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.

Page 41

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

35

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

21

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.

22

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.

23

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

24

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       

25

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

10

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.

11

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.

12

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.

13

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

14

• 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

15

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       

16

Minutes of the thirty-sixth Annual Meeting of the Aberdyfi Community Council and thereafter the minutes of the ordinary meeting of said Council held virtually via teleconferencing on Monday, 17^th May 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 Bob Tyrrell       

Cllr Dave Williams

Cllr Simon Worman

Public:                             Pat Hellen

AGENDA ITEM 1- Apologies

CL1/AM/17.05.21

Cllr Gareth Jones

AGENDA ITEM 2- Chairman’s Announcements

CL/2/AM/17.05.21

The Chairman welcomed everyone and thanked them for their work over the past year.

AGENDA ITEM 3- Annual Return

CL/3/AM/17.05.21

The Annual Return for 2020/21, done in conjunction with Steve Lister, was presented to Council for approval.

Proposed: Cllr Kelly         Seconded: Cllr Williams

Unanimously approved.

AGENDA ITEM 4 – Election of Officers 2021/2022

CL/4/AM/17.05.21

Chairman

Cllr Dewi Owen was nominated for the position of Chair.

Proposed Cllr Williams     Seconded Cllr Worman

Agreed unanimously

1

Vice Chairman

Cllr David Owens was nominated for position of Vice Chair.

Proposed Cllr Williams     Seconded Cllr Tyrrell

Agreed unanimously

CL/5/AM/17.05.21

Planning Committee

The whole Council

CL/6/AM/17.05.21

Aberdyfi Advertising and Improvements Committee

The whole Council, except for Cllr Tyrrell

CL/7/AM/17.05.21

Aberdyfi Literary Institute Management Committee

Cllr G Jones (Chair)

CL/8/AM/17.05.21

Harbour Advisory Committee

Cllr Tyrrell

CL/9/AM/17.05.21

One Voice Wales

Cllr D Owen and Cllr O’Neill, with Cllr Williams as deputy

CL/10/AM/17.05.21

Neuadd Dyfi Management Committee – Councillors with a vote

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

CL/11/AM/17.05.21

Richard Williams and Richard Roberts Trust Fund

Cllrs Owen, Jones and S. Bradbury-Willis with Cllr Reynolds as Chair and Cllr Williams as Trustee

CL/12/AM/17.05.21

Lewis Lloyd Trust

Cllr Reynolds

CL/13/AM/17.05.21

Meirionnydd Access Group

Cllr O’Neill

2

CL/14/AM/17.05.21

Tywyn and District Memorial Hospital Appeal Fund

Cllr Reynolds with Cllr Tyrrell as deputy

CL/15/AM/17.05.21

Allotment sub-committee

Cllrs Jones (Chair), O’Neill and J. Bradbury-Willis

CL/16/AM/17.05.21

Finance Committee

Cllrs Owen (Chairman), Owens (Vice Chair) and S. Bradbury-Willis with Cllr Tyrrell as deputy.

CL/17/AM/17.5.21

Caravan Site Committee

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

CL/18/AM/17.05.21

Re-appointment of Internal Auditor

Council re-appointed Mr Steve Lister for the year 2021/22, in accordance with minute CL/133/20.1.20

Proposed: Cllr Tyrrell                Seconded: Cllr Kelly

Agreed unanimously

CL/19/AM/17.05.21

Standing Orders and Financial Regulations

The Council agreed its willingness to adopt these documents, copies of which are available for inspection in Council office.

Proposed: Cllr Tyrrell                Seconded: Cllr O’Neill

Agreed unanimously

THE BUSINESS OF THE ORDINARY MEETING IS NOW RECORDED

Cllr S. Bradbury-Willis joined the meeting at this point.

AGENDA ITEM 5 – To receive and confirm minutes of Ordinary Meeting 19^th April 2021

CL/20/17.05.21

Proposed Cllr Kelly                    Seconded Cllr Williams

Agreed unanimously

3

AGENDA ITEM 6  – Matters Arising

CL/21/17.05.21

          Page 71

          M/51/(15.06.20) Request for drinking water fountain

The Clerk had a reply from Mr. Jones, asking for clarification on various points on the project.

It was agreed to ask for a site meeting with Mr. Jones to clarify all his points, Cllr O’Neill to contact Refill UK for clarification and the clerk to talk to the planning department at SNPA. Cllr Kelly confirmed that the Community Council has previously agreed to pay for the water and associated costs with the water fountain.

Action: Clerk to ask Mr. Jones to do a site visit and meet with councillors to address the points raised. Cllr O’Neill to ask Refill UK for answers to points raised by Mr. Jones. Clerk to ask SNPA planning department if there are any planning implications. Cllr O’Neill to re-circulate a photo of the proposed fountain to all councillors. Clerk to add to agenda for June

          Page 72

          M/106/(16.11.20) Playground

Cllr O’Neill informed the council that GL Jones is still waiting for the Perspex for the back of the shelter to be delivered and apologised for the delay in installation. The shelter is finished, all except for the Perspex. As soon as they received the Perspex they will install the shelter.

          M/107/(16.11.20) Subway Improvements

The clerk has had a reply from Adrian Williams, in which he asked for sight of the proposals. It was agreed to write back to him, explaining the process the council hopes to go through (asking for artists to submit proposals or a competition) and asking for approval in principle. It was also agreed to ask in the first instance that the subway be cleaned up, as at present it is very dirty.

Action: Clerk to write to Mr. Williams

M/139/(18.01.21) Penhelig Toilets development

Chair informed the council that he has spoken to Gwynedd Council and the clerk has written to Gwynedd Council, expressing the council’s concern about the traffic problems caused by the work being done there.

Action: Chair to contact Gwynedd Council again.

          Page 73

          M/139/(18.02.21) Crack in sea wall

This has not yet been repaired and the clerk confirmed that she had been told by Gwynedd Council that it is on their monthly inspection list.

4

M/150/(15.02.21) Installing CCTV

Cllr Kelly reported that he waiting for a quote to install the cameras, but otherwise the system is ready for use.

M/164/(15.03.21) Community Needs survey

Cllr O’Neill informed the council that the first draft of the survey has been done and there is a meeting with various organisations involved in housing at the end of the month.

M/166/(15.03.21) Buying football goal posts

Clerk reported that she is waiting for a delivery date

Page 74

M/177/(19.04.21) Gwynedd Council Report

The Chair reported that he had spoken to Gwynedd Council and they confirmed that all parking will be changed to 45 minutes, not 1 hour as was requested by the Community Council in a letter and he was very disappointed that Gwynedd felt this was an acceptable decision.

          Page 76

          M/182/(19.04.21) Parking at Neuadd Dyfi car park 3^rd – 6^th June

The event has been postponed until 24^th – 26^th September and the Yacht club are seeking permission for motorhomes to park on these dates instead. It was agreed that this was acceptable

          Action: Clerk to inform the yacht club of the decision

          Page 78

          M/184/(19.04.21) Items for consideration at future meetings

          Railings at Penhelig shelter

Cllr Reynolds reported that the railings had been put in place and the gate will be in place shortly.

Missing fencing from side of footpath from Penhelig to Hillside Village.

The Clerk reported that she sent photos to Gwynedd Council who replied that they will send an inspector out to investigate the situation.   

Traffic Lights at Dyffryn Hill

The Chair reported that the lights are there because there is a badger set in the bank, which is causing subsidence, but because badgers are protected, nothing can be done until they finish breeding.

5

AGENDA ITEM 7 – Treasurer’s Report

CL/22/17.05.21

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

Proposed: Cllr Kelly                  Seconded: Cllr S. Bradbury-Willis

Agreed unanimously

AGENDA ITEM 8  – Gwynedd Council Report

CL/23/17.05.21

Gwynedd Council has a new Chief Executive in Dafydd Gibbard, who has worked with Gwynedd Council since 2003 as head of housing and planning. He seems very approachable and the Chair suggested the Council invite him to one of the Community Council’s meetings later on this year.

Action: Clerk to put on agenda for later in the year

He also reported that he has been told that money will be forthcoming to move the cycle path project forward. He will make further enquiries and also talk to Tywyn town councillors, as they seemed to know more about the project than he did.

Action: Chair and Cllr Tyrrell to find out more information

The Chair reported that the leisure centre is back open now and has been well-used since it has been open.

Action: Clerk to put in Rushlight

Gwynedd Council had it Annual Meeting last week and there is a new Chair in Simon Glyn, a Plaid Cymru Councillor, and a new Vice Chair in Elwyn Jones, who is an Independent councillor. The Chair reminded the Community Council that next year there are elections for new councillors for Gwynedd and there will be changes, as a number of councillors will be retiring.

The Chair reported that Network Rail have closed the line between Machynlleth and Shrewsbury and it will not reopen until 27^th June, as they are repairing a bridge on the outskirts of Machynlleth.

He also reported that they have started on the new bridge on the outskirts of Machynlleth and as a result there have been extremely long queues due to the traffic lights, which are causing major problems already and it is particularly concerning as it will be much busier soon with a bank holiday and the main tourist season. It was agreed to find out how long the traffic lights are expected to be there.

Action: Clerk to contact Machynlleth town council as a matter of urgency and Chair will go to the council office at the Plas in Machynlleth.

6

Cllr S. Bradbury-Willis expressed concern as she has been informed that there is a plan to close the road completely in front of the small cottages on the Aberdyfi side of the current bridge over the river.

Action: Clerk to contact Gwynedd Council as a matter of urgency

The Cambrian Rail Line will be shut between the 12^th September to 12^th December to allow work on the Barmouth bridge.

AGENDA ITEM 9  – Planning

CL/24/17.05.21

          NP5/50/T482G    Hafod, 13A Glandyfi Terrace, Aberdyfi LL35 0EB

          Removal of chimney and extractor flue

          No objections were raised

AGENDA ITEM 10 – To discuss providing a bus shelter

CL/25/17.05.21

It was agreed that a bus shelter is needed but it is unclear whose responsibility it is to provide or pay for a shelter.  The Clerk reported that Gwynedd Council have told her that the process is to email Gwynedd Council who will send out an inspector, who will assess the situation and produce a plan and costs. Discussions can then take place about who will be liable for costs.

Action: Clerk to email Gwynedd Council with a location and report back their response

AGENDA ITEM 11 – To discuss 20 mph proposals

CL/26/17.05.21

The Chair reported that he believes there are a few village and towns in Gwynedd who have 20 mph in place and it was agreed that the community Council should site to Gwynedd Council asking for a 20mph speed limit between the institute and Penhelig Corner.

Action: Clerk to write to Gwynedd Council

AGENDA ITEM 12  – To consider installing a dog waste bin at Trefeddian Terrace car park

CL/27/17.05.21

It was agreed not to install a waste bin at Trefeddian Terrace car park but instead to purchase some humorous ‘take your litter home’ signs and put them up and review the situation at the end of the year.

Action: Cllr O’Neill and clerk to liaise and purchase signs

AGENDA ITEM 13 – Correspondence

CL/28/17.05.21

• Litter and bin problems

It was suggested putting stickers on the bins saying CCTV in operation but

7

it agreed that the bins opposite the chemist are not owned by the community council and therefore the council cannot put stickers on the bins. It was agreed to write back to the complainant suggesting they put clearer signs on their bins and keep them locked. It was also agreed to write to all the businesses again, asking them to ensure they keep the bins locked and work with Gwynedd Council to come up with a satisfactory way of dealing with the situation. It was also agreed that the chair will talk again to Gwynedd Council about putting the bins behind the wall. It was agreed that responsibility for these bins lies with Gwynedd Council and owners should be liaising with them, not the Community Council.

Cllr S. Bradbury-Willis suggested the council asked for limiters to be put on the bins in the main car park, to stop people putting in black bin bags of household waste.

Action: Clerk to reply to complainant and write to businesses, also to contact Gwynedd Council, forwarding the photos.

