1
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF PORTSKEWETT COMMUNITY COUNCIL
HELD AT SUDBROOK PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH TUESDAY 20 th JANUARY 2015
Councillors present: Mr G Parker (Chair)
Mr A Griffiths
Mrs C Hubbard
Mr A Whiteley
Mr I Standing
Mr P Collins
Mr P Watkins
Public Meeting
A member of the public questioned that last October a tree fell down in the Cornfield over a footpath and yet there was no mention of it in the Council minutes. It was explained that the
Community Council were not aware that the tree had been obstructing a footpath and therefore they believed the MOD were responsible for the tree and the Cornfield Project were responsible for the area around it, hence no action was believed necessary.
A member of the public thanked the Community Council for writing in to support the community against the proposed change in school catchment areas for ARW School.
They handed out copies of a questionnaire and a summary of the situation, which has been left in public places in the villages of Sudbrook and Portskewett to inform the public and for their feedback to the County Council.
Another member of the public raised further concerns over the proposed changes to catchment area and the lack of communication regarding the proposals. They stated that
Portskewett and Sudbrook come under the Severnside area in the LDP, and the build of the new school in Caldicot includes Portskewett and Sudbrook. The County Council cannot go against the LDP.
1. SIGN THE ATTENDANCE BOOK
The Attendance Book was duly signed.
2. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies were received from Councillor Fawcitt, Councillor Fox and Councillor Nurcombe.
.
3. REPORT FROM LOCAL POLICE REPRESENTATIVES
The police were not in attendance and no report had been received.
4. MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING
It was proposed by Councillor Griffiths and seconded by Councillor Standing and agreed that the minutes of the last meeting were accepted as a true record.

2
5. MATTERS ARISING
Website
The IP address had been unlocked by Hart Internet and Mr Weaver has changed to the new provider and is currently dual running for a period to ensure that there are no problems. Once he has confirmed that it is acceptable he will notify the clerk to close down the old host.
Action MW
Rubbish Bins
Mr Weaver asked if it would be possible to have a new rubbish bin between the Green and the layby opposite the electricity sub-station. Councillor Griffiths requested that one be placed half way up Sunnycroft, outside where Mrs Morgan lived. Clerk contacted highways and asked for two new bins. They have responded by requesting information as to the location, type of bins etc and have said that it would be at the discretion of the refuse supervisor as to whether the bins could be added to the emptying round. Clerk to clarify the original request for the placement of two new bins by the County Council. A response was received that due to financial constraints no new litter bins would be put in place.
Portskewett and Sudbrook leaflet printing
Clerk took a copy of the two leaflets to the printers in Caldicot to establish the cost of reprinting them.
They didn’t think they had produced them originally, so would have to start from scratch. It would cost £100 to do the set up of the leaflets, and a further £350 to print 500 of each leaflet. Councillor Collins to ask Liam Collins if he still has the original artwork. Liam has responded that he does not have the origin als but has presented a cost of £200 to redesign the two leaflets. An estimate of printing costs is £130 for 500 leaflets so £260 for 500 of each.
Councillor Griffiths will obtain another quote for printing the leaflets. Clerk to inform Liam that we would like him to redesign the leaflets once the additional information has been decided.
Two subgroups will be established to look at the two leaflets to establish what needs changing on them. Action PW,GP,IS,AG and BY
Site meeting at Sudbrook Camp to discuss opportunities
Councillor Watkins is to organise a date when the Councillors can meet at the Camp to discuss options. Action PW
Annual Accounts
It was felt that options should be explored in terms of appointing an internal auditor in the future. Clerk contacted the SLCC to establish what qualifications are required of an auditor.
They stated that an auditor should preferably be accountancy trained, but knowledge of local government working was also important.
An approach had been made to Mrs Cath Pearce who had agreed to give the Council a quote for doing the work, unfortunately her work commitments mean that she will not be able to do it this financial year. Clerk contacted Devauden Council to establish who audits their accounts but received no response. Clerk to try other Councils in the area. Action BY
Overgrown Hedges Blackrock
It was reported that the hedges on both sides of Blackrock road are overgrown, from the houses down to the picnic site. The hedges on the right opposite the barns have also not been cut. Clerk followed this up with highways but it has still not been done. Martyn Evans has now responded that the hedges have been cut since first reported but were not considered to be affecting the highway so not much was taken off. Clerk responded that it is
MCC who are responsible for these hedges not private individuals, and could they please be tidied up.

