(1) Meeting Opened:
the Chairman opened the meeting and welcomes all at 7.30pm.
(2) Apologies:
Trudy, Cllr. Jason H., Cllr. David, Viv. P., Gwyn
(3) Present:
Those present signed the attendance sheet.
(4) Police:
Not present.
(5) Heritage Society:
Mr. Arthur Greber told us that there would be a meeting at the Leisure Centre, Eirias Park on 10.10.23. at 10.00am when Bill Macmillan would give a presentation on the history of Eirias Park on its anniversary. All welcome. He distributed leaflets and booklets re the occasion and our heritage. Mr. Macmillan is a knowledgeable man, well worth our time.
(6) Treasurer’s Report:
(a) OCRA £3250.65 (b) Defibrillator £425.86 (c) Graffiti Proj. £2,320.00 (d) Remembrance Day £500.00
(7) Vacant Plots:
Secretary had received an answer to our query re the brown site at Endsleigh Road from the County Council, again rather uninspiring, notifying us that the quarter century empty plot with room for several dwellings is still ‘under consideration’. We are informed that there is ‘active investigation’ into the issue. ‘Their growing concern’ has also been conveyed to the plot owner. They also recognise that the situation is ‘far from ideal,’ and that they need to ‘consider potential (interesting adjective) action.’ It also ‘needs development’. Initially the Council refused, on 2 occasions, planning permission. The owner was however later granted permission by the Welsh Office.
We have been told that contaminated road scalping have been deposited there which would lend yet further legal power against the owner(s) if true. The Council however inform us that the scalping is not contaminated.
This plot is merely one of many brown idle sites in the County which are not monitored for potential development, as is required in England. Kinmel Hall, a huge site was owned by a dormant company registered in the British Virgin Islands. Its importance as a grade one listed building is recognised. The importance of our young who are unable to purchase affordable property here is also recognised as important when they leave the area in droves to seek affordable houses.
Meanwhile, our fields continue to be lost to developers erection expensive dwellings.
The President of the Colwyn Bay British Legion, Merfyn Thomas, informed us that they had applied on 14.6.23. for planning permission to develop land owned by them for housing. This had been granted subject to Sec. 106 approval which deals with community structure levies etc. To date the Council has failed to implement this which could lead to the bankruptcy of the institution. Other authorities deal with Sect. 106 in a much shorter time, no longer than one week.
(8) Minafon Flats:
No further meetings. Further developments to be reported.
(9) Speed Cameras:
This will leave the Agenda in view of the new legislation.
(10) Graffiti Project:
Cheryl told us that she and Neil were having regular meetings with the police team and the Youth Justice Team to realise the project.
Cllr. Neil told us that U.E.F.A. Championships would soon be held in the Bay. He was working with the Youth Justice people and legacy groups seeking grants to facilitate this. It would put us on the world stage. Residents near the ground were concerned about the excessive and inconsiderate parking. Neil was trying his best to alleviate this by making extra ground available. People moved cones, and official coning was very expensive.
(11) Summer Fair & Christmas Market
Cllr. Sandra informed us that the next meeting would be on 11.10.23 at the Berthes Road Church. The Xmas Fair would be going ahead, at the Church location in the manner of this year’s Summer Fair and adapted, accorder to weather conditions.
(12) Min Y Don Park Upgrade
Brian informed us that the grant applications were in and awaiting results.
(13) Drain St. John’s Close:
Water Board examined site at our request and stated that the drains concerned were the responsibility of the County Council, who have been informed, and have promised attention.
(14) False Grass:
Merfyn questioned the false grass at Eirias Park football site which had cost us £600,000.00p and was not discussed in full council, as required by the rules for such expenditure. £250,000.00p has been spent on a feasibility study to sell Bodlondeb. This, after an almost 10% hike in rates requires further enquiry and answers for ratepayers. The suggested savings on grass maintenance is not acceptable.
(15) Working From Home:
Cheryl told us that she and other Councillors were now questioning the efficiency of the W.F.H. policy. There had been questions about the times computers were ‘on’ or ‘off’ etc. It was now being reconsidered as a policy. More employees attend the office now.
(16) A.O.B.
(a) Water Leak Llysfaen Rd.
Water leak onto Llysfaen Road from the old R.L. Davies site. Cheryl will report.
(b) Council Leader
It was suggested that we could invite the Leader of the Council to address the meeting regarding our concerns re expenditure and other issues?
(c) ‘Dangerous’ Lamp Standard
Alf questioned the dangerous position of a lamp standard on the cycle path at Rhos.
(d) Dogs on beach restrictions
Cllr. Neil had organised the protest against the mass exclusion of dogs from the entire beach at Rhos. 2,000 attended.
(e) Unsafe Archway
Loose rocks falling from the archway at Plas Gwilym Quarry were causing dust pollution and noise.
(f) Town Centre Cycle Paths
Proposed cycle pathways at Colwyn Bay centre. Are they viable and should we invite the cycle lobby to address the meeting?
(g) St.Catherine & St. John’s Churchyard
A member of Saint John’s Church was concerned at the amount of rubbish being deposited within their grounds. The Church had opened their gardens to the public fo their enjoyment effectively turning it into a public place. Could we approach the Council for extra bins and collections to deal with this? Secretary will write to Council. The Saint John’s member’s work was all voluntary.
(17) Closure:
There being no further business, meeting closed at 9.00pm and the next Open Meeting would be on Tuesday, 7.11.23. at the same location.