• Day on the Quay and Food festival

It was agreed that Day on the Quay will not be able to happen in 2022, as there will be work being done on the wharf development at that time.

However, the Food Festival will be able to go ahead in 2022 and the Council will support the organisers in their efforts to run the events.

Action: Clerk to inform organisers of these decisions.

• Choosing subject of tree sculpture.

The clerk reported that some residents had complained that there had been no decision to have an osprey as the subject of the sculpture. Cllr Williams informed the Council that a sculptor did a site visit and said that an osprey would make the best use of the shape of the tree, so it had been agreed that this is what would be carved.

The clerk reported that she has asked for quotes based on an osprey.

Action: The clerk will present quotes once they are all received.

• Health Centre

It was agreed that the response from the health centre was not very useful, as a resident was left without access to medical care between 8am and 8.30am, as at this time the health centre phone message said it was closed with no reference to the Out Of Hours service and she was not able to contact OOH at this time either. Cllr S. Bradbury-Willis reported that Access Standards say that telephones should be answered in a set time, but this doesn’t seem to be happening at Tywyn.

Action: Clerk to reply to the Health Centre asking for clarification on how to contact them in an emergency between 8am and 8.30am and other

8

issues raised. Cllr S. Bradbury-Willis will forward access standards for Betsi Cadwalder to the clerk. Clerk to ask Tywyn town council if they’ve had similar issues.

• Wharf development project

Chair believes that tenders have gone out this month and work is due to start in September. 

AGENDA ITEM 14 – Items for consideration at future meetings / urgent business

CL/29/17.05.21

• New playground project

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

CL/30/17.05.21   

• Leisure Centre open again
• What the money from Neuadd Dyfi car park has been spent on

AGENDA ITEM 16 – Date of Next meeting

CL/32/17.05.21

Monday 21^st June at 7pm

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

9

Minutes of the ordinary meeting of Aberdyfi Community Council held virtually via teleconferencing on Monday, 19^th April 2021

Present were:                   Cllr Dewi Owen – Chair

Councillors:                     

Cllr James Bradbury-Willis

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

Cllr Simon Worman

Public:                          Pat Hellen

                                      Patrick Hollis

AGENDA ITEM 1- Apologies

CL/172/19.04.21

No apologies – full attendance

AGENDA ITEM 2- Chairman’s Announcements

CL/173/19.04.21

The Chairman welcomed everyone and remarked how lucky we are in Aberdyfi as many communities in Gwynedd don’t have the same quality of internet access that we do and many councils are struggling to hold meetings. He also remarked how nice it is to see visitors back in the village, which is good for all the businesses but he is concerned about the amount of litter that is being left behind.

AGENDA ITEM 3 – Receive & confirm minutes of meeting 15^th March 2021

CL/174/19.04.21

Proposed: Cllr B Tyrrell   Seconded: Cllr B Kelly

Unanimously approved.

AGENDA ITEM 4 – Matters arising

CL/175/19.04.21

Page 64     

M/51/(15.06.20) Request for drinking water fountain

71

Chair has tried to phone Edward Jones several times but there is no answer and he feels it is very inconsiderate that there has been no reply or acknowledgement to any emails or phones calls that have been sent over the last four months.

Action: Clerk to email the Chair of Snowdonia National Park.

Page 65

M/81/(21.09.20) EV charging points

Will be discussed under Item 9

M/106/(16.11.20) Playground

New seating is ready, all except for the back boards. As soon as they arrive, the seasting will be installed.

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/(18.01.21)

Penhelig Toilets development

Cllr Reynolds informed the Council that the area of garden that has been removed by the builders is actually a pet cemetery. Cllr Tyrrell believes that there was a meeting with Snowdonia National Park recently and a retaining wall has now been built and the bank will be put back. Cllr Tyrrell spoke to the workers there and asked if top soil will be put on top or if the bank will solely consist of slate. He was assured there would be top soil to allow planting. It was agreed it is the owners responsibility to rectify the damage. Cllr Williams suggested the council wait to see how the damage is repaired, as it is not the responsibility of the Community Council, but could contact the owners if it is not repaired satisfactorily.

Cllr J Bradbury-Willis expressed concern about the lack of parking in front of the development, as there are vans parked there and also fencing around the building works. This has removed all public parking there and will do until the development is finished. Cllr Owen informed the council that there were temporary traffic lights there last week as there was an issue with vehicles coming from different directions not giving way to each other and he believes that traffic lights are going to be installed for the duration of the work, but he hasn’t had any official information yet.

Action: Chair to contact Gwynedd Council to find out if traffic lights will be installed.

72

Crack in sea wall

Cllr Jones asked what was being done about the crack in the sea wall by the shelter at Terrace Road .The Chair reported that he had spoken to the harbourmaster and Gwynedd Consultancy will be repairing the wall and other areas in the village fairly soon, including the crack in the pavement reported by Cllr J. Bradbury-Willis recently.

M/150/(15.02.21) Installing CCTV

Update will be given under item 8

Page 66

M/164/15.03.21 Community Needs Survey

It was agreed that questions need to be very open-ended to allow residents to give their views freely. Cllr O’Neill informed the council that the survey needs to go out within the next two months, so questions need to be agreed within the next two weeks to be included in the survey and urged councillors to send questions to the Clerk as soon as possible.

Action: All councillors to send ideas for questions to the clerk ASAP.

Cllr Reynolds asked if the road sign at Bryn Gwylan has been put back up. The chair informed her that he reported it to Gwynedd Council and will contact them again.

Action: Chair to contact Gwynedd Council

Page 67

M/166/15.03.21 Buying football goalposts

These have been ordered by the clerk and will be delivered towards the end of May, after which the councillors will need to come together to install them.

AGENDA ITEM 5 – Treasurer’s Report

CL/176/19.04.21

The Clerk informed the Council that Siemens have refunded the payment they took in error. Cllr Tyrrell congratulated Cllr O’Neill on getting the grant for the new seating in the playground.

Proposed: Cllr. Williams            Seconded: Cllr O’Neill

Unanimously approved

AGENDA ITEM 6 – Gwynedd Council Report

CL/177/19.04.21

The Chair reported that Dilwyn Williams is retiring from Gwynedd Council at the end of the month and they are interviewing this week for a new chief Executive. He has been a big asset to the Council, being very accessible to Gwynedd Councillors and will be a big loss.

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He reported that he has been told that the limited time parking along the front of the village is going to be changed from 1 hour to 45 minutes, though has had no official notification. The council felt that this, together with the increase in parking charges is not fair to Aberdyfi, as the charges are not going up by the same amount in other towns in Gwynedd and will adversely affect businesses in the village. Cllr S Bradbury-Willis expressed concern that the changes in the parking times and charges will push people to park in other areas of the village.

The Chair reported that he has been inundated with letters and emails from people unhappy with Gwynedd Council’s increase in Council Tax, two of whom are going to put their houses on the market at the end of the summer.

Action:  Clerk to email Gwynedd Council to express concern that the Community Council weren’t even consulted on the changes to the times of parking and asking to change them all to one hour.

Cllr Reynolds reported that a resident asked her if it would be possible to put up a bus shelter, but it is not clear where one could go, as there is very little room. It was agreed to come back to this item next month.

Action: Clerk to put on agenda for next month

Cllr J. Bradbury-Willis asked if there was any further information about the tree opposite Parc-yr-Ysgol. The clerk reported that the damaged branches were removed last week and the debris has now been cleared. Cllr Jones asked who is responsible for repairing the fence and it was agreed that it is Gwynedd Council’s responsibility.

Action: Clerk to contact Gwynedd Council and ask for a timetable of repairs

AGENDA ITEM 7 – Planning

CL/178/19.04.21

NP5/50/L262A     8 Seaview Terrace, Aberdyfi

          Change of use from gift shop & café to bar

Concerns were raised about where the waste will be stored, but no planning objections were raised

          NP5/50/LB179C  8 New Street, Aberdyfi

          Listed building consent for internal alterations

          No objections were raised.

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AGENDA ITEM 8 – To consider and adopt a Privacy & CCTV Policy

CL/179/19.04.21

It was agreed to adopt the Privacy and CCTV policy

Proposed: Cllr Kelly                  Seconded: Cllr J. Bradbury-Willis

Cllr Kelly reported that the CCTV system at the Neuadd Dyfi is installed and working, though the cameras have not yet been installed outside. He also reported that he has spoken to the postmistress and she is happy for one of the cameras to show the forecourt of the Post Office, though it was agreed it will not show the shop front itself. Cllr Kelly confirmed that he and the Clerk are the only ones with access to the CCTV footage.

AGENDA ITEM 9 – To discuss installing EV chargers

CL/180/19.04.21

The Chair reported the he had spoken to Gwynedd Council and was given a non-committal answer as to whether they will be installing chargers in Aberdyfi. They are currently conducting a survey on this subject. Cllr Williams reported that the Neuadd Dyfi car park may be a better venue for situating chargers, due to the proximity of the sub-station and is concerned that Gwynedd Council may think that chargers can only be situated in the main car park, as the Neuadd Dyfi car park is not under their control.

Action: Chair to talk again with Gwynedd Council and to offer to work with them if they want to explore putting chargers in the Neuadd Dyfi car park.

AGENDA ITEM 10 – Tree sculpture project update and to consider quotes to prepare trees

CL/181/19.04.21

The clerk presented 2 quotes for the felling of two trees in the playing field – one to ground level and the other to a height suitable for carving. It was unanimously agreed to go with the lower quote.

Proposed: Cllr Jones       Seconded: Cllr Williams

Action: Clerk to accept the lower quote.

The Clerk informed the Council that she has requested quotes from 3 sculptors for doing the carving work but hasn’t had them all back yet, so they will be considered at a later meeting.

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AGENDA ITEM 11 – To discuss parking at the Neuadd Dyfi car park 3^rd – 6^th June

CL/182/19.04.21

The Yacht Club have asked for permission to park motorhomes in the Neuadd Dyfi car park for these dates. It was agreed to allow it but it is to be made clear that it is a one-off occurrence and details will be discussed next month.

Proposed: Cllr Jones                 Seconded: Cllr S. Bradbury-Willis

Action: Clerk to liaise with the yacht club about numbers attending and details.

AGENDA ITEM 12 – Correspondence

CL/183/19.04.21

• A resident has done some work on clearing and planting the area by the toilets at the Neuadd Dyfi, after consultation with the clerk.

The Council felt it is a great improvement and wish to thank the resident.

Action: Clerk to write to resident

• Tree planting update

It was agreed to support the proposal by the wildlife and biodiversity group to plant trees in the area of the running track and golf club, assuming they receive the right permission from the appropriate agencies. 

Action: Clerk to inform the group of the Council’s support

• Anonymous traffic problem.

It was agreed that this is only an occasional problem during bank holidays but not at any other time of year and it is the responsibility of Gwynedd Council to deal with any parking issues at this area, as the Community Council has no jurisdiction for this. It was noted that this issue was discussed at length when the new development at Parc yr Ysgol was proposed, as it moves from 40mph to 30mph at this point and the Community Council welcome the proposals to reduce the speed limit to 20mph in the near future. It was suggested that a more dangerous situation currently exists in the centre of the village outside the shops with people queuing on the pavements and having to walk in the road to get round the queues. It was agreed to put the 20mph speed limit proposals on the agenda for next month.

Action: Clerk to add 20mph speed limit proposals to agenda for next month.

• Boat storage area

The Chair reported that the container that arrived there a couple of months ago has now been taken down to ground level and will be there permanently to provide storage for the fishermen’s pots over the winter instead of on the wharf and an area for them to work on the pots under cover. The Chair has asked if the container could be painted a dark colour so that it’s not so conspicuous and asked other councillors to do the same. It was noted that this area is necessary for people earn a living.

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It was agreed to put a piece in Rushlight to inform people what this storage area is for.

