.23

Page 11

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. 

16

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

Page 12

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.

Page 13

M/40/17.07.23 Installation of water-bottle filling station

This is due to be installed within the next few weeks

Page 14

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

17

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

18

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

19

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 7^th and 8^th 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

20

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

21

* 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 16^th October 2023 at 7.00pm

There being no further business, the Chair closed the meeting at 8.50pm

22

Minutes of the ordinary meeting of Aberdyfi Community Council held at the Literary Institute on Monday 17^th 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 20^th 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.

10

AGENDA ITEM 5 – To receive and confirm minutes of the ordinary council meeting on 19^th June2023.

CL/31/17.07.23

Proposed: Cllr Reynolds Seconded: Cllr Williams

Unanimously agreed

AGENDA ITEM 6 – Matters arising

CL/32/17.07.23

Page 7

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. 

Page 8 

M/23/29.06.23 – Correspondence

Benches to replace the curved ones in the wharf gardens have been ordered and will be delivered on 18^thJuly.

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 1^stAugust 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.

11

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

12

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 26^th / 27^th August on the wharf gardens with fireworks on the Sunday evening on the beach.

13

* 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. 

14

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 18^th September 2023 at 7.00pm

There being no further business, the Chair closed the meeting at 9.15pm

15

Minutes of the ordinary meeting of Aberdyfi Community Council held at the Literary Institute on Monday 19^th June 2023

Present: Cllr. Brian Kelly – Chair

Councillors:

Cllr. Mark Dunton

Cllr. Ian Hewins

Cllr. Dewi Owen

Cllr. Sadie Porter

Cllr. Megan Reynolds

Cllr. Bob Tyrrell

Cllr. Dave Williams

Two members of the Public

AGENDA ITEM 1 – Apologies

CL/13/19.06.23

Apologies accepted from Councillors Bradbury-Willis and O’Neill.

AGENDA ITEM 2 – Public participation

CL/14/19.06.23

There were no questions or requests from any members of the Public.

AGENDA ITEM 3 – Chair announcements

CL/15/19.06.23

The Chair introduced Roman Hackelsberger who had expressed an interest in being co-opted to Aberdyfi Community Council. Roman addressed the Meeting to introduce himself but due to the request for co-option being received after the publication of the Agenda, no decision was able to be taken and the co-option will take place during the July Ordinary Meeting.

The invoice for work undertaken to redevelop the Fisherman’s Compound has been received.

Clarification on the membership of the Finance Committee will be deferred until the July Meeting due to the absence of Cllr. O’Neill.

Liz Saville-Roberts MP spoke recently on Radio 4’s Any Questions programme in support of Tywyn Hospital. The Chair will write a letter thanking Liz for raising the issues at the hospital to a national audience.

AGENDA ITEM 4 – To receive and confirm the minutes of the ordinary council meeting on 15^thMay 2023.

CL/16/19.06.23

Proposed: Cllr. Reynolds  Seconded: Cllr. Tyrrell

Unanimously agreed

6

AGENDA ITEM 5 – Matters arising

CL/17/19.06.23

CL/1/AM/15.05.23

To clarify the membership of the Finance Committee. Cllr. O’Neill questioned whether she was a member of the Finance Committee but the Minutes of the 2022 Annual Meeting have her recorded as a member. The recent Annual Meeting was not clear in who are members apart from Cllrs. Porter and Dunton. The FinanceCommittee should comprise of four members of the Council.

CL/3/15.05.23

Time and Tide Bell – Enquire of Will Stockford the location of the information board and for it to be reinstated. Write to Peter Gingold for examples of other information boards at Time and Tide Bells across the UK. It was suggested a new board could incorporate a QR code to provide more information regarding the history of the bell than could fit on a board.

CL/12/15.05.23

The Tourist Information Office are now saying that planning permission is required for the water fountain despite the Clerk having confirmed that no planning permission is required.

AGENDA ITEM 6 – Treasurer’s report

CL/18/19.06.23

Proposed: Cllr. Owen Seconded: Cllr. Hewins

Unanimously agreed

AGENDA ITEM 7 – To approve the Annual Return for 2022-23

CL/19/19.06.23

Proposed: Cllr. Owen Seconded: Cllr. Tyrrell

Unanimously agreed

AGENDA ITEM 8– To review and approve the new Model Standing Orders

CL/20/19.06.23

Proposed: Cllr. Williams  Seconded: Cllr. Reynolds

Unanimously agreed

7

AGENDA ITEM 9 – Gwynedd Council report

CL/21/19.06.23

Cllr Owen reported on Gwynedd Council matters as the Gwynedd Councillor for Aberdyfi. The report included:

Updates to Gwynedd Councillors on data protection matters and the need to be careful when making public statements on social media.

Gwynedd Council have discussed local economy matters and the effect on shops and businesses of the current cost of living crisis.

There has been no discussion yet about changes to planning rules regarding second homes and holiday lets but one is expected in the near future.

AGENDA ITEM 10 – Planning

CL/22/19.06.23

Planning Application NP5/50/748 Land at Brig-y-Don, Aberdyfi, LL35 0NH Construction of a two-storey detached dwelling.

Councillors discussed the planning application at length and no objections were raised by those present.

AGENDA ITEM 11 – Correspondence

CL/23/19.06.23

Councillors discussed the correspondence items which had been circulated ahead of the Meeting.

An additional item, received after the Agenda had been published, was an invitation to advertise in the Cambrian News. It was felt there was no benefit for the Council in advertising in this manner.

The semi circular benches that the Council supplied for the wharf need replacing and it was requested that the order be placed as soon as possible in order for them to be in place for the summer season.

The Gwynedd Council Tidy Team have made good progress on the list of works supplied by Cllr. Tyrrell.

A broken branch on the large tree close to the Neuadd was promptly attended to by Gwynedd Council.

AGENDA ITEM 12 – Items for consideration at future meetings

CL/24/19.06.23

Aberdyfi Golf Club – the effect of coastal erosion on the sand dunes and the golf club.

Playground redevelopment.

8

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

CL/25/19.06.23

Aberdyfi Food Festival

Wolverhampton to Aberdyfi bike ride

New benches

Rowing regatta

Dyfi Fest

AGENDA ITEM 14 – Date of next Meeting

CL/26/19.06.23

Monday 17^th July 2023 7.00pm

There being no further business, the Chair closed the meeting at 9.07pm

9

Minutes of the thirty-eighth Annual Meeting of the Aberdyfi Community Council and thereafter the minutes of the ordinary meeting of said Council held at Aberdyfi Literary Institute at 7.00pm on Monday, 15^th May 2023.

Present: Cllr. Brian Kelly – Chair

Councillors:

Cllr. Sara Bradbury-Willis

Cllr. Mark Dunton

Cllr. Ian Hewins

Cllr. Catrin O’Neill 

Cllr. Dewi Owen

Cllr. Megan Reynolds 

Cllr. Bob Tyrrell

Public: Pat Hellen

AGENDA ITEM 1- Apologies

CL/1/AM/15.05.23

Cllrs. Porter and Williams

AGENDA ITEM 2 – Election of Officers 2023/2024

CL/2/AM/15.05.23

Chairman

Cllr. Kelly was nominated to continue as Chair.

Agreed unanimously.

Vice Chairman 

Cllr. O’Neill was nominated to continue as Vice Chair.

Agreed unanimously.

Planning Committee

The whole Council.

Agreed unanimously.

Aberdyfi Advertising and Improvements Committee

The whole Council, except for Cllr. Tyrrell.

Agreed unanimously.

1

Aberdyfi Literary Institute Management Committee 

Cllr. Porter was nominated to represent the Council.

Agreed unanimously.

Harbour Advisory Committee

Cllr. Tyrrell was nominated to represent the Council.

Agreed unanimously.

One Voice Wales

Cllrs. Owen and O’Neill, with Cllr. Williams as deputy were nominated to represent the Council.

Agreed unanimously.

Neuadd Dyfi Management Committee – Councillors with a vote

Cllrs. Owen, Reynolds, Williams, Kelly and Hewins were nominated to represent the Council.

Agreed unanimously.

Richard Williams and Richard Roberts Trust Fund

Cllrs. Reynolds (Chair), Owen, Porter and Bradbury-Willis were nominated to represent the Council, with Cllr. Williams as Trustee.

Agreed unanimously.

Lewis Lloyd Trust

Cllr. Reynolds was nominated to represent the Council.

Agreed unanimously.

Meirionnydd Access Group

Cllr. O’Neill was nominated to represent the Council.

Agreed unanimously.

Tywyn and District Memorial Hospital Appeal Fund

Cllr. Reynolds with Cllr. Tyrrell as deputy were nominated to represent the Council.

Agreed unanimously.

Allotment sub-committee

Cllrs. Porter, O’Neill and Dunton were nominated as members of this committee.

Agreed unanimously.

Finance Committee

Cllrs Owen, O’Neill and Bradbury-Willis with Cllr Tyrrell as deputy.

Agreed unanimously.

2

Caravan Site Committee

Cllrs Reynolds, Owen, Williams, Kelly and Bradbury-Willis.

Agreed unanimously.

Re-appointment of Internal Auditor

The Council re-appointed Mr Steve Lister for the year 2023/24

Agreed unanimously.

Standing Orders and Financial Regulations

The Council agreed its willingness to adopt these documents.

Agreed unanimously.

THE BUSINESS OF THE ORDINARY MEETING IS NOW RECORDED

AGENDA ITEM 3 – Time & Tide Bell presentation by Peter Gingold

CL/3/15.05.23

Peter Gingold from the Time & Tide Bell Organisation gave a presentation to the Meeting covering the history of the organisation, the Bells that have been installed across the UK, future installations and public events that have been developed around the installations.

Peter described the Shore Things, Coastal Connections and On the Strandline public events that the organisation supports and would be keen to work with the community to put on events in Aberdyfi.

Councillors thanked Peter for taking the time to come and address the meeting and will be investigating options to support public events centered around the Time & Tide Bell.

AGENDA ITEM 4 – Chair announcements

CL/4/15.05.23

The Chair had no announcements for the meeting. Cllr. Owen suggested that some flowers and a card be sent to the Clerk, this was agreed unanimously.

AGENDA ITEM 5 – To receive and confirm the minutes of Ordinary Meeting 17^th April 2023

CL/5/15.05.23

Proposed Cllr. O’Neil Seconded Cllr. Reynolds

Agreed unanimously

3

AGENDA ITEM 6 – Matters Arising

CL/6/15.05.23

There were no matters arising.

AGENDA ITEM 7 – Treasurer’s Report

CL/7/15.05.23

It was agreed to accept the report as a true and accurate report.

Proposed: Cllr. Bradbury-Willis Seconded: Cllr. O’Neil

Agreed unanimously

AGENDA ITEM 8 – Gwynedd Council Report

CL/8/15.05.23

Cllr Owen reported that Gwynedd Council has elected R Medwyn Hughes as Chair for the next twelve months. Recent Gwynedd Council meetings have been mainly procedural although discussions have been held on Welsh language provision in schools.

AGENDA ITEM 9 – To discuss removing Councillors personal details from the website

CL/9/15.05.23

Councillors discussed the issues around personal details on the website and the use of personal email addresses. It was agreed that Council email addresses should be used for all communications. 

AGENDA ITEM 10 – Planning

CL/10/15.05.23

Planning application NP5/50/748 Land at Brîg-y-Don, Aberdyfi. LL35 0NH was received after the Agenda had been published. As the planning application was not on the Snowdonia Planning portal, no discussion was possible. Documents will be sent to Councillors when available.

AGENDA ITEM 11 – Correspondence

CL/11/15.05.23

Councillors discussed the correspondence items which had been circulated ahead of the Meeting.

4

AGENDA ITEM 12 – Items for consideration at future meetings

CL/13/15.05.23

• Update on the Community Shop plan.
• Electric car charging points to be better signed and spaced marked out.
• Co-option of new Councillor.
• Community Meeting in October.
• Update on the Aberdyfi to Tywyn multi use path.
• Water fountain to be installed on the Wharf.

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

CL/13/15.05.23

• Vacancy for a Councillor
• Welsh Club
• Community Shop
• Multi use path update

AGENDA ITEM 24 – Date of Next meeting

CL/14/15.05.23

Monday 19^th June 2023 7.00pm

There being no further business, the meeting closed at 9.15pm.

5

Minutes of the ordinary meeting of Aberdyfi Community Council held at the Literary Institute on Monday 17^th April 2023

Present: Cllr Brian Kelly – Chair

Councillors:

Cllr Sara Bradbury-Willis

Cllr Catrin O’Neill

Cllr Dewi Owen

Cllr Megan Reynolds

Cllr Dave Williams

Public: Pat Hellen

AGENDA ITEM 1 – Apologies

CL/163/17.40.23

Apologies accepted from Councillors Dunton, Hewins, Porter, Tyrrell

AGENDA ITEM 2 – Public participation

CL/164/17.04.23

No public participation

AGENDA ITEM 3 – Chair announcements

CL/165/17.04.23

Councillor Gareth Jones has resigned from the Community Council due to ongoing work commitments. The Chair thanked Gareth for his work on the Council and wished him well for the future.

AGENDA ITEM 4 – To receive and confirm minutes of the ordinary council meeting on 20^thMarch 2023.

CL/166/17.04.23

Proposed: Cllr Owen Seconded: Cllr Reynolds

Unanimously agreed

AGENDA ITEM 5 – Matters arising

CL/167/17.04.23

CL/159/(20.03.23) 

The Exchange – The Chair has written to the planning authority as work has proceeded despite planning permission being refused and dismissed at appeal. Some work has been carried out under permitted development regulations and there will be a site visit taking place shortly.

CL/159/(20.03.23) 

Time and Tide Bell – Peter Gringold will be providing an update on the Time and Tide Bell at the May Meeting.

48

CL/160/(20.03.23) 

The Asset Register was circulated to the Meeting and will be updated for the new financial year.

CL/160/(20.03.23) 

Updates to the website to consider the removal of personal details will be discussed at the May Meeting. 

CL/146/(20.02.23) 

Councillor O’Neill provided an update to the Meeting having received a new quote from Kaloo. A working group should be created to discuss the new design proposals and fund raising.

AGENDA ITEM 6 – Treasurer’s report

CL/168/17.04.23

Proposed: Cllr Owen Seconded: Cllr Reynolds

Unanimously agreed

AGENDA ITEM 7 – Gwynedd Council report

CL/169/17.04.23

Cllr Owen reported on Gwynedd Council matters as the Gwynedd Councillor for Aberdyfi. The report included:

The closure of Dyfi Ward at Tywyn Hospital has received considerable publicity and meetings with the Health Board have been arranged. Regular updates will be provided to the Council.

The future of the Post Office and shop has been concerning residents of the village with interest in running the business as a community shop being investigated. 

The introduction of a Tourism Tax in Wales ,coupled with changes to the regulations on holiday accommodation, will have an impact in Aberdyfi. 

The wharf development os looking very good now it has been completed and there are plans for an official opening to be held in the future.

The new 20mph speed limit in built up areas is due to come into force in September.

The Cambrian Coast Liaison Meeting advised that the remaining work on Barmouth Bridge will be undertaken between September and November. There have been no updates on proposed improvements to services and rolling stock.

AGENDA ITEM 8 – To note the new salary scale for the Clerk

CL/170/17.04.23

Noted

49

AGENDA ITEM 9 – Planning

CL/171/17.04.23

Planning Application

NP5/50/742A Dolphins, Rhoslan, Aberdyfi, LL35 0NS

No objections were raised to the planning application.

NP5/50/597B Rhowniar Cottages, Aberdyfi, LL36 9HS

The planning application was discussed and it was felt that the amendment to the original application from 2008 could be an attempt to resurrect an old application and should be treated as a new application.

AGENDA ITEM 10 – Correspondence

CL/172/17.04.23

Councillors discussed the correspondence items which had been circulated ahead of the Meeting.

AGENDA ITEM 11 – Items for consideration at future meetings

CL/173/17.04.23

Tywyn Hospital ward closure

Standards Framework

Website update

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

CL/174/17.04.23

Wharf Development

Tywyn Hospital update

Time & Tide Bell

Coronation

AGENDA ITEM 13 – Date of next Meeting

CL/175/17.04.23

Monday 15^th May 2023 7.00pm

There being no further business, the Chair closed the meeting at 8.34pm

50

Minutes of the ordinary meeting of Aberdyfi Community Council held at the Literary Institute on Monday 20th March 2023

Present: Cllr Brian Kelly – Chair

Councillors:

Cllr Sara Bradbury-Willis

Cllr Mark Dunton

Cllr Ian Hewins

Cllr Catrin O’Neill

Cllr Dewi Owen

Cllr Sadie Porter

Cllr Megan Reynolds

Cllr Bob Tyrrell

Cllr Dave Williams

Public: Pat Hellen

AGENDA ITEM 1 – Apologies

CL/152/20.03.23

Apologies accepted from Cllr Jones.

AGENDA ITEM 2 – Public participation

CL/153/20.03.23

No public participation

AGENDA ITEM 3 – Chair announcements

CL/154/20.03.23

The Chair invited member to join a sub-committee with Aberdovey Golf Club to work together to address the issues posed by coastal erosion. Cllrs Hewin, Owen and Reynolds agreed to join the sub-committee. 

AGENDA ITEM 4 – To receive and confirm minutes of the ordinary council meeting on 20^thFebruary 2023.

CL/155/20.03.23

Proposed: Cllr Porter Seconded: Cllr Owen

Unanimously agreed

AGENDA ITEM 5 – Matters arising

CL/156/20.03.23

CL/140/(20.02.23) 

All defibrillators in the village are registered on The Circuit.

CL/141/(20.02.23) 

Voting on planning matters is decided by a majority vote.

45

CL/144/(20.02.23) 

The painting of the playground equipment will require the rust coating paint first, then an undercoat, then the top coat.

The green benches should be fixed to the floor.

CL/146/(20.02.23) 

The design for the renovations will need to be agreed and signed off before the grant application process can begin.

AGENDA ITEM 6 – Treasurer’s report

CL/157/20.03.23

Proposed: Cllr Williams  Seconded: Cllr O’Neill

Unanimously agreed

AGENDA ITEM 7 – Gwynedd Council report

CL/158/20.03.23

Cllr Owen reported on Gwynedd Council matters at the Gwynedd Councillor for Aberdyfi. The report included:

Gwynedd Council met to approve an increase in the Council Tax for 2023-24 of 4.9%

Gwynedd Council are likely to be cutting back on staff.

The safety of Councillors at at Unitary and Community Councils is being looked into following recent disruption at Council meetings and online threats being made to Councillors.

There is to be no increase in rail services at present due to staff and rolling s tock shortages.

AGENDA ITEM 8 – Correspondence

CL/159/20.03.23

Planning Application

NP5/50/743 Braich Gwyn, Aberdyfi, LL35 0RD

Councillors discussed the application following amendments to the design at length with a number of different views put forward both in support and against the application. Clarification around the current policy on change of use of buildings outside the development boundary was requested and the Clerk will write to the Planning Officer.

Britannia Inn – external works update.

The arbour that has been built on the terrace was discussed as it changes the appearance of the building and has been reported to the planning officer.

46

Reinstatement of Wharf columns

The lighting has been completed with upgrades to the car park and sea front lighting planned. The damage to the grass area will be repaired.

Time and Tide Bell

Peter Gringold is hoping to be able to address the Council at the May meeting.

AGENDA ITEM 9 – Items for consideration at future meetings

CL/160/20.03.23

Following a One Voice Wales training course, Cllr Bradbury-Willis asked whether the Community Council had an asset register. The Clerk will investigate and report back. 

Cllr Hewins asked when the website will be updated as Councillors details are out of date.

Cllr Williams congratulated the contractors for the work done on the wharf and that the Council write to offer formal thanks when the work is completed.

AGENDA ITEM 10 – Items for release / Rushlight / Website/ Facebook

CL/161/20.03.23

Thanks to the contractors for the work on the wharf.

Vacancies on the Aberdyfi Improvements Committee.

Decorate the front of the institute for the Coronation and ideas to commemorate the occasion.

AGENDA ITEM 18 – Date of next Meeting

CL/162/20.03.23

Monday 17^th April 2023

There being no further business, the Chair closed the meeting at 8.59pm

47

Minutes of the ordinary meeting of Aberdyfi Community Council held at the Literary Institute on Monday 20th February 2023

Present: Cllr Brian Kelly – Chair

Councillors:

Cllr Mark Dunton

Cllr Ian Hewins

Cllr Catrin O’Neill

Cllr Dewi Owen

Cllr Sadie Porter

Cllr Dave Williams

Public: Pat Hellen, David Tomkinson, Susie Waldock

AGENDA ITEM 1 – Apologies

CL/134/20.02.23

Apologies accepted from Cllrs Reynolds, Bradbury-Willis, Jones and Tyrrell.

AGENDA ITEM 2 – Public participation

CL/135/20.02.23

No public participation

AGENDA ITEM 3 – Chair announcements

CL/136/20.02.23

The Chair welcomed everyone and introduced Chris Wood who will be acting as Locum Clerk whilst the Clerk is away. 

AGENDA ITEM 4 – To receive and confirm minutes of the ordinary council meeting on 16^stJanuary 2022.

CL/137/20.02.23

Proposed: Cllr Williams Seconded: Cllr Owen

Unanimously agreed

AGENDA ITEM 5 – Matters arising

CL/138/20.02.23

Page 40

CL/130/(20.02.22) Wharf Development

The Clerk has written to the contractors and thanked them for employing local workers and has circulated drawings for railings and bollards to Councillors. It is still anticipated that the works will be finished early, in the first week of April just before Easter, though they are contracted to finish at the end of May. This does not mean though that the site will be clear before Easter.

AGENDA ITEM 6 – Treasurer’s report

CL/139/20.02.23

Proposed: Cllr Williams  Seconded: Cllr Owen

Unanimously agreed

41

AGENDA ITEM 7 – Gwynedd Council report

CL/140/20.02.23

Cllr Owen reported on his work that the Wharf development looks very impressive and gave thanks to all involved in the project. There will be shortly a change in the access arrangements as the work nears completion which is hoped to be ahead of schedule.

Gwynedd Council will be meeting next week to set the Precept for 2023-24 and it is expected that there will be an increase of around 5%.

Network Rail will be attending to cut back overgrowth which has been extending onto the road at the beginning of March. It was commented that when night works were being undertaken, quantities of litter were being left, Cllr Owens will investigate.

Gully clearing will be undertaken by Gwynedd Highways in the next few weeks.

Work on the A493 to repair a dip in the road surface near a badger set will require temporary traffic lights to be installed.

Attended a One Voice Wales meeting where Liz Saville-Roberts spoke about the fuel payments schemes and how is hoped that payments will start to be made from next month. One Voice Wales reported on how there is a lack of Community Councillors and Clerks across Wales.

It was asked that the defibrillators be checked as to whether they are registered on the Circuit to ensure all consumables are up to date and the units are in working order.

Complaints have been received about the number of lorries driving along Maesnewydd and damage to gullies. Highways have been asked to attend and examine the damage. Gully clearing has not been attended to recently due in part to the new machine being too large to fit under the railway bridge.

AGENDA ITEM 8 – Planning

CL/141/20.02.23

Applications received:

NP5/50/L68B Nandoras, Aberdyfi, LL35 0LE

Councillors discussed the application at length with a number of different views put forward both in favour and against the application. A vote was taken with five Councillors raising no objection to the application and two Councillors opposing the application.

