Minutes of the Council Meeting held on Thursday 13th November 2014
Present; Councillors S Davies, R Wynd, Marianne Williams, Mrs Susan Pyart, A H Williams, Gareth
Hayton, Mrs Carol Williams, Mrs Auriol Graham, Mrs Arlene Jones, County Councillor D Thomas.
1. Apologies for absence were accepted from Councillors D White, Eileen Dickson, Ken Saward
2. Police Matters – No Police in attendance. The Clerk was asked to direct the following questions;
Theft - It was reported that there had been a spate of burglaries in the wider area recently where
builder’s tools and equipment had been stolen;
a. What action is being taken by the Police and what advice is being offered to prevent such thefts
happening; How many officers would have been on duty across the wider area to deal with possible
serious matters?
b. Nantcaerefail - Do you know if a camera is being installed at Nantcaerefail?
3. Planning
a) 11 Riverside Gardens Ynyswen – BBNP has granted permission for the excavation to the north and
west side of the dwelling to install a brickwork retaining wall and concrete access steps to provide a
paved grassed area.
b) Shoulder Cottage – BBNP has granted authority to erect a storm porch to the rear elevation.
c) 95 Ynyswen – BBNP has granted permission for a two storey extension to side elevation of existing
dwelling.
4. Correspondence –
Resignation – County Councillor David Thomas has advised the Council that his position as a dual
representative on the Community Council was becoming increasingly untenable due the increasing
possibility of conflicts between the two roles. Reluctantly he was resigning from his role as a Community
Councillor for the Ynyswe/ Penycae Ward. He would continue to attend Community Council meetings in
his position of County Councillor.
The Community Council accepted Councillor Thomas’ resignation and agreed to advertise the vacancy
early in 2015. The Clerk agreed to advise PCC.
5. Footpath Matters – The Clerk advised the third round of FP maintenance had been completed.
Matthew Thomas has submitted his invoice for £942.00 also including some additional items and
spraying. The Council agreed to pay the invoice.
It was reported that Japanese Knotwwed was present on the bridge buttress at the Two Bridges.In
response to a question a discussion ensued on various ways to control and clear Japanese Knotweed. If
knotweed was present on private property it was the responsibility of the landowner to control it at his
own cost. The Clerk will ask Matthew Thomas to investigate the knotweed at the Two Bridges.
6. Proposed Children’s Play Area at Penycae – Councillor D Thomas offered apologies on behalf of
Jenny Thomas who was unable to attend a previous meeting. The Clerk produced responses from OVW
and AON the Council Insurers regarding the possible devolution of services by Powys County Council. A
brief discussion followed. It was noted that a great deal more information was required. The Council
agreed to rearrange the meeting with Jenny Thomas for Tuesday 2nd December, 2014 to obtain further
information from PCC which will form the basis of further discussion by the Council later in December or
early January 2015.
7. Finance
a) Finance Report – The bank balance at 31 October 2014 is £6937.14. A further precept payment was
due in December.
b) To authorise Payments – The following payments were authorised.
M D Thomas
Vision ICT
S Davies
£942.00 FP Maintenance third cut
£156.00 Web support 2015
£ 43.20 Travel expenses
8. County Council Report – County Councillor David Thomas reported as follows;
a) Minor Injuries Unit – The Minor Injuries Unit had been established at the Ystradgynlais Community
Hospital. The unit would open between 8.30am to 4pm Monday to Friday. Notices were available to
advertise the service in local notice boards and shops including the Unit telephone number. Anyone
wishing to use the service would need to call the unit in the first instance.
b) Double Yellow Lines – A proposal to provide double yellow lines at locations in the Community would
go before Committee week commencing 24 November, 2014. The locations recommended are near
Abercrave Terrace in Caehopkin; Near Coelbren Welfare Hall and the Bus stop in Coelbren into Station
Road.
c) Water Issues Caehopkin – Further discussions had been held with the Landowner who was prepared
to allow the water ditch to be extended to the top of Davies Street;
d) Appointment – County Councillor Thomas reported he had been appointed to the PCC Finance
Scrutiny Panel. The Council congratulated him on the appointment,
9. Minutes – The minutes of the previous meeting on 9th October 2014 were signed as a true record.
10. Matters Arising – There were no matters arising.
11. A.O.B.
a) Local Bus Services Coelbren – In response to a question County Councillor Thomas advised that
projected expenditure cuts would have an effect on bus subsidies. Councillor Graham wished to put on
record the appreciation of Coelbren residents for the First Cymru Services serving Coelbren. It was
agreed the Chairman would write to First Cymru to convey the Council’s appreciation.
b) Notice Boards – The Chairman agreed to investigate a problem of loose seals on the community
notice boards.
c) Trees Near Coelbren Station – It was reported several trees near the former railway station appeared
to be dangerous and may require removal. County Councillor Thomas advised that the Landowner
should contact PCC before any trimming or felling work was undertaken.
12. Date of Next Meeting – 11th December 2014