BLAENAVON TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES OF FULL COUNCIL MEETING
HELD ON WEDNESDAY 23rd APRIL, 2014 AT 7.00PM
IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER, CHURCH VIEW
Present: Councillors G Davies (Chair)
S Evans
A Furzer
A Jones
J Jones
B Lewis
W Lewis
D Watkins
P Whitcombe
B Whitcombe
S Price (Clerk to the Council)
Apologies: Councillors S Bright
S Lewis
1708 MAYORS ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor attended Pontypool CC Annual Dinner.
1709 MINUTES OF FULL COUNCIL MEETING HELD 26th
MARCH 2014 WERE READ AND CONFIRMED
MATTERS ARISING
(a) Neon – It was confirmed that we are awaiting information regarding the amount of funding needed.
(b) Flower Park Wall – Cllr Evans advised the wall has been reinstated and paving stones in town are ongoing with some being done and other areas awaiting, Cllr Evans stated that the initial design was wrong.
(c) Meeting – Cllr B Lewis stated that at information meetings to be held 2nd Wednesday of the month there should be an obligation for attendance by Cllrs.
(d) Crossing – Cllr P Whitcome expressed dismay that the press article regarding the need for a crossing at Prince Street did not include her name, Cllr Davies advised this is a press matter, Cllr Whitcombe's name did appear in the minutes.
(e) Lyndene – Cllr W Lewis stated that the Council expressed concerns about the application, Ward Members advised Planning is looking at potential problems with new Health Centre and one way system and there will be a site meeting Wednesday next.
1710 WORKMEN'S HALL COTTAGE LEASE
Cllr Davies read Melin's report regarding works needed to vacate
Church View, Cllrs expressed concern that they are requesting new
glazing in two window unit, Clerk to inspect the lease and make
available to Cllrs.
Cllrs need clarification of cost of alterations to Workmen's Hall Cottage,
Mr Andrew Campbell, solicitor was not able to be present at the
meeting as he is on holiday, as his advise Cllrs thought it a good idea for
the Council to cover refurbishment costs with a rent free period, Cllr
A Jones is liaising with Dana Eynon at TCBC. Cllr J Jones stated that
the lease should be 7 years and it was agreed to obtain three quotes for
a replacement gate.
1711 FUNDING APPLICATION
Cllr Davies advised that he was unable to print this for Cllrs but would
get it to them for consideration and addition if necessary, the application
is partly about cleaning and partly education, the turn around time for
funding is six months and it is likely to start in October. Cllr A Jones
stated that the cleansing of public toilets needs to be included.
1712 LION STREET TOILETS
Cllr A Jones advised the Council that a decision is needed whether to
take over responsibility for the toilets, we need to see costs, Cllr Evans
stated that the responsibility for maintaining the building should lie
with TCBC, Cllr A Jones agreed and advised there wiould be an option
to install coin boxes if the Council does take responsibility, Cllrs
further discussed the issue.
1713 SOCIAL MEDIA
Cllrs were supplied with information to take away and read, a snap
decision can not be made and this to be put on next agenda.
1714 HANGING BASKETS
It was agreed that the Council fund these with the possibility of
sponsorship from local businesses, letters to be sent. Location was
discussed and it was agreed that baskets would be in Broad Street
only, Cllr B Lewis asked if our surplus baskets could be sold to
traders at a reduced cost.
1715 BUS ROUTES
Cllr Davies advised that the reduction of bus routes was articled in
the local press and Ward Members or Cllrs were not aware until then,
the X30 Brynmawr to Cwmbran will be axed thus removing the only
bus route around the town leaving no service for Forgeside, Garn-y-Erw
Llanover Road and Capel Newydd, no service for residents to either
the existing or new health centre this will leave them isolated, especially
the elderly who rely on this service. The cuts are due to reduced WG
funding and Councils have no say in the commercial side of bus
companies, Clerk to write to Stagecoach, with complaint and an
invitation for a representative to attend a meeting and also the local MP
and AM to be sent letters. Ward Members will keep Cllrs informed.