42

AGENDA ITEM 9 – To discuss possible village celebrations for the King’s Coronation

CL/142/20.02.23

A resident has shown an interest in organising an event for the Coronation. Councillors discussed the idea and it was suggested that the Council offer support to any proposal to run an event but not to be the host.

Action: The Clerk to contact the resident and report back with what ideas were being considered.

AGENDA ITEM 10 – To receive and approve quote for maintenance of trees in allotments

CL/143/20.02.23

Snowdonia National Park has granted permission to fell the sycamore tree. Additional works will be undertaken to trim the holly bushes and cut back plants which have overgrown the path. A quote of £800.00 has been received to undertake the required work, it was agreed to accept the quote and proceed with the work.

Action: Cllr Owen to liaise with the neighbour.

Proposed: Cllr O’Neill Seconded: Cllr Porter

Unanimously agreed

AGENDA ITEM 11 – To discuss and agree quotes for playground repairs

CL/144/20.02.23

Councillors discussed the repair work required to satisfy both safety and cosmetic concerns. It was agreed to proceed with the Wet Pour repairs but defer the decision on repainting.

Action: Cerk to take pictures of the areas requiring painting

Proposed: Cllr Hewins Seconded: Cllr O’Neill

Unanimously agreed

AGENDA ITEM 12 – To approve rate of pay for locum clerk

CL/145/20.02.23

The locum clerk left the room.

Following discussions between Councillors, it was agreed that the locum clerk be paid the same rate as the clerk.

Proposed: Cllr O’Neill  Seconded: Cllr Williams

AGENDA ITEM 13 – To receive and approve quote and design for playground renovations

CL/146/20.02.23

Cllr O’Neill provided the Meeting with an update on the proposed redevelopment with a plan and visuals showing how the design would work on the site. Councillors discussed the proposal at length with many views expressed and questions asked. Funding, insurance, the design and a need for further community engagement were all discussed in detail. It was agreed to defer the item to enable possible funding sources to be investigated.

43

AGENDA ITEM 14 – To discuss coastal erosion and its effect on the Golf Club

CL/147/20.02.23

AGENDA ITEM 15 – Correspondence

CL/148/20.02.23

Time and Tide Bell – the Clerk will write and invite the Time and Tide to give a presentation to the Council.

Caravans in the car park – it was suggested that the Council investigate gaining the power to issue penalty charges.

AGENDA ITEM 16 – Items for consideration at future meetings

CL/149/20.02.23

Should Rushlight be bilingual? Councillors agreed that Rushlight should be bilingual and asked that costs be looked into whilst investigating whether there was anyone willing to volunteer translation services. 

AGENDA ITEM 17 – Items for release / Rushlight / Website/ Facebook

CL/150/20.02.23

Des George has an update on the post office development.

Cllr Owen gave thanks on behalf of the Council for the pantomine and congratulated everyone involved for their success.

The wharf development update.

Local events being held in the pubs.

AGENDA ITEM 18 – Date of next Meeting

CL/151/20.02.23

Monday 20^th March 2023

There being no further business, the Chair closed the meeting at 9.12pm

44

Minutes of the ordinary meeting of Aberdyfi Community Council held at the Literary Institute on Monday 16^th January 2023

Present: Cllr Brian Kelly – Chair

Councillors:

Cllr Sara Bradbury-Willis

Cllr Mark Dunton

Cllr Ian Hewins

Cllr Catrin O’Neill

Cllr Dewi Owen

Cllr Sadie Porter

Cllr Megan Reynolds

Cllr Dave Williams

Public: Pat Hellen

AGENDA ITEM 1 – Apologies

CL/119/16.01.23

Apologies accepted from Cllrs Jones and Tyrrell.

AGENDA ITEM 2 – Public participation

CL/120/16.01.23

No public participation

AGENDA ITEM 3 – Chair announcements

CL/121/16.01.23

The Chair welcomed everyone and informed the council that the clerk will be starting medical treatment very soon so has not attended this meeting. Instead, Cllr O’Neill will be taking the minutes. 

The council have received very positive feedback from a number of sources saying how good the New Year fireworks were, though the evening was marred by a group of individuals being disruptive, which is currently being investigated by the police. 

AGENDA ITEM 4 – To receive and confirm minutes of the ordinary council meeting on 21^stNovember 2022.

CL/122/16.01.23

Proposed: Cllr Bradbury-Willis  Seconded: Cllr Reynolds

Unanimously agreed

AGENDA ITEM 5 – Matters arising

CL/123/16.01.23

Page 35

M/46/(18.06.22) Tywyn Health Centre

No-one has come forward to volunteer to represent Aberdyfi Community Council on the Tywyn Health Centre Public Participation Group.

M/84/(17.10.22) Cycle Path

Iwan ap Trefor has confirmed he is still responsible for the cycle path project.

38

Page 37

M/115/(12.12.22) Correspondence

New Year’s day 5k fun run / walk / crawl

A very successful event was held with 75 people taking part and the yacht club providing refreshments afterwards (for donations). Over £750 was raised for the Playground project and the organisers hope to run it as an annual event. 

Action: Clerk to write to organisers to thank them.

AGENDA ITEM 6 – Treasurer’s report

CL/124/16.01.23

Proposed: Cllr Williams  Seconded: Cllr Owen

Unanimously agreed

AGENDA ITEM 7 – Gwynedd Council report

CL/125/16.01.23

Cllr Owen reported that Gwynedd Council anticipates a deficit of £20million so community and town councils may well be expected to contribute more to services. 

He also reported that Network Rail will be cutting back the vegetation between Nant y Glo and the village sometime in the next month. 

AGENDA ITEM 8 – Planning

CL/126/16.01.23

Applications received:

NP5/50/439A Ty Carreg, Aberdyfi, LL35 0LE

Official amended plans to previous application

No objections were raised.

NP5/50/744 Compound near the boat yard, Penrhos, Aberdyfi

Formation of 12m x 12m hardstanding with power and water supply.

Aberdyfi Community Council unable to comment on application as the council is the applicant. No outside objections have been received.

AGENDA ITEM 9 – To approve precept for 2023-24

CL/127/16.01.23

It was agreed to increase the precept by 10% to £42,315.24, giving a Band D tax rate of £35.38, an increase of £0.27 from £35.11 last year. 

Proposed: Cllr Owen Seconded: Cllr Hewins

Agreed unanimously

AGENDA ITEM 10 – To discuss proposals for 20mph limit in Aberdyfi

CL/128/16.01.23

No objections were raised to the proposals.

Action: Clerk to respond to the consultation

AGENDA ITEM 11 – To agree amounts to be donated to other organisations

CL/129/16.01.23

39

It was agreed to donate £100 each to the National Eisteddfod, Wales Air Ambulance and Dail Dysynni.

Action: clerk to arrange payments

AGENDA ITEM 12 – Correspondence

CL/130/16.01.23

• Email from Andrew Gregson regarding residents parking.

The email confirmed that any application for residents parking must come from the Community Council or Local County Councillor with the support of the Community Council.

• Email regarding sponsored walk event planned for 29^th April

This is being organised by one of the local pubs

• Email regarding a public meeting about local health provision on 16^th February with Mabon ap Gwynfor. 

Action: Clerk to advertise meeting

• Wharf development

It was asked if the wooden mooring bollards are being replaced on the wharf.

The contractors have employed local tradesmen and it was felt this needed to be acknowledged

Action: Clerk to write to contractors to thank them for employing residents and to ask them about the mooring bollards.

AGENDA ITEM 13 – Items for consideration at future meetings

CL/131/16.01.23

• Consider adding a card payment option to Pay & Display machine
• Training dates
• Review last 12 months of Council actions 
• Consider if Rushlight should be bilingual

AGENDA ITEM 14 – Items for release / Rushlight / Website / Facebook

CL/132/16.01.23

• 5k fun run
• Blood donor service 20^th Feb and 20^th March have been cancelled.
• Aberdyfi Bike Ride will be on 16^th June – 30^th anniversary
• Sgwrs a panad
• Tree planting on 14^th January 
• Panto

AGENDA ITEM 15 – Date of next meeting

CL/133/16.01.23

Monday 20^th February 2023

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

40

Minutes of the ordinary meeting of Aberdyfi Community Council held at the Literary Institute on Monday 12^th December 2022

Present: Cllr Brian Kelly – Chair

Councillors:

Cllr Ian Hewins

Cllr Gareth Jones

Cllr Sadie Porter

Cllr Megan Reynolds

Cllr Dave Williams

Public: Pat Hellen

AGENDA ITEM 1 – Apologies

CL/103/12.12.22

Apologies accepted from Cllrs Bradbury-Willis, Dunton, O’Neill, Owen and Tyrrell.

AGENDA ITEM 2 – Public participation

CL/104/12.12.22

No public participation

AGENDA ITEM 3 – Chair announcements

CL/105/12.12.22

The Chair welcomed everyone and thanked them for coming out in such cold weather. 

AGENDA ITEM 4 – To receive and confirm minutes of the ordinary council meeting on 21^stNovember 2022.

CL/106/12.12.22

Proposed: Cllr Jones  Seconded: Cllr Reynolds

AGENDA ITEM 5 – Matters arising

CL/107/12.12.22

Page 29

M/46/(18.06.22) Tywyn Health Centre

It was noted that there is still no representation from Aberdyfi Community Council on the Tywyn Health Centre Public Participation Group. 

Action: Clerk to request a volunteer representative from councillors again

Page 30

M/84/(17.10.22) Cycle Path

The clerk is still trying to find out who has taken over this project from Iwan ap Trefor

Action: Clerk to contact Gwynedd Council again

35

AGENDA ITEM 6 – Treasurer’s report

CL/108/12.12.22

The clerk informed the council that one Direct Debit payment had been taken twice by mistake and one payment will be refunded. 

Proposed: Cllr Reynolds  Seconded: Cllr Hewins

Unanimously agreed

AGENDA ITEM 7 – Gwynedd Council report

CL/109/12.12.22

No report as Cllr Owen was unable to attend the meeting

AGENDA ITEM 8 – Planning

CL/110/12.12.22

Applications received:

NP5/50/747 2 Tyddyn Isaf, Aberdyfi, LL35 0ER

Installation of external flue

No objections were raised.

NP5/50/439A Ty Carreg, Aberdyfi, LL35 0LE

Amended plans to previous application

Action: Clerk to contact SNPA to inform them that the council feels the plans are an improvement and will await the formal plans.

Information received from SNPA:

NP5/50/153B Land adjacent to Greenhill bungalow, Copperhill Street, Aberdyfi LL35 0HF

This application is being considered by SNPA as their legal department have decreed that the current applicant is the legal owner of the land. The clerk has sent the council’s objections to the development.

Tides Inn, Seaview Terrace, Aberdyfi, LL35 0EF

Premises licence variation application

This application has now been withdrawn

Balkan Hill House

SNPA have investigated and the swimming pool is under permitted development

AGENDA ITEM 9 – To approve budget for 2023-24

CL/111/12.12.22

Proposed: Cllr Porter Seconded: Cllr Jones

Agreed unanimously

AGENDA ITEM 10 – To approve donation to the Neuadd Dyfi

CL/112/12.12.22

Proposed: Cllr Jones Seconded: Cllr Porter

Agreed unanimously

36

AGENDA ITEM 11 – To consider and approve training plan

CL/113/12.12.22

Proposed: Cllr Williams Seconded: Cllr Hewins

Agreed unanimously

AGENDA ITEM 12 – To approve purchase of replacement hedge trimmer for wharf garden volunteers

CL/114/12.12.22

It was agreed that the Council would not approve the purchase and suggest the applicant apply to the AA&I for funding.

Action: Clerk to inform applicant 

AGENDA ITEM 13 – Correspondence

CL/115/12.12.22

• The water drinking fountain has been delivered and the Clerk will seek quotes closer to when the wharf development ends
• WeSwimRun is organising a 5k fun run / walk / crawl on New Year’s Day at 10am to raise money for the playground. It was agreed to write to thank them for their generosity.

Action: Clerk to write to thank them.

• Food Festival. The clerk had a meeting with the organisers and they are planning to go ahead with the festival in the same format as pervious years.
• The clerk had a response from SNPA to her email thanking them for their help and support with the recent issue with Hillside Park.
• An idea was muted to have a Christmas Tree made from lobster pots as it is impossible to have a normal tree this year due to the wharf development. It was felt this was too dangerous as it would be open to people using it as a climbing frame, so the idea was rejected.

AGENDA ITEM 14 – Items for consideration at future meetings

CL/116/12.12.22

• Residents parking when it is able to be revisited
• Possibility of making the Roman Road to Picnic Island usable at all states of tide.

AGENDA ITEM 15 – Items for release / Rushlight / Website / Facebook

CL/117/12.12.22

• 5k fun run
• Reason for lack of Christmas lights and decorations in the village this year
• Wharf development progress
• Picnic Island bridge photos

AGENDA ITEM 16 – Date of next meeting

CL/118/12.12.22

Monday 16^th January 2023

There being no further business, the Chair closed the meeting at 8.05pm

37

Minutes of the ordinary meeting of Aberdyfi Community Council held at the Literary Instituteon Monday 21^st November 2022

Present: Cllr Brian Kelly – Chair

Councillors:

Cllr Sara Bradbury-Willis

Cllr Mark Dunton

Cllr Ian Hewins

Cllr Gareth Jones

Cllr Catrin O’Neill

Cllr Dewi Owen

Cllr Sadie Porter

Cllr Megan Reynolds

Cllr Bob Tyrrell

AGENDA ITEM 1 – Apologies

CL/88/21.11.22

Apologies were accepted from Cllr Williams

AGENDA ITEM 2 – Public participation

CL/89/21.11.22

No public participation

AGENDA ITEM 3 – Chairman’s Announcements

CL/90/21.11.22

The Chair welcomed everyone and reported that it was good to see the work on the wharf going so well. He informed the council that Picnic Island Bridge has now been installed and is open to the public. The island side had become very overgrown and he wished to thank the harbourmaster for his work in clearing the area so it could be used by the public as soon as possible. 

The Chair reported that he attended the Annual meeting between SNPA and local councils and also the Society of Local Council Clerks / One Voice Wales joint conference, together with the clerk. 

AGENDA ITEM 4 – To receive and confirm minutes of the ordinary council meeting on 17^thOctober 2022

CL/91/21.11.22

Proposed: Cllr Bradbury-Willis Seconded: Cllr Hewins

AGENDA ITEM 5 – Matters arising

CL/92/21.11.22

Page 23

M/46/(18.06.22) Update on Tywyn Health centre 

The clerk wrote to BCUHB requesting a representative attend this council meeting and received a reply that it had been passed to the Primary Care Team, but she has had no response from that department. 

29

Cllr Owens reported that he understands that 2 locums will be in post from next week, so hopefully things will improve. It was agreed to review the situation early next year.

Page 24

M/48/(18.06.22) To receive RoSPA report

GL Jones have said they cannot do the painting work, but can supply the paint, though will repair the wet-pour. It was agreed to request the specification and process for painting from GL Jones and ask them to repair the wet-pour.

Action: Clerk to contact GL Jones 

M/67/926.09.22) Place Plan

The Clerk reported that Planning Aid Wales confirmed that a community action plan is not an official process or document like a Place Plan, so the community of Aberdyfi can create an action plan from the results of the community needs survey in their own way and time. Cllr O’Neill pointed out that Resources4Change, who wrote the community needs survey and report, offered to facilitate creating an action plan. It was agreed to find out how this might work and how much it would cost.

Action: Clerk to contact Resources4Change

Page 26

M/81/(17.10.22) Ardal Ni areas needing attention

Cllr Tyrrell and the Clerk had a productive meeting with David Williams from the Ardal Ni team and reported that Mr Williams now has along list of tasks for Aberdyfi, which will be undertaken over time. Initially they will focus on small, achievable tasks, as the team will only be in Aberdyfi for a week every 2 months or so, progressing onto the larger projects as time goes on. Mr Williams is happy to receive any suggestions for improvements, even though it may not be within his sphere of responsibility, and he will pass them onto the relevant departments on our behalf. He has promised to send a schedule of works once it has been completed. 

M/82/(17.10.22) Food Festival 2023

Cllr Owens reported that he had been informed that a different group are now planning a festival of some kind, but he had no details and no-one has approached him or the clerk to seek support. It was not known if this is intended to replace the Food Festival or will be in addition to it. 

M/83/(17.10.22) Creation of a warm space

The clerk has had no response to her request in Rushlight to establish if there is a need, but it may be that the need doesn’t become obvious until the weather gets colder. The clerk informed the council that there is currently funding available for community groups to provide warms spaces from Mantell Gwynedd. 

Page 27

M/84/(17.10.22) Correspondence

Cycle Path

Cllr Tyrrell informed the council that he has been unsuccessful in contacting Iwan ap

30

Trefor to find out what stage the project is at, as Mr. ap Trefor has moved departments and it is unclear who has taken over his job and the project. 

Action: Clerk and Cllr Owen to contact Gwynedd Council to find out details. 

Compound project

A planning application has been submitted for the project on the advice of the planning officer at SNPA. This will have to be paid for by the Community Council initially, but will be reimbursed by FLAG. 

AGENDA ITEM 6 – Treasurer’s Report

CL/93/21.11.22

Proposed: Cllr Reynolds Seconded: Cllr Tyrrell

Unanimously agreed

AGENDA ITEM 7 – Gwynedd Council report

CL/94/21.11.22

Cllr Owen reported that there is a full meeting of Gwynedd Council on 1^st December to discuss the proposed council tax increase on second homes, which is proposed to be 300%. He pointed out that there are currently 26 properties for sale in Aberdyfi and has been told by some residents that if the increase is implemented, they will have no option but to sell their property, as they will not be able to afford the price rise. Gwynedd Council have informed him that they will not be putting the income raised from this extra tax into building affordable houses as promised, but it will be used to offset some of the £18 million deficit predicted for next year. 

He reported that there was a harbour-users meeting recently and this was the last one to be attended by Barry Davies, who is retiring in March. It is now known who will be taking over his post. 

There is a new owner of the Penhelig slipway and it has been confirmed that there is no public right of way down the slipway, though there may well be a statutory right of way. Cllr Dunton pointed out that people moor boats in the harbour there and use the slipway to access the land, though Barry Davies has confirmed that this area is not classed as a harbour, though it is used by the public, as evidenced by the life-ring attached to the wall at the bottom of the slipway. It is not clear what the new owners plan to do with the slipway, but the gate at the top is currently locked. 

Cllr Owen attended a meeting of the Cambrian railway and reported that the works at Barmouth bridge were ahead of schedule and the bridge may open earlier than expected, with work continuing at night and weekends, depending on the weather. New rail lines are being installed in Tywyn and work is also being done at Dovey viaduct while the rail line is closed. 

Cllr Owen has been told that the dip in the road at Dyffryn Hill will be filled when the workers are next in the area.

31

AGENDA ITEM 8 – Planning

CL/95/21.11.22

NP5/50/400D Land next to Greenhill Bungalow, Copperhill Street, Aberdyfi, LL35 0HF

Change of use of land and construction of garage, workshop and parking area.

The Council has evidence that the ownership of this land is in dispute so cannot comment on the application.

Action: Clerk to write to SNPA with this information 

Tides Inn, Seaview Terrace, Aberdyfi, LL35 0EF

Premises licence variation application

The council has received complaints from residents of excessive noise since this premises has been open and object to extending the hours on all counts.

Action: Clerk to write to the licencing officer objecting to the application 

NP5/50/153B The Exchange, 4 Terrace Road, Aberdyfi, LL35 0LP

Notice of appeal following refusal of planning permission.

It was agreed to write to SNPA thanking them for their work and support in the recent appeal case of Aberdyfi Hillside Park. 

Action: Clerk to write to SNPA

AGENDA ITEM 9 – To note new pay-scales from NALC

CL/96/21.11.22

The new pay-scales were noted and the clerk reminded the council that they apply from April 2022-2023.

AGENDA ITEM 10 – To approve yearly payment to the Information Commissioner’s office for data protection.

CL/97/21.11.22

It was noted that this is a statutory fee and it was agreed to pay by direct debit.

Proposed: Cllr O’Neill Seconded: Cllr Bradbury-Willis

Action: Clerk to set up direct debit payments

AGENDA ITEM 11 – To consider and approve costings of information boards

CL/98/21.11.22

It was agreed to seek clarification on the amount sought and ask if the AA&I would fund this project.

Action: Clerk to seek clarification and write to AA&I to ask if it will fund the project.

AGENDA ITEM 12 – Correspondence

CL/99/21.11.22

Tree planting

Approximately 30% of the tree planted in the village last year have not taken, so a

32

resident has sourced replacements for delivery and planting in January.

CCTV system

The Chair reported that now the contract has ended, the CCTV cameras now belong to us. The clerk is researching a scheme used in North Wales whereby a council pays for the CCTV system, but it is administered by North Wales Police, to see if this is worth pursuing for Aberdyfi.

Rubbish bins

Local businesses are in discussion with the harbourmaster to enclose some of the covered area by the toilets to contain the commercial bins. It would be completely enclosed with a locked door. The businesses will pay for the work to be done, pay for ongoing vermin control and pay to keep the area clean. Local residents have complained about the bins that are currently there and have been moving them behind the building, but this blocks access to the disabled toilet. The clerk pointed out that this area is under control of the harbour, the community council does not have any jurisdiction in this area and there are shelters at the other end of the wharf gardens. The Council decided that this system would not work and that Gwynedd Council should put pressure on businesses to use their bins in the area by the fire station. 

Allotments

SP Energy Networks have told the clerk that they will be cutting down some trees in the allotments, as they are in danger of interfering with overhead power lines. Once they have done this, the clerk intends to get quotes to cut back other trees in the allotments, as they are stopping light getting to some of the plots. 

Residents parking

It was agreed again that this is not an issue for the Community Council to pursue and they do not support the application, but reiterated that individual residents have every right to apply for residents parking should they wish. It was noted that even if the application for residents parking on Seaview Terrace is successful at this stage, there are 2 more consultations as well as legal processes to go through before residents parking can be instated. 

Wharf railings

The council discussed various designs of railings and concluded that the primary concern needs to be that they are easy to maintain and repair. 

Fireworks on New Year’s Eve

The Chair confirmed that there will be fireworks on New year’s eve.

Air Ambulance meeting

The Clerk drew the attention of the Council to a meeting being held on Thursday evening in Tywyn about the proposed closure of the Air Ambulance bases in Welshpool and Caernarfon. 

33

AGENDA ITEM 13 – Items for consideration at future meetings

CL/100/21.11.22

• Training Plan

AGENDA ITEM 15 – Items for release / Rushlight / website / Facebook

CL/101/21.11.22

• Advent windows list
• Carols by Candlelight service
• Picnic Island bridge
• Remembrance Sunday
• Wharf update
• Neuadd Dyfi roof
• Fireworks display at New Year

AGENDA ITEM 16 – Date of next meeting

CL/102/21.11.22

Monday 12^th December 2022 at 7pm

There being no further business the meeting was closed by the Chair at 9.35pm

34

Minutes of the ordinary meeting of Aberdyfi Community Council held at the Literary Institute on Monday 17^th October 2022

Present: Cllr Brian Kelly – Chair

Councillors:

Cllr Sara Bradbury-Willis

Cllr Ian Hewins

Cllr Catrin O’Neill

Cllr Dewi Owen

Cllr Sadie Porter

Cllr Bob Tyrrell

Cllr Dave Williams

Public: Pat Hellen

Phil Morgan

AGENDA ITEM 1 – Apologies

CL/70/17.10.22

Apologies accepted from Cllrs Dunton, Jones and Reynolds.