Action: Clerk to put into Rushlight

• Nyth Robin request for attendance at planning meeting

The Chair attended the meeting and reported that the application for a rural dwelling had been turned down yet again and he was extremely saddened that the planning committee were discussing issues that were not relevant to planning issues, eg. income and querying why campsite owners need to live on site. He understands that the owners of Nyth Robin will be appealing against the decision. It was agreed that the Community Council will support them in this.

• Litter and rubbish problem

There have been various reports of littering on the beach and remnants of fires, which are leaving nails and other debris, which poses a very serious danger to the public. Cllr Jones informed the council that it was local young people causing these problems and the police have been involved. It was noted that beach wardens will be employed during the summer and they will hopefully be able to monitor this situation closely. It was noted that the bins are so full at the moment because everyone has to get takeaways and when cafes etc. open again this situation will hopefully ease and we are lucky not to have the major problems that they have had in Cardiff and Sheffield. It was suggested that more signs around the village would be helpful.

Cllr Tyrrell has been asked by various residents if it is possible to have a dog poo bin at Trefeddian Terrace. It was agreed to check if there is a bin there and to discuss at the next meeting. Residents had also asked about one at Ffordd parc y Llethrau but it was felt that there is more need for bins by the beach.

Action: Clerk to put something in Rushlight to thank people for keeping the village clean and reminding them to take their litter home with them. Clerk to discuss possible solutions with the harbourmaster and investigate signage.

Clerk to add dog poo bins to agenda for next meeting.

The Clerk reported that residents have reported litter at Pen y Bryn and that the seating has been broken and removed. It was agreed to get quotes to repair the seating in the shelter.

Action: Clerk to get quotes and put on agenda for next month

77

• Cycle-path project update

The aerial photography has been done for the cycle path between the cemetery and the village and it is hoped that planning consent will be granted. Mr. Storkey is currently in talks with Network Rail about the route of the cycle-path with a view to agreeing that the cycle path route is not too close to the railway line.

AGENDA ITEM 13 – Items for consideration at future meetings / urgent business

CL/184/19.04.21

• Cllr O’Neill reported that the railings and gate above the shelter at Penhelig Gardens is in a state of disrepair and need to be repaired urgently as it is easy for children to run onto the road. Cllr Reynolds reported that a company has already been appointed to repair the railings as soon as possible.

Action: Clerk to talk to Bryn Lloyd about including the gate in the repairs.

• Cllr Tyrrell expressed concern that fencing has disappeared from the side of the path from the Penhelig towards Hillside village.

Action: Cllr Tyrrell to send a phot to the clerk and Clerk to forward this onto Gwynedd Council

• Cllr Reynolds reported that residents had complained to her that Tywyn Health Centre are not answering the phone and the Chair reported it took him over 45 minutes to get through and Cllr S Bradbury-Willis reported that an elderly neighbour of hers was very distressed that they were not able to access healthcare when she needed to

Action: Clerk to email Tywyn Health Centre practice manager to ask the reason for this situation

• Cllr Jones enquired how long the traffic lights at top of Dyffryn Hill are going to be there. The Chair reported that he has spoken to highways and the crack that has been there for years has got worse over the winter. Negotiations are ongoing between Gwynedd Council and Network Rail as the railway line is directly below. The chair hoped that the traffic lights will be gone by the summer.

Action: Chair to contact Gwynedd Council again and report next month.

AGENDA ITEM 14 – Items for Rushlight / Website / Facebook

CL/185/19.04.21

• Door stickers
• Recreation ground will open 1^st May
• Community Needs Survey
• Covid restrictions when voting

78

• Boat storage area
• Litter

AGENDA ITEM 15 – Date of next meeting

CL/186/19.04.21

Monday 17^th May 2021, 7pm

There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.25pm

79

Minutes of the ordinary meeting of Aberdyfi Community Council held virtually via teleconferencing on Monday, 15^th March 2021

Present were:                  

Cllr Dewi Owen – Chair

Councillors:                     

Cllr James Bradbury-Willis

Cllr Brian Kelly

Cllr Catrin O’Neill

Cllr Dai Owens

Cllr Megan Reynolds

Cllr Bob Tyrrell       

Cllr Dave Williams

Cllr Simon Worman

Public:                             Pat Hellen

AGENDA ITEM 1- Apologies

CL/157/15.03.21

Apologies were accepted from Cllr S Bradbury-Willis and Cllr G Jones.

AGENDA ITEM 2- Chairman’s Announcements

CL/158/15.03.21

The Chairman welcomed everyone and remarked on the amount sand that had been blown onto the road and pavements due to the recent storms and hoped that it would be cleared soon.

AGENDA ITEM 3 – Receive & confirm minutes of meeting 15^th February 2021

CL/159/15.03.21

Proposed: Cllr B Kelly      Seconded: Cllr B Tyrrell

Unanimously approved.

AGENDA ITEM 4 – Matters arising

CL/160/15.03.21

Page 57     

M/51/(15.06.20) Request for drinking water fountain

Clerk has emailed Snowdonia National Park again but still no response.

Action: Chair will contact Edward Jones direct as he has his telephone number

64

M/81/(21.09.20) EV charging points

Clerk wasn’t able to contact the clerk in Machynlleth, but had been in contact again with Jon Starbuck, who informed her that the chargers installed in Machynlleth were not fit for purpose, as they take too long to charge and therefore are not being used.

Action: Chair to talk to Gwynedd Council for an update on their plans

M/106/(16.11.20) Playground

New seating is being installed imminently.

M/107/(16.11.20) Subway Improvements

Clerk reported that she has sent another email to Adrian Williams at Gwynedd Council Highways and also tried to phone Sean Wilkes, but has had no response to either. Mr. Wilkes phone had been switched off every time she tried to ring him, so had been unable to leave a message.

Action: Clerk to keep trying to contact both

Page 58/59

M/139/(18.01.21)

Community Housing Trust

This will be discussed under Agenda Item 8, Community Needs Analysis

Crack in sea wall

Clerk has sent photos of the crack in the pavements as well as the sea wall to Gwynedd Council, who have replied saying they are on their monthly inspection list. The Chair has also spoken to the harbourmaster about this.

Cllr Tyrrell informed the meeting that the harbourmaster and Barry Davies have been to Penhelig gardens and have arranged for work to be done to the wall there and in other places round the village.

Penhelig Toilets development

Cllr Reynolds informed the Council that no work has been done on the development for about a month. The Chair reported that Snowdonia National Park have been to inspect the work and that the National Park were going to inform the owners that they have exceeded their boundaries, but nothing more has been heard.

Page 61

M/150/(15.02.21) Installing CCTV

Cllr Kelly has given log-in details for the CCTV system to the Clerk and has purchased a new system for the area around the Neuadd Dyfi.

Action: Cllr Kelly to install new system as soon as he is able. Clerk to make some CCTV system notices to be displayed outside the Neuadd Dyfi.

65

AGENDA ITEM 5 – Treasurer’s Report

CL/161/15.03.21

Clerk informed the Council that she has queried the 2 payments to Siemens on the 10^th and 11^th February as only one payment should have been taken. Siemens told her they have only taken one payment, but the bank statement shows that it has been taken twice. She is waiting to hear back from the accounts department at Siemens on this matter.

Cllr Kelly reminded the Council that the AA&I will be paying for half of the rent for the storage cupboard under the Council Office.

Proposed: Cllr. Tyrrell               Seconded: Cllr Williams

Unanimously approved

AGENDA ITEM 6 – Gwynedd Council Report

CL/162/15.03.21

The Chair reported that there was a full Council meeting of Gwynedd Council last week with over 70 members present and the proposed increase in premium was discussed for almost three hours. Gwynedd Council passed the proposed increase as 30 voted for the increase and 16 voted against. The Chair reported that he spoke vigorously against it and some other councillors proposed that they should wait until next year. The Chair reported that they were told it is not a statutory increase and will be discussed every year at full council.

The Chair reported that the 3.7% increase in rates were confirmed at the meeting.

Cllr J. Bradbury-Willis reported that a road sign by Bryn Gwylan has fallen down. The Chair responded that he would report it to Gwynedd Council.

AGENDA ITEM 7 – Planning

CL/163/15.03.21

NP5/50/438B      Glascoed, Aberdyfi

          Construction of summerhouse

          No objections were raised

AGENDA ITEM 8 – To consider doing a Community Needs Survey

CL/164/15.03.21

The clerk reported that she represents a group wanting to set up a community drop-in centre and had formed a steering group with representatives from the Neuadd Dyfi, the Community Housing Trust and the Climate and Biodiversity group in order to come together to do a community needs survey, as all groups had previously been planning to do their own. This steering group would like to work with the Community Council on the project and ask if the Council would be willing to take part and even lead the survey.

66

The Council agreed a survey is a good idea and Cllr D Owens and Cllr D. Williams volunteered to be on the steering group.

AGENDA ITEM 9 – To decide on response to station audit

CL/165/15.03.21

The signs at the station are looking a bit tatty.

Action: Clerk to respond to the audit with this information.

AGENDA ITEM 10 – To consider buying goal posts for the football field

CL/166/15.03.21

The clerk presented 4 quotes for a pair of goalposts to the Council, 12’ x 6’ (£172.99) and 16’ x 7’ (£229.99) freestanding steel from Networld Sports and 12’ x 6’ (£645.00) and 16’ x 7’ (£725.00) from the Soccer Store which are steel posts sunk into the ground.

It was agreed to put both posts out, rather than keeping one set of goals in storage. It was proposed to buy the larger ones from the Soccer Store at a cost of £725.00

Cllr Williams informed the Council that a child was killed a few years ago when some freestanding goalposts feel on them, so posts sunk into the ground would be a lot safer.

Proposed: Cllr J. Bradbury-Willis Seconded: Cllr M Reynolds

Unanimously agreed.

Action: Clerk to order goalposts

AGENDA ITEM 11 – To consider and decide on supporting work required for the cycle path project

CL/167/15.03.21

Cllr J. Bradbury-Willis declared an interest in this item and took no part in the discussions or decision.

Cllr Tyrrell reported that Network Rail have requested aerial footage of the proposed route of the cycle path between the cemetery and Aberdyfi. Four anonymous quotes for this work were presented to the Council, all to include editing of the final footage.

1. £375 + travel expenses at 45p for first 100 miles, 13p thereafter.
2. £579
3. £200 with company logo displayed on final video, £250 without logo
4. £350

It was proposed to accept the £250 quote from company No. 3

Proposed: Cllr Williams    Seconded: Cllr Tyrrell

Unanimously agreed

67

Cllr Tyrrell informed the Council about a survey currently being done by Gwynedd Council under their Active Travel Initiative and urged everyone to take the survey. Cllr Tyrrell had spoken to the person at Gwynedd Council in charge of the survey and was told they have to convince the Welsh Government that the local community wants it to happen, hence the survey. Cllr Tyrrell asked if there is any way the Council can help get the message to more people in order for them to take the survey and support the project.

Cllr Williams responded that Gwynedd Council will already know the feelings of many people in this area because of the exhibitions that were held in Tywyn a few years ago. He suggested the Council can help by putting it in Rushlight etc. He also pinted out that what is currently there only goes half way, which is not much use to either Tywyn or Aberdyfi communities.

Cllr Reynold pointed out that there is a small piece of land where the proposed route goes that belongs to David Inman.

Action: Clerk to put the cycle path link into Rushlight etc and make some posters to put round the village, as well as talking to the clerk in Tywyn. Councillors to spread the word.

AGENDA ITEM 12 – Correspondence

CL/168/15.03.21

• Harbour users meeting

The Chair reported that a meeting was held recently and at that meeting it was reported that fewer moorings were being put out this year as there is less demand for them due to Covid etc.  He reported that the wharf development tenders should be going out by the end of the month and they were told that the work should commence towards the end of the year. He expressed concern that the cost will continue to rise which might mean that they decide not to put the steps into the wall to reduce costs. He reported that Aberdyfi has fought hard to get those steps put in for years so he will be monitoring the situation very closely to ensure this doesn’t happen. Cllr Williams expressed concerns that it is vital to monitor this as it will be the last chance to influence what happens for a very long time.