1716 CORRESPONDENCE
(a) Insurance renewal from Zurich, Clerk explained various aspects.
(b) Letter of thanks for donation from Talking Books Wales .
(c) E-mail received via Cllr A Jones regarding installation of utility meters at Workmen's Hall Cottage, Clerk to obtain costings.
(d) E-Mail from Sian Watkins stating there is no used play equipment available, Cllr Evans stated there is and some has been reserved for Forgeside.
(e) E-mail received from Dana Eynon with a list of planned wildflower planting areas and advising she wll look at areas Council requested.
(f) E-mail received via Cllr A Jones from Sian Watkins stating both Broad Street and toilets are cleansed on a daily basis, Cllr Jones will go back to Sian with Council's doubts.
(g) E-mail received stating that there is legislative reform on cheque signing, there is no longer requirement to have two signatures.
(h) Grant – E-mail received from TCBC stating there are no longer WG grants available for traders to make their private toilets available for the public, however Sue Browne is looking at a scheme accessing funding and promotional materials to inform the public where in Blaenavon facilities are available.
(i) E-mail received giving details of the next Police Community Engagement Workshop.
(j) E-mail giving details of BBC's forthcoming Home Swap Holiday programme and looking for valunteers.
(k) E-mail received from Featherstone Council asking if we would be interested in twinning, Clerk to inform them we are looking at costs.
1717 TORFAEN COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL CONCERNS
(a) Llanover Road Wall – Cllr J Jones advised that a wall by the forestry has been damaged and there is continual rubbish being dumped behind, letter to be sent to Natural Resources Wales.
(b) Decorated Graves – Cllr P Whitcombe expressed her disgust that TCBC are telling bereaved relatives to remove certain items from the graves of their loved ones, this especially applies to children's graves that have certain items placed on them eg windmills, Cllr Whitcombe advised that relatives own the burial plots not TCBC and as such have a right to place anything they wish on the graves, Cllr Furzer stated that TCBC has issued a reminder of criteria and Clls discussed this sensitive issue.
(c) Bins – Cllr W Lewis expressed concern that black bins behind the Co-op have not been exptied and are overflowing, Cllr J Jones advised there is considerable rubbish in Prince Street car park.
(d) Benches – Cllr Evans stated that town benches need refurbishment, especially one in Griffin Avenue which has slats missing, Clerk will contact Chris Langford.
(e) Prince Street Garden – Cllr B Lewis requested an update regarding this, Cllr Davies advised we have been let down by the Probation Service, Cllr Lewis also advised that the tree at the Cemetery needs re-staking.
(f) WW1 Centenary – Cllr B Lewis asked if we are doing anything to commemorate this event, Cllr Davies advised RBL have things planned Clerk to ask if we can support, there is a planned church service in August.
(g) Chamber Furniture – Cllr Watkins expressed concern that the tables would not fit into the Workmen's Hall Cottage as they did not when the Council last occupied the building, Cllr Jones explained that there will be more open space following refurbishment and Cllr discussed alterations, Cllr B Lewis wondered if all Cllrs would have an input, we need feedback regarding rent free period, ask for clarification.
(h) Butler Homes – Cllr Evans stated he is pleased to see progression on the site, Cllrs Agreed.
1718 LICENSING APPLICATIONS
None
17019 PLANNING APPLICATIONS
Cllrs Evans and Furzer declared interest.
14/P/00176 2 facia type signs, 1 overhanging sign.
The Lion, 41 Broad Street, Blaenavon.
14/P/00188 Kitchen extension.
29 Phillip Street, Blaenavon.
14/P/00200 Extension to provide plant room.
Unit 6, Gilchrist Thomas Ind Estate, Blaenavon.
Council has no objection in principle to the above applications.
1720 CHEQUE LIST FOR MARCH 2014 TO BE READ AND
ACCEPTED
Cllrs accepted the cheque list.
1721 INVOICES TO BE READ AND ACCEPTED
Cllrs accepted invoices as read.
.