AGENDA ITEM 2 – Public participation

CL/71/17.10.22

No public participation

AGENDA ITEM 3 – Chair announcements

CL/72/17.10.22

The Chair welcomed everyone and informed that Council that he noticed some new electric car chargers are being installed in the main car park. He also reminded everyone that there is a meeting at the Neuadd Dyfi on Thursday 20^th October to discuss the ‘Our Area 2035’ consultation with Gwynedd Council.

AGENDA ITEM 4 – To receive and confirm minutes of the ordinary council meeting on 26^thSeptember 2022.

CL/73/17.10.22

Proposed: Cllr Bradbury-Willis  Seconded: Cllr Owen

AGENDA ITEM 5 – Matters arising

CL/74/17.10.22

Page 18

M/31/(20.06.22) To discuss use of village noticeboard

Clerk hasn’t had time to further research electronic noticeboards.

Action: Clerk to research electronic notice-boards.

M/46/(18.06.22) Tywyn Health Centre

It was noted that residents are still experiencing great difficulty in contacting Tywyn Health Centre and getting a GP appointment. It was agreed to encourage residents to complain to BCUHB if they have problems. It was agreed to ask a representative

23

from the Health Board to attend out next meeting.

Action: Clerk to put BCUHB contact details in Rushlight and to request a representative to attend the next council meeting. 

Page 20

M65/(26.09.22) To discuss ROSPA report

Clerk has asked GL Jones to repaint the swings and roundabout and repair the wet-pour at the base of the helter-skelter. It was agreed to get the benches bolted to the ground

Action: Clerk to arrange for benches to be bolted down. 

Page 21

M/67/(26.09.22) Place Plan

Cllr O’Neill reported that the clerk and herself had a meeting with Planning Aid Wales, who explained that a Place Plan only covers planning and land use issues. They suggested that a Community Action Plan might be of more use to Aberdyfi, as it is much more holistic and would link well with the Community Needs Survey carried out last year. They offered to do some bespoke training for the council with a session entitled ‘Is a Place Plan Right for You?’ for £600 but it was felt that this wasn’t required and the Council should pursue a Community Action Plan instead. It was agreed to delegate this to Cllr O’Neill and the Clerk to take forward.

Action: Clerk and Cllr O’Neill to research a Community Action Plan and report back.

AGENDA ITEM 6 – Treasurer’s report

CL/75/17.10.22

Proposed: Cllr O’Neill Seconded: Cllr Williams

Unanimously agreed

AGENDA ITEM 7 – Gwynedd Council report

CL/76/17.10.22

Cllr Owen informed the Council that there was an emergency meeting of the full Gwynedd Council last week to discuss the current financial crisis. He reported that Gwynedd Council are facing a deficit of £7.1 million this year but as they have reserves of just over £8 million, the shortfall will be covered in the short term. However, there is a projected deficit of £18 million next year in Gwynedd (£260 million for the whole of Wales) and Cllr Owen expects local councils to be asked to take on more of the burden of providing services. 

Cllr Owen also informed the Council that Gwynedd Council are hoping to provide free parking between 10^thand 27^th December in their car parks. 

AGENDA ITEM 8 – Planning

CL/77/17.10.22

NP5/50/439A Ty Carreg, Aberdyfi Ll35 0LE

It was felt that this development was an overdevelopment and not in keeping with surrounding buildings, would impact the amenities of neighbouring

24

properties. The development will also substantially alter the look of the building and as it is in the Conservation Area, the council agreed to object to the application.

Action: Clerk to write to Snowdonia National Park Authority raising objections

The Clerk informed the Council that the application for The Exchange (NP5/50/153B The Exchange, LL35 0LP) has been turned down and they are planning on appealing. Cllr Hewins informed the Council that he thought it was possible for a local Council to list a building and suggested the Council investigate this further as a future option.

Action: Clerk to research the possibility of Council’s listing buildings.

The Clerk asked the councillors attending the Annual meeting with SNPA to request SNPA to start reporting back on the issues raised by the Community Council as the Clerk is never clear if issues have been dealt with or what the outcomes were.

Action: Councillors to request feedback on issues raised by the Community Council

The issue of the swimming pool at Balkan House was raised and the clerk informed the Council that she had emailed SNPA about the issue but hasn’t heard anything back.

It was noted that there seems to be a fourth unit being built at Crychnant (application NP5/50/144C) when planning was only given for 3 units. 

Action: Clerk to inform SNPA

AGENDA ITEM 9 – To receive presentation on information boards

CL/78/17.10.22

Mr. Phil Morgan gave a presentation on the type and scope of information boards that the Aberdyfi Biodiversity Group would like to install in the village. Three locations have been identified – at the gas works, the Golf Club car park and at the top of the pedestrian slipway onto the beach by the RNLI station. All signs will be bilingual and give information on the various protected areas, wildlife and the Biosphere Reserve. Each sign will also signpost to the other information boards. It was agreed to ask Mr. Morgan to obtain a design and full quote for the information boards and forward them to the council for a final decision. 

Action: Clerk to liaise with Mr. Morgan to obtain design and quote. Clerk to add to agenda for next meeting

AGENDA ITEM 10 – To discuss SNPA Consultation on Aberdyfi Conservation Area

CL/79/17.10.22

It was agreed that the consultation document was very detailed and a good starting point, but there was concern that many buildings in the conservation area have already had work done which goes against the aims of a conservation area, which seems incongruous. It was agreed to request clarification on the criteria for being included in a conservation area. It was also agreed that buildings like Craig y Don,

25

Brynderfel, Monkshill, Talarfor etc. also need to be included.

Action: Clerk to respond to the consultation requesting clarification and suggesting which other buildings be included.

AGENDA ITEM 11 – To adopt One Voice Wales model financial regulations

CL/80/17.10.22

Proposed: Cllr Owen Seconded: Cllr Tyrrell

Agreed unanimously

AGENDA ITEM 12 – To discuss list of areas needing attention to send to Ardal Ni Team

CL/81/17.10.22

It was noted that the Buddleia in Nantiesin car park / street needs cut back and should be added to the list. It was also noted that the vegetation between the fire station and the subway also needs cut back, but this is the responsibility of Network Rail. Cllr Owen informed the council he has a meeting with Network rail in the next couple of weeks so would bring it to their attention then. It was agreed to delegate the Ardal Niproject to Cllr Tyrrell and the Clerk and they should arrange to meet with the Ardal Ni team to discuss it further.

Action: Cllr Tyrrell and Clerk to arrange meeting with Ardal Ni team.

Action: Cllr Owen to tell Network Rail about overgrown vegetation by the fire station.

AGENDA ITEM 13 – To discuss funding for the Food Festival 2023

CL/82/17.10.22

Cllr Owen informed the Council that he had met with the organisers recently and they estimated that costs for next year would be approximately £4,600. It will be held on Sunday 20^th August, the day after Race The train. It was agreed that the Food Festival is a great event for the village and the Council will support the organisers in their efforts next year. 

AGENDA ITEM 14 – To discuss creation of a warm space in Aberdyfi

CL/83/17.10.22

Cllr Hewins informed the council that he has spoken to both the English Church and St. Peter’s and they have decided not to offer anything at this time as they do not see an immediate need, as the drop-in centre provides a warm space. It was noted that the drop-in centre only runs one day a week, so there may be a need on other days. The churches have agreed to let Cllr Hewins know if they identify there is a need on other days, at which point the council would discuss if it is able to contribute any funding. Cllr O’Neill suggested that the Neuadd Dyfi would be a good place to use as it has the ground-source heating which is always on and the clerk suggested that the Reading Room would also be worth considering, as it is open 6 days a week and is heated during the day.

It was agreed to assess if there is a need before committing funding.

The clerk informed the council that she is working with Tywyn Town Council, Tywyn Library and the Cinema to create a list of welcome warm spaces in the local area. 

26

Action: Councillors and Clerk to speak to residents to assess if there is a need for a welcoming warm space.

Action: Clerk to add to Rushlight

AGENDA ITEM 15 – Correspondence

CL/84/17.10.22

* Transport problems in the village

Residents have reported that they have problems accessing the village as they do not drive and are unable to walk down the hill and have asked if there is something the council can do about it. It was agreed to speak to more residents to assess the need before committing funding and to suggest car- sharing.

Action: Clerk to put in Rushlight

* Picnic Island Bridge

Cllr Owen informed the council that the bridge is due to be installed overnight on 14^th November. Cllr Tyrrell informed the council that he had been keeping the path along the estuary clear but that the steps from the estuary to the bridge are now very overgrown and need to be cleared. It was agreed that Cllr Tyrrell would check the path and steps, find out who is responsible and arrange for the steps to be cleared.

Action: Cllr Tyrrell to check and arrange for the steps to be cleared

* Cycle Path

Cllr Tyrrell informed the council that there has been no significant progress on the cycle path.

* Compound Project

The Clerk reported that she submitted a pre-planning application for the project and received a response that planning permission is needed before the project can proceed. Neil Storkey has spoken to the planning department and was told that another pre-planning application needs to be submitted rather than a full planning application. This is currently being done but it has delayed the project significantly and there is a danger that the EU funding stream will end before the project is finished. 

AGENDA ITEM 16 – Items for consideration at future meetings

CL/85/17.10.22

• Training Plan
• Electronic noticeboard

AGENDA ITEM 17 – Items for release / Rushlight / Website / Facebook

CL/86/17.10.22

• Wharf update
• Bins need to be kept on own property, not on the street
• Conservation Area consultation

27

• Car sharing suggestion 
• Car charging points
• Neuadd Dyfi roof
• Picnic Island bridge 
• Contact details of BCUHB for complaints

AGENDA ITEM 18 – Date of next meeting

CL/87/17.10.22

Monday 21^st November 2022

It was agreed to bring forward the date of the December meeting to 12^th December, as the clerk is unable to attend on the 19^th.

There being no further business, the Chair closed the meeting at 9.35pm

28

Minutes of the ordinary meeting of Aberdyfi Community Council held at the Literary Instituteon Monday 26^th September 2022

Present: Cllr Brian Kelly – Chair

Councillors: Cllr Sara Bradbury-Willis

Cllr Mark Dunton

Cllr Gareth Jones

Cllr Dewi Owen

Cllr Bob Tyrrell

Cllr Dave Williams

AGENDA ITEM 1 – One minute silence

CL/54/26.09.22

A one minute silence was observed in remembrance of Queen Elizabeth II.

AGENDA ITEM 2 – Apologies

CL/55/26.09.22

Apologies were accepted from Cllrs Hewins, O’Neill, Porter and Reynolds.

AGENDA ITEM 3 – Public participation

CL/56/26.09.22

No public participation

AGENDA ITEM 4 – Chairman’s Announcements

CL/57/26.09.22

The Chair welcomed everyone and reported that it was good to see the work on the wharf development start.

AGENDA ITEM 5 – To receive and confirm minutes of the ordinary council meeting on 18^th July2022

CL/58/26.09.22

Proposed: Cllr Williams Seconded: Cllr Bradbury-Willis

AGENDA ITEM 6 – Matters arising

CL/59/26.09.22

Page 14

M/31/(20.06.20) To discuss use of village noticeboard

The Clerk presented some information on electronic noticeboards and it was agreed that an electronic noticeboard would be a useful addition to the village. The clerk was asked to obtain more detailed information and costs and report back.

The Clerk reported that the Aberdyfi Tourism group have requested that their money be spent on an electronic noticeboard and the clerk has asked for this in writing. 

Action: Clerk to obtain more detailed information on electronic noticeboards.

Page 15

M/46/(18.06.22) Update on Tywyn Health centre 

18

The clerk received a reply from Betsi Cadwalladr University Health Board which the Council felt did not address the issues of concern. It was agreed that there are still significant concerns with various aspects of the Health Centre and to encourage everyone with issues with the Health Centre to complain to the Health Board. 

M/47/(18.06.22) To consider purchase of drinking water fountain.

The fountain has been purchased with delivery expected towards the end of October. Cllr Owen has offered to keep the fountain at his property until it is possible to install it, after the wharf development work has finished. The clerk will obtain installation quotes closer to the time. 

Page 16

M/48/(18.06.22) To receive RoSPA report

The benches have been dismantled and the clerk has purchased new ‘No Dogs’ signs, but has not had time to install them yet. 

Action: Clerk to install signs

M/50/(18.06.22) To discuss use of weedkiller and creation of wildflower verges

The clerk reported that she met with representatives from Gwynedd Council and identified areas which could be turned over to wild flowers. Gwynedd seemed very keen to work on this and the clerk is waiting for confirmation of which areas they will be planting with wildflowers. 

She was also told that they are looking at using the most environmentally safe weedkillers for those areas that need to be kept clear. 

M/51/(18.06.22) Request for name to be added to the War Memorial

The clerk reported that she had received a quote from the stonemasons and had agreed, together with the Chair, to go ahead with the work. It has now been paid for and the work will be done before November Remembrance Day. The family have indicated that they would like to make a donation towards the work. 

The clerk also reported that the Literary Institute have agreed for the name to be added to the Roll of Honour though the family are currently undecided if they wish to go ahead with this. 

AGENDA ITEM 7 – Treasurer’s Report

CL/60/26.09.22

Proposed: Cllr Bradbury-Willis Seconded: Cllr Tyrrell

Unanimously agreed

AGENDA ITEM 8 – Gwynedd Council report

CL/61/26.09.22

Cllr Owen reported that he had received an email from Shem Llewelyn to Gwynedd Council, complaining about the lack of support for the Cambrian Coast Sportive this year by Gwynedd Council. The clerk reported that Shem had asked her if the Council could give permission to use Penhelig Gardens for the Sportive so she had told him he needed to contact the Maritime Dept of Gwynedd Council, as they were the ones responsible for that area. It was agreed to write to Shem expressing sorrow that he received such a negative response from Gwynedd Council.

Action: Clerk to write to Shem  19

Cllr Jones reported that the path by the old school from the Institute to Hillside Village is overgrown and needs to be cut back. 

Action: Clerk to ask Aled to cut it back. 

Cllr Owen reported that he has been told that Picnic Island Bridge will be installed on 18^th November overnight. 

AGENDA ITEM 9 – Planning

CL/62/26.09.22

NP5/50/153B The Exchange, Aberdyfi LL35 0LP 

Alterations to front patio area including installation of bi-fold doors and construction of new balconies.

Action: Clerk to object as this is in the conservation area and this will change the look of the property
NP5/50/140D Llwyn, Aberdyfi LL35 0HR
Construction of pergola to side of house 

No objections were raised

NP5/50/T452C Haulfryn, Hopeland Road, Aberdyfi LL35 0NH 

Replace existing single storey rear extension and adjacent garage with a two storey garage and first floor work space and changes to roof structure.

It was noted that the new roof structure changed the look of the property but as the next door property had installed a very similar structure, it was decided not to object to the application. 

NP5/50/705A 35 Terrace Road, Aberdyfi LL35 0LU
Construction of decking in rear garden 

No objections were raised

AGENDA ITEM 10 – To consider purchase of second brown bin

CL/63/26.09.22

It was agreed to purchase another brown bin for the wharf garden community group. 

Action: Clerk to purchase bin and lock 

AGENDA ITEM 11 – To consider funding for information boards

CL/64/26.09.22

2 quotes were presented by the clerk from the Aberdyfi Biodiversity group. It was unclear exactly why 2 information boards were needed at each location and what they would display so the council agreed to invite Phil Morgan to the next council meeting to discuss the project. 

Action: Clerk to invite Phil Morgan to the next Council meeting.

AGENDA ITEM 12 – To discuss ROSPA report

CL/65/26.09.22

It was agreed to ask GL Jones to repaint the swings and roundabout, and repair the

20

wet-pour at the base of the helter-skelter, as highlighted in the report.

Action: Clerk to contact GL Jones

AGENDA ITEM 13 – Correspondence

CL/66/26.09.22

Email from Ardal Ni

Email received from a new project being run by Gwynedd Council with the aim of creating clean and tidy communities. The clerk has already had a rubbish bin installed through this project at the playing field. Cllr Tyrrell suggested that all councillors and clerk identify areas in the village that would be suitable for this project and send them to the clerk in order to create a comprehensive list. It was agreed to do this. 

Action: Councillors to identify areas of concern and inform the clerk to enable a list to be created before the next meeting. 

Section 6 Biodiversity report

All councils are now required to publish a biodiversity report every 3 years. The clerk has completed one and welcomed any comments from councillors before publishing it on our website. The report will need to be reviewed annually.

Action: Clerk to publish report 

One way section of Copperhill Street

The Clerk reported that there had been quite a few near-misses with people driving the wrong way past the butchers so she informed Gwynedd Council, who have agreed to repaint the signs on the roadway and replace / reposition the ‘no-entry’ signs on the posts. 

Gwelfor Road 

The clerk reported that a Gwynedd Council senior traffic engineer is looking into the situation and informed the clerk that SNPA are able to impose restrictions on planning applications if deemed necessary. A Senior Warden at SNPA is also going to talk to the Planning department. 

Resident’s Parking 

Cllr Reynolds shared an email she had received from Gwynedd Council, informing her that they will start the consultation process before the end of October. 

Annual meeting of Community Councils with SNPA

The clerk reminded the Council that this year’s meeting will be held on 25^th and 27^th October and that they need to register if they wish to attend.

AGENDA ITEM 14 – Items for consideration at future meetings

CL/67/26.09.22

• Place Plan – it was agreed to ask someone to come to a future meeting to explain more about Place Plans and the process Action: Clerk to request someone to attend a future meeting 21
• Training PlanAction: Clerk to circulate guidance for producing a training plan to councillors and draw up a draft training plan for discussion at October meeting. 
• Swift nesting boxes (Autumn meeting)
• Paint flaking at Penhelig Rail station

AGENDA ITEM 15 – Items for release / Rushlight / website / Facebook

CL/68/26.09.22

• Community lunches start on 14^th October
• Wharf update
• Neuadd Dyfi roof
• Wildflower verges
• Firework display in November

AGENDA ITEM 16 – Date of next meeting

CL/69/26.09.22

Monday 17^th October 2022 at 7pm

There being no further business the meeting was closed by the Chair at 9.35pm

22

Minutes of the ordinary meeting of Aberdyfi Community Council held at the Literary Institute on Monday 18^th July 2022

Present: Cllr Brian Kelly – Chair

Councillors:

Cllr Sara Bradbury-Willis

Cllr Ian Hewins

Cllr Catrin O’Neill

Cllr Sadie Porter

Cllr Megan Reynolds

Cllr Dave Williams

Public: Pat Hellen

AGENDA ITEM 1 – Apologies

CL/37/18.06.22

Apologies accepted from Cllrs Dunton, Jones, Owen and Tyrrell.

AGENDA ITEM 2 – Public participation

CL/38/18.06.22

No public participation

AGENDA ITEM 3 – Chair announcements

CL/39/18.06.22

The Chair welcomed everyone and thanked the clerk for suggesting the change of venue and arranging one at such short notice. 

He informed the council that at a meeting between councillors and MP Liz Saville-Roberts and Mabon ap Gwynfor from Gwynedd Council, it was agreed that while there is nothing that can be done at the moment about the planning dispute for Aberdyfi Hillside Park, all parties are keen to work together should the planning permission be allowed to stand.

He informed the council that Sean Chambers is doing an excellent job on the subway and asked the Clerk to write to Sean, expressing the Council’s appreciation of his work. It was noted that there will be an article in the Cambrian News soon. 

It was noted that the subway had been vandalised over the weekend and it was agreed for the clerk to purchase CCTV signs to put up at the subway. The clerk noted that it would be possible to put CCTV cameras there if it is needed, as there are now solar CCTV cameras available.

Action: Clerk to write to Sean Chambers to express the Council’s appreciation and thanks

The Chair reported that recently proper protocol hasn’t always been followed at meetings. He informed the council that he likes to think of the council as a group of friends working towards the same goal, but reminded councillors that even so, comments should always go through the chair by raising a hand. 

13

AGENDA ITEM 4 – To receive and confirm minutes of the ordinary council meeting on 20^th June and Annual Community meeting on 21^st June 2022.

CL/40/18.06.22

Ordinary Council meeting:

Proposed: Cllr Williams  Seconded: Cllr Reynolds

Annual Community meeting:

Proposed: Cllr Williams  Seconded: Cllr O’Neill

AGENDA ITEM 5 – Matters arising

CL/41/18.06.22

Page 11

M/31/(20.06.22) To discuss use of village noticeboard

Cllr Bradbury-Willis informed the council that the wooden noticeboard has been cleared and is ready for use for council notices. It was noted that this noticeboard needs some beading put down the sides and a new lock cover fitted and it was agreed for Cllr Bradbury-Willis to arrange for this work to be done. 

It was noted that the large white noticeboard needs to be cleared of posters, staples etc. and repainted, though it was agreed that it will need to be replaced with a smaller one if / when an electronic noticeboard is installed in that space. The Clerk informed the council that she has been given the details of the company who supplied the noticeboard for MMP so will research this and report at the next meeting.

Action: Cllr Bradbury-Willis to arrange for repairs on wooden notice-board

Action: Clerk to put notices in the wooden noticeboard.

Action: Clerk to research electronic notice-boards.

AGENDA ITEM 6 – Treasurer’s report

CL/42/18.06.22

The clerk informed the council that the figures for the income from the main car park and Neuadd Dyfi pay and display machine have been included for information only. 

Proposed: Cllr Williams  Seconded: Cllr Reynolds

AGENDA ITEM 7 – Gwynedd Council report

CL/43/18.06.22

The Gwynedd Council representative was not present so no report was received.

AGENDA ITEM 8 – Planning

CL/44/18.06.22

NP5/50/682A The Wharf, Aberdyfi. LL35 0EE

Application to vary Condition 14 attached to Planning Permission NP5/50/682 dated 11/09/2018 to allow working hours on a Saturday to be extended from between 07:00-13:00 to 07:00-17:00

No objections were raised

14

NP5/50/735B Tan y Bryn, Philip Avenue, Aberdyfi. LL35 0PY 

Extension and alterations

No objections were raised

NP5/50/130C Bwlch Gwyn Farm, Aberdyfi. LL35 0SG

Construction of rural enterprise dwelling

No objections were raised

The Chair informed the council that it had been brought to his attention that a lot of work is being done to Glygyrog Ddu but he could find no corresponding planning permission. It was agreed to notify SNPA of this work.

Action: Clerk to inform Snowdonia National Park Authority of this work

AGENDA ITEM 9 – Update on Tywyn Health Centre

CL/45/18.06.22

Cllr Reynolds informed the council that she has spoken to Betsi Cadwallader Health Board and asked why they weren’t sponsoring GPs who are on a 5 year visa from abroad. These GPs train in the UK for 3 years, after which they can be sponsored for a further 2 years. The health board have said they will look into this further. 

She informed the council that there will only be emergency appointments available at the GP practice in Tywyn for most of August and residents need to order prescriptions before 5^th August, as the practice will be installing a new computer system and will be unable to print prescriptions during August. There was concern that many residents don’t know about this, as they are not online and the health centre have not been good at disseminating information to their patients.

It was agreed that the service from the health centre has been substantially below standard for quite some time and it seems that the health board do not realise how serious and urgent the current situation is. It was agreed to write a strongly-worded letter to the health board expressing the Council’s concerns.

Action: The Clerk to write a letter to Betsi Cadwallader Health Board

AGENDA ITEM 10 – Update on wharf development

CL/46/18.06.22

The clerk reported that the meeting she had at the beginning of the month was very informative and confirmed that the contractors will be on site from 5^th September, with work starting on 12^th September. She also confirmed that the work will not be done in two distinct phases, as previously planned. Instead it will be done as a rolling works as the contractors calculate this will be a faster way to complete the works. Installing the piles will start on 22^nd September for approximately 6 weeks and this is when there will be the most disruption and noise. 