The harbour master reported that there will be two seasonal beach wardens employed this summer.

Neil Storkey reported to the harbour users meeting that the Picnic Island bridge is now fully funded and installation should go ahead as planned in the Autumn when the rail line is closed for maintenance on Barmouth bridge. Cllr Williams expressed concern that the council needs to liaise with highways to have temporary traffic lights just while they swing the bridge into place rather than a 24 hour road closure, as this will be more acceptable to the community.

68

• Home Start Cymru

Email seeking volunteers from families to support other families

• Snowdonia National Park Partnership Plan
• Brown bin has been delivered and the clerk is sourcing suitable locks. The harbourmaster has agreed it can be sited by the harbourmaster office where there are bolts in the wall to lock the bin to.
• 3 benches have been delivered. 1 still on order.

One is for Alf Bowen, which will be sited in the wharf gardens, beside a bench supplied by the Maritime Department of Gwynedd Council, also in memory of Alf.

• Work on the Gwelfor Terrace allotment retaining wall will start within the next couple of weeks and the clerk will inform the allotment holder of the plot immediately in front of the wall. There is going to be a drainage pipe leading to a water butt at the bottom of the wall.
• Tree sculpture. A resident has offered to help move this project on so the clerk will check the existing paperwork held in the office and take it from there. The council has been advised that the trees will need to be cut down in the next few years, so the project is timely. 

Action: Clerk to check the progress of the project so far

• New councillor emails are now ready for testing and the clerk will email everyone with details. The clerk informed the meeting that there is a £120 one-off set-up fee and £126 annually for the emails and email notification service, with optional £10 per 200 texts for each email address for SMS notifications.

It was proposed to go ahead without SMS notifications.

Proposed: Cllr Kelly                  Seconded: Cllr J. Bradbury-Willis

          Agreed unanimously

AGENDA ITEM 13 – Items for consideration at future meetings / urgent business

CL/169/15.03.21

• CCTV policy
• Triangle of land at the old Catholic church – request to find out who owns this land and if no-one, perhaps the council could buy it
• Footpath at the top of the village has been blocked and signs have been moved.
• Container storage for the Council.
• Common land by Dyfi Yard Repairs seems to have been extended and trees have been cut down.

69

AGENDA ITEM 14 – Items for Rushlight / Website / Facebook

CL/170/15.03.21

• Election staff needed for 6^th May
• Beach wheelchairs
• Cycle path survey information
• New defibrillator at the Tourist Information Centre
• Electoral reform link. Welsh Government want to encourage young people and minorities to engage more with the democracy process.
• Installation of goalposts
• Installation of new shelter in playground
• Second home premium increase – it is not statutory, will be discussed again next year and Aberdyfi Community Council were not in favour of the decision

AGENDA ITEM 15 – Date of next meeting

CL/171/15.03.21

Monday 19^TH April 2021, 7pm

There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.05pm

70

Minutes of the ordinary meeting of Aberdyfi Community Council held virtually via teleconferencing on Monday, 15^th February 2021

Present were:                   Cllr Dewi Owen – Chair

Councillors:                     

Cllr James Bradbury-Willis

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

Cllr Simon Worman

Public:                             Pat Hellen

AGENDA ITEM 1- Apologies

CL/143/15.02.21

No apologies – Full attendance

AGENDA ITEM 2- Chairman’s Announcements

CL/144/15.02.21

The Chairman welcomed everyone and remarked how quickly the meetings come round. He noted that the vaccination programme in Tywyn seems to be going well with most people in the top categories having had their vaccinations already. He thanked the councillors for their good behaviour and decorum during meetings and referenced a recent council meeting that was widely seen on the internet where standards of behaviour were well below those expected of councillors.

The Chair paid tribute to Brian Bates, who passed away recently. Brian served on the Council for over 30 years, as well as on the RNLI and Coastguard. He was always willing to help anyone and was a great asset to the whole village.

AGENDA ITEM 3 – Receive & confirm minutes of meeting 18^th January 2021

CL/145/15.02.21

Proposed: Cllr Kelly         Seconded: Cllr Tyrrell

Unanimously approved.

56

AGENDA ITEM 4 – Matters arising

CL/146/15.02.21

Page 49     

M/51/(15.06.20) Request for drinking water fountain

Clerk has emailed Snowdonia National Park again but still no response.

Action: Clerk to keep trying to contact the National park.

M/74/(21.09.20) CCTV

Will be discussed under Agenda Item 8

M/81/(21.09.20) Correspondence

EV charging points

Chair reported that he has spoken to Cabinet members at Gwynedd Council and reported that Gwynedd Council representatives will be, or may well already have done a site visit, to look at where to site chargers in the main car park. They assured the Chair they would contact him again in March with an update.

Action: Chair will give an update next month

Cllr S. Bradbury-Willis informed the council that recently 4 quick chargers have been installed in the main car park in Machynlleth and suggested the Clerk talk to the clerk in Machynlleth to find out any information that might be useful about the installation and running of them.

Action: Clerk to contact Machynlleth Council clerk.

M/106/(16.11.20) Playground

New swings are now in place, with the work also having been completed on the climbing frame and the roundabout. Cllr O’Neill reported that the new seating should be installed in the next couple of weeks.

M/107/(16.11.20) Subway improvements

Clerk has emailed Gwynedd Council again and tried to phone Sean Wilkes, but no reply from either. The Chair spoke to Mr. Wilkes recently and was told he will do a site visit to see what work needs to be done there.

Action: Clerk to contact Sean Wilkes again.

Page 50

M/122/(21.12.20) Correspondence

Letter from Alan Turnbull

Chair met with a Gwynedd Council representative about siting Mr. Turbull’s bin at the far end of the car park by the fire station and was told that this shouldn’t be a problem. He was told that the fence will be replaced soon.

57

Gwynedd Council also agreed that the green bins opposite the chemist should be re-sited to behind the wall and they will arrange for this to happen in the next few months and will inform the owners of the bins. Cllr Williams pointed out that Outward Bound should be consulted, to make sure that there is enough space for them to swing boats in and out of the building, as the doors are directly opposite where the bins will be going. Cllr J. Bradbury-Willis pointed out that the sand may potentially build up against the bins and stop them being moved. The other option is for the bins to be moved to beside the recycling bins by the Fire Station but the owners of the bins may not be happy having to walk this far. It was agreed to try the bins behind the wall and monitor the situation.

Action: Chair to discuss with Outward Bound their requirements of the space behind the wall

M/131/(18.01.21) Gwynedd Council Report

The Chair has spoken to Gwynedd Council about the lamp-post that has been sited in the road by the Penhelig and there are no plans to move the lamp-post. Concern was also raised about the extent of the excavations and the Chair informed the Council that Gwynedd Council have done a site visit and that the excavations are to build a retaining wall which will be infilled behind afterwards. Snowdonia National Park assured the Chair that they will be monitoring the situation closely.

Cllr Tyrrell has spoken to the manager at the Penhelig Arms and there are no plans for the brewery to contest the building work. Cllr Williams pointed out that the lamp-post is the responsibility of Gwynedd Council, as they sold the land with the lamp-post on it, so it is their responsibility to fix the problem.

Concern was raised about cars and bikes potentially crashing into the lamp-post, though it may have the effect of calming the traffic, causing cars to slow down. Cllr. Tyrrell pointed out that if it is to be used as a traffic-calming measure, it needs to have signs indicating that the road narrows etc.

Action: Community Council to monitor the situation closely

The Chair informed the Council he will report on the sand shift next month.

Page 54 / 55

M/139/(18.01.21)

Community Housing Trust

Cllr O’Neill reported that the recent meeting of the Community Housing Trust was well attended and that Gwynedd Council are deciding soon whether to fund a scheme to buy back houses to rent to local people. She also reported that the Trust will be doing a community needs analysis in conjunction with the Neuadd Dyfi and they have been successful in obtaining £2,500 of funding from wales Coop to help with set-up costs.

58

There will need to be a Community Regeneration Group set up in the village at some point after the needs analysis has been done. During the meeting the question was raised as to who the land above Craig Y Lanch belonged to. Cllr Craig ab Iago checked on this and informed Cllr O’Neill that all available development land in Aberdyfi has been sold by Gwynedd Council to Adra for £1. 

Wharf Development Project

The Chair reported he will have more news next month as there is a Harbour-users meeting is on 2^nd March.

Crack in the sea wall

Chair has spoken to the harbourmaster about the crack in the sea wall opposite Cliffside Terrace and is hopeful that something will be done about it before Easter.

Cllr J. Bradbury-Willis pointed out that the pavement around one of the bollards on Seaview Terrace is badly cracked and will send a photo to the Clerk to pass on.

Action: Clerk to inform Gwynedd Council about the crack in the pavement.

AGENDA ITEM 5 – Treasurer’s Report

CL/147/15.02.21

Proposed: Cllr. Reynolds           Seconded: Cllr Jones

Unanimously approved

Cllr Williams asked if the Council have changed bank yet. The Clerk reported that she is planning on changing bank after the end of the financial year.

AGENDA ITEM 6 – Gwynedd Council Report

CL/148/15.02.21

The Chair reported that Gwynedd Council have provided some figures by the finance department on the issue of second homes and a proposed increase in the Council Tax premium on those homes. There are 368 second homes in Aberdyfi, which is the second highest in Gwynedd, with Abersoch having the highest number with 454. Tywyn has 163. 131 of the 368 second homes are classed as businesses, so do not pay any rates at all (figures from November 2020). There are also 27 empty houses in Aberdyfi. In Gwynedd as a whole, there are 4,718 second homes, of which 2,166 are classed as businesses and pay no rates. The head of the finance department in Gwynedd Council said this equates to ball-park figure of £280,000 loss for Aberdyfi and over £3 million loss to Gwynedd and estimated it would go up to £5 million if the increase in premium is introduced. Gwynedd Council hope to make £10-12 million by increasing the premium, most of which will be spent on affordable housing in Gwynedd.

The decision about the increase will be taken by the Cabinet of Gwynedd Council on 16^th February and by the full Council at the beginning of March.

59

The Community Council agreed that they would rather see council tax increased for all residents rather than the premium on second homes, but acknowledged this is unlikely to happen.

Cllr O’Neill asked if it is possible to get a list of the 27 empty houses in Aberdyfi so that possibly Gwynedd Council could buy them back.

Action: The Chair will try to find out the addresses

Cllr S Bradbury-Willis asked if there are any figures on the proportion of money that will be spent in Aberdyfi, given that the second home owners in the village will be providing a large portion of the income for Gwynedd Council. The Chair replied that he knows of no figures like this at present.

The Chair reported that Gwynedd Council are to change the system of charging for their car parks in April to a fee of £5 for up to 12 hours, so no matter how long someone parks in the car park, they will have to pay £5. In Winter months, the fee will be £3. Annual parking permits will go up from £125 to £140. The Chair noted that there is now no excuse for Gwynedd Council to keep the car park clear and tidy and will be contacting Gwynedd to ensure they do this by Easter.

Action: Chair to arrange to meet Gwynedd Council to discuss the upkeep of the main car park

Cllr Williams informed the Council that Nantiesin car park has finally been cleaned after 3 years of trying to get it done.

Cllr Tyrrell reminded the Council about the Residents Car Pass, which allows residents to park in a named car park for about half the price of the annual car park permit. 

The Chair has been informed that in April Gwynedd Council is likely to increase the Council Tax by 3.7%, equating to £52.90/year or £1.02/week for a Band D house.

