(1) Meeting Opened
Chairman: opened the meeting by apologising for the absence of our Councillors who were, unusually, absent for reasons of ill health or other public commitments.
(2) Present
Those present signed the attendance sheet.
(3) Apologies
Cllr. Cheryl, Cllr. Jason, Cllr. Sandra, Cllr. Neil and Cllr. Gail. Gwynfor &, Christine.
(4) Police Report
No policing issues present. We are to have a new Chief Inspector at Colwyn Bay.
(5) Treasurer’s Report
OCRA: £330.85p
DEFIBRILLATOR: £425.86p
GRAFFITI PROJECT: ££2320.00p
REMEMBRANCE EVENT: £500.00p
Treasurer thanked Members for their support and explained that only the first item above belonged to the Association and was used for ongoing expenses such as rental, insurance and office requirements etc.
(6) Vacant Plots & Brown Sites
The site at Endsleigh Road continues to be one of the many undeveloped sites empty for decades and a cause of discontent to residents especially those living those living nearby. Our Association has tried hard to persuade the County Council to make better use of the many similar sites by adopting legislation available to it in order to pressurize owners of such land to use it for development before taking good agricultural land as is currently the case. They tell us that they “have tried to contact the owner of the Endsleigh Road site, but without success”, adding that it was not “one of our priorities”. Planning permission has existed for 8 dwellings for over 20 years here. Mean while carpets of concrete creep over the fields.
The President of the British Legion in Colwyn Bay told the meeting that he “applied for permission to use their bowling green for housing development on 14.6.23. “ He attended Conwy County Borough Council Planning Committee to explain that failure to obtain building permission would result into the institution going into liquidation. 3 months later they have still heard nothing from the Council”. It seems that not only will 6 people lose their jobs, but the manager and his family will be rendered homeless”.
We have yet another example of suitable land for housing not being used whilst more new builds sprout like mushrooms on good agricultural land. How many more similar brown sites are there in the County? The Council inform us that they do not know. One wonders if major building concerns have so much trouble obtaining permission to build.
(7) Minafon Flats
No further news here. 3 years ago they were set aside for demolition and re-development. However there are issues of ownership which need settling.
(8) Speed Cameras
No further news here reference the speed indicators at Llanelian and Abergele Roads.
(9) Graffiti Project
Cllr. Cheryl not here to explain, but there is not further news concerning the project to involve local youths in painting the underpass at Queens Road with suitable motifs.
(10) Solar Lights Wynne Gardens
Have been installed at Wynne Gardens and are impressive. They were installed as a ‘thank you’ from Brenig Homes and Wales and West Housing to the people of Old Colwyn for their support in allowing the construction of the homes on spare land at Penmaen Head.
(11) Summer Fair & Christmas Market
Trudy reported on the success of the Summer Fair this year and explained that the Christmas Fair, previously held in Cefn Road and surrounds could not be repeated owing to the excessive costs involved and many other difficulties. However, Saturday, 2.12.23 has been chosen for this event at the Church grounds and hall at Berthes Road.
(12) Min Y Don Park Upgrade
Planning proceeding here. It has been decided to resurface the tennis court at the park. There will be a further Council meeting on this on 29.9.23.
(13) Drain St. John’s Close
Welsh Water responsibility. It would appear that this drain is a mere soak away. Welsh Water to be informed.
(14) Hedge Opposite Marine Hotel:
Has been cut back.
(15) Yellow Road Signs:
Council has been informed of this. Apparently placed there to deal with diverted traffic from promenade works, but seem to have no logical purpose.
(16) False grass surface Eirias Park:
Cost of this exceeds £500,000p and as such should have been subject to full financial scrutiny by the Council.
(17) Working from home:
No change. Council say their employees have the right to work from home.
(18) Any Other Business:
(a) Anti-social behaviour Meadowbank
Members living in the Meadow Bank area, Peulwys Lane have been troubled by youths. Average age 13/14 trying car doors, wandering into gardens, generally being offensive. Some have been identified as pupils of Ysgol Bryn Elian and parents of one have been informed and have been cooperative by getting their charges to apologise. Also a return of incidences of egg throwing at Wellington Road.
(19) Closure:
There being no other business the meeting closed at 8.25pm., next meeting 3.10.23.