The clerk will attend another meeting on Friday 5^th August and will report back.

AGENDA ITEM 11 – To consider water-bottle filling station quote

CL/47/18.06.22

It was agreed to purchase an Elkay LK4420BF1U water-bottle filling station in blue for £4,191 ex VAT, though keep it in storage until it is possible to install it after the 

15

work has been done on the wharf. It was agreed to seek a quote for installing the station from the supplier. 

Proposed: Cllr Bradbury-Willis Seconded: Cllr O’Neill

Action: Clerk to purchase water-bottle filling station and put in storage

Action: Clerk to seek quote for installation

AGENDA ITEM 12 – To receive RoSPA report

CL/48/18.06.22

It was agreed that the concrete benches in the playground need to taken out of action and repaired urgently and to discuss the rest of the issues in the report in the autumn. The clerk reported that she will buy new ‘No Dogs’ signs for the playground.

Action: Clerk to arrange for the benches to be taken out of action and repaired ASAP

Action: Clerk to purchase ‘No Dogs’ signs

AGENDA ITEM 13 – To delegate powers to the clerk and Chair until the September meeting

CL/49/18.06.22

Proposed: Cllr Williams Seconded: Cllr Reynolds

AGENDA ITEM 14 – To discuss use of weedkiller and creation of wildflower areas on the village

CL/50/18.06.22

The clerk reported that Gwynedd Council are keen to work with the Community Council on reducing the need for use of pesticides and strimming of verges and she is currently in discussion with residents to see which areas in the village would be suitable before meeting with Gwynedd Council to take this initiative forward.

Action: Clerk to meet with residents to discuss project then meet with Gwynedd Council

AGENDA ITEM 15 – Correspondence

CL/51/18.06.22

1. Request from the Rotary Club for volunteers for Race the Train event.
2. Request for name to be added to the war memorial 

A request has been received from a resident for their great-grandfather’s name to be added to the war memorial as it has been missed off. The clerk has spoken to the War Graves Commission, who confirm they have the details of the person on their roll, but it is not their responsibility to change the memorial. Gwynedd Council confirmed that they are not responsible for maintenance or changes to the war memorial either. The clerk has also spoken to the church and has had the same response from them. 

It was agreed to contact the stone mason in Llanbrynmair who has done work on the memorial previously to ask for a quote to add a name to the memorial and carry out some restoration work. 

16

It was agreed that the clerk will work with the Literary Institute committee to have the name added to the roll of honour in the Reading Room.

Action: Clerk to obtain quote

Action: Clerk to work with the Institute to facilitate the addition of the name to the roll of honour.

3. Request for funding for information noticeboards received from a resident. It was agreed they should approach the AA&I for this funding

Action: Clerk to ask resident to apply to the AA&I 

4. Rights of Way Improvement plan consultation.

It was agreed for individuals to respond to the consultation and the clerk to respond on behalf of the council

Action: Clerk and councillors to respond to survey

5. Survey on barriers to doing a Place Plan

It was agreed for the clerk to respond on behalf of the council

Action: Clerk to respond to survey

6. Positive feedback received from a resident about various projects in the village
7. Opinion of the council sought on an individual wanting to run a takeaway food business from the yacht club or the Neuadd Dyfi. It was agreed this would be unfair on the existing takeaway businesses and it was noted that there may be planning issues, as existing businesses have to apply for changes to their planning permission to allow them to sell hot takeaway food. Concerns were also raised about how H&S issues would be policed and how the increase in litter would be managed. 

Action: Clerk to inform the resident of the council’s opinion

AGENDA ITEM 16 – Items for consideration at future meetings

CL/51/18.06.22

• Place plan presentation
• Swift nesting boxes
• RoSPA report
• Electronic noticeboard

AGENDA ITEM 17 – Items for release / Rushlight / Website / Facebook

CL/52/18.06.22

• Request for Race the Train volunteers 
• Wharf update
• Work on benches in playground

AGENDA ITEM 18 – Date of next meeting

CL/53/18.06.22

Monday 19^th September 2022

There being no further business, the Chair closed the meeting at 9.30pm

17

Minutes of the ordinary meeting of Aberdyfi Community Council held at the Literary Institute on Monday 20^th June 2022

Present: Cllr Brian Kelly – Chair

Councillors:

Cllr Sara Bradbury-Willis

Cllr Mark Dunton

Cllr Ian Hewins

Cllr Catrin O’Neill

Cllr Dewi Owen

Cllr Megan Reynolds

Cllr Bob Tyrrell

Cllr Dave Williams

Public: Pat Hellen

Sadie Porter

Elen Worman

AGENDA ITEM 1 – Apologies

CL/21/20.06.22

Cllr Jones

AGENDA ITEM 2 – Public participation

CL/22/20.06.22

No public participation

AGENDA ITEM 3 – Chairman’s Announcements

CL/23/20.06.22

The Chair welcomed everyone and reported that it was good to see the return of the Wolverhampton Bike Ride which was very successful and it is nice to see progress on some of the projects the Council are currently undertaking.

AGENDA ITEM 4 – To consider applications for councillor vacancy

CL/24/20.06.22

Sadie Porter was co-opted as Councillor

AGENDA ITEM 4 – To receive and confirm minutes of the Annual and ordinary council meetings 16^thMay 2022

CL/25/20.06.22

Proposed: Cllr Tyrrell Seconded: Cllr Williams

AGENDA ITEM 5 – Matters arising

CL/26/20.06.22

Page 4

M/51/(15.06.20) request for drinking water fountain.

Cllr O’Neill has contacted Refill to request an up to date quote and information on how to move to project forward.

Action: Cllr O’Neill to liaise with clerk to progress the project

M/107/(16.11.20) Subway improvements

Work has started and looks very good so far. It is nice to see Sean’s children being involved in the project as well. 

9

M/127/(20.12.21) Tree by the Neuadd Dyfi

The clerk has has no news on the large tree on the road by the Neuadd Dyfi

The tree sculpture was completed last week and has been a major attraction to many people, who have stopped to look at it and take photos with it. The Council would like to thank Ed Parkes the sculptor for his fantastic work.

It was suggested lighting the sculpture, but there were concerns this might act as a magnet for people to gather at night and this would have a knock-on effect on the residents in surrounding houses. It was agreed to wait until the autumn when it is much darker and investigate what lighting it would look like with a torch. 

It was suggested buying some CCTV cameras for the area, but it was felt that the infrastructure wasn’t in place for this. It was agreed to obtain some CCTV signs and attach them to the gates around the playing field.

Proposed: Cllr Williams Seconded: Cllr Owen

Action: Clerk to obtain and install CCTV signs.

M/160/21.03.22 Wharf Development Project

The Clerk reported that instead of a public meeting, Gwynedd Council propose a monthly meeting of all stakeholders on the first Friday of every month, starting on 1^st July. It was agreed the clerk would attend these meetings and report back. It was requested that the Community Council holds a public meeting closer to the start of the works and invite the consultants to attend.

Action: Clerk to attend meetings and report back.

Action: Council to organise a public meeting and invite consultants

AGENDA ITEM 7 – Treasurer’s Report

CL/26/20.06.22

Proposed: Cllr O’Neill Seconded: Cllr Owen

Unanimously agreed

The clerk reported that she had been approached by one of the businesses in the village to find out if there is still money ring-fenced for the Aberdyfi Tourism group, as they have a project in mind. The clerk asked them liaise with her to release the money.

Action: Clerk to liaise with Aberdyfi Tourism group

AGENDA ITEM 8 – To approve change of signatories on the bank account

CL/27/20.06.22

Proposed: Cllr Reynolds Seconded: Cllr Owen

Unanimously agreed

AGENDA ITEM 9 – To accept and approve the Annual Return ending March 2022

CL/28/20.06.22

Proposed: Cllr Williams Seconded: Cllr Tyrrell

Unanimously agreed

A concern was raised about the asset register as it doesn’t show depreciation but the clerk reported that the advice from One Voice Wales is that the register only shows purchase price. It was suggested that the finance committee to look into this, as figures that take into account depreciation may prove to be useful for the council. 

Action: Finance committee to discuss asset register reserve finances

Action: Clerk to clarify again what the asset register should include

10

AGENDA ITEM 10 – Gwynedd Council Report

CL/29/20.06.22

Cllr Owen reported that there is a meeting of the full council later this week, so will rpeort next month on this meeting.

He reported that they have had information recently stating that homelessness has risen dramatically in the last few years. Currently there are 572 people registered homeless, whereas 2 years ago there were less than 200. There are currently over 3,000 people on the waiting list for housing in Gwynedd and Gwynedd Council plan to built 500 homes in the next 3 years, the majority of which will probably be in North Wales. He reported that Gwynedd Council are still giving grants of up to £35k to bring houses up to standard to allow them to be let out to local people. 

He reported that the problem of rubbish is on the agenda for the full meeting so he will be expressing the concerns of the Community Council at that meeting and will report back on this issue next month. 

AGENDA ITEM 11 – Planning

CL/30/20.06.22

NP5/50/589B Ael y Don, Gwelfor Road, Aberdyfi LL35 0NY

Widen existing vehicular access to South East corner of site and create a parking area.

No objections were raised

AGENDA ITEM 12 – To discuss use of village noticeboard

CL/31/20.06.22

The wooden noticeboard by the toilets was discussed and it was agreed that the locks need to be changed as they have seized. It was suggested that the large noticeboard under the canopy also needs to be replaced as it is a state of disrepair and to investigate purchasing an electronic noticeboard.

Action: Clerk to research electronic noticeboards

Action: Cllr Bradbury-Willis to arrange for locks to be changed on the wooden noticeboard.

Proposed: Cllr Bradbury-Willis Seconded: Cllr Reynolds

AGENDA ITEM 13 – To decide topics to be included in community meeting

CL/32/20.06.22

Topics were agreed for inclusion in the community village meeting 

AGENDA ITEM 14 – Correspondence

CL/33/20.06.22

Time & Tide Bell 

Marcus Vergette has repaired the Time & Tide Bell and has informed the council that there are many projects resulting from the Time & Tide Bell initiative, which would potentially be of interest to various groups in the village

Action: Clerk to find out more about the projects

AGENDA ITEM 15 – Items for consideration at future meetings

CL/34/20.06.22

• Place Plan
• Swift nesting boxes (Autumn meeting)
• Paint flaking at Penhelig Rail station

11

AGENDA ITEM 16 – Items for release / Rushlight / website / Facebook

CL/35/20.06.22

• Shellduck warning
• Report of village meeting
• Osprey sculpture
• Subway project progress

AGENDA ITEM 17 – Date of next meeting

CL/36/20.06.22

Monday18^th July 2022 at 7pm

There being no further business the meeting was closed by the Chair at 9.40pm

12

Minutes of the thirty-seventh Annual Meeting of the Aberdyfi Community Council and thereafter the minutes of the ordinary meeting of said Council held at Aberdyfi Literary Institute on Monday, 16^th May 2022

Present were :- 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

Public: Pat Hellen

Roman Hackelsberger

AGENDA ITEM 1- Apologies

CL/1/AM/16.05.22

Sara Bradbury-Willis, Gareth Jones

AGENDA ITEM 2 – Election of Officers 2022/2023

CL/2/AM/16.05.22

Chairman

Cllr Kelly was nominated for the position of Chair.

Proposed Cllr Reynolds Seconded Cllr Williams

Agreed unanimously

Vice Chairman 

Cllr O’Neill was nominated for position of Vice Chair.

Proposed Cllr Kelly Seconded Cllr Owen

Agreed

Planning Committee

The whole Council

Aberdyfi Advertising and Improvements Committee

The whole Council, except for Cllr Tyrrell

1

Aberdyfi Literary Institute Management Committee 

Cllr Jones was nominated to represent the Council

Proposed Cllr Owen Seconded Cllr Kelly

Harbour Advisory Committee

Cllr Tyrrell was nominated to represent the Council

Proposed Cllr Owen Seconded Cllr Williams

One Voice Wales

Cllrs Owen and O’Neill, with Cllr Williams as deputy were nominated to represent the Council

Proposed Cllr Kelly Seconded Cllr Reynolds

Neuadd Dyfi Management Committee – Councillors with a vote

Cllrs Owen, Reynolds, Williams, Kelly and Hewins were nominated to represent the Council

Proposed Cllr Owen Seconded Cllr Kelly

Richard Williams and Richard Roberts Trust Fund

Cllrs Reynolds (Chair), Owen, Jones and Bradbury-Willis were nominated to represent the Council, with Cllr Williams as Trustee

Proposed Cllr Owen Seconded Cllr Williams

Lewis Lloyd Trust

Cllr Reynolds was nominated to represent the Council

Proposed Cllr Kelly Seconded Cllr Owen

Meirionnydd Access Group

Cllr O’Neill was nominated to represent the Council

Proposed Cllr Owen Seconded Cllr Williams

Tywyn and District Memorial Hospital Appeal Fund

Cllr Reynolds with Cllr Tyrrell as deputy were nominated to represent the Council

Proposed Cllr Owen Seconded Cllr Kelly

Allotment sub-committee

Cllrs Jones (Chair), O’Neill and Dunton were nominated to be members of this committee

Proposed Cllr Owen Seconded Cllr O’Neill

2

Finance Committee

Cllrs Owen (Chairman), O’Neill (Vice Chair) and Bradbury-Willis with Cllr Tyrrell as deputy.

Proposed Cllr Owen Seconded Cllr Williams

Caravan Site Committee

Cllrs Reynolds, Owen, Williams, Kelly and Bradbury-Willis

Proposed Cllr Kelly Seconded Cllr Reynolds

Re-appointment of Internal Auditor

The Council re-appointed Mr Steve Lister for the year 2022/23

Proposed: Cllr Tyrrell Seconded: Cllr Williams

Agreed unanimously

Standing Orders and Financial Regulations

The Council agreed its willingness to adopt these documents.

Proposed: Cllr Williams Seconded: Cllr Reynolds

Agreed unanimously

THE BUSINESS OF THE ORDINARY MEETING IS NOW RECORDED

Cllr Kelly took over as Chair at this point

AGENDA ITEM 3 – Public participation

CL/3/16.05.22

None was requested

AGENDA ITEM 4 – Chair announcements

CL/4/16.05.22

The Chair thanked Cllr Owen for all his hard work over the last two years as Chair and hoped he will be able to carry out the role to the same high standard. 

He noted that the Council is currently short of a councillor and it was agreed to co-opt a new councillor at the June meeting.

Action: Clerk to advertise and receive applications before the June meeting

AGENDA ITEM 5 – To receive and confirm the minutes of Ordinary Meeting 21^st March 2022

CL/5/16.05.22

Proposed Cllr Williams Seconded Cllr Reynolds

Agreed unanimously

3

AGENDA ITEM 6 – Matters Arising

CL/6/16.05.22

Page 61

M/51/(15.06.20) Drinking water fountain

Cllr Owen raised the topic at the recent harbour user’s meeting and was advised to liaise with the harbourmaster. He has since spoken to the harbourmaster who has given his consent to siting the water fountain in the location favoured by Aberdyfi Community Council. It was agreed to delegate purchase and installation of the fountain to Cllr O’Neill and the Clerk.

Proposed Cllr Owen Seconded Cllr Williams

Action: Cllr O’Neill and Clerk to source and arrange installation of a water fountain

M/107/(16.11.20) Subway Improvements

Sean Chambers has been awarded the commission and preparatory work has already started. It was suggested the clerk contact the lighting department to ask if it is possible to get the lighting replaced while the work is happening, to minimise the risk of damage to the artwork.

Action: Clerk to contact lighting department at Gwynedd Council

Page 62

M/127/(20.12.21) Tree by Neuadd Dyfi

The clerk informed the council that she met Gwynedd Council inspectors when they were in the village and was informed that in their opinion, the tree is healthy, evidenced by the roots pushing up the pavement, but acknowledged that this has created a tripping hazard. They informed the clerk that they do not make the decision about what to do with the tree, they only write a report and it is passed on to someone higher in the organisation, who will make the decision. The clerk hasn’t been informed yet of any decision. 

A question was raised about when the tree sculpture will be done in the playing field. The clerk reported she has not yet had a date.

Action: Clerk to find out a start date

M/160/(21.03.22) Wharf development project

The clerk reported that she has had confirmation that the contracts have now been signed and the plan is for the contractors to be on site from 2^nd September. She has been promised more detailed information within the next two weeks.

4

AGENDA ITEM 7 – Treasurer’s Report

CL/7/16.05.22

It was agreed to accept the report as a true and accurate report.

Proposed: Cllr Tyrrell Seconded: Cllr Williams

Agreed unanimously

AGENDA ITEM 8 – Gwynedd Council Report

CL/8/16.05.22

Cllr Owen reported that the recent elections have resulted in Gwynedd Council being made up of 44 Plaid Cymru, 23 Individual, 1 Labour and 1 Liberal Democrat councillors. He reported that their income this year will constitute £136m from fees, £214m from the Welsh Government and £84m from Council Tax, with 7,000 members of staff. 
There will be a meeting of the full council next week when a new leader will be chosen.

AGENDA ITEM 9 – Planning

CL/9/16.05.22

NP5/50/ADL262B 8 Seaview Terrace, Aberdyfi LL35 0EF

Advertisement Consent for externally lit projecting advertisement, 2no. 

externally lit fascia signs, and 1no. advertisement to side elevation of building with external lighting

• No objections were raised, but it was agreed to write to SNPA to query the removal of the render

Action: Clerk to write to SNPA

NP5/50/346E 9 Terrace Road, Aberdyfi. LL35 0LP

External alterations and alter and extend the existing balcony

• The Council were concerned that the development is not in keeping with the surrounding properties.Action: Clerk to write to SNPA

NP5/50/695A 3 Seaview Terrace, Aberdyfi. LL35 0EE

Construction of bay windows to first and second floors to replace existing windows

• No objections raised

NP5/50/351A 12 Glandyfi Terrace, Aberdyfi. LL35 0EB

Replacement external windows and doors

• No objections raised

NP5/50/743 Braich Gwyn, Aberdyfi. LL35 0RD

Conversion of barn to dwelling including construction of an extension, and installation of package treatment plant

• Concerns were raised about the difficulty of access from the main road, lack of proper road to the property, access track extremely close to the neighbouring property, lack of water or electricity. 5
• It was agreed to write to SNPA expressing concerns and recommending a site visit.

Action: Clerk to write to SNPA

NP5/50/742 Dolphins, Rhoslan, Aberdyfi. LL35 0NS

Construction of extension, garage and terrace

• No objections raised

NP5/50/676A Mynydd Bychan, Aberdyfi, LL35 0PF Reclad existing dwelling, erection of pergola and replacement workshop

• No objection raised

AGENDA ITEM 10 – Cycle path update

CL/10/16.05.22

Cllr Tyrrell reported that he had spoken to Iwan ap Trefor and was told that Gwynedd Council are in ongoing and positive discussions with landowners whose land would be affected by the proposed route. It is hoped to be able to apply for funding for the next phase of the project by the end of the year. Iwan ap Trefor informed Cllr Tyrrell that this cycle path is one of their priorities due to the very large number of responses they had to their consultation. One of the main sticking points is where the path will cross the road in the area of the cemetery, but they are hopeful to find a suitable solution. 

Cllr Tyrrell reported that Aberdyfi Community Council’s project to establish a cycle path between Aberdyfi and the cemetery is progressing. Neil Storkey has been asked by Network Rail to carry out an ecological survey to establish the feasibility of the path in certain areas where it would be closest to the railway line. Iwan ap Trefor at Gwynedd Council has kindly offered to look into whether or not their own ecologists could help us with this survey.

AGENDA ITEM 11 – Fisherman’s compound update

CL/11/16.05.22

The Clerk reported that grant funding has now been approved and the work will start as soon as possible, with an end date of September envisaged.

AGENDA ITEM 12 – Playground project update

CL/12/16.05.22

The clerk reported that she has had meetings with two play equipment companies and is due to have another one in the near future. She also intends to visit a playground in Barmouth to look at their equipment and surface finish.

She reported that the walls are in the process of being painted.

AGENDA ITEM 13 – To receive and note requirements for councillor training plans

CL/13/16.05.22

6

The councillors were informed that they need to decide and discuss what training they would like to do and what is needed by the council in order to improve it’s effectiveness, with a view to publishing a Council training plan by September. 

AGENDA ITEM 14 – To consider purchasing and installing Swift nesting boxes

CL/14/16.05.22

It was agreed that we have missed the timing for this year and to revisit this item in the Autumn.

Action: Clerk to add to the agenda for October meeting

AGENDA ITEM 15 – To consider supporting a group to improve the railway station

CL/15/16.05.22

It was agreed to support the resident who has volunteered to take this forward and suggested they apply to AA&I for funding if needed. 

Action: Clerk to contact the resident

AGENDA ITEM 16 – To consider purchasing a sculpture for raising plastic awareness

CL/16/16.05.22

It was agreed to revisit this item after the wharf development has been completed.

Action: Clerk to add to the agenda after the wharf development has been completed

AGENDA ITEM 17 – Correspondence

CL/17/16.05.22

• Email regarding noticeboards and fenceCllr Owen volunteered to complete the fence and to support the new noticeboards that are proposed.Action: Clerk to inform resident of these decisions
• Britannia Inn EmailIt was agreed that the Council cannot be involved in any disputes between the Britannia Inn and others as they are potentially matters for the police and / or trading standards and / or licensing authorities.
• Email concerning queues on the pavementIt was agreed this is a matter for the police and anyone concerned about the issue should contact the police.Action: Clerk to reply to the email with this information
• Jubilee Pageant InformationThe clerk reported that all members of the council have been invited to tea and cakes after the Pageant finishes.7
• CCTV lease end dateThe Clerk reported that she has received notification that the lease for the CCTV system ends in September. It was agreed not to continue with the
  Action: Chair and Clerk to research a new system
• ContainerThe clerk reported that she has had confirmation from One Voice Wales that only minutes, financial records and leases must be kept in hard copy form, eliminating the need to purchase a container. Cllrs Tyrrell and Owen offered to help the clerk sift the paperwork in the office.Action: Cllrs Tyrrell, Owen and the clerk to sift paperwork

AGENDA ITEM 18 – Items for consideration at future meetings / urgent business

CL/18/16.05.22

• Place plan
• Training plan for councillors
• Co-option of new councillorIt was agreed that a village meeting needs to happen ASAP, to inform residents of all the projects that are happing in the village, with a separate meeting for the Wharf development project, once the finer details have been agreed. It was agreed to delegate this to Cllr O’Neill and the ClerkAction: Cllr O’Neill and the clerk to arrange a date for a village meeting as soon as possible

AGENDA ITEM 19 – Items for release / Rushlight / Website / Facebook

CL/19/16.05.22

• List of councillors
• Projects the council are involved in
• Sec / treasurer role for Institute
• Jubilee events
• Wolverhampton bike ride
• Wharf development update
• Village meeting 

AGENDA ITEM 20 – Date of Next meeting

CL/20/16.05.22

Monday 20^th June and 18^th July at 7pm

There being no further business, the meeting closed at 10.05pm.