AGENDA ITEM 7 – Planning

CL/149/15.02.21

NP5/50/E610A    Land adjoining Plas Panteidal Lodge 

          To build a low voltage overhead line

          No objections were raised

NP5/50/371B      5 Treflan LL35 0PN

          Extension to front raised patio and installation of balustrade

          No objections were raised

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

          Construction of rural enterprise dwelling (re-submission)

          No objections were raised

60

          NP5/50/479A      Ty’r Enfys, 4 Copperhill Walk LL35 0LG

Alterations including new Juliet balcony & installation of cladding at first floor level

No objections were raised

          Premises Licence Application: Coast to Go, 9 Glandovey Terrace

          No objections were raised

AGENDA ITEM 8 – To consider Installing CCTV in the village square around the Neuadd Dyfi

CL/150/15.02.21

The Clerk and Cllr Kelly have been approached by members of the public, asking if CCTV can be installed around the Neuadd Dyfi area, due to concerns about anti-social behaviour and members of the public have also approached Cllr J. Bradbury-Willis about installing CCTV in the square.

Cllr Kelly informed the Council that it is not possible to include the Neuadd Dyfi area in the existing CCTV provision in the village, as the wifi connection will not extend that far. He suggested buying a self-contained system at a cost of approximately £250-£300 which would not have any ongoing maintenance costs like the existing system. He has spoken to the Neuadd Dyfi, who are happy for the recording box to be sited in the Neuadd and also for the Neuadd wifi to be used. Cllr J Bradbury-Willis reminded the Council that the system needs to comply with GDPR. The Clerk informed the Council that she has spoken to the police and has been told that in order for the CCTV to be used in a Court of Law, the footage needs to be of good quality, clear and have signage declaring that CCTV is in operation.

It was proposed for Cllr Kelly to buy and install such a system.

Proposed: Cllr Kelly         Seconded: Cllr Tyrrell

Unanimously approved

Action: Cllr Kelly to buy and install a CCTV system in liaison with the Neuadd Dyfi

Cllr Kelly explained that there is a similar problem in the square but it is not possible to link it into the existing system so he is going to liaise with businesses in the square in order to move forward with installing CCTV in that area.

Action: Cllr Kelly to liaise with businesses in the square

Cllr Williams reminded the Council that the cameras currently in place were put in place following national guidelines on privacy, GDPR etc. Cllr Kelly informed the Council that a draft CCTV policy has been sent to Cllr J Bradbury-Willis for comments before circulating to the rest of the Council for approval and adoption.

Action: CCTV policy to be discussed for approval at the meeting in March.

61

AGENDA ITEM 9 – To consider events for NHS Day, 5^th July

CL/151/15.02.21

The Clerk informed the Council that rather than signing up for the whole day, as previously thought, it is expected that organisations sign for up individual events during the day. It was decided to make a decision closer to the time, at the May meeting and Cllr S Bradbury-Willis asked it be put in Rushlight. Cllr J Bradbury-Willis asked the clerk to check the stands for the banners as they were in a state of disrepair last time he saw them.

Action: Clerk to check banner stands and put NHS Day celebrations on agenda for May meeting and in Rushlight.

AGENDA ITEM 10 – To confirm donation to the Neuadd Dyfi

CL/152/15.02.21

Cllr Williams declared an interest in this item.

The Clerk confirmed that the Council had agreed in 2018 to give a yearly donation of £2,500 from precept and half of the net proceeds from the Neuadd Dyfi car park revenue to the Neuadd Dyfi. The income from the car park in the 2020 season was £5219.80, so the donation should be £5219.80 x 50% = £2609.90 + £2500 = £5109.90.

Proposed: Cllr Kelly                  Seconded: Cllr O’Neill

Unanimously approved

AGENDA ITEM 11 – Correspondence

CL/153/15.02.21

• Email from Jon Starbuck regarding EV chargers.  Cllr Williams suggested it may be an idea for the Community Council to work with Gwynedd Council on this, as there is a small sub-station next to the Neuadd Dyfi car park and potentially a problem with electricity supply in the main car park. There was concern that people would not vacate the spaces once their car was charged and that it would be impossible to police. Cllr S Bradbury-Willis suggested this issue will perhaps need a sub-committee to move it forward as it is such a big project with many infrastructure issues. It was agreed to wait to see what Gwynedd Council proposes to do before moving forward at the moment.
• Email from Nick Aitken asking if the Council would like some defibrillator training. It was agreed this was a good idea, but would need to wait until after restrictions are lifted, so would be revisited then.
• Email from One Voice Wales for survey for the Land Registry about what land the Council owns and she asked if someone with more knowledge about this would help her fill it in. Cllr Worman asked if the land between the football field and the old running track was common land and this was confirmed.

62

• The Clerk informed the Council that she will not be going ahead with buying a small memorial for Elaine Foote which was agreed in December, as she has found out that a Council cannot spend money on individuals.  

AGENDA ITEM 12 – Items for consideration at future meetings / urgent business

CL/154/15.02.21

• Sandshift
• Cleaning up of the car park
• Wharf development project

AGENDA ITEM 13 – Items for Rushlight / Website / Facebook

CL/155/15.02.21

NHS Day celebrations

Climate Forum

AGENDA ITEM 12 – Date of next meeting

CL/156/15.02.21

Monday 15^th March 2021, 7pm

There being no further business the meeting closed at 9pm

63

Minutes of the ordinary meeting of Aberdyfi Community Council held virtually via teleconferencing on Monday, 18^th January 2021

Present were:   Cllr Dewi Owen – Chair

Councillors:                     

Cllr James Bradbury-Willis

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: Simon Worman (co-opted during meeting)

AGENDA ITEM 1- Apologies

CL/126/18.01.21

No apologies – Full attendance

AGENDA ITEM 2- Chairman’s Announcements

CL/127/18.01.21

The Chairman welcomed everyone to a new year of the Council and informed everyone that it looks like we will probably need to continue with remote meetings until the Autumn.

AGENDA ITEM 3 – To co-opt a new councillor

CL/128/18.01.21

2 applications were initially received, but 1 withdrew, leaving 1 application and it was agreed to co-opt Simon Worman as a councillor

Proposed: Cllr Kelly                  Seconded: Cllr Jones

Unanimously approved

AGENDA ITEM 4 – Receive & confirm minutes of meeting 21^st December 2020

CL/129/18.01.21

Proposed: Cllr Reynolds  Seconded: Cllr Kelly

Unanimously approved.

AGENDA ITEM 5 – Matters arising

CL/130/18.01.21

48

Page 42     

M/51/(15.06.20) Request for drinking water fountain

Clerk has emailed photos of the proposed site and of the preferred fountain to Snowdonia National Park but hasn’t heard anything back yet.

Action: Clerk to contact Snowdonia National Park again

Page 43

M/63/(20.07.20) Funding for cycle paths

Chair informed the Council that this had come up at the last meeting of Gwynedd Council and it is currently under consideration by Gwynedd Council Consultancy.

Cllr Tyrrell reminded the council that both consultations that were undertaken in the last 2 years had been extremely well-attended and that there was a large appetite for the cycle path to be completed.

Action: Chair to contact Gwynedd Council to find out the status of the project.

M/74/(21.09.20) CCTV

Clerk has emailed asking the camera to be moved, but hasn’t had a reply.

Action: Clerk to contact again and if quote is too high or if they don’t respond, the Council may consider moving the camera ourselves.

M/81/(21.09.20) Correspondence

EV charging points

Chair reported that he has spoken to Cabinet members at Gwynedd Council and it is looking hopeful that Aberdyfi will be included in the plans to install charging points, but it all depends on the availability of internet access in the car park. Gwynedd Council representatives will do a site visit to check the suitability.

Action: Chair will contact Gwynedd Council and give an update next month

M/106/(16.11.20) Playground

Clerk has left a message with GL Jones asking for a date when the swings will be re-installed and an installation date for the new seating, but has had no reply. Cllr O’Neill informed the Council that she has been in discussion with GL Jones about the designs on the panels. It was agreed to delegate decisions about this to Cllr O’Neill and the Clerk. It was pointed out that the shelter needs to be sited to ensure there is still emergency vehicular access through the playground.

Action: Clerk and Cllr O’Neill to liaise with GL Jones. Clerk to request date for re-installation of swings.

M/107/(16.11.20) Subway improvements

Clerk has had no reply from Gwynedd Council yet.

Action: Clerk to contact Gwynedd Council highways again

49

Page 45

M/122/(21.12.20) Correspondence

Letter from Alan Turnbull

Chair has tried to talk to Gwynedd Council about re-siting the bins at the far end of the car park by the fire station without success and is waiting for a reply.

Action: Chair to contact Gwynedd Council again

Wharf gardens committee

Chair hasn’t yet spoken to the harbourmaster about siting a brown bin in one of their stores.

Action: Chair to speak to harbourmaster

Page 46

M/123/(21.12.20) Items for consideration at future meetings

Cllr O’Neill informed the council that she has sent photos of the railings around the car park to Gwynedd Council and pointed out to them that the railings are their responsibility, so we should not apply for a grant to have them repaired. As yet she has had no reply.

Action: Cllr O’Neill to report on progress at next meeting

Cllr J. Bradbury-Willis pointed out that a discussion about installing CCTV in the square was not on the agenda this month as requested. This was an oversight by the clerk and will be put on the agenda for next month.

Action: Clerk to put onto agenda for next month

AGENDA ITEM 6 – Treasurer’s Report

No report as the Clerk has had no bank statements from Natwest, as they had started sending all statements to the branch, rather than to the Council Office, even although this had not been requested. The Clerk still has no access to online banking either, so has no access to any banking information at the moment.

The clerk reported that she spoke to the complaints department, who have said they’ll help with the application and have credited our account with £200 as compensation.

AGENDA ITEM 7 – Gwynedd Council Report

CL/131/18.01.21

Chair has tried to contact highways about the lamppost next to the Penhelig Arms that has been put in the road, rather than by the side of the road, but without success.

Action: Chair will contact highways again and report back

50

The Chair reported that Gwynedd Council do not plan to shift all the sand from the area around the slipway this year and that the harbourmaster is very concerned about this. He reported seeing someone with a tractor today but it’s not clear who this was or who has organised it. There is still a very large amount of sand along the promenade and in the car park itself, so much so, that plants have now taken root. The Chair has already spoken to Gwynedd Council about this issue but the person he spoke to didn’t seem to think it was a big problem, so the Chair pointed out that if the sand isn’t cleared regularly, it will cause a much bigger and more expensive problem for Gwynedd Council. He also pointed out again that Gwynedd Council gain a large income from the car park, so it is in their interest to keep it clear of sand and looking attractive. The Council agreed the whole area looks unkept and untidy and something needs to be done about it.

Action: Chair to talk again to Gwynedd Council and ask them to do a site visit to discuss all the problems with the car park, not just the sand. Clerk to add to agenda for February or March meeting, after Chair has met with Gwynedd Council.

AGENDA ITEM 8 – Planning

CL/132/18.01.21

NP5/50/L145F     12 Seaview Terrace, Aberdyfi LL35 0EF

                                      Creation of balcony on third floor flat roof

No objections were raised

NP5/50/L220C     32 Terrace Road, Aberdyfi LL35 0LU

                                       Removal of chimneys & installation of flues

                                       No objections were raised

Letter from Golf Club requesting supporting letter for an application to convert meeting rooms into accommodation.

Cllrs Jones, Reynolds and Williams declared an interest at this point.

It was agreed to write a strong letter of support for this application. A letter is required at this stage of the process to enable the application to go to the full planning committee.

Action: Clerk to write letter

AGENDA ITEM 9 – To consider declaring a Climate Emergency

CL/133/18.01.21

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

Unanimously approved

Climate Committee: Cllrs O’Neill, J. Bradbury-Willis and Worman. Cllr Kelly is keen to offer support when he is able.

Action: Clerk to work with Climate Committee to produce a Climate Emergency policy

51

Cllr Kelly informed the Council that there is a map in historical minutes showing the how much of the local area that would be lost if the sea level rises and suggested sharing it would be a good way to encourage more people to take Climate Change seriously.