3
Overgrown Hedge Sudbrook
Councillor Watkins reported that the hedge in Sudbrook needs cutting back on the right hand side of the road, from the corner to the wall. Clerk reported to highways but it has not been done. Clerk to chase up again. Martyn Evans has now responded that the hedges have been cut since first reported but were not considered to be affecting the highway so not much was taken off. Clerk responded that it is MCC who are responsible for these hedges not private individuals, and could they please be tidied up.
Sudbrook Road Sweeping
The caretaker reported that the mechanical road sweeper has not been to Sudbrook for some weeks. Clerk contacted Monmouthshire County Council to establish why, and the response was given that there is an established programme of road sweeping for the villages and
Sudbrook was being done in accordance with that programme.
Traffic Issue at Barratt Houses
A member of the public reported that cars from the Barratt houses are still jumping the traffic lights by the Church going into Sudbrook. Clerk passed this onto the police.
Traffic Issue at the Old School, Sudbrook
A member of the public brought it to the Council’s attention that visitors to the houses at the
Old School, Sudbrook, are parking on the bend which is causing traffic problems. Clerk passed this onto the police.
The Zone
A response had been received from the Zone regarding the Council’s enquiry for further information following their request for help with funding. They cannot supply actual numbers of people using the project from the Portskewett and Sudbrook areas as it is a drop in service.
However they did report that specific activities had been held in the Summer in Portskewett, and that they were helping with a Christmas trip for the Portskewett and Sudbrook Youth Club.
Clerk to contact them aga in to reinforce the Council’s policy of needing to see a statement of costs v income. Also to establish what level of financial support they are looking for. The annual accounts for 2013/14 were received, along with a statement that other community counc ils in the area donate £50 to £100 annually. It was proposed by the Chairman and unanimously agreed by the Councillors that a donation of £75 be given as a one off payment.
The Zone may apply again in the new financial year. Action BY
Portskewett and Sudbrook Youth Club Donation Request
Portskewett and Sudbrook Youth Club had written with a request for financial help in acquiring new equipment for the club. They provided a list of their requirements which amounted to
£880, and they also provided a financial statement.
It was proposed by Councillor Parker and seconded by Councillor Fox that they receive a donation of £450+VAT. If it helps their financial position the Council will order the goods for them. Clerk contacted the club leader to sort out the best way forward. Their response was that they would prefer the community council to order on their behalf and the youth worker associated with the club will contact the clerk with details of what they require. Action BY
Sudbrook Play Park
An email was received from a member of the public raising concerns over the state of the play park in Sudbrook. Some of the equipment is in a bad state of repair and is covered in graffiti, and the park is not being maintained to a good standard in respect of grass cutting and bin emptying. Councillors Watkins and Parker looked into the concerns raised and the graffiti has been painted over. On inspection it was deemed that the rust on the slide was not immediately dangerous and therefore when the better weather comes the slide will be painted.