8

Minutes of the ordinary meeting of Aberdyfi Community Council held at the Neuadd Dyfi on Monday 21^st March 2022

Present: Cllr Dewi Owen – Chair

Councillors:

Cllr Sara Bradbury-Willis

Cllr Gareth Jones

Cllr Brian Kelly

Cllr Megan Reynolds

Cllr Dave Williams

Public: Pat Hellen

AGENDA ITEM 1 – Apologies

CL/165/21.03.22

Cllrs O’Neill, Owens, Tyrrell & Worman

AGENDA ITEM 2 – Public participation

CL/166/21.03.22

No public participation

AGENDA ITEM 3 – Chairman’s Announcements

CL/167/21.03.22

The Chair welcomed everyone to the last meeting of this council. He reminded the council that we are very fortunate here in Wales and we send our condolences and thoughts to everyone who is affected by the war in Ukraine. We hope the negotiations succeed and a peaceful resolution is found very soon.

AGENDA ITEM 4 – To receive and confirm minutes of meeting 17^th January 2022

CL/168/21.03.22

Proposed: Cllr Reynolds Seconded: Cllr Williams

AGENDA ITEM 5 – Matters arising

CL/169/21.03.22

Page 56

M/117/20.12.21 Community Needs Survey

The clerk has received information about what is involved in a Place Plan and will put it on the agenda for a future meeting after May.

Action: Clerk to put on agenda after May

Page 57

M/51/(15.06.20) request for drinking water fountain.

The clerk has received an email from Barry Davies, suggesting we arrange it with the local harbour-master. She has spoken to the harbourmaster and he has no objections to siting the water-fountain where we want it. The Chair suggested he take it to the harbour users meeting next week to see if the project can be moved forward.

Action: Chair to discuss the project at the harbour-users meeting.

M/107/(16.11.20) Subway improvements

Cllr Bradbury-Willis presented a press release asking for commissions. The Clerk reported that she has had approval from the lighting department for the project. It was agreed to put the press -release out as soon as possible. 

61

Action: Cllr Bradbury-Willis and the Clerk to advertise for submissions for commissions.

Action: Working group of Cllrs Bradbury-Willis, Reynolds, Jones and Kelly to review submissions and make a recommendation to the full council at the May meeting.

M/56/(19.07.21) Parking problems on Seaview Terrace

Cllr Reynolds informed the council that a new traffic officer has been appointed and an assessment will be carried out soon. The Chair reported that he has been approached by residents of Maes Newydd, requesting residents parking there. 

M/97/(20.10.21) Tywyn Minor Injuries Unit

Cllr Reynolds informed the Council that she has a meeting next week with BCUHB. She has been told that there have been no applications for the GP posts. She has also been told that there is a possibility that the remaining dentist in Tywyn may be based in the hospital in future, as she doesn’t want to run her own business.

M/106/(15.11.21) Gwynedd Council Report

It was noted that the trailer is still outside Bryn Gwylan bungalows and this is now an issue that Adra needs to address. 

Page 58

M/127/(20.12.21) Items for consideration at future meetings – Tree by Neuadd Dyfi bus stop

Page 60

M/160/21.03.22 Wharf Development Project

The Clerk reported that the Welsh Government have approved the cost / benefit analysis and should have signed off the money for the project last week, but has been unable to verify this with Gwynedd Consultancy as she has been unable to contact them. 

AGENDA ITEM 6 – Treasurer’s Report

CL/170/21.03.22

Proposed: Cllr Kelly Seconded: Cllr Jones

Unanimously agreed

AGENDA ITEM 7 – To note new pay-scales agreed by NJC for 2021-2022

CL/171/21.03.22

The clerk presented the pay-scales agreed by the NJC at the beginning of March, which are to be implemented from 1^st April 2021 and reported that the pay scales for 2022-2023, which will be implemented from 1^st April 2022, has not yet been agreed so any increase will be backdated to 1^st April this year. The Chair reported that the Clerk had an appraisal with himself and Cllr Kelly.

62

AGENDA ITEM 8 – Gwynedd Council Report

CL/172/21.03.22

The Chair reported that there was a meeting of the full council last week. 

There was a long discussion on increasing council tax and it was agreed to increase it by 2.9%, equating to an extra 84p per week for a Band D property. The vote was 36 for and 30 against the increase. 

He reported that most staff have moved back to office working from 7^th March. 

From September, all school meals will be free and travel between Aberdyfi, Tywyn etc. will be free for those attending Coleg Meirion Dwyfor. 

Gwynedd Council will have an extra £6.7million from the Welsh Government this year and they confirmed that they do not have any money in Russia, though they do occasionally invest money for short periods (6 -1 0 months) abroad elsewhere.

He met with the South Snowdonia National Access Forum and reported that there are a lot more people reported to be walking the coastal path and as a result, more money is going to be spent maintaining the furniture on the path. There are still problems with off-road vehicles and they are spending money on repairing the damage caused but there is now an increasing problem of off-road motorbikes causing a lot of damage.

AGENDA ITEM 9 – Planning

CL/173/21.03.22

NP5/50/109J Neuadd Dyfi, Aberdyfi LL35 0NR 

Alterations to roof 

Cllrs Kelly, Owen, Williams and Reynolds declared an interest in this agenda item.

No objections were raised.

NP5/50/L228A Hafn, Aberdyfi LL35 0LT 

Alterations, including installation of roof lights and replacement of windows and doors 

No objections were raised.

AGENDA ITEM 10 – To delegate powers to the Chair and Clerk until May meeting

CL/174/21.03.22

Proposed: Cllr Williams Seconded: Cllr Reynolds

AGENDA ITEM 11 – To consider maintenance of Anne Roberts’ memorial

CL/175/21.03.22

The Clerk reported that this memorial is not maintained by the Trust. It was agreed to fund up to 50% of the cost.

Proposed: Cllr Williams Seconded: Cllr Reynolds

Action: Clerk to inform Gwynedd Council

AGENDA ITEM 12. – To consider purchase of Queen’s Jubilee Bench

CL/176/21.03.22

It was agreed to purchase a bench and position it in the lay-by opposite St. Peter’s Church.

Proposed: Cllr Williams Seconded: Cllr Jones

Unanimously approved

63

AGENDA ITEM 13 – Correspondence

CL/177/21.03.22

* Email proposing project group for railway station

AGENDA ITEM 14 – Items for consideration at future meetings

CL/178/21.03.22

• Place Plan
• Swift nesting boxes
• Cycle path update
• Group to raise awareness of cycling / walking in the local area
• Wharf Development
• Picnic Island Bridge
• Sculpture for collecting plastic
• Proposed group to improve railway station

AGENDA ITEM 15 – Items for release / Rushlight / website / Facebook

CL/179/21.03.22

• Elections

AGENDA ITEM 14 – Date of next meeting

CL/180/21.03.22

Monday 16^th May 2022 at 7pm

There being no further business the meeting was closed by the Chair at 8.30pm

64

Minutes of the ordinary meeting of Aberdyfi Community Council held at the Neuadd Dyfi on Monday 21^st February 2022

Present: Cllr Dewi Owen – Chair

Councillors:

Cllr Sara Bradbury-Willis

Cllr Gareth Jones

Cllr Brian Kelly

Cllr Catrin O’Neill

Cllr Dai Owens

Cllr Megan Reynolds

Cllr Bob Tyrrell

Cllr Dave Williams

Public: Pat Hellen

AGENDA ITEM 1 – Apologies

CL/147/21.02.22

Cllr Worman

AGENDA ITEM 2 – Public participation

CL/148/21.02.22

No public participation

AGENDA ITEM 3 – Chairman’s Announcements

CL/149/21.02.22

The Chair welcomed everyone to the first face to face meeting in almost 2 years. He extended his condolences on behalf of the council to Cllr Jones and his family on the death of his father last week. 

AGENDA ITEM 4 – To receive and confirm minutes of meeting 17^th January 2022

CL/150/21.02.22

Proposed: Cllr William Seconded: Cllr Tyrrell

Unanimously agreed

AGENDA ITEM 5 – Matters arising

CL/151/21.02.22

Page 51

M/117/20.12.21 Community Needs Survey

It was agreed that Cllr O’Neill would ask someone with knowledge of Place Plans to attend a council meeting to explain about what is involved

Action: Cllr O’Neill to source a speaker

56

Page 52

M/51/(15.06.20) request for drinking water fountain.

The clerk is still waiting for a reply from Mr. Jones at Snowdonia National Park.

Action: Clerk to contact him again

M/107/(16.11.20) Subway improvements

The Clerk reported that the mural in Dolgellau at Ty Siamas cost approx. £1,500 and took 3 days. Cllr Bradbury-Willis presented some figures from an artist, which were roughly the same cost, though suggested the subway would take 6 days, so would probably cost in the region of £3,000.

The clerk reported that she still hasn’t heard from the lighting department with permission to go ahead with the project and reminded the council that this needs to be in place before publishing a press-release.

Action: Cllr Bradbury-Willis to put together a press release asking for commissions and send to the clerk.

Action: Clerk to contact lighting department again. 

Action: Clerk to put on agenda for next month

M/56/(19.07.21) Parking problems on Seaview Terrace

Cllr Reynolds informed the council that she is waiting to hear from the parking department of Gwynedd Council.

M/97/(20.10.21) Tywyn Minor Injuries Unit

Cllr Reynolds informed the Council that she has a meeting next week with BCUHB.

Page 53

M/106/(15.11.21) Gwynedd Council Report

The Clerk reported that Sean Wilkes of the highway department at Gwynedd Council found the owner of the trailer at Bryn Gwylan and asked them to move it. This has now been done and the trailer is now outside Bryn Gwylan bungalows.

M/108/(15.11.21) To consider purchasing extra waste bins

The Chair reported that Cllr Kelly, the clerk and himself met with David Williams and Caron Jones of Gwynedd Council last Thursday. It was agreed to move the large bins opposite the chemist to the area by the fire station and replace them with recycling and general waste bins. More recycling and general waste bins will be put along the side of the car park closest to the sea and the existing ones will have new stickers, making it clearer what should be put in there. The small bins in the car park will be replaced with ones with a flap on them to deter seagulls. The brown bins and mixed green and brown bins on the wharf gardens will be replaced with just green ones.

Cllr Owens asked if it would be possible to have the recycling bins by the sea turned round so they face the sea, as people currently have to walk into the car park in order to use the bins. Cllr Tyrrell asked if it would be possible to get stickers to put on brown bins stating for garden waste only.

57

It was agreed to ask Steffan Jones to attend one of our meetings remotely.

Action: Clerk to contact Gwynedd Council to request stickers and ask if possible to have bins facing the sea. 

M/42/(21.06.21) Purchase of bollards for Neuadd Dyfi car park

The bollards have been delivered and Clerk is waiting for Geri Davies to confirm a date when he will install them.

M/127/(20.12.21) Items for consideration at future meetings

• Clerk has emailed Gwynedd Council asking for the hedge to be cut back between Outward Bound and Picnic Island, but has not heard back

Action: Clerk to contact network Rail

• Clerk emailed Gwynedd Council asking for their plans for the large tree at the bus stop by the Neuadd Dyfi, as several motorhome owners have moved their vehicles from under the tree as they are concerned about the tree falling on their vehicles. 

Action: Clerk to contact Gwynedd Council again

AGENDA ITEM 6 – Treasurer’s Report

CL/152/21.02.22

Proposed: Cllr Bradbury-Willis Seconded: Cllr O’Neill

Unanimously agreed

AGENDA ITEM 7 – Gwynedd Council Report

CL/153/21.02.22

The Chair reported that the rail line to Pwllheli will be closed again this year between September and December to allow metalwork repairs to be carried out on Barmouth bridge. The work so far has cost £18 million and the metalwork is estimated to cost £12 million. 

The Chair reported that next week a contractor will be working in the village to cut back hedges and growth that is obstructing paths and roads at various points round the village. 

A question was raised about the safety of the tree by the Neuadd Dyfi bus stop. The clerk has already reported it to Gwynedd Council on several occasions but has not had any response.

Action: Clerk to contact Gwynedd again

It was reported that a drain on Balkan Hill is blocked, causing flooding on the road. It has already been reported to Gwynedd Council, but no response has been forthcoming.

Action: Clerk to report it to Gwynedd Council again

It was noted that the ‘Don’t Feed the seagulls’ signs are old and faded and it was agreed to ask for Gwynedd Council to replace them.

Action: Clerk to contact Gwynedd Council

AGENDA ITEM 8 – Planning

CL/154/21.02.22

NP5/50/740 Morwel, Aberdyfi LL35 0NT

Removal of chimney stack, installation of rooflights and dormers & construction of building with terrace above terrace

58

NP5/50/631A 15 Treflan, Aberdyfi LL35 0PN

Demolish garage and construction of extension including terrace

No objections were raised to either application

AGENDA ITEM 9 – To consider maintenance of Anne Roberts’ memorial

CL/155/21.02.22

It was agreed to find out more about this memorial before committing to spending money on it. It was suggested it might be maintained by the Richard Roberts Trust.

Action: Clerk to find out more about the memorial and if it is maintained by the Trust.

Action: Clerk to put on agenda for next month

AGENDA ITEM 10 – To adopt NJC agreement on clerk’s pay & conditions

CL/156/21.02.22

It was agreed to adopt the agreement.

Proposed: Cllr Bradbury-Willis Seconded: Cllr Reynolds

Unanimously approved

AGENDA ITEM 11 – To consider purchase of storage container

CL/157/21.02.22

Cllr Williams suggested that the amount of paperwork and equipment needing to be stored be checked before a container is bought as it may be that a container is no longer needed.

Action: Clerk to ask One Voice Wales how long paperwork needs to be kept

Action: Clerk to find out exactly how much equipment needs to be stored and find out from Mr. George what his plans are for the storage unit where the kitchen is currently kept.

AGENDA ITEM 12 – To discuss Queen’s Jubilee celebrations

CL/158/21.02.22

Cllr Jones informed the council that the Fire service will create a beacon for the Thursday evening and Cllr Kelly informed the council that the AA&I will proved fireworks on the Saturday night. As there are a lot of trees already being planted in the village, it was agreed to buy a Queen’s Green Canopy A4 plaque at a cost of £155 + p&p and Cllr Bradbury-Willis offered to research a biodiverse specimen tree. 

The clerk informed the council that the yacht club plan to have a sail-past around high water on the Sunday.

It was agreed to put an item in Rushlight offering support to any groups in the village wanting to organise events. 

Action: Cllr Bradbury-Willis to research a specimen tree

Action: Clerk to add item to Rushlight and write to member of the public who wrote to the council with suggestions of events, offering support.

Action: Clerk to order plaque

AGENDA ITEM 13 – To consider purchase of new benches and planters for the wharf gardens

CL/159/21.02.22

It was agreed to buy 1 planter to see if it is suitable. It was agreed for Cllr Tyrrell and the clerk to liaise about repairing the existing benches and proposing a way forward with

59

benches for the wharf area. 

Action: Clerk to buy a single planter

Action: Clerk and Cllr Tyrrell to propose a way forward for benches on the wharf

AGENDA ITEM 14 – Wharf development project

CL/160/21.02.22

The clerk had an email from Gwynedd Consultancy stating that they have been asked to update the Economic Case of the project before the Welsh assembly will sign off the money for the project. They are hoping it will be finalised next week and the contractor appointed then.

AGENDA ITEM 15 – Correspondence

CL/161/21.02.22

* Playground concerns

It was agreed to put an item in Rushlight reiterating that the playground is inspected every year and is deemed safe by RoSPA, with a link to the report.

* Tree planting round the golf club car park and the recreation ground will take place on Thursday 24^th at 9.45am

*Neil Storkey is going to hire the kitchen for 2 events this year at a cost of £500 per event.

* There is a possible shortfall of £10,000 on Picnic Island Bridge and it was agreed that the council and AA&I will cover this if required.

* There is still a large hole in bank by development at the Penhelig. Clerk asked to request again that it is filled with soil and not hard core.

AGENDA ITEM 16 – Items for consideration at future meetings

CL/162/21.02.22

• Subway improvements
• Purchase of container
• Cycle path update

AGENDA ITEM 17 – Items for release / Rushlight / website / Facebook

CL/163/21.02.22

• Community lunches
• Messy church
• Pop-up rock shop
• Community Projects group update
• Playground 
• Jubilee celebrations
• Tree planting

AGENDA ITEM 14 – Date of next meeting

CL/164/21.02.22

Monday 21^st March 2022 at 7pm

There being no further business the meeting was closed by the Chair at 9.35pm

60

Minutes of the ordinary meeting of Aberdyfi Community Council held virtually via teleconferencing on Monday 17^th January 2022

Present: Cllr Dewi Owen – Chair

Councillors:

Cllr Sara Bradbury-Willis

Cllr Brian Kelly

Cllr Catrin O’Neill

Cllr Dai Owens

Cllr Megan Reynolds

Cllr Dave Williams

Cllr Simon Worman

Public: Pat Hellen

AGENDA ITEM 1 – Apologies

CL/130/17.01.22

Cllr Jones, Cllr Tyrrell

AGENDA ITEM 2 – Chairman’s Announcements

CL/131/17.01.22

The Chair welcomed everyone and noted that there have been quite a few people here on holiday now which is welcome for the village.

AGENDA ITEM 3 – To elect a Vice-Chair

CL/132/17.01.22

Cllr Brain Kelly was voted in unanimously as Vice-Chair

Proposed: Cllr Williams Seconded: Cllr O’Neill

AGENDA ITEM 4 – To receive and confirm minutes of meeting 20^th December 2021

CL/133/17.01.22

Proposed: Cllr Kelly Seconded: Cllr O’Neill

Unanimously agreed

AGENDA ITEM 5 – Matters arising

CL/134/17.01.22

Page 46

M/117/20.12.21 Community Needs Survey

It was agreed that a Place Plan is the logical way forward after the Community Needs Survey. It was agreed for the Clerk and Cllr O’Neill to form a working group with Des George to research what creating a Place Plan for Aberdyfi would involve and report back to the Council on their findings. 

Action: Clerk and Cllr O’Neill to meet with Mr. George

51

M/51/(15.06.20) request for drinking water fountain.

The clerk reported that she has emailed again but has not heard back from either Snowdonia National Park or Gwynedd Council.

Action: Clerk to contact them again

Page 47

M/107/(16.11.20) Subway improvements

The Clerk reported that the Streetworks department have emailed, saying that the highways department responsible for the maintenance of the subway have no objections to the project, but ask for sight of the proposed artwork beforehand to approve it’s suitability. Before we can proceed, we have to also have approval from the lighting department of Gwynedd Council and are awaiting their decision. 

It was agreed to seek information from local artists about what such a project might cost and set a budget using this information. It was suggested that once we have approval from the lighting department, local artists and art groups be invited to submit proposals for the work.

Action: Cllr Bradbury-Willis and Clerk to contact local artists to find out how much this sort of project might cost. Clerk to look back over minutes to see if there is any information available there.

M/166/(15.03.21) Football goalposts

Have now been installed and have been well-used already, with very positive feedback from locals.

M/139/(18.02.21) Crack in sea wall

Chair has spoken to Gwynedd Consultancy who do not yet have a date for repairing the crack. They confirmed that it will be highways that will be repairing the hole in the wall.

M/56/(19.07.21) Parking problems on Seaview Terrace

It was pointed out that the parking problems were highlighted in part of the community needs survey, but it was agreed that it is resident’s responsibility to apply for resident parking areas in the village. 

Action: Chair to speak to parking department of Gwynedd Council 

M/97/(20.10.21) Tywyn Minor Injuries Unit

Cllr Reynolds informed the Council that this month’s meeting was cancelled and there are currently 1000 vacancies in Betsy Cadwalader Health Board. It was agreed to write to BCUHB asking that Tywyn MIU is reinstated ASAP, before the main season. Cllr Bradbury-Willis reminded the council that anyone who needs attention can be seen at Dovey valley Health, they need to register as a temporary resident to be seen. 

Cllr Reynolds informed the council that it is hopeful that a new dentist will be found for Tywyn. 

Action: Clerk to write to BCUHB asking for Tywyn MIU to be opened as soon as possible. 

52

M/106/(15.11.21) Gwynedd Council Report

The Clerk has reported the trailer at BrynGwylan to Gwynedd Council, as has Cllr. Bradbury-Willis.

M/108/(15.11.21) To consider purchasing extra waste bins

The clerk has emailed Steffan Jones requesting a meeting as soon as possible, but has not heard back. 

Action: Clerk to contact Mr. Jones again

Page 49

M/122/(20.12.21) Planning

NP5/50/L308D Coast Deli Dining

The Chair reported that he has had various residents asking what can be done about the noise and smell outside and emanating from Coast Deli in recent months and he has been told that the environmental health department will be visiting the premises soon. He has been informed that Gwynedd Council intend to object to the planning application. The Chair clarified that these issues were only in relation to Coast Deli Dining and not Coast2Go.

Sheds being let out on AirBnB

There is concern that these are still being advertised but no planning application has been lodged.

Action: Clerk to contact Snowdonia National Park

M/42/(21.06.21) Purchase of bollards for Neuadd Dyfi car park

The Clerk has ordered the bollards and Geri Davies has confirmed he will install them.

M/124/(20.12.21) Purchase of hybrid meeting equipment

Clerk has ordered this equipment

M/127/(20.12.21) Items for consideration at future meetings

• Clerk has emailed Gwynedd Council asking for the hedge to be cut back between Outward Bound and Picnic Island, but has not heard back

Action: Clerk to contact network Rail

• Clerk emailed Gwynedd Council asking for their plans for the large tree at the bus stop by the Neuadd Dyfi, as several motorhome owners have moved their vehicles from under the tree as they are concerned about the tree falling on their vehicles. 

Action: Clerk to contact Gwynedd Council again

AGENDA ITEM 6 – Treasurer’s Report

CL/135/17.01.22

Proposed: Cllr Reynolds Seconded: Cllr Williams

Unanimously agreed

53

AGENDA ITEM 7 – Gwynedd Council Report

CL/136/17.01.22

The Chair reported that the dip in the road where the badger set caused subsidence now has signs warning of uneven surface and will be repaired in due course, though no date has been set yet.

He reported that the extra funding for the wharf development has been confirmed and that the contractors have now been formally appointed.

He reported that Picnic Island bridge is still due to be installed in April / May this year. 

AGENDA ITEM 8 – Planning

CL/137/17.01.22

No planning applications have been received to date

AGENDA ITEM 9 – To consider grant applications

CL/138/17.01.22

It was agreed to give £75 to the Air Ambulance, Dail Dysynni and Urdd Eisteddfod.

Proposed: Cllr Williams Seconded: Cllr O’Neill

Action: Clerk to transfer funds to the three charities

The clerk informed the council that the donation to the Neuadd Dyfi for 2021 will be half of the income from the machine in the Neuadd Dyfi car park, plus £2,500, as agreed previously. This gives a total of £6,425 / 2 = £3,212.50 + £2,500 = £5,712.50.

AGENDA ITEM 10 – To agree precept for 2022/ 2023

CL/139/17.01.22

The clerk informed the council that inflation for the year 2021 was 4.6% and reminded councillors that last year the council raised the precept by the inflation rate at the time of 1.5%. It was agreed to raise the precept by 3%, giving a total of £37,348 x 3% = £38,468. This equates to band D properties of £38,468 / 1095.65 = £35.11, a drop of £2.99 due to the increase in tax base this year.

Proposed: Cllr Williams Seconded: Cllr Bradbury-Willis

Unanimously approved

AGENDA ITEM 11 – To discuss council self-assessment toolkit 

CL/140/17.01.22

The Chair reported that using the toolkit was a useful exercise and confirmed that the Council is running as it should, though highlighted a few things, such as some training may be needed.The Clerk reported that the full toolkit will be available from May onwards and intends to go through the rest of it later in the year, as time allows. It was agreed to purchase a lockable cabinet for the council office.