Action: Clerk to find map for distribution.

AGENDA ITEM 10 – To consider and approve grant applications

CL/134/18.01.21

The following donations were approved unanimously:

Proposed: Cllr Jones                   Seconded: Cllr Reynolds

Welsh Air Ambulance – £200

Urdd – £50

Dail Dysynni – £50

Radio Ysbyty Gwynedd applied but it was felt that Aberdyfi has much stronger links with Bronglais so agreed not to donate anything to this cause.

AGENDA ITEM 11 – To appoint an internal auditor

CL/135/18.01.21

The Council thanked Mr. Lister for all his work so far and agreed to appoint him for the coming year.

AGENDA ITEM 12 – To adopt Risk Assessment/Code of Conduct/Register of Interests.

CL/136/18.01.21

It was agreed to adopt for the next year

NO AGENDA ITEM 13 as Clerk mis-numbered the agenda items

AGENDA ITEM 14 – To consider moving banking to Unity Trust Bank

CL/137/18.01.21

It was unanimously agreed to move to Unity Trust Bank

AGENDA ITEM 15 – Correspondence

CL/138/18.01.21

Two Emails re: Village Tree Planting Project

Cllr J. Bradbury-Willis suggested the Climate Committee take this forward with the Tree Planting Project Group, which was unanimously agreed.

Action: Clerk to reply, informing them we have declared a climate emergency and formed a committee, who are keen to work with them on the project.

Cllr Williams reminded the council that the playing field is for children to play football so any trees planted should be able to withstand the rigours of this.

52

NHS Frontline Workers Day 5^th July 2021

A day to show appreciation for all frontline workers.

It was agreed to register the Council for this.

Action: Clerk to register interest and report further when more information becomes available.

Two emails from second-home owners objecting about proposed increase in council tax for second home owners.

It was agreed to write to Gwynedd Council informing them that Aberdyfi Community Council does not agree with the proposed increase.

Proposed: Cllr Tyrrell                Seconded: Cllr Jones

Agreed by majority.

Action: Clerk to write to Gwynedd Council informing them we do not agree with the increase, but we do not object to local housing being built. Also to make them aware that many members of the public are not clear why they want to make the increase. 

Action: Clerk to reply to emails informing them we have written to Gwynedd Council expressing our concerns about the increase.

Email from Gwynedd Council Assistant Head of Finance.

Email received outlining potential effect of the proposed increase in Council Tax for second home owners on precept for Councils.

It was proposed to keep the precept increase to 1.5% inflation as agreed at the previous meeting.

Proposed: Cllr Williams             Seconded: Cllr Reynolds

Unanimously agreed

Wolverhampton Bike Ride

One of the organisers contacted the Clerk and informed her that the bike ride will happen this year, but it will be a circular route to and from Wolverhampton on a different weekend to normal, so that Aberdyfi is not swamped with visitors at this difficult time. This means that those people with rolling accommodation bookings can still come down for the weekend and can also take part in the bike ride this year, ensuring Aberdyfi doesn’t miss out on business. Next year it is envisaged that the bike ride event will return to normal.

Councillor’s contact details

The Clerk proposed that the Council set up council-specific email addresses for each councillor which is web-based, as recommended by One Voice Wales. Digital Egg informed the Clerk it is possible for all councillors to have a councillor@aberdyfi-council.wales email address for £45 per annum.

53

Cllr Tyrell asked if it is possible to set up a notification to councillor’s personal email address when an email comes in to the Council email.

It was agreed to ask Digital Egg to set this up.

Action: Clerk to liaise with Digital Egg

Message on Facebook asking why the Council didn’t buy ‘Aberdyfi.com’

Cllr Kelly reported that he had checked back in the minutes and Aberdyfi Community Council did not contribute towards the website when it was originally set up or anytime afterwards, as it was entirely orchestrated by Saturn Innovation. The AA&I were asked to contribute towards the cost of collecting local information to put onto the website and gave £1000, but this was not towards setting up or running of the website. The Council has never had any involvement with the website – it has always been a private business website.

Literary Institute

The Clerk has been informed that there will be no increase in rent this coming year.

AGENDA ITEM 16 – Items for consideration at future meetings / urgent business

CL/139/18.01.21

The Clerk left the meeting at this point

Clerk’s probation period

The probation period has finished for the Clerk and the Council agreed to approve her position as Clerk.

The Clerk re-joined the meeting

Cllr Kelly declared an interest in the next item

Request for letter of support for residents of Plas Panteidal

Cllr Kelly asked for the Council to consider giving support to the residents of Plas Panteidal in their efforts to buy the estate from the liquidators.

It was unanimously agreed to write a letter of support.

Action: Clerk to write letter of support

Community Housing Trust meeting

Cllr O’Neill informed the Council that there is a meeting tomorrow night about Community Housing Trusts and she can give details on how to join.

Wharf Development Project

The Chair believes that the tenders went out at the beginning of the month, but is yet to hear officially that this is the case.

Action: Chair to contact Gwynedd Council Consultancy and report next month

54

Picnic Island Bridge

It is hoped that this will be done in September / October when the Barmouth Bridge is having repairs carried out and the rail line is closed. The bridge will be built in Wrexham and installed in in one day. The project is currently being held up by Gwynedd Council Consultancy as they have yet to give their approval.

Action: Chair to contact Gwynedd Council Consultancy and report next month

Cllr Jones asked if any response had been given to the information sent to Gwynedd Council about the cracks in the wall by the shelter opposite Cliffside Terrace. The Clerk confirmed she had taken and sent photos to Gwynedd Council weeks ago but hasn’t heard back.

Action: Chair to contact harbourmaster

For Agenda Next month:

CCTV in the square

AGENDA ITEM 17 – Items for Rushlight / Website / Facebook

CL/140/18.01.21

Health Centre telephone number

Welcome new residents to the village

Welcome to new Councillor

Wolverhampton Bike Ride

Climate Emergency and invite to join in

Defibrillator not working at TIC

Reminder of website address and Facebook page

AGENDA ITEM 12 – Date of next meeting

CL/141/18.01.21

Monday 15^th February 2021, 7pm

There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.35pm

55

Minutes of the ordinary meeting of Aberdyfi Community Council held virtually via teleconferencing on Monday, 21^st December 2020

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 Bob Tyrrell       

Cllr Dave Williams

AGENDA ITEM 1- Apologies

CL/114/21.12.20

No apologies were received

AGENDA ITEM 2- Chairman’s Announcements

CL/115/21.12.20

The Chairman said it was going to be a very strange Christmas this year and noted that there were 3 cases of Covid were reported in Tywyn over the weekend, though perhaps this wasn’t surprising as the testing centre is there for the next 2 weeks. He encouraged everyone to be vigilant and stay at home and hoped that we all have a better year next year.

AGENDA ITEM 3- Receive & confirm minutes of meeting 16^th November 2020

CL/116/21.12.20

Proposed: Cllr Kelly         Seconded: Cllr Reynolds

Unanimously approved.

AGENDA ITEM 4 – Matters arising

CL/117/21.12.20

Page 36     

M/51/(15.06.20) Request for drinking water fountain

Clerk has emailed photos of the proposed site and of the preferred fountain to Snowdonia National Park but hasn’t heard anything back yet.

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Page 37

M/63/(20.07.20) Funding for cycle paths

The Clerk spoke to Tywyn clerk and was told that the funding for the Tywyn end of the cycle path was a Gwynedd Council initiative and the most recent initiative earlier this year was being driven by EcoDyfi and as far as she was aware, the Aberdyfi section was being included in that, though the clerk can find no correspondence to confirm this.

Action: Clerk to contact EcoDyfi to check if this information is correct

M/74/(21.09.20) CCTV

Clerk can find no information in the maintenance contract about the cable being covered so she asked for a quote from the company to move the camera. Cllr Kelly pointed out that it may be possible for us to move the camera ourselves, so once we have the quote, we can make a decision, as the maintenance contract is quite a lot of money.

Cllr Kelly also pointed out that the camera near the toilet block that looks towards the Christmas tree looks to be having problems and seems to be fogging up inside the camera, so may need attention in the near future.

M/81/(21.09.20) Correspondence

EV charging points

No reply back from Gwynedd Council yet

Action: Clerk and Chair to contact Gwynedd Council to check plans for this

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M/106/(16.11.20) Playground

The Enterprise Trust is being wound up and the account closed, with funds going to the Lewis Lloyd Trust so will not be available to help with fundraising.

Cllr O’Neill informed the Council that we have been successful in getting £10K grant from Gwynedd Council for a seating shelter and asked if the Council or AA&I might be able to provide the extra £900 to top it up in order to buy the shelter. The grant includes setting up and it will be sited on galvanised fixings, so that it can be moved if required. It was proposed to provide the extra money for the project to proceed.

Proposed: Cllr Williams             Seconded: Cllr S. Bradbury-Willis

Unanimously approved

M/107/(16.11.20) Subway improvements

Clerk has had no reply from Gwynedd Council yet

43

AGENDA ITEM 5 – Treasurer’s Report

CL/118/21.12.20

Proposed: Cllr Kelly         Seconded: Cllr Williams

Unanimously approved.

AGENDA ITEM 6 – Gwynedd Council Report

CL/119/21.12.20

The Chair reported that the Welsh Government are planning to put a 1% tariff on second homes in Wales and Gwynedd Council are considering raising the Council Tax from 50% to 100% for second homes. Also, Snowdonia National park are considering that any new property being bought will have to apply for planning permission, stating whether it will be a second home, let or lived in permanently. All these proposals are currently under discussion.

AGENDA ITEM 7 – Planning

CL/120/21.12.20

NP5/50/L274B     7 Copperhill Street, Aberdyfi LL35 0HA

          Change of use from shop to office

No objections were raised

NP5/50/363E       Aberdyfi Lodge Park, Aberdyfi LL35 0RG

          Construction of single storey building and parking area

          No objections were raised

          NP5/50/679D      Land adjacent to Brig-y-Don, Aberdyfi LL35 0NH

          Construction of one dwelling and parking area

Cllrs J. and S. Bradbury-Willis declared an interest at this point and left the meeting

          No objections were raised

          Cllrs J. and S. Bradbury-Willis re-joined the meeting at this point.

          NP5/50/144C      Crychnant, Aberdyfi LL35 0SG

          3 ground screened holiday accommodation units

The Council raised serious concerned about the safety of the reservoir and the surrounding area

Action: Clerk to report these concerns to SNPA

AGENDA ITEM 8 – Agree budget and Precept for 2021/22

CL/121/21.12.20

It was proposed to accept the budget put forward by the finance committee and approve an increase in precept of 1.5%

Proposed: Cllr Kelly         Seconded: Cllr Williams

Approved with 1 abstention

44

AGENDA ITEM 9 – Correspondence

CL/122/21.12.20

Gwynedd Council – Email confirming grant application success for Play Capital Grant application

Alan Turnbull – response to letter from the Council about improper rubbish disposal, stating he will buy his own large commercial green bin.

It was agreed to ask Gwynedd Council if all the large green bins, currently opposite the chemist and Alan’s bins could be sited by the recycling bins at the end of the car park next to the fire station.

Action: Chair to talk to Gwynedd Council

It was noted that this was the only response so far to the letter distributed by the clerk.

Cllr O’Neill pointed out that the fence around this area is still in disrepair and the Chair responded that he has already asked Gwynedd Council to repair it but as yet they haven’t

Action: Chair to ask Gwynedd Council again to repair the fence.

Wharf gardens committee – request for us to provide a brown bin for the group who look after the wharf gardens. It was agreed to provide a bin and talk to the harbourmaster if there is somewhere suitable to site it, possibly in one of the stores where the oil is kept. It was agreed the bin would need to be kept locked.