4
Community Defibrillators
It was brought to the council’s attention that a number of communities in the area are installing defibrillators within the community. The question was asked whether the Community council should be considering the same for Portskewett and Sudbrook. There were a number of issues that were discussed e.g. Where would it go?, How would people know it was available to use?
It is believed that Devauden have one. Clerk contacted their council clerk to try and find
information about them but received no response. Councillor Standing volunteered to pursue
this issue. Action IS
Pumping Station Sudbrook
There is a pumping station in Sudbrook by the club, which has a boundary wall running down to old row, that is completely covered in ivy. Clerk contacted Andy Williams of Network Rail to ask them to remove the ivy. A response was received asking what issues the ivy was causing? Clerk to respond that the ivy is hiding brambles and when people walk through they are catching their heads. If they would like a site visit Councillor Watkins is available to attend.
Council Meeting Venue
Action BY
It was brought to the meetings attention that Mr Spooner won’t be able to open up the school anymore for meetings. The Presbyterian Church have said that the Council can use the church for their meetings for the foreseeable future. It was agreed to hold the January and
February meetings in Sudbrook whilst a venue is sorted out for Portskewett. Councillor
Watkins to let the Church know. It has subsequently been agreed with the school that
Councillor Hubbard will have access to the school for the Council Meetings.
6. COMMUNITY FUN DAY
It was proposed to hold a Community Fun day in 2015.
Councillor Griffiths will make enquiries about rides.
Fun day committee will meet on Monday 23 rd February at 7.30pm to discuss arrangements.
7. LOCAL GOVERNMENT PENSION SCHEME
The Local Government Pension Scheme require a lead officer, who is Councillor Standing, to liaise between Torfaen County Borough Council and the Community Council.
They also require an adjudicator to oversee any contentious issues that arise between the employer and the employee.
Torfaen have agreed that Councillor Standing can fulfil both roles.
8. REPORT FROM REPRESENTATIVE ON ARW SCHOOL AND OTHER BODIES
There was nothing to report.
9. DISCUSSION WITH COUNTY COUNCILLOR
Not present at the meeting.

5
10. NEW CORRESPONDENCE
A letter was received from Gwent Young Farmers Club asking for a donation to support their activities. Receipt of the letter was noted.
An email was received from a member of the public reminding the Council that there are two gates on Harold’s Field that are broken and not shutting properly. Councillors Parker and
Watkins will look into this. Action GP and PW
Discussion on this matter also brought to the Council’s attention that there is a hole in the fence which needs repairing by the sub-station. Clerk to contact Western Power Distribution to see if they can repair it. Action BY
Two Girl Guides from Portskewett wrote to the Council asking for support for their trip to
Greece and Estonia in the Summer of 2015. It was decided that the Council would give fin ancial support in the form of a donation of £200. The Council members also asked that they come to a Council meeting and give a presentation about their trip after it has taken place.
Action BY
A request for financial support was received from Abergavenny Eisteddfod. This was duly noted but it was felt that it could not be supported currently.
Correspondence was received from Monmouthshire County Council regarding the continuation of the Dog Fouling Campaign following the pilot in 2014. The Council unanimously agreed that they wish to continue to support this programme.
Planning Applications Received
00003
00075
00071
76 Main Road, Portskewett
75 Treetops, Portskewett
Mitel Ltd, Portskewett
Demolition of conservatory and replace with garden room.
Single storey extension over garage.
Advertisement Consent – Sign.
Erection of car port and garden store.
00078
00108
The Old Forge, Portskewett
44 Leechpool, Portskewett
01390
Planning Applications Approved
Rectory Gardens, Portskewett
2 storey side extension, rear extension 1 st floor level, single storey extension to replace existing conservatory.
Retention of gate pier and erection of gates.
Planning Applications Refused
11. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
It was reported that there is a mess that has been left on Harold’s Field and the Green due to the building work that has been carried out on the barn recently. The builders are due to come back in the near future to finish some jobs and they will clean up the mess then.
The wall between the two sets of white gates in Sudbrook is crumbling onto the road. Also weeds are growing into the wall which is exacerbating the problem. Clerk to contact Network
Rail to see if they can clear the weeds and repair the wall. Action BY

6
It was brought to the Council’s attention that there had been a complaint in the local paper regarding the dislodgement of some large stones at Black Rock, along the sea wall. This has previously been discussed by the Council and the clerk contacted the Flood Defence Section of Natural Resources Wales and spoke to Carl Llewellyn who said he will get it looked at and take any necessary action. Clerk to follow up again with Carl Llewellyn following the recent report. Action BY
Councillor Standing raised the matter of the Ageing well in Wales email which had been sent to all councillors in December. After some discussion it was felt that there is a good provision of services for the ageing population in our area.
12. FINANCE
Money Deposited this month
Interest
Balance of Current Account
Balance of Deposit Account
.50
9632.40
11884.87
13. DATE AND TIME OF NEXT MEETING
The Chairman thanked everyone for attending and gave the date and time of the next meeting as Tuesday 17th February at Sudbrook Trinity Presbyterian Church the meeting was then declared closed at 8.25pm.