Proposed: Cllr Owen Seconded: Cllr Bradbury-Willis

Action: clerk to report back to the Welsh Government and One Voice Wales on the use of the toolkit

54

AGENDA ITEM 12 – To consider cutting a path between the cemetery and the gas works

CL/141/17.01.22

Aled’s father has cut a path in the past and has offered to do it again for £60. It was greed unanimously to ask him to continue.

Proposed: Cllr Owen Seconded: Cllr Bradbury-Willis

AGENDA ITEM 13 – To consider how to communicate more effectively with the community

CL/142/17.01.22

It was agreed to leave this discussion until it comes up as part of the self-assessment toolkit later in the year.

AGENDA ITEM 14 – Correspondence

CL/143/17.01.22

Letter received from Coast Deli Dining

Action: Clerk to reply with details outlined in Agenda Item 5 above.

AGENDA ITEM 15 – Items for consideration at future meetings

CL/144/17.01.22

• Purchase of container
• Purchase of new benches and planters for the wharf gardens
• Adoption of the NALC guidelines for clerk’s pay and conditions
• Wharf development project
• Subway project
• Queen’s Jubilee celebrations

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

CL/145/17.01.22

• Institute subscriptions due
• British Legion Poppy Appeal results
• Football posts
• Wharf development project

AGENDA ITEM 14 – Date of next meeting

CL/146/17.01.22

Monday 21^st February 2022 at 7pm

There being no further business the meeting closed at 8.55pm

55

Minutes of the ordinary meeting of Aberdyfi Community Council held virtually via teleconferencing on Monday 20^th December 2021

Present:          Cllr Dewi Owen – Chair

Councillors:     Cllr Gareth Jones

                        Cllr Brian Kelly

                        Cllr Catrin O’Neill

                        Cllr Dai Owens

                        Cllr Megan Reynolds

                        Cllr Bob Tyrrell

Public:             Deio Jones

AGENDA ITEM 1 – Apologies

CL/115/20.12.21

Cllr Bradbury-Willis, Cllr Williams, Cllr Worman

AGENDA ITEM 2 – Chairman’s Announcements

CL/116/20.12.21

The Chair welcomed everyone and welcomed Deio Jones to the meeting. He reported that the village has been quiet recently though is probably going to get much busier over the festive period.

AGENDA ITEM 3 – Presentation on the Community Needs Survey by Deio Jones

CL/117/20.12.21

Deio Jones from Resources For Change did a short presentation on the Community Needs Survey, highlighting some of the results. He reported that many councils go on to use this type of survey as the basis for creating a Community Place Plan and encouraged the council to look at Newtown Place Plan as an example. Cllr O’Neill reported that there is funding available to create one and suggested it would be a good idea for either the Community Council or the Community Projects group to undertake. It was agreed to find out more information about what creating a Place Plan entails.

Action: Clerk to research the process of creating a Place Plan.

AGENDA ITEM 4 – To receive and confirm minutes of meeting 15th November 2021

CL/118/20.12.21

Proposed: Cllr Jones   Seconded: Cllr Reynolds

Unanimously agreed

AGENDA ITEM 5 – Matters arising

CL/119/20.12.21

Page 40

M/51/(15.06.20) request for drinking water fountain.

The clerk reported that she has not yet heard back from either Snowdonia National Park and 

46

Gwynedd Council 

Action: Clerk to contact Mr. Jones and Barry Davies again at the beginning of next year

M/107/(16.11.20) Subway improvements

The Clerk reported that the Streetworks department have emailed, saying they will look into whether it is possible for the project could go ahead if Community Council agree to take on the responsibility for maintaining the walls while Gwynedd Council retains responsibility for the lighting and electrics and they will let her know their decision in due course.

Action: Clerk to contact Gwynedd Council Streetworks team again.

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M/166/(15.03.21) Football goalposts

There was a delay in the installation and they are now due to be installed this week and work on the allotment retaining walls is due to start in mid-late January.

M/139/(18.02.21) Crack in sea wall

It was asked if the work on this could be done at the same time as the work to repair the wall that has been damaged recently by a car. The Chair reported that he has been told that Gwynedd Council said they will be repairing this in the next few months but will contact them again.

Action: Chair to contact Gwynedd Consultancy

Page 41

M/56/(19.07.21) Parking problems on Seaview Terrace

It was agreed that it was not for the Community Council to apply for residents parking on Seaview Terrace but for the residents themselves to apply for it. 

Page 42

M/97/(20.10.21) Tywyn Minor Injuries Unit

Cllr Reynolds informed the Council that three nurses are training in A & E work, so hopefully the MIU will open again soon.

Page 43

M/106/(15.11.21) Gwynedd Council Report

It was reported that the trailer at Bryn Gwylan is still blocking parking bays. 

Action: Chair and Clerk to contact Adra 

M/108/(15.11.21) To consider purchasing extra waste bins

The clerk reported that she has not had a date to meet with the Steffan Jones. It was suggested that perhaps larger bins instead of more bins might be good. Cllr Tyrrell also noted that many tourists do not know that the brown bins are only for garden waste. The Chair informed the council that the bins at Nantiesin have been used for inappropriate rubbish tipping and since September there have been 3 televisions, 2 beds and 4 mattresses put into those bins. 

47

Action: Clerk to contact Mr. Jones again and arrange a meeting and suggest larger bins as well as more bins, at that meeting. Clerk to inform Cllr Tyrrell of the meeting date.

Action: Clerk to write to all letting agents next year reiterating that they must not put household large goods in public bins.

AGENDA ITEM 6 – Treasurer’s Report

CL/120/20.12.21

Proposed: Cllr Kelly                Seconded: Cllr Tyrrell

Unanimously agreed

AGENDA ITEM 7 – Gwynedd Council Report

CL/121/20.12.21

The Chair reported on a meeting that was held at the wharf with Gwynedd Council, TMS Maritime and various stakeholders present. The contract hasn’t yet been signed as there is a shortfall in funding so they are currently waiting for the extra funding to be confirmed. It is hoped the project will start in March and the contractors gave a timetable of 34 weeks to complete the project. It will cause disruption in the village, but the work needs to be done as soon as possible in case prices increase again or anything unforeseen happens. The contractors plan to hold meetings early next year with residents and businesses in the village. 

It was requested that the contractors might be able to dig out the cannon that is embedded at the bottom of Church Bay slipway while they are doing the work on the wharf wall, to allow it to then be kept and possibly restored. 

Action: Clerk to talk to contractors about this possibility

AGENDA ITEM 8 – Planning

CL/122/20.12.21

NP5/50/L145G 12 Seaview Terrace, Aberdyfi LL35 0EF Installation of balcony railings to create balcony area (re-submission) 

No objections raised

NP5/50/27F The Old Coach House, Balkan Hill, LL35 0NH 

Alterations to first floor windows, remove extrenal steps and install glass balustrade 

No objections raised

NP5/ NP5/50/530B 14 Maes Newydd, Aberdyfi, LL35 0PD 

Demolish conservatory and construct 2 storey extension 

No objections raised

NP5/50/L228 Hafn, Terrace Road, Aberdyfi, LL35 0LT 

Installation of roof lights and rear dormer 

It was noted that the gates open onto the road and this could cause an issue. 

Action: Clerk to inform SNPA 

48

NP5/50/L134E Coast to Go, 9 Glandyfi Terrace, Aberdyfi, LL35 0EB 

Removal of condition 2 of planning consent to allow sale of hot food takeaway 

It was noted that this is next door to an existing takeaway business and the menus overlap.

Action: Clerk to inform SNPA

NP5/50/L308D Coast Deli Dining, 7 Seaview Terrace, Aberdyfi, LL35 0EE 

Removal of condition 2 of planning consent to allow sale of hot food takeaway 

It was agreed not to support this application due to exisiting problems and issues that have not been resolved 

            Action: Clerk to inform SNPA

The Clerk reported that Snowdonia National Park have been in contact with the owners of the sheds being let on AirBnB and have asked them to submit a planning application, but she hasn’t heard anything more about it yet.

AGENDA ITEM 9 – To consider purchase of bollards for the Neuadd Dyfi car park

CL/123/20.12.21

It was agreed to buy 5 bollards with space for a padlock at the top, at a price of £200 each. It was agreed that motorhome owners should provide their own padlocks with a spare key held at the Council office. It was agreed to ask Geri Davies to install the bollards.

Proposed: Cllr Kelly                            Seconded: Cllr Tyrrell

Unanimously agreed

AGENDA ITEM 10 – To consider purchase of equipment for hybrid meetings

CL/124/20.12.21

It was agreed to buy the equipment recommended by the clerk, including any sundries required.

Proposed: Cllr O’Neill                         Seconded: Cllr Kelly

Unanimously approved

AGENDA ITEM 11 – To consider keeping toilets by the Neuadd Dyfi open all year

CL/125/20.12.21

The clerk had confirmation from Amanda Murray that it will cost the council another £2,000 to keep the toilets open all year. It was agreed to reply accepting this proposal, and to ask the AA&I to cover the cost.

Proposed: Cllr Tyrrell                          Seconded: Cllr Reynolds

Unanimously approved

Action: Clerk to reply to Amanda Murray 

Action: Clerk to provide all figures from the past few years to the Chair to inform his forthcoming meeting with Amanda Murray

AGENDA ITEM 12 – Correspondence

CL/126/20.12.21        

• Day on the Quay

It was agreed to cancel this event

49

• Time & Tide Bell

The clerk reported that the clapper had been left outside the harbourmaster’s office so she has sent photos to the artist and is waiting for his response about what will happen next.

• Aberdyfi Community Projects

Cllr O’Neill gave an update on the company and their project to try to buy the building that houses the Post Office, garage etc. 

• Work happening at the institute in January

The clerk reported that major electrical work will be happening at the institute in January so she may work different hours or from home while this work takes place.

• New tenant at the Institute

The clerk reported that a new tenant has taken over the office below the council office and will be in place from January.

• New pharmacist in the village

The clerk reported that the pharmacy has now officially changed hands and the new pharmacist in now in place. 

Action: Clerk to write to the pharmacist, welcoming him to the village

• Railings in car park

Cllr O’Neill reported that at a recent Unllais meeting, she asked Dafydd Gibbard, CEO of Gwynedd Council, about the railings in the main car park and he said he will look into the problems with the car park.

AGENDA ITEM 13 – Items for consideration at future meetings / urgent business

CL/127/20.12.21

• Container
• Potential cutting of path between cemetery and Gas Works.
• Cutting hedge between OB and Picnic Island
• Sand build up in village already 
• Precept
• How can we communicate better with the community
• Large tree by the Neuadd Dyfi

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

CL/113/15.11.21

• Thanks to volunteers for village planting and tree / hedge planting 
• Aberdyfi Community Projects

AGENDA ITEM 14 – Date of next meeting

CL/114/15.11.21

Monday 17^th January 2022 at 7pm

There being no further business the meeting closed at 9:25pm

50

Minutes of the ordinary meeting of Aberdyfi Community Council held virtually via teleconferencing on Monday 15^th November 2021

Present:          Cllr Dewi Owen – Chair

Councillors:     Cllr Sara Bradbury-Willis

                        Cllr Gareth Jones

                        Cllr Catrin O’Neill

                        Cllr Megan Reynolds

                        Cllr Bob Tyrrell

                        Cllr Dave Williams

                        Cllr Simon Worman

AGENDA ITEM 1 – Apologies

CL/101/15.11.21

Cllr Kelly, Cllr Owens

AGENDA ITEM 2 – Chairman’s Announcements

CL/102/15.11.21

The Chair reported that the Remembrance Sunday events were very successful with many people in attendance. Once again the weather was kind and it was dry and calm. The Council agreed that David and Gay Richardson should be thanked for all their hard work in making the events so successful in a Covid-safe manner. 

Action: Clerk to thank David and Gay Richardson.

AGENDA ITEM 3 – To receive and confirm minutes of meeting 20th October 2021

CL/103/15.11.21

Proposed: Cllr O’Neill             Seconded: Cllr Worman

Unanimously agreed

AGENDA ITEM 4 – Matters arising

CL/104/15.11.21

Page 34

M/51/(15.06.20) request for drinking water fountain.

It was agreed that the preferred site for the fountain is outside the Tourist Information Centre and to seek a site meeting with Snowdonia National Park to confirm it’s position, then go back to Gwynedd Council with our final proposal.

Action: Clerk to contact Mr. Jones

Page 35

M/107/(16.11.20) Subway improvements

The Clerk reported that the Streetworks department have informed her that it would not be possible to have artwork in the subway, due to ongoing maintenance and upkeep required.

40

The Clerk replied to them, asking if the project could go ahead if Community Council agreed to take on this responsibility, but has not heard back. It was agreed to contact them again, reiterating our willingness to take on the upkeep of the subway, if they keep responsibility for the lighting and electrics.

Action: Clerk to contact Gwynedd Council Streetworks team again.

M/166/(15.03.21) Football goalposts

These are due to be installed this week.

M/25/(17.05.21) Bus shelter

Has been installed

M/139/(18.02.21) Crack in sea wall

The Chair reported that he has been told that Gwynedd Council will be repairing this in the next few months.

M/42/(21.06.21) Bollards in Neuadd Dyfi car park

It was agreed that these needed to be stainless steel with padlock locking, so further research is needed before a decision can be made. It was also agreed to check the number of posts that need replacing now and possibly just replacing bollards as and when required.

Action: Chair and Clerk to meet and discuss which bollards need replacing now and report to next meeting

Action: Clerk to research stainless steel bollards with padlocks.

Page 36

M/56/(19.07.21) Parking problems on Seaview Terrace

Clerk has had an email outlining the process of applying for residents-only parking but the email was missing an attachment so the clerk asked for the attachment to also be sent. She is still waiting for this.

Action: Clerk to contact the parking department again to ask for the attachment.

M/76/(20.09.21) EV charging points

The Chair reported that this was discussed at the meeting with Gwynedd Council this morning and reported that they haven’t made a decision yet where they plan to install chargers. 

Page 37

M/91/(20.10.21) Community Needs Survey

The Clerk reported that the survey has now been translated and reminded the Council that they agreed at the last meeting to pay for this service, which is approximately £800. The Clerk will distribute it as soon as it is received and will arrange for it to be hosted on the Council website. She will also ask Deio Jones, the author to attend our December meeting to give a short presentation on the report.

Action: Clerk to distribute the survey report and arrange hosting on the website

Action: Clerk to invite Deio Jones to December Council meeting

41

Page 38

M/92/(20.10.21) Village Toilets

It was agreed that the toilets are not being maintained as the Council would like but Gwynedd Council are not interested in improving these facilities. The Clerk has asked Scrubadub to deep clean them once now and then again before the main season begins at Easter. It was agreed to keep a tally of the numbers on the counters in order to have evidence if / when something is done with the toilets. The Chair reported that many other Councils have reported similar and worse problems than those experienced in Aberdyfi and Gwynedd Council have agreed to look into the situation.

Cllr Bradbury-Willis asked if the Council should consider paying to have the toilets by the Neuadd Dyfi open during the winter though acknowledged it is probably too late to do it this year, but perhaps something that should be considered for next year. 

Action: Clerk to keep reading the counters at the beginning of the month.

Action: Clerk to provide counter figures at the next meeting.

Action: Clerk to check when the toilets by the Neuadd Dyfi will be closed and to ask how much it might cost to keep them open during the winter.

Page 39 

M/97/(20.10.21) Tywyn Minor Injuries Unit

Cllr Reynolds informed the Council that a meeting was due to be held recently, as they are now supposed to be happened every month, but the most recent one was cancelled due to illness. She will report when she has more information.

AGENDA ITEM 5 – Treasurer’s Report

CL/105/15.11.21

Proposed: Cllr Williams                      Seconded: Cllr Jones

AGENDA ITEM 6 – Gwynedd Council Report

CL/106/15.11.21

Harbour Users meeting last week and the harbour took more money than normal this year, so is in surplus unusually. A contractor has been appointed for the Harbour Wall Project is TMS Maritime Ltd, based in Cornwall and who have done many projects like this in the past, according to their website. The work is due to commence in February for possibly 4 or 5 month, but no other details are available yet. This work will have a huge impact on the village. The contractors will come to the village on 30^th November for a meeting with interested parties, eg. Community Council, RNLI, Yacht Club, Outward Bound etc. and the Chair will also ask them to attend an open meeting sometime in December to enable the public to attend and ask any questions they might have. 

The Chair also informed the Council that the contractors will need storage space for portacabins, machinery etc. and he has been informed that this will be in the main car park, which will cause even more problems for the village.

All Councillors agreed that it is imperative that the work is done as soon as possible, despite the problems it will cause.

Action: Chair and Clerk to attend the meeting on 30^th November and organise an open meeting in December. 

Action: Clerk to distribute plans to the councillors

42

Gwynedd Council Tourism meeting this morning. The Chair reported that it was estimated that there has been an increase in motorhomes visiting Gwynedd this year of 70%, with associated access and waste problems. Wild camping has also caused major problems in the National Park this year with rubbish etc. It was also reported that many people didn’t follow the Covid Rules that the Welsh Gov has put in place. One positive outcome has been that most attractions in Gwynedd saw a marked increase of 50% in visitor number this year. There was a shortage of accommodation this year, partly due to visitor numbers and partly due to hotels etc. being understaffed and some accommodation had to close part of each week due to no staff being available. There will be another meeting in a month to try to solve some of the problems faced by communities this year.

One issue has been that there have been many events happening in the National park that local and District Councils have been unaware of. One example is this last weekend in Aberdyfi, where a running event was held. The Chair had complaints this weekend from various farmers whose land the people were running through, as they were climbing gates marked ‘private’ and not following footpaths. The Clerk had no notification of the event either. It was agreed to write to the organisers, asking for information to be given to the Council before any future events.

Action: Clerk to contact the organisers

Cllr Jones informed the council about a large number of mountain bikes that came through the village recently and the Chair reported on groups going gorge-walking without permission and no-one knows who is organising these events. 

It was reported that there has been a trailer blocking parking bays at BrynGwylan for many months and the whole area looks a mess. It was agreed to complain to Adra regularly about this issue.

Action: Chair to contact Adra and Clerk to email Adra about this issue.

AGENDA ITEM 7 – Planning

CL/107/15.11.21

No applications were received this month

The Clerk reported that Snowdonia National Park have been in contact with the owners of the sheds being let on AirBnB and have asked them to submit a planning application.

AGENDA ITEM 8 – To consider purchasing extra waste bins for the village

CL/108/15.11.21

The Clerk reported that she emailed Steffan Jones asking how much it would cost to have extra bins in the village and he replied suggesting a meeting on site about waste and recycling in the village. The Clerk has agreed to this and is waiting on a date.

Action: Clerk and Chair to meet with Steffan Jones and report back

AGENDA ITEM 9 – To consider purchase of bollards for the Neuadd Dyfi car park

CL/109/15.11.21

Has been covered earlier in the meeting

43

AGENDA ITEM 10– To consider and approve budget for 2022/23

CL/110/15.11.21

Proposed: Cllr Owen                          Seconded: Cllr Tyrrell

Unanimously approved

AGENDA ITEM 11 – Correspondence

CL/111/15.11.21        

• Gwynedd Council Local Development Plan

The Councillors did not have any comments on the plan

• Snowdonia National Park Conservation Areas Project

The Park asked if it would be possible to attend one of the Council meetings to discuss this project.

Action: Clerk to give them dates of meetings

• Fairbourne flood survey report

It was agreed to write to them explaining the problems in Aberdyfi on the wharf area, golf course, railway and sea wall. 

Action: Clerk to write to Arthog Community Council

• Tree surgeons have cut down the trees in the playing field and new trees will be planted along the side of the playing field, the side of the recreation ground and by the golf-club car park. The hedge in the Neuadd Dyfi car park will also be extended to the full length of the fence.

AGENDA ITEM 12 – Items for consideration at future meetings / urgent business

CL/112/15.11.21

The Clerk asked the Council to approve the cost of attending a conference on Wednesday in relation to the pilot project of the Council Toolkit, of £45+VAT. It was unanimously agreed to fund this for the Clerk.

• Community Needs Survey
• Equipment for hybrid meetings
• Bollards 
• Report from meeting with Steffan Jones
• Container
• Potential cutting of path between cemetery and Gas Works.
• Harbour project
• Cutting hedge between OB and Picnic Island
• Sand build up in village already 

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

CL/113/15.11.21

• RNLI Operations Manager
• Reminder Rushlight on website and Facebook
• Council need to be made aware of any activities in the village
• Christmas Tree and Fireworks.
• Advent windows

44

AGENDA ITEM 14 – Date of next meeting

CL/114/15.11.21

Monday 20^th December 2021 at 7pm

There being no further business the meeting closed at 9:10pm

Minutes of the ordinary meeting of Aberdyfi Community Council held virtually via teleconferencing on Monday 18th October 2021

Present:          Cllr Dewi Owen – Chair

Councillors:     Cllr Megan Reynolds

                         Cllr Dave Williams

                         Cllr Simon Worman

AGENDA ITEM 1 – Apologies

CL/82/20.10.21

Cllr Bradbury-Willis, Cllr Jones, Cllr Kelly, Cllr O’Neill, Cllr Owens, , Cllr Tyrrell

As the meeting was inquorate, it was rescheduled to Wednesday 20^th October at 7pm.

Minutes of the ordinary meeting of Aberdyfi Community Council held virtually via teleconferencing on Wednesday 20^th October 2021

Present:          Cllr Dewi Owen – Chair

Councillors:     Cllr Brian Kelly

                        Cllr Catrin O’Neill

                        Cllr Dai Owens

                        Cllr Megan Reynolds

                        Cllr Dave Williams

                        Cllr Simon Worman

AGENDA ITEM 1 – Apologies

CL/83/20.10.21

Cllr Bradbury-Willis, Cllr Jones, Cllr Tyrrell

AGENDA ITEM 2 – Chairman’s Announcements

CL/84/20.10.21

The Chair confirmed that this meeting was being held as the original council meeting on the 18^th was inquorate.  He noted that the work has now finished at Nyth Robin but the road closure last week caused significant problems to those who needed to go towards Machynlleth from Aberdyfi. He also noted that there are currently four sets of traffic lights between Aberdyfi and Tywyn.

AGENDA ITEM 3 – To receive and confirm minutes of meeting 20th September 2021

CL/85/20.10.21

Proposed: Cllr Kelly                Seconded: Cllr Reynolds

Unanimously agreed

AGENDA ITEM 4 – Matters arising

CL/86/20.10.21

Page 26

M/51/(15.06.20) request for drinking water fountain.

Clerk has had a reply from Barry Davies, suggesting the drinking water fountain be placed under the canopy between the doors to the two public toilets and asking who would be responsible for the cleaning and maintenance of the fountain, also suggesting not to have a mouth fountain, instead one just to fill bottles, as this would present less of a health hazard.

It was agreed that the Community Council will take responsibility for the cleaning and maintenance and not to have a mouth fountain. It was agreed to re-visit the site and consider the location at the next meeting in November.

Action: Councillors to visit site before next meeting and Clerk to put on November agenda

34

M/107/(16.11.20) Subway improvements

Clerk hasn’t heard back from the streetworks department.

Action: Clerk to contact Gwynedd Council streetworks department again.

M/166/(15.03.21) Football goalposts

Barry Griffiths will install the football posts as soon as possible.

M/25/(17.05.21) Bus shelter

Clerk has been told the bus shelter will be installed in the next day or two.