Action: Chair to talk to the harbourmaster

John Neilson – response to email requesting repairs on the war memorial in Penhelig Park. He recommends that the memorial is not repainted and that it is either left as it is or the paint is taken off. He has offered to come in the Spring to assess how easy it would be to remove the paint. Cllr Tyrrell offered to clean the memorial with soap and water to remove the moss. It was agreed that Cllrs Tyrrell and Williams will gently clean the memorial and ask John Neilson to do a site visit in the Spring.

Action: Cllrs Tyrrell and Williams to clean the memorial, Clerk to arrange for John Neilson to do a site visit in the Spring

Natwest bank – Phone call explaining that the bank have closed the account and the cheque written from the Commando memorial account for a wreath for Remembrance Sunday will not be honoured. The Chair proposed that we close this account completely and transfer the funds to our main current account, ensuring the money is ring-fenced for use solely for the memorial and a wreath for the memorial. The Clerk informed the Council she will add the funds available in this account to

45

each Treasurer’s Report, the same as the Aberdyfi Tourism balance. Cllr S. Bradbury-Willis asked if it would be a good idea to do this with the other small accounts we have and it was agreed to look into this.

Action: Chair and Clerk to organise closing the account and transferring the funds

To discuss closing other accounts at a future meeting

Phil Morgan – letter requesting permission to plant vegetation in the Neuadd Dyfi car park and other locations. It was pointed out that the Burma Road hedge that was planted by the wildlife group is looking untidy and some of it has died, and we do not have any information about what ongoing maintenance is planned. The clerk has informed Phil Morgan that the bowls club and tennis courts are not in our control and that the waste ground between the golf club and garage is common land. It was agreed to ask Phil and the group for a meeting to find out more about what they would like to do and how they plan to maintain it.

Action: clerk to request Phil Morgan to attend a meeting

AGENDA ITEM 10 – Items for consideration at future meetings / urgent business

CL/123/21.12.20

• Co-option of a new Councillor
• Climate Emergency to be put on agenda
• Discuss possibly installing CCTV cameras in the square

A discussion was held about the Gwynedd Council Town Centre Improvement Grant and whether we can apply for this to improve the railings on the promenade that separate it from the car park. It was noted that the railings are not our responsibility so it would not be legal for us to do any work on them. It was agreed for Cllr O’Neill to contact Gwynedd Council about this, pointing out it is their responsibility and asking them to repair the railings, as well as the other work needed in the car park, which is entirely their responsibility.

Action: Cllr O’Neill to contact Gwynedd Council about repairs to the railings and other work needed in the car park, such as the fence around the recycling bins

Cllr J. Bradbury-Willis asked if he could have a copy of an up-to-date privacy policy.

Action: Cllr Kelly to send to Cllr J. Bradbury-Wills

Cllr Reynolds informed the Council that in some other places a height barrier has been installed at the entrance to car parks, to stop camper-vans having access to public car parks and asked if we should consider this at a future meeting. The Chair pointed out that there was a very mixed response when it was discussed at Gwynedd Council and Cllr Williams pointed out that many campervans and other vans park legally for the day so we will lose out on that business.

Action: Chair to report back on what Gwynedd Council decide what to do.

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The Chair informed the Council that there is a lamppost that has been moved into the road where they are demolishing the old toilet block. He has informed highways and it seems the builders now have permission to do what they are doing.

Agenda Item 11 – Items for Rushlight / Website / Facebook

CL/124/21.12.20

Merry Christmas!

Councillor vacancy

AA&I secretary and treasurer vacancy

Community Housing Trust meetings

Any ideas to improve the village, contact the Council or AA&I

Advent windows

British Legion totals for the Poppy Appeal

How to order new bins and report problems to Gwynedd Council

AGENDA ITEM 12 – Date of next meeting

CL/125/21.12.2020

Monday 18^th January 2021, 7pm

There being no further business the meeting closed at 8.55pm

47

Minutes of the ordinary meeting of Aberdyfi Community Council held virtually via teleconferencing on Monday, 16^th November 2020

Present were:                   Cllr Dewi Owen – Chair

Councillors:                     

Cllr Dai Owens

Cllr Brian Kelly

Cllr Bob Tyrrell       

Cllr Megan Reynolds

Cllr Catrin O’Neill

Cllr Dave Williams

Cllr Gareth Jones

AGENDA ITEM 1- Apologies

CL/99/16.11.20

Cllr James Bradbury-Willis, Cllr Sara Bradbury-Willis

AGENDA ITEM 2- Chairman’s Announcements

CL/100/16.11.20

The Chairman noted that Covid will be with us for the foreseeable future but that there have been people staying in the village who should not be and they have been reported to the police.

AGENDA ITEM 3- Receive & confirm minutes of meeting 19^th October 2020

CL/101/16.11.20

Proposed: Cllr Tyrrell      Seconded: Cllr Kelly

Unanimously approved.

AGENDA ITEM 4 – Matters arising

CL/102/16.11.20

Page 30     

M/51/(15.06.20) Request for drinking water fountain

The Chair reported that a few councillors had visited the site and taken some photos of the preferred site outside the Tourist Information Centre while Cllr O’Neill presented information about different drinking fountains. It was agreed the preferred drinking fountain was one which would allow water bottles to be filled as well as a drinking spout. Cllr Tyrrell reminded the Council that there will be an ongoing maintenance / cleaning cost to the Council.

36

Action: Clerk to send these photos to Snowdonia National Park

It was also suggested that a water tap could also be added to enable ease of watering for the wharf raised beds. It was agreed to look at this as the project progresses to see if it is possible.

Page 31

M/63/(20.07.20) Funding for cycle paths

The Clerk hasn’t been able to talk to Tywyn clerk yet.

Action: Clerk and Chair to attempt to contact Tywyn Town Council again

M/74/(21.09.20) CCTV

Cllr Kelly reported that the engineer found that the camera was working and the actual problem seems to be water in the wiring housing, not water in the camera. He suggested the camera be moved to the corner of the building closest to the road, which would eliminate the problem of the wiring going downwards into the camera. It was suggested this might be undertaken as part of their maintenance fee.

Action: Clerk to look at maintenance contract to see if this is covered and arrange for it to be moved.

M/81/(21.09.20) Correspondence

EV charging points

The Clerk and Chair both reported that they have had no correspondence on this matter but will follow it up and report back at the next meeting.

Action: Clerk & Chair to contact Gwynedd about installation of EV chargers.

M/89/19.10.20 Treasurer’s Report

Contactless Payment system for Neuadd Dyfi Car Park

The Clerk reported to install a card machine would incur £1750 set-up charges plus 10p per transaction and up to 1.2% bank charges per transaction. JustPark app system would incur £200 set-up charges plus £200 / month maintenance fee, 3% bank charges and 20p per transaction. It was agreed these are both very expensive options and asked the Clerk to investigate if there are any cheaper options.

Action: Clerk to further investigate contactless payment systems

Page 33

M/93/19.10.20

Rubbish disposal

The Chair reported that he had contacted Gwynedd Council who informed him that it is the individual household’s responsibility to order new bins should they need them and it is not something the Community Council can do. Cllr Tyrrell explained how easy it is to order bins and other items from Gwynedd website.

Action: Clerk to add this information to Rushlight.

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Cllr Jones informed the Council that a heavy metal gate at the cemetery was in a state of disrepair and needs replacing / fixing as well as the bin that is missing from the cemetery.

Action: Chair / Clerk to contact Gwynedd Council to let them know

M/94/19.10.20 Declaring a Climate Emergency

It was agreed to have more time to analyse the information from Cllr O’Neill and add to the agenda for next month.

Action: Clerk to add as agenda item for next month.

Page 34

M/95/19.10.20 Correspondence

Plaque for Elaine Foote

Clerk reported that a local company quoted £225 for an 8×4.5” plaque. She also reported that she found various engraved slate hearts on the internet for approximately £20. It was agreed to purchase one of the hearts.

Action: Clerk to purchase an engraved heart from the internet

AGENDA ITEM 5 – Treasurer’s Report

CL/103/16.11.20

Proposed: Cllr Kelly         Seconded: Cllr Jones

Unanimously approved.

AGENDA ITEM 6 – Gwynedd Council Report

CL/104/16.11.20

The Chair thanked everyone who was involved in Remembrance Sunday and said how well it was organised and how well everyone behaved, everyone keeping their distance. He asked that we write to thank David Richardson for such a well organised event.

Action: Clerk to write to Mr Richardson

The Chair reported that he had attended many online meetings recently, mainly about Covid-19 and had been told that some businesses have closed due to the pandemic and that 7000 people have been unemployed since March. He hopes that the vaccine will become available soon to help businesses survive as obviously if no tourists come to our area, our local business will suffer badly. He also reported that the incidence of positive cases in schools are rising and some schools have been completely closed this last week, one of them in Penrhyndeudraeth. He hoped that this trend of the virus travelling south doesn’t continue and reach down to Tywyn schools.

It was agreed that there will be a cost to this pandemic further down the line and that the Council should increase its reserve and spend carefully going forward.

38

AGENDA ITEM 7 – Planning

CL/105/16.11.20

NP5/50/592E                Hildamere, Aberdyfi LL35 0PB

                                      Erection of greenhouse

                                      No objections

AGENDA ITEM 8 – Playground

CL/106/16.11.20

To approve cost of repairs to current facilities.

It was agreed to approve the maintenance work that needs to be done on the swings and other equipment.

Action: Clerk to arrange for the work to be done

To discuss other maintenance that needs to be done on the playground

It was agreed to paint the wall and generally tidy up the playground in the spring. Cllr Kelly pointed out that the AA&I employ someone to do occasional work on the playground, so offered to check what this entails.

Action: Clerk to liaise with Cllr Kelly and arrange work on the playground

To discuss proposals for playground improvements.

It was agreed to add this item to the agenda for next month to allow time to study the proposals and investigate funding possibilities. Cllr Tyrrell pointed out that the Aberdyfi Enterprise Trust could possibly be used to help with funding, as GiftAid could be added as the Trust is a charity

Action: Clerk to add to agenda for next month and find out more information from Bryn Lloyd, who set up the Enterprise Trust.

Action: Chair to talk to Gwynedd Council about possible funding

AGENDA ITEM 9 – To discuss possible subway improvements

CL/107/16.11.20

It was agreed the subway needs work to improve its appearance as it is looking very untidy and dirty, but it is unclear who owns the subway and is therefore responsible for its maintenance. It was suggested a competition is held for local artists to propose a design for the subway. Cllr Williams informed the Council that Highways is responsible for the subway.

Action: Clerk to contact highways and seek permission to improve the appearance. If they do not give permission, ask them to improve it themselves.

AGENDA ITEM 10 – To discuss maintenance / improvements to Aberdyfi main car park

CL/108/16.11.20

Concern was expressed that the main car park looks untidy and needs some maintenance and development, eg. installation of EV charging points, the railings

39

need painting, sand needs to be removed and the central planted areas need attention. It was agreed to ask a representative from Gwynedd Council to visit the site to discuss what needs to be done.

Action: Chair to ask Gwynedd Council to do a site visit to discuss maintenance and improvements

AGENDA ITEM 11 – Correspondence

CL/109/16.11.20

1. Contact from Sharp explaining our printer is obsolete and offering a new contract which should save the Council money in the long run. It was agreed to go ahead with a new contract.

Action: Clerk to contact Sharp and arrange new contract

• Resident has approached the Clerk asking if the trees in the allotments could be cut back. It was agreed the allotments sub-committee would visit the site and make a decision on what work needs done.

Action: Allotments sub-committee to do a site visit and Clerk to arrange for the work to be done.

• Resident approached the Clerk and asked if the benches in Maes Newydd can be included in the bench scheme. It was agreed to pursue this.

Action: Clerk to contact highways to ask permission.

• Resident asked if the Maes Newydd playpark could be brought into Community Council ownership. It was agreed not to pursue this at this time as too much of a liability at this uncertain time. It was suggested to think about setting up a new organisation in the village to pursue projects like this. It was agreed to come back to this at a later date.
• A resident has asked if we can encourage everyone in the village to decorate the outside of their houses for the festive season to add some cheer to the village at this worrying time.