M/139/(18.02.21) Crack in sea wall

Clerk reported that the responsibility for the crack below the shelter on Terrace Road is in dispute between Coastal Defence department and Highways department of Gwynedd Council. Cllr Worman pointed out that there is an erosion hole in the road in that area which could potentially have been caused by this crack. 

M/150/(15.02.21) CCTV

Cllr Kelly reported that the electrician is not responding to emails and attempts to contact him, so he is meeting with another electrician this week to discuss the work. Cllr Worman asked if responsibility for GDPR rests with the electrician or the owners / operators and contractors installing the cameras need a special licence for GDPR issues. It was unclear, although Cllr Kelly said it was the owners / operators. Cllr Worman will investigate and confirm if this is the case.

Action: Cllr Kelly to meet with the electrician this week. 

Action: Cllr Worman to clarify the GDPR situation.

Page 28

M/28/(17.05.21) Litter and bin problems

It was agreed there are still problems with litter in the village and to ask the person responsible for litter attend one of our meetings.

It was reported that there are still businesses who have already been reported to Gwynedd Council, that are still telling their customers to put their rubbish in the bins on the car park.

Action: Clerk to chase up enforcement team 

Action: Council to consider purchasing more bins before the season next year.

Action: Clerk to ask Gwynedd Council to check if Gwynedd Council requires businesses to provide proof that their rubbish is being collected before exemption is approved.

Action: Chair to ask Steffan at Gwynedd Council to attend one of our meetings

Page 20

M/42/(21.06.21) Correspondence

Bollards in Neuadd Dyfi car park

Clerk is still trying to source more robust bollards

Action: Clerk to source more robust bollards

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Page 28

M/56/(19.07.21) Parking problems on Seaview Terrace

Clerk has phoned and left messages for the parking department twice asking how we progress getting resident-only parking in the village but has not heard back. 

Action: Clerk to contact the parking department again and copy in CEO of Gwynedd Council

Page 30

M/76/(20.09.21) To discuss EV charging points in the village

The Chair reported that Gwynedd Council have not yet reached a decision and the Clerk reported that the consultation is still live on their website.

Action: Chair to contact Gwynedd again

Page 32

M/78/(20.09.21) Picnic Island bridge

The Chair reported that the bridge work is still progressing well but Gwynedd Consultancy are being very slow in giving their permission for works to go ahead and Al Crisp told the Chair it is hoped that the bridge will be within budget and will be installed March / April next year. 

Action: Clerk to put in Rushlight

Action: Chair to impress on Gwynedd Council and Network Rail to work together positively for a quick installation.

AGENDA ITEM 5 – Treasurer’s Report

CL/87/20.10.21

Proposed: Cllr Williams                      Seconded: Cllr Reynolds

It was noted that the finance committee needs to meet before the next council meeting to prepare the budget for next year.

AGENDA ITEM 6 – Gwynedd Council Report

CL/88/20.10.21

The Chair reported that there was a meeting of the full council on 7^th October and Gwynedd Council are trying to encourage younger people to apply for the elections in May and they will be losing 6 Councillors in the May elections, going down from 75 to 69 councillors.

Gwynedd Council have spent over £130k on equipment for hybrid meetings and it is hoped that many of their meetings will be hybrid going forward.

The Chair has received a request for the Council and the AA&I to support a FLAG project to develop the compound opposite the Trefeddian Hotel that is used by the fishermen. It is hoped to install a 40ft square hard standing with water and electricity. FLAG are willing to provide 62% of the cost, but are asking for support of up to £8k from the Council and AA&I. It was agreed to support the project and decide the split between the Council and AA&I once final costs are known.

Cllr Williams pointed out that the project needs to be mindful of the people who live next door to the compound as there may be some smell from the fisherman’s work.

Proposed: Cllr O’Neill                         Seconded: Cllr Kelly

Action: Clerk to contact FLAG 

36

The Chair reported that he had a meeting on Monday about home carers in Tywyn, as Gwynedd Council has recently taken over all the home caring for Tywyn as a pilot project. It was reported that the pilot has worked extremely well, with 35 carers organised by a coordinator based locally in Tywyn. Gwynedd are hoping to roll out this model elsewhere and are keen for feedback from people who the carers have visited. 

It was agreed that this has been a very positive and successful initiative by Gwynedd Council. One slight problem is that many of the carers were unable to find anywhere to park at times, so Gwynedd Council are looking into giving them parking permits.

Action: Chair to chase up parking permits for carers.

The Chair reported that it is hoped to name a contractor for the harbour project this week, with work starting in February for approximately 7 months, which is not good news for the village next summer, but it was acknowledged that this work needs done for the sea defence or Aberdyfi, so it is essential it is done. It was noted that the Community Council needs to have a discussion with the contractor, yacht Club, Outward Bound and the RNLI to discuss what exactly the plans are. 

Action: Chair to liaise with the relevant organisations to arrange a meeting as soon as possible.

AGENDA ITEM 7 – Planning

CL/89/20.10.21

NP5/50/L214 3 Nantiesiyn, Aberdyfi LL35 0NB

            Demolition of exisiting outhouse and erection of rear extension

No objections raised

            NP5/50/363F  Aberdyfi Lodge Park, Aberdyfi LL35 0RG

            Construction of 2 chalets in lieu of unconstructed chalets approved previously

No objections raised

            NP5/50/578B 4 Treflan, Aberdyfi LL35 0PN

            Erection of balcony on side elevation

No objections raised

AGENDA ITEM 8 – To consider purchasing equipment for hybrid meetings

CL/90/20.10.21

The Clerk informed the council that she and Cllr Kelly have discussed the issue and it would cost approximately £350 for a Television and webcam to allow the council to run hybrid meetings. Cllr Williams asked if purchasing a projector might be more portable and flexible.

Action: Clerk to research options and costs for projectors

AGENDA ITEM 9 – To discuss ‘Our Area 2035’ consultation

CL/91/20.10.21

It was agreed to set up a meeting with Gwen Evans for all the councillors to attend

Action: Clerk to arrange meeting with Gwen Evans and send invite to councillors.

Cllr O’Neill informed the Council that the Community Needs Survey results have now been collated but they need to be translated and asked if the Council would be willing to fund this 

37

translation. She also asked if the council would be willing to host the report on the website and to invite Deio Jones, the author of the report to give the Council a presentation on the report.

It was agreed to accept all three proposals.

Action: Clerk to liaise with Cllr O’Neill to arrange translation of the report and invite Deio Jones to a council meeting.

Action: Clerk to contact the web developer to arrange for the report to be hosted on the website

AGENDA ITEM 11 – To discuss condition of village toilets

CL/92/20.10.21

It was noted that Gwynedd Council have informed the Council that there is no money for them to upgrade the toilets, only for maintenance, so it was agreed to ask Scrubadub to deep clean the toilets now and again in the Spring before the main season starts at Easter. 

Action: Clerk to contact Scrubadub

AGENDA ITEM 12 – To consider purchase of programmes for the office computer

CL/93/20.10.21          

The Clerk reported that she needed to purchase applications such as Microsoft Word etc. for the computer and has been quoted £7.90 + VAT / month. Cllr Kelly informed her that there was a much cheaper way to buy what she needs. It was agreed to leave the decision for this purchase to the Clerk and Cllr Kelly.

Action: Cllr Kelly to liaise with the clerk to purchase programmes

AGENDA ITEM 13 – To consider quotes for work on allotment retaining walls

CL/94/20.10.21

It was agreed to accept the lower quote using wooden posts.

Action: Clerk to contact contractors

AGENDA ITEM 14 – To discuss pavement subsidence at bottom of Gwelfor Road

CL/95/20.10.21

Cllr Kelly informed the council that he has concerns about the depth of the subsidence of the pavement on the main footpath at the bottom of Gwelfor Road. It was agreed to inform Gwynedd Council of these concerns.

Action: Clerk to report the subsidence and Council’s concerns to Gwynedd Council.

AGENDA ITEM 15 – To discuss joining the pilot of the self-assessment toolkit for councils

CL/96/20.10.21

It was agreed that it would be useful to join the pilot scheme being run by OneVoice Wales

Action: Clerk to register interest in joining the scheme.

AGENDA ITEM 16 – Correspondence

CL/97/20.10.21

• Consultation on dangerous use of personal watercraft

Action: Councillors urged to complete the survey and encourage others to do so.

38

• Councillor survey on the role of a councillor and public perception of the role.

Action: Councillors urged to complete the survey

• Excessive noise of grounds contractor

It was agreed to talk to him about the noise of his equipment.

Action: Clerk to speak to the ground’s contractor

• Tywyn Minor Injuries Unit

It was noted that the Unit will open again and the GP service and other services in the hospital will all be run by Betsi Cadwallader Health Board from early next year.

Action: Clerk to put in Rushlight

• Email concerning holiday let accommodation at Plas Panteidal

Clerk has given them details of Gwynedd Council and recommended they contact the health and safety department.

• Guide to taking part in the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations

It was agreed to discuss this closer to the time

• Tree sculpture update

The Clerk has met with the sculptor and agreed how much of the tree to leave and has contacted the tree surgeon to arrange a meeting to discuss when the trees will be taken down.

• Tree planting update

The Clerk has been in contact with Snowdonia National Park and it Is hoped that the trees round the playing field will be planted in November sometime and it is hoped to involve some of the children from Aberdyfi.

• Day on the Quay

Neil Storkey has asked if the Day on the Quay can be held in the playing field next year, given that the wharf will probably be unusable due to the work on the wharf happening at that time. 

It was agreed that this will be acceptable.

Action: Clerk to contact Neil Storkey

AGENDA ITEM 17 – Items for consideration at future meetings

CL/98/20.10.21

Community Needs Survey

AGENDA ITEM 18 – Items for release / Rushlight / website / Facebook

CL/99/20.10.21

Picnic Island Bridge

50^th Anniversary of O’Neill’s Hairdresser’s

GP practice not closing

Booster jabs

Drop-in centre

Remembrance Sunday

AGENDA ITEM 15 – Date of next meeting

CL/100/20.10.21

Monday 15^th November 2021 at 7pm

There being no further business the meeting closed at 9:05pm

39

Minutes of the ordinary meeting of Aberdyfi Community Council held virtually via teleconferencing on Monday 20^th September 2021

Present: Cllr Dewi Owen – Chair

Councillors:

Cllr Sara Bradbury-Willis

Cllr Brian Kelly

Cllr Catrin O’Neill

Cllr Dai Owens

Cllr Megan Reynolds

Cllr Bob Tyrrell

  Cllr Dave Williams

Cllr Simon Worman

AGENDA ITEM 1 – Apologies

CL/67/20.09.21

Cllr Jones

AGENDA ITEM 2 – Chairman’s Announcements

CL/68/20.09.21

The Chair remarked how busy the summer has been and how nice it was to see people in the village, particularly for the businesses, although it did cause problems with rubbish and parking. He also remarked how nice it was to see traffic wardens in the village at 7am and suggested the council write to the traffic wardens thanking them for this and asking them to come more often, particularly on Sundays. It was agreed to do this.

Action: Clerk to write to the traffic wardens.

AGENDA ITEM 3 – To receive and confirm minutes of meeting 19^th July 2021

CL/69/20.09.21

Proposed: Cllr Kelly Seconded: Cllr Reynolds

Unanimously agreed

AGENDA ITEM 4 – Matters arising

CL/70/20.09.21

Page 17

M/51/(15.06.20) request for drinking water fountain.

It was agreed to write to Mr. Jones at Snowdonia National Park confirming that the Community Council will pay for 100% of the water bill and drainage for the Tourist Information Centre and to write to Gwynedd Council asking for permission to site the fountain next to the Tourist Information Centre.

Action: Clerk to write to Mr. Jones and Gwynedd Council

26

Page 18

M/107/(16.11.20) Subway improvements

It was agreed to contact the streetworks department of Gwynedd Council  to seek permission for artwork in the subway, as suggested by Mr. Adrian Williams. 

Action: Clerk to contact Gwynedd Council streetworks department. 

M/166/(15.03.21) Football goalposts

2 quotes were considered and one for £320 was accepted. Quotes had also been submitted for work on the allotments, one of which quoted using recycled plastic posts and one using wooden posts. It was agreed to ask the cheaper one to resubmit using plastic posts instead of wooden ones and for the quotes to be discussed at the next meeting.

Action: Clerk to appoint Barry Griffiths to install the football posts and to ask to quote again using plastic posts. 

M/25/(17.05.21) Bus shelter

Clerk has ordered a bus shelter for the bus stop by the Neuadd Dyfi and it will be installed in the next month or so. The clerk asked Gwynedd Council if it would be possible to install a bus shelter at the stop opposite St. Peter’s church, but they replied that there isn’t enough room for wheelchairs and the shelter is too close to the sea, so there would be maintenance problems. 

M/139/(18.02.21) Crack in sea wall

Cllr Reynolds reported that she has been told by the harbourmaster that Gwynedd Council will not do anything until something changes in the sea wall. 

Action: Chair to contact Gwynedd Council to clarify

M/150/(15.02.21) CCTV

Cllr Kelly reported that the electrician is not responding to emails and attempts to contact him. It was suggested we install the cameras ourselves as it does not involve electrical work. It was agreed for Cllr Kelly to keep trying to contact the electrician.

Action: Cllr Kelly to contact Ron Thomas 

M/24/(17.05.21) New Dyfi Bridge project

The Chair reported that he has been told that the project will be delayed by at least 10minths due to difficulties in obtaining materials. 

Page 19

M/26/(17.05.21) 20mph proposals

Clerk has spoke to Iwan ap Trefor and has been told that in 2023 all minor roads in Aberdyfi will become 20mph and before that time, Gwynedd Council will consult with the Community Council about which sections of the main road will become 20 mph. 

The clerk also took the opportunity to ask him to change the waiting limit in the village from 45 minutes to 1 hour, as this was causing major problems for local residents. He will consult with his team and consider our request.

Action: clerk to follow up 

27

M/28/(17.05.21) Litter and bin problems

Clerk passed 2 quotes to Gwynedd Council and has had permission to instruct Dylan Jones to replace the fence by the fire station. She is currently waiting for a date when the work will be carried out.

It was noted that the street cleaners had been working extra hours and working very hard over the summer to keep on top of the rubbish problems in the village. It was agreed for the clerk to contact them to pass on the thanks of the Community Council for all their hard work.

Action: Clerk to contact the street cleaners with thanks. 

It was noted that many second homes, holiday lets and even some businesses do not pay for their recycling and put it in the main rubbish bins. The clerk and chair both reported that they have both spoken to Gywnedd Council and have been told that they will sort it for next year.

The Chair reported that the CEO of Gwynedd Council is keen to attend one of our meetings and he suggested that this would be a good time to express our concerns over the rubbish problems to the CEO. 

Page 20

M/42/(21.06.21) Correspondence

Bollards in Neuadd Dyfi car park

Clerk is still trying to source more robust bollards

Action: Clerk to source more robust bollards

Gwelfor Road subsidence

Clerk has spoken to Iwan ap Trefor and asked if a weight limit can be put on Gwelfor Road. She was told they will send an engineer to inspect the road and they will decide on their recommendation. The Chair reported that the builders have told him that they are not even half way through the concrete work on Balkan Hill, so there is a lot of concrete stull to go up Gwelfor Road.

Action: clerk to contact Iwan ap Trefor for an update

Page 22

M/56/(19.07.21) Parking problems on Seaview Terrace

Clerk has emailed the parking department twice asking how we progress getting resident-only parking in the village but has not heard back. It was agreed to talk to the CEO of Gwynedd Council about this as well. 

Action: Clerk to contact the parking department again.

Page 23

M/63/(19.07.21) Overnight camping at Morfa Gypsies

Clerk purchased and put 4 No Camping signs high up in the trees on Morfa Gypsies but they 

were taken down within a week. Cllrs reported that most people camping there were 

28

responsible campers and did not leave any rubbish in the area, though there is concern over Morfa Gypsies becoming a focus for people camping. It was agreed to talk to the CEO of Gwynedd about this and for the clerk to clarify who is responsible for this area of land. 

Action: Clerk to contact the legal department of Gwynedd Council to clarify the situation.

AGENDA ITEM 5 – Treasurer’s Report

CL/71/20.09.21

Proposed: Cllr Kelly Seconded: Cllr Tyrrell

Cllr Tyrrell noted that the clerk seems to be doing more than her contracted hours and proposed that it be formalised that the Clerk logs the hours she works and is paid for those each month. It was unanimously agreed to use this system.

Proposed: Cllr Tyrrell Seconded: Cllr O’Neill

AGENDA ITEM 6 – Gwynedd Council Report

CL/72/20.09.21

The Chair reported that there hasn’t been a meeting of the full Gwynedd Council, so there is nothing to report. Cllr Williams suggested that the full Council discuss what lessons Gwynedd Council have learned from the last 6 months and what they plan to do differently going forward to solve the problems. 

AGENDA ITEM 7 – To consider co-opting a new councillor

CL/73/20.09.21

The Chair wished to extend the thanks of the whole Community Council to James Bradbury-Willis for all his work on the Council over the past 7 years. He was extremely helpful with setting up the website and helping with IT issues in particular and he will be missed. 

As there are elections next May, the final meeting of this Council will be in March, so it was agreed not to co-opt a councillor at this time and to add to Rushlight that there is a vacancy but we will not be co-opting as so close to the elections, but look forward to receiving applications in May. The Clerk reported the changes to council applications that are being considered by One Voice wales. 

Action: Clerk to add this to Rushlight

AGENDA ITEM 8 – Planning

CL/74/20.09.21

NP5/50/738 Medley Cottage, Rhoslan, Aberdyfi, LL35 0NS

Erection of single storey garage and extend exisiting patio

No objections raised

NP5/50/L442A Argoed, Aberdyfi, LL35 0LE

Construction of front and side extention, including front balcony

No objections raised

NP5/50/147P Nyth Robin Campsite

Notice of appeal to the Welsh Minister

It was agreed to offer Nyth Robin more support if required

Action: Celrk to contact Nyth Robin and offer ongoing support

29

NP5/50/734 Cartref, Aberdyfi, LL35 0NR

Change of title of application

No objections raised

12 Penhelyg Road – the Clerk has been told by Snowdonia National Park that they will allow this development as they would have allowed a planning application to go through had one been submitted.  Cllr Bradbury-Willis asked if there is still a local occupancy clause on this house, as it seems to be being let out as a holiday let and it is unclear if this is allowed.

Action: Clerk to clarify the situation

The Clerk reported that she has contacted Snowdonia National Park about sheds in gardens being let out on AirBnB and was told that they would need planning permission to do this so SNPA will write to the owners.

AGENDA ITEM 9 – To consider returning to face to face meetings

CL/75/20.09.21

It was agreed to hold the October meeting remotely as we need to obtain equipment in order to run hybrid meetings before going back to face to face. It was agreed to get quotes for this and to discuss at the next meeting. It was noted that face to face meetings could be held in the Neuadd Dyfi initially and everyone could do lateral flow tests beforehand. 

It was agreed to leave the final decision to the Chair and Clerk

Action: Clerk to obtain quotes for hybrid meeting equipment. 

AGENDA ITEM 10 – To discuss EV charging points in the village

CL/76/20.09.21

The Chair is still waiting to hear from Gwynedd Council where they intend to site Electric Chargers in the County, so will contact them again for an update. He reported that the Neuadd Dyfi is planning to apply for a grant to install electric chargers there and Cllr Williams reported that they have a solution which will not impact on any of the parking spaces in the Neuadd Dyfi car park.

Action: Chair to contact Gwynedd Council

AGENDA ITEM 11 – To consider taking control of the children’s playground in Mase Newydd

CL/77/20.09.21

It was agreed not to pursue this at this time and revisit once the main playground project has been completed.

AGENDA ITEM 12 – Correspondence

CL/78/20.09.21

Benches

The Clerk reported that she had a very positive meeting with Bryn Hughes from Gwynedd Council and it was agreed that the concrete benches on SeaView Terrace will be removed and the wooden benches will be spread out along the terrace. Mr Hughes confirmed that the benches on the promenade are their responsibility and will be removed in the winter for 

30

maintenance and put back in the spring. He confirmed that the concrete benches in the playground are the responsibility of the Community Council to remove and the ones in the wharf area are the responsibility of the maritime department. 

It was agreed to spray the wooden benches to stop mould growing on them.

Action: Clerk to ask Aled to spray the benches

Cllr Tyrrell reported that the planters in the wharf gardens were disintegrating and it was agreed to put this on the agenda for the October meeting. 

Request for support

It was agreed to write a letter of support and give other support if needed.

Action: clerk to contact the resident and find out what support they would like. 

Toilets

Clerk has had various emails complaining about lack of locks, hand driers not working and the general state of the toilets. She has passed the comments onto Gwynedd Council but has been told that there is no money for improvements, only maintenance. 

Road closure

The Clerk reported on the road closure in October. It was noted that it will cause major problems in Happy Valley, despite the diversion going vai Talyllyn. 

Action: Chair to ask Gwynedd Council to post a person at each end of Happy Valley to police the number of people going through the valley. 

Action: Chair to contact Gwynedd Council

Cemetery Tip area

The Clerk reported that there is an agreement in place between Gwynedd Council and the gold club to use this area.

Email from the new owners of the Britannia Inn

It was agreed to reply, welcoming them to the village and wishing them all the best in their venture.

Action: Clerk to reply to email

Health watchdog request for feedback

It was agreed to put in Rushlight

2^nd home tax consultation

It was agreed to put in Rushlight

Places 4 Nature 

Rachel Carter, Places 4 Nature officer from One Voice Wales would like to present to the Community Council at some point.

It was agreed to invite her after new Council is in place in May.

31

Picnic Island Bridge

The Chair reported that they are hoping it will be installed at the end of October.

Action: Chair to contact Outward Bound to find installation date.

AGENDA ITEM 13 – Items for consideration at future meetings

CL/79/20.09.21

Toilets

Hybrid equipment

Picnic Island Bridge

Wharf Planters

Playing field

Pavement subsidence at bottom of Gwelfor Road

AGENDA ITEM 14 – Items for release / Rushlight / website / Facebook

CL/80/20.09.21

Drop-in Centre

Health watchdog survey

2^nd home tax survey

Road closure

Councillor vacancy and May elections

Minor Injuries unit is open in Machynlleth

AGENDA ITEM 15 – Date of next meeting

CL/81/20.09.21

Monday 18^th October 2021 at 7pm

There being no further business the meeting closed at 9:50pm

32

Minutes of the ordinary meeting of Aberdyfi Community Council held virtually via teleconferencing on Monday, 19^th July 2021

Present were:                   Cllr Dewi Owen – Chair

Councillors:                     

Cllr James Bradbury-Willis

Cllr Sara Bradbury-Willis

Cllr Brian Kelly

Cllr Catrin O’Neill

Cllr Dai Owens

Cllr Megan Reynolds         

Cllr Dave Williams

AGENDA ITEM 1- Apologies

CL/46/19.07.21

Cllr. Bob Tyrrell

AGENDA ITEM 2- Chairman’s Announcements

CL/47/19.07.21

The Chairman welcomed everyone and remarked how busy the village is and will be for the next couple of months.

AGENDA ITEM 3 – Receive & confirm minutes of meeting 21^st June 2021

CL/48/19.07.21

Proposed: Cllr. Reynolds Seconded: Cllr. Kelly

Unanimously approved.

AGENDA ITEM 4 – Matters arising

CL/49/19.07.21

Page 10     

M/51/(15.06.20) Request for drinking water fountain

Clerk has still has no reply from Mr. Jones but spoke to Snowdonia National park planning department who said they’d seen our letter and would chase it up.

Action: Clerk to chase up

Page 11

M/106/(16.11.20) Playground seating

Seating has been installed and looks very good. Cllr. O’Neill informed the council that there will be an article in the Cambrian News shortly.

17

Cllr O’Neill requested that a crowdfunding page or similar be set up for donations for new equipment for the playground. It was agreed that this was a good idea and to delegate arranging this to the Clerk and Cllr. O’Neill.

It was agreed to clear the weeds from the playground.

Action: Cllr. O’Neill and Clerk to set up an online fundraising option for donations.

Action: Clerk to arrange for weeds etc. to be cleared from the playground

M/107/(16.11.20) Subway Improvements

Clerk reported that still nothing has been received from Adrian Williams at Gwynedd Council Highways. The Chair reported that he had spoken to Mr. Williams 3 weeks ago and Mr. Williams informed the Chair that someone would come to look at the subway, but he has not had any contact since.

Action: Chair to contact Mr. Williams again

M/139/(18.02.21) Crack in Sea Wall

Cllr Reynolds informed the Council that the harbourmaster has been trying to contact the flood defence team about the various cracks in the walls but they have not responded to him. It was agreed to contact Gwynedd Consultancy to see

M/150/(15.02.21) Installing CCTV

Cllr Kelly reported that Ron Thomas has agreed to do the work and will meet with Cllr Kelly to ensure they are put in the correct position.

M/166/15.03.21 Buying football goalposts

Clerk is waiting for quotes to install the goalposts

Action: Clerk to chase up.

Page 12

M/24/(17.05.21) New Dyfi Bridge Project

The Chair informed the Council that the bridge is facing delays because of difficulties in obtaining supplies, as most of the supplies are currently being diverted to the HS2 project. This will have a knock-on effect on the finishing date of the bridge project.

M/25/(17.05.21) Providing a bus shelter

Clerk has had permission to install a bus shelter at the Neuadd Dyfi bus stop, but has been told that it is for the Community Council to buy and maintain. The Clerk shared a quote for a bus shelter for £5,079.31 (ex-VAT) with the council and it was agreed to go ahead with buying the shelter and agreed to ask the AA&I for a donation towards the cost.

It was questioned if this was the right place for a bus shelter as perhaps opposite

18

the church would be a good site. It was agreed to see how this one works out and look at the possibility of installing one at the church if residents request it in the future.

Proposed: Cllr. Kelly                 Seconded: Cllr. Reynolds

Unanimously approved

Action: Clerk to purchase bus shelter and to write to AA&I requesting a donation towards the cost

M/26/(17.05.21) 20mph proposals

The Clerk hasn’t had any reply from Gwynedd Council yet.

Action: Clerk and Chair to chase up Iwan ap Trefor and talk to Outward Bound if required to add pressure to obtaining a 20mph zone.

The Chair reported that he has met with Gwynedd Council about the overgrown verges on the outskirts of the village, as they are obscuring road signs on the side of the road and he has seen car mirrors there in the last few weeks. He has been assured that Gwynedd Council will cut back the growth, but it hasn’t been done yet.

Action: Chair and Clerk to chase up.

The Clerk reported that Gwynedd Council have told her a fence on the footpath between the Penhelig and Hillside Village will not be installed.

M/28/(17.05.21) Litter and bin problems

Clerk has spoken to Caron Jones, Waste and Recycling Officer for Gwynedd Council, and has had permission to extend the area by the fire station over one of the parking spaces, to create a larger recycling area. She is waiting for quotes to replace the fence. Caron Jones is keen to see much better recycling facilities for the village.

Action: Clerk to arrange for fence to be replaced

Clerk has written to Gwynedd Council saying we believe that there are several properties in the village who do not pay council tax and do not pay for refuse collection either. Caron Jones has passed this onto the enforcement team, but the clerk hasn’t heard from them yet.

Action: Clerk to chase up

Cllr Reynolds reported that the glass recycling bins have finally been emptied.

It was noted that there might be a move to make all properties that are let out as businesses to be licensed, which may help with the commercial waste collection problem.

19

It was agreed that the clerk will write to all businesses in the village again, asking them to ensure their rubbish is disposed of correctly.

Action: Clerk to write to all businesses and letting agencies in the village.

Page 13

Quotes for tree sculpture carving

The clerk reported that both quotes do not include VAT, as neither are VAT registered. The 2 quotes were considered and it was agreed to accept quote 2.

Proposed: Cllr Owen                   Seconded: Cllr O’Neill

Action: Clerk to write to both companies with the decision.

Page 14

M/42/21.06.21 Correspondence

Bollard in Neuadd Dyfi car park

Clerk reported that she has spoken to Geri Davies, who installed the original bollards, and who told her that in his opinion, the one there at the moment are not robust enough, as several have already had to be replaced and he recommended replacing them with better ones. The clerk is currently trying to source more robust bollards.

Action: Clerk to source more robust bollards

Page 15

Gwelfor Road subsidence

Clerk reported that she spoke to Sian Wilkes, who told her that there has never been a weight limit sign there, though it is possible to apply to have one from the traffic department. It was agreed to pursue this.

Proposed: Cllr. Owen                Seconded: Cllr. Kelly

Action: Clerk to apply for a weight limit sign on Gwelfor Road

Complaints re: sand on promenade and in car aprk

Clerk reported that the harbourmaster told her that the prom would be cleared as soon as possible. She has also had a reply from both Barry Davies and Ceri Thomas, assuring her that the sand will be cleared from the car park before the main season starts.

AGENDA ITEM 5 – Treasurer’s Report

CL/50/19.07.21

The Clerk informed the Council that the new bank account is now in place

Proposed: Cllr. Williams             Seconded: Cllr. Kelly

Unanimously approved

20

AGENDA ITEM 6 – Gwynedd Council Report

CL/51/19.07.21

The Chair reported that much of the recent meeting was taken up with discussions about local housing issues and there may be a few houses built in Pennal and Tywyn, but there is no land owned by Gwynedd Council in Aberdyfi. Cllr. O’Neill reported that the housing group in the village had met with Gwynedd Council and Snowdonia National Park and had asked them why the money taken from the second homes in the village etc. is not being spent in the village. They replied that if we propose projects, they will spend the money in the village.

AGENDA ITEM 7 – Planning

CL/52/19.07.21

NP5/50/734         Cartref, Aberdyfi, LL35 0NR

Alterations inclusing installation of external staircase and dormer window on rear.

No objections were raised

          NP5/50/LB64       Minafon, 20 Seaview Terrace,  Aberdyfi, LL35 0LL

          Listed consent for removal of kitchen window at rear and part of external w        all, door frame and replace door.

          No objections were raised.

          NP5/50/562P      Chalet 62, Plas Panteidal, Aberdyfi, LL35 0RF

          Retrospective application to extend decking

It was felt this was an overdevelopment, the decking too extensive and too close to other properties.

Action: Clerk to lodge objection

NP5/50/375D      2 Corbett Lane, Aberdyfi, LL35 0RB

Renewal of planning permission for construction of garage

No objections were raised

It was asked if the extension at 12 Penhelig Road had been given planning permission. The clerk reported that she had reported it to Snowdonia but hadn’t heard anything back.

Action: Clerk to find out what has happened about this property and planning application.

Cllr Reynolds requested the clerk to find out if letting out a shed on AirBnB requires planning permission.

Action: Clerk to contact the planning department

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AGENDA ITEM 8 – To discuss parking problems in Seaview Terrace

CL/56/19.07.21

Cllr Reynolds reported that there have been many problems recently with residents of Seaview Terrace not being able to park and requested that the Council write to Gwynedd Council asking for Seaview Terrace to be made into residents parking only, especially as the residents are paying a yearly parking fee already. Cllr Reynolds spoke to Eleri Hughes at Gwynedd Council a few weeks ago about this issue but hasn’t heard back.

Action: Clerk to write to Gwynedd Council to see if it is possible for Seaview Terrace be have residents parking and request information on the process.

AGENDA ITEM 9

Cycle path update and to consider buying land for the project

CL/57/19.07.21

It was reported that the knotweed has been sprayed and will be done again at the end of October and yearly thereafter until it has been eradicated. It has been suggested by Meilir Hughes that Aberdyfi Community Council might buy the 20 acre site, currently owned by Gwynedd Council, alongside the railway to the old gas works. It was noted that the cost of maintaining the site may be high, given that the drainage ditch normally gets dredged every few years as well as the knotweed problem. It was noted that the Community Council was offered the land a few years ago and it was decided then not to buy it, as there were too many unknowns, given the proximity to the road and the railway line, which might cause issues in the future in terms of clarity of responsibility for different aspects of the land. The Chair reported that many years ago people used to use this area for dumping waste so there is potentially a problem in the future with waste which has been left there and may be contaminating the land. It was agreed not to purchase the land.

Proposed: Cllr. Owen                Seconded: Cllr. O’Neill

The Chair reported that Gwynedd Council have £325,000 to do the next phase of the cycle path between Caethle and the Cemetery, but there are currently problems with two landowners who don’t want to give permission, so potentially much of this money may be spent sorting these types of problems, as well as on drawing up new plans. The Chair reported that the recent consultation for the cycle path received over 800 signatures for our cycle path, compared to just over 200 for any of the others under consideration. The £325,000 is only for the first phase, more money will be allocated as the project progresses.

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AGENDA ITEM 10 – To discuss RoSPA report

CL/58/19.07.21

It was noted that nothing urgent needs done as a result of the report, though it was agreed to arrange for the weeds to be cleared.

It was noted that there are some negative feelings in the village about the removal of the helter-skelter slide, but Cllr O’Neill reported that the slide does not conform to current guidelines as in the report, so it is a RoSPA decision that it needs to be replaced, not a Community Council decision.

Action: Clerk to arrange for the weeds to be cleared.

AGENDA ITEM 11 To consider buying signs to appeal for crowdfunding for new playground equipment

CL/59/19.07.21

It was agreed to create a working group to restart the playground project and organise a fundraising campaign, including buying some signs to put up in the playground as part of this campaign.

Action: Cllr. S. Bradbury-Willis and Cllr. O’Neill to set up a working group and Clerk to liaise with Cllr O’Neill to arrange a fundraising campaign.

AGENDA ITEM 12 – To approve a social media policy.

CL/60/19.07.21

It was agreed to approve the social media policy put before the council.

Proposed: Cllr. Williams            Seconded: Cllr. Reynolds

AGENDA ITEM 13 – To consider delegation of powers to the Clerk, Chair and Vice-Chair during summer recess

CL/61/19.07.21

It was agreed to delegate powers during summer recess

Proposed: Cllr. Kelly                 Seconded: Cllr: S. Bradbury-Willis

AGENDA ITEM 14 – To consider purchase of new office computer

CL/62/19.07.21

The Clerk reported that she has been having some major issues with the computer again and as it is now 7 years old, she would like to buy a new one. It was agreed to purchase a new office computer.

Proposed: Cllr. Reynolds           Seconded: Cllr. Williams

Action: Clerk to liaise with Chair and Vice-Chair to purchase a computer.

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AGENDA ITEM 15 – Correspondence

CL/63/19.07.21

• An email was received from a resident who lives at the top of the hill, who does not drive and who is unable to walk to the village. They are asking if there is anything that the Community Council can do to help them be less isolated, suggesting perhaps a taxi service between the top and bottom of the village.

It was noted that several communities have tried to organise this in the past, but the practicalities of buying a vehicle, finding volunteers and insuring the venture were very problematic and weren’t successful. It was reported that a Barbara Bus used to run locally, possibly out of the Trefeddian. It was agreed for the clerk to investigate if a Barbara Bus is a possibility and also to contact the Gwynedd community connector to see if she has any ideas that could help. Cllr S. Bradbury-Willis will give the clerk the community connector details for Powys.

Action: Clerk to contact community connectors and find out more information about the Barbara Bus.

• Complaints have been received about people camping overnight on Morfa Gypsies.

It was agreed to buy some signs stating ‘No Overnight Camping’ and put them on the site.

Action: Clerk to buy some signs

• Complaints about parking on the pavement by the golf club.

The Clerk reported that she has spoken to the traffic wardens who have told her there is nothing they can do about cars parked on the pavement by the golf club as there are no yellow lines on the road and it is a police matter as it is obstruction. Some people have tried to report it to the police and have been told it is a Gwynedd Council matter. However, the clerk was informed by the company doing the bus shelter that there needs to be 1.2m clear for pedestrians on a pavement, so if cars are not leaving this gap, then it is clearly obstruction. The clerk urged all councillors to spread the word for people to report this obstruction to the police as well as the council and hopefully some action may be taken. She also urged the councillors to ask residents to report problems straight to Gwynedd Council as well as to the Clerk, so that the whole village is involved in reporting problems, not just the clerk, as she feels Gwynedd Council do not necessarily take any more notice of her than residents.

AGENDA ITEM 16 –Items for consideration at future meetings / urgent business

• Climate Emergency group update

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AGENDA ITEM 17 – Items for release / Rushligjht / website / Facebook

• Ask if there are residents who would use a Barbara Bus to guage interest
• Community Needs survey
• Thanks to the beach clean group
• Thanks to the refuse collectors

AGENDA ITEM 18 – Date of next meeting

Monday 20^th September 2021, 7pm

It was noted that this meeting may be face to face, but a decision will be taken closer to the time.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.15pm       

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Minutes of the ordinary meeting of Aberdyfi Community Council held virtually via teleconferencing on Monday, 21^st June 2021

Present were:                  

Cllr Dewi Owen – Chair

Councillors:                     

Cllr Brian Kelly

Cllr Catrin O’Neill

Cllr Dai Owens

Cllr Megan Reynolds

Cllr Bob Tyrrell       

Cllr Dave Williams

Public: Pat Hellen

AGENDA ITEM 1- Apologies

CL/33/21.06.21

Cllrs J. Bradbury-Willis, S. Bradbury-Willis and Jones

AGENDA ITEM 2- Chairman’s Announcements

CL/34/21.06.21

The Chairman welcomed everyone and remarked how busy the village has been in recent weeks because of the good weather.

AGENDA ITEM 3 – Receive & confirm minutes of meeting 17^th May 2021

CL/35/21.06.21

Proposed: Cllr B Kelly      Seconded: Cllr M Reynolds

Unanimously approved.

AGENDA ITEM 4 – Matters arising

CL/36/21.06.21

Page 4       

M/51/(15.06.20) Request for drinking water fountain

Clerk emailed Edward Jones on 20^th May requesting convenient dates to meet but has had no reply.

Action: clerk to email again and copy in CEO of Snowdonia National Park

Clerk emailed Planning department of SNPA asking if any planning permission would be needed for a drinking fountain, but has had no reply.

Action: Clerk to chase up

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M/106/(16.11.20) Playground

Seating is still awaiting back boards.

M/107/(16.11.20) Subway Improvements

Clerk reported that still nothing has been received from Adrian Williams at Gwynedd Council Highways or Sean Wilkes. Cllr Jones suggested going higher up Gwynedd Council.

Action: Clerk to keep trying to contact both as well as emailing someone higher up the organisation.

M/139/(18.02.21) Crack in Sea Wall

The Clerk confirmed that this is now included in the monthly inspection list for the harbourmaster.

Page 5

M/150/(15.02.21) Installing CCTV

Cllr Kelly reported that Ron Thomas has agreed to do the work and will meet with Cllr Kelly to ensure they are put in the correct position.

M/164/15.03.21 Community Needs Survey

Cllr O’Neill reported that it has now been finalised and is currently being translated and will soon be uploaded to the system. The wording of the letter going out to each household is also being finalised and should go out very soon.

M/166/15.03.21 Buying football goalposts

These have been delivered and need to be installed, which seems to be a larger job than first thought, so it was agreed to get someone to put them in.

Action: Clerk to contact Geri Davies to ask if he will install them.

Page 6

M/23/(17.05.21) Cycle Path

Cllr Tyrrell reported that he and the Clerk had spoken to Iwan ap Trefor and were told that Gwynedd Council now has funding in place for the next phase of the project, which involves making sure the engineering problems can be overcome and all the relevant land is able to be used. For instance, he mentioned that they have had problems contacting the owners of a cottage to see if they can buy a slice of their land to enable the cycle path to go ahead.

Cllr Williams reported that Neil Storkey is hoping to meet with network Rail this week about the cycle path between the Cemetery and the village.

Action: Clerk to keep in contact with Iwan ap Trefor for updates.

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New Dyfi Bridge Project

Clerk has spoken to Gail Jones, public liaison officer for Griffiths, who are doing the work and was told that the disruption to traffic will only happen at the beginning and end of the project.

The Clerk also reported that when the work is done on the Aberdyfi side of the old bridge to install pumps, the road will not be closed but instead traffic will be controlled with traffic lights.

Action: Clerk to invite Gail Jones to a meeting later in the year.

Page 7

M/25/(17.05.21) Providing a bus shelter

Clerk has sent photos to Gwynedd Council and they are sending an inspector to look at it this week and will get back in touch once they have done costings etc. the clerk confirmed that it will hopefully be installed on the Neuadd Dyfi side of the road.

M/26/(17.05.21) 20mph proposals

The Clerk wrote to Iwan ap Trefor and had reply saying he is on holiday until 14^th June, but has still not had a reply.

Action: Clerk to contact Iwan ap Trefor again

Cllr Williams asked if the fence had been replaced on the footpath between the Penhelig and Hillside Village, but no-one could confirm this is the case

Action: Clerk to check if the work has been done and contact Gwynedd Council if not.

Correspondence

M/28/(17.05.21) Litter and bin problems

Cllr Tyrrell informed the council that homes which are let out and run as a business should be paying for litter collection as they do not pay council tax.

It was agreed to write to Gwynedd Council asking them to ensure these and all other businesses in the village do indeed pay for their refuse collections, as the rubbish problems are having a massive effect on the village.

Action: Clerk to write to Gwynedd Council saying we believe that there are several properties in the village who do not pay council tax and do not pay for refuse collection either.

Cllr Reynolds and the Clerk reported that the recycling bottle banks by the fire station are overflowing and Gwynedd Council said that the company that empties the glass recycling bins are short-staffed and do not want to come this far South to empty the bottle banks. Gwynedd Council are trying to sort out the problem.

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The clerk reported that she had spoken to Caron Jones from Gwynedd Council about the green bins opposite the chemist. He is more than happy for these bins to be put by the fire station where the glass recycling bins are. Before they are put there, the fence needs to be repaired and he asked if we could get two quotes from local contractors for the work. It was noted that if the green bins are put there, the area inside the fence will need to be extended to allow space for the extra bins.

Action: Clerk to get two quotes for repairing the fence and confirm with Caron that the area can be extended.

The Clerk reported that she had been contacted by a member of the public who had seen that staff from the Britannia Inn have been seen leaving bags of food rubbish next to the bins, meaning that birds etc. break the bags and leave a mess of food everywhere. The person also reported that Council refuse collectors had been seen having arguments with staff from Coast, as the staff from Coast were throwing rubbish bags across the road and shouting abuse at the Council workers. He also believes that Coast have now only 1 commercial bin, even though they have two businesses.

Action: Clerk to write to Coast and the Britannia Inn and Gwynedd Council.

Action: Clerk to put litter and rubbish problems on the agenda for next month

Page 8

Quotes for tree sculpture carving

It was agreed not to go for quote 2 as it was too expensive and agreed to ask if the other quotes include VAT and if the person in quote 1 can send photos of an example of a bird of prey they have previously done. The two quotes will be considered again next month.

Action: Clerk to write to all concerned and put on agenda for next month

Tywyn Health Centre

The Clerk spoke to the practice manager who told her that their phone system is controlled by Betsi Cadwallader Health Board, as the phone system for the hospital and GP’s practice was amalgamated when it was replaced after the fire. The practice manager confirmed that between 8am and 8.30am, there should be a message giving a number to call for emergencies and she said she would call it the next day to make sure the message is correct.

Action: Clerk to write to Betsi Cadwallader Health Board complaining about the phone system

Action: Clerk to put a notice in Rushlight explaining it is possible to make routine appointments via their website as well as via phone.

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AGENDA ITEM 5 – Treasurer’s Report

CL/37/21.06.21

The Clerk informed the Council that everything should be transferred over to the new bank by this Wednesday, 23^rd June.

Proposed: Cllr. Kelly        Seconded: Cllr Williams

Unanimously approved

AGENDA ITEM 6 – Gwynedd Council Report

CL/38/21.06.21

Chair reported that there was nothing currently to report from Gwynedd Council

AGENDA ITEM 7 – Planning

CL/39/21.06.21

NP5/50/346C      9 Terrace Road, Aberdyfi

          Construction of terrace in rear garden

No objections were raised

          NP5/50/589A      Ael y Don, Gwelfor Road, Aberdyfi

          Extension to existing patio at the front.

          No objections were raised.

AGENDA ITEM 8 – To consider quotes for tree sculpture carving

CL/40/21.06.21

Discussed under matters arising

AGENDA ITEM 9 – To consider request to use playing field for running event 16^th and 18^th July

CL/41/21.06.21

A request had been received for people taking part in a running event to camp in the playing field by the Neuadd Dyfi on the night before and night after the event. It was agreed that it would cause a lot of noise, disruption to locals and destroy the grass, as well as setting a precedent, so it was decided not to give permission.

Action: Clerk to reply to request

AGENDA ITEM 10 – Correspondence

CL/42/21.06.21

• Bollard in Neuadd Dyfi car park

Clerk reported that one of the bollards had been destroyed

Action: Clerk to contact Geri Davies and ask if he can replace it

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• Brown bin.

The Clerk reported that visitors had filled the brown bin purchased for the wharf garden waste with normal waste, so she organised for it to be collected and put signs on the bin saying it is only for garden waste.

• Offer of fairground attractions

The Clerk reported that we have had an offer of fairground attractions for use in the future.

• Gwelfor Road subsidence

The clerk reported that there are a large amount of heavy lorries and cement mixers going up and down Gwelfor Road and causing subsidence. The Councillors all remember signs at the bottom saying a weight limit, which has now been changed to a long vehicle sign.

Action: Clerk and Chair to contact Gwynedd Council

• Complaints from visitors not able to get onto the promenade with a wheelchair or mobility scooter due to the amount of sand that is on the car park and on the promenade. Even if the sand wasn’t there, they were concerned that they couldn’t get through the gates with a wheelchair.

Action: Clerk to email harbourmaster, Barry Davies and CEO of Gwynedd Council

• Seaview Terrace parking problems

Agreed to put on agenda for next month

• Cllr Kelly reported that the sign board at the Gas Works is disintegrating and the clerk replied that it is in hand and being repaired.
• Cllr Kelly reported that the path behind Rhos Dyfi is overgrown. The clerk said she would check if we normally get it done or if it is Gwynedd Council’s responsibility.
• The Chair reported that the undergrowth on the Network Rail side of the road going out of the village is encroaching onto the road.

Action: Clerk to contact Gwynedd Council

AGENDA ITEM 11 – Items for consideration at future meetings / urgent business

CL/43/19.04.21

EV chargers

Consider when to return to face to face meetings

Seaview Terrace parking problems

Aluminium signs for crowdfunding for playground project

Painting playground wall

Social media policy

Tree sculpture quotes

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AGENDA ITEM 12 – Items for Rushlight / Website / Facebook

CL/44/21.06.21

Remembering Muriel

Beach Clean

Make appointments via website at Tywyn Health Centre

Please put rubbish in the bins

AGENDA ITEM 15 – Date of next meeting

CL/45/21.06.21

Monday 19^th July 2021, 7pm

There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.05pm       

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