Action: Clerk to add to Rushlight

• A resident has pointed out that the Commando memorial needs some maintenance to renew the painting of letters on the memorial. It was agreed to do this and it was noted that this work would be paid for from the Commando account and not the main bank account.

Action: Clerk to contact the person who did the original lettering and ask them to carry out the work.

• A local business asked if they might be able to buy a bench to put in the playpark. It was agreed they could, though the wording on the plaque would need close attention.

Action: Clerk to send an application for a bench to the company.

40

AGENDA ITEM 12 – To agree a date for the budget meeting of the finance committee

CL/110/16.11.20

It was agreed to meet Tuesday 24^th November

AGENDA ITEM 13 – Items for consideration at future meetings / urgent business

CL/111/16.11.20

• It was noted that local Council elections will not now happen until 2022 so the Community Council needs to Co-opt a new Councillor

Action: Clerk to start the co-opting process

• The Council would like to pay tribute to Morgan Vaughan and all the work he did as a Councillor, both with Aberdyfi Community Council and Gwynedd Council over the many years he was involved in the councils. Our thoughts are with his family at this time.
• The pavement by the golf club is becoming dangerous due to overgrown hedges and needs attention. Cllr. Williams informed the Council that the football field is owned by the Community Council but it is leased to the football club, so we are responsible for the hedges along that stretch of road.

Action: Clerk to contact the contractor and arrange for it to be cut back

• There is a road sign that has fallen down on Gwelfor Road that needs to be reported to Gwynedd Council.

Action: Clerk to inform Gwynedd Council

Agenda Item 14 – Items for Rushlight / Website / Facebook

CL/112/16.11.20

Councillor vacancy

Advent windows

Encourage everyone to decorate houses for the festive season

British Legion thanks

Wildlife project

Institute subscriptions

The Great Aberdyfi Rake-off

How to order new bins from Gwynedd Council

Phone scam information, if room

Royal Mail scam information, if room

AGENDA ITEM 14 – Date of next meeting

CL/113/16.11.2020

Monday 21^st December 2020, 7pm

There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.00pm

41

Minutes of the ordinary meeting of Aberdyfi Community Council held virtually via teleconferencing on Monday, 19^th October 2020

Present were Councillors:            

Cllr Dewi Owen – Chair

Cllr Dai Owens

Cllr Brian Kelly

Cllr Bob Tyrrell       

Cllr Megan Reynolds

Cllr Catrin O’Neill

Cllr Dave Williams

Cllr James Bradbury-Willis

Cllr Sara Bradbury-Willis

AGENDA ITEM 1- Apologies

CL/85/19.10.20

No apologies were received

AGENDA ITEM 2- Chairman’s Announcements

CL/86/19.10.20

The Chair reminded everyone that Wales will be going back into lockdown on Friday 23^rd October and that we all need to follow the rules and work together to stop the spread of the virus.

AGENDA ITEM 3- Receive & confirm minutes of meeting 15^th June & 7^th July 2020

CL/87/19.10.20

Proposed: Cllr Kelly         Seconded: Cllr Tyrrell

Unanimously approved.

AGENDA ITEM 4 – Matters arising

CL/88/19.10.20

Page 24     

M/51/(15.06.20) Request for drinking water fountain

The Chair reported that he had spoken to Edward Jones who is responsible for property in Snowdonia National Park, including the Tourist Information Centre in Aberdyfi and he is open to the idea of the water fountain being connected to the water supply of the Tourist Information Centre. He asked the Council to write him a formal letter outlining the proposal, together with photos of the proposed site of the fountain and photos of the proposed fountain.

30

Action: Cllr O’Neill to present different options for fountains at the next meeting. Cllr O’Neill, Cllr Kelly and Cllr Owen to do a site visit to determine a preferred site.

It was agreed that if the project happens in this form, the Council should offer to pay the water bill for the Tourist Information Centre, as the water fountain would use dramatically more water than the TIC.

M/63/(20.07.20) Funding for cycle paths

The Clerk hasn’t been able to talk to Tywyn clerk yet.

Action: Clerk and Chair to attempt to contact Tywyn Town Council

          M/74/(21.09.20) CCTV

Hopefully the broken CCTV camera will be replaced next week, if they are able to carry out the work during lockdown.

          Page 27

          M/81/(21.09.20) Correspondence

          EV charging points

The Clerk and Chair both reported that they have had no correspondence on this matter but will follow it up and report back at the next meeting.

Action: Clerk & Chair to contact Gwynedd about installation of EV chargers.

AGENDA ITEM 5 – Treasurer’s Report

CL/89/19.10.20

Proposed: Cllr Kelly         Seconded: Cllr Reynolds

Unanimously approved.

Clerk reported that the Neuadd Dyfi car park figure is likely to be in the region of £5,000 for this year.

Cllr Tyrrell reported that the bench lease system is working very well and noted that the income from the benches will be an expense at some point, so will not add much to the overall income. He explained he is looking into the best way to maintain the benches. The Chair commented that there is a need to keep track of how old the benches are, as the lease is only for 10 years.

Action: Clerk to create a spreadsheet of benches, their age and contact details.

Cllr Kelly reminded the Council that there is a need to look again at installing a contactless card payment system in the Neuadd Dyfi car park.

Action: Clerk to look into costs

Cllr Tyrrell reported that there has been some vandalism to the gate at Penhelig Gardens which was reported to the police. He wanted the Council to be aware of this in case anything happens to the benches around the village.

31

AGENDA ITEM 6 – Gwynedd Council Report

CL/90/19.10.20

Wharf redevelopment project: Gwynedd Council have decided not to go ahead with the project this year, but assured the Chair that the money is not in jeopardy and the costs will not exceed the stated budget. A concern was raised that by next year the costs will have risen by then so if they keep to budget, they may cut corners, rather than building to the agreed specification.

Action: Chair to keep Council informed of ongoing developments

Cllr J. Bradbury-Willis informed the Council that various residents had contacted him to say that their recycling bins had been damaged on more than one occasion by rough handling by Council workers and asked if the Chair could take this back to Gwynedd Council.

Action: Chair will report back to Gwynedd Council on this matter

AGENDA ITEM 7 – Planning

CL/91/19.10.20

NP5/50/375C                2 Corbett Lane, Aberdyfi LL35 0RB 

                                      Erection of garage and new driveway    

Concerns were raised about possible subsidence of surrounding buildings due to the large amount of excavation involved and also concerns over the water run-off as there is no drainage on Corbett Lane, so potentially rainwater will run across Corbett Lane and down into the houses on the opposite side. There is also some sort of manhole cover at the bottom of the proposed new driveway but it is not clear what this is for. The Clerk reported that neighbours to this site had approached her and told her of previous problems of subsidence in that area.

Action: Clerk to write and object to the planning application on these grounds and suggest a site visit by Snowdonia National Park.

NP5/50/147M               Nyth Robin Campsite, Panteidal, Aberdyfi

                                      LL35 0RG

                                      Construction of Rural Enterprise dwelling

This application was refused and the applicants now wish to appeal to the Welsh Government. It was agreed that the Council would write a letter of support for the appeal, but in order to do so, the Council needs a formal request to do so.

Action: Cllr O’Neill to ask applicants to submit a formal request, at which time the Clerk will write a letter of support.

AGENDA ITEM 8 – To discuss proposals for playground improvements

CL/92/19.10.20

Cllr. O’Neill and Cllr. S. Bradbury-Willis are waiting for a third quote and will present the 3 different plans to the Council at the next meeting

Action: Add playground improvements to the agenda for next month.

32

AGENDA ITEM 9 – To discuss improper rubbish disposal by visitors on Bodfor & Glandovey Terrace

CL/93/19.10.20

A discussion was held about bins overflowing with rubbish along Bodfor and Glandovey Terrace. It was reported that people had been confronted when putting rubbish into the bins opposite the chemist, which are actually private bins for various businesses and should be locked but currently are not. Because of Covid it is more important than ever that rubbish doesn’t blow around the paths and roads. It was agreed to write to the businesses and letting agents, reminding them of their responsibilities.

Action: Clerk to write to the businesses and letting agents asking them to ensure their rubbish is properly disposed of and the large green bins are kept locked.

AGENDA ITEM 10 – To discuss declaring a Climate Emergency

CL/94/19.10.20

It was agreed that this sounds a good idea but a Council policy needs to be written and put in place if the Council is going to declare a Climate Emergency.

Action: Clerk in conjunction with Cllr. O’Neill to write a policy to put before the Council at the next meeting

AGENDA ITEM 11 – Correspondence

CL/95/19.10.20

1. Request for donation from a member of the public

It was agreed not to make a donation, but to put it in Rushlight if there is room

• Notice of potential events at Christmas to be held by the Churches and Chapels in the village.

Action: Clerk to reply informing them we have no plans for any events

• Request from Churches and Chapels in the village to provide a list of vulnerable people in the village.

It was noted that the Council does not have such a list and it would go against GDPR to give out any details of individuals that we hold.

• Email from member of public asking for lights in the main car park to be turned off at night and reply from Gwynedd Council

It was noted that Gwynedd Council are in the process of replacing all the lights in the village, including those in the car park and the new lights are programmable so they may dim them between midnight and 6am.

• Letter from Snowdonia National Park announcing the availability of funding through the Community Projects Fund.

Action: Clerk to circulate to groups who might benefit and put in Rushlight

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• Wildlife garden is now in place at the entrance to the Neuadd Dyfi car park and the wildlife group are planning to meet to discuss other areas in the village that could be developed for wildlife.

Action: Cllr O’Neill and the clerk will report on this as it progresses

• Emails requesting bench information. So far we have 3 in place, 2 on order and 1 request for information.
• Email from One Voice Wales requesting representatives on their area committee. Cllr O’Neill expressed an interest in joining the Chair on this committee.

Action: Clerk to provide more information to Cllr O’Neill and inform OVW

• Email from Rupert Tildsley requesting decision on the purchase of the domain name ‘Aberdyfi.com’.

It was agreed not to purchase the domain name

Action: Clerk to reply to Mr. Tildsley

1. Various residents have approached the clerk requesting that a small plaque be placed at the wildlife garden in memory of Elaine Foote. It was agreed to do this.

Action: Clerk to arrange

AGENDA ITEM 12 – Items for Consideration at Future Meetings / Urgent Business

CL/96/19.10.20

• Subway by fire station has recently been vandalised

Action: Add to agenda for next month to discuss possibilities of what to do

• It was agreed to have a future agenda item of Clerk’s Report to allow the Clerk an opportunity to report on anything not covered elsewhere in the agenda
• There is no bin at the bottom cemetery and it is overgrown and looking untidy.

Action: Clerk and Chair to look into this issue

• Area of tall hedge just beyond the Institute protruding into the road and causing high sided vehicles to go into the middle of the road.

Action: Clerk to write to Gwynedd Council

• Remembrance Day Service. Cllr Williams spoke to the British Legion representative recently and was informed that a very limited service will take place.

Action: Clerk to talk to the British Legion representative before putting this information into Rushlight.

• Tree sculpture needs to be kept in mind for future meetings
• Main car park area is starting to look a mess. Gwynedd Council are responsible for this and should clear it all before the spring.

Action: Add to agenda for next month

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AGENDA ITEM 13 – Items for Rushlight / Website / Facebook

CL/97/19.10.20

Doris O’Keefe marathon achievement

Remembrance Day arrangements

Congratulations to the Trefeddian for 2 awards

Remind everyone to dispose of rubbish responsibly

Info on various support available to individuals during the pandemic

Community Project Fund

Reminder to look after each other

Request for donation

AGENDA ITEM 14 – Date of next meeting

CL/98/19.10.2020

Monday 16^th November 2020, 7pm

There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.05pm

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