Chairman’s Opening Remarks

Chairman Roger Evans welcomed all those present and thanked the community for their support for the Fair Trade Sale, Christmas Celebrations, Remembrance Day, Shoe box appeal and he also thanked members of the Partnership for delivering the Newsletters. Roger also expressed concern about the Forum being used for negative feed back. Views should be expressed through the correct channel- that of the Partnership Meeting.

Apologies: Irene James AM, Harfed Ashridge, Pru Robinson, John Isgrove, Don Touhig MP, Mike Perry, Tina McMahon

Signing Of Partnership Agreement

Granville will contact the remaining signatories and finalise the agreement.

Jeanette from the Police force was welcomed into the Partnership meeting and apologised for the lack of Police presence during the last 6 months, she will become more involved with the community. The call office will be open from 10.00am- 12. 30 on a Monday morning and Jeanette can be contacted via Blackwood Police Station.

A newsletter was requested or an update of crime statistics etc., from the Oakdale area. Jeanette will brief out figures throughout year. An anti-social behaviour form was handed out to members and people were informed that they could contact the council to report any anti-social behaviour. It is important that residents report any incidents to the police so that they can be logged.

Correspondence Received

A letter was written to George Wimpey requesting sponsorship for flower tubs. A letter was received concerning Penmaen Chapel.

Minutes of the November Meeting: Were passed as a true record.

Treasurers Report

It has been reported that the balance is £563.37. The Printers, British Legion Wreath and BT Bill have been paid. BT was unwilling to reimburse the Partnership for the reconnection charges.

Peter Gomer and Granville Hale- Update on skate park

We must invest in the village and observe the rights of children. The Oakdale Comprehensive School multi use games area is presently up for tender. Planning permission will be needed to provide environmental friendly flood lighting. Due to the proposed new Primary School- Oakdale Comprehensive will require the use of the Rec playing fields. There are plans to improve drainage and to provide a full size pitch and a training pitch on the present field. Maintenance to these grounds will also be increased. Pictures and plans were distributed for perusal. Safety fencing (12 ft high) will be required in certain areas. The proposed site for the skateboard park is next to the children’s play area. Residents will be informed about the next meeting so that all can have an input into the proposed scheme, the Police will also need to be involved. Granville will prepare a PowerPoint Presentation. Vandalism and safety concerns were also aired. Concerns were also expressed about the state of the Grandstand - which is not maintained by the Council and is in the control of the Rugby Club.

GreenGro: Moving forward slowly.

Oakdale Square: Christmas lights are now up, shrubs have been cut down and planting has been carried out. Rob will contact the council to ensure that the bulbs have been planted. Still waiting for news on lighting the Cenotaph. Cllr. John Evans stated that the British Legion might not like the Cenotaph to be lit up.

Penmaen Churchyard: The local authority have now cleared 3 metres each side of the gate and will now start clearing in-between the graves. A skip will be required. The Post Office are recognised for all their hard work. There are limitations to what the New Deal employees can achieve due to Health & Safety regulations. Grace stated that the Churchyard will require regular maintenance. A letter has been received from New Deal stating that due to the instability of the Gravestones, no more work will be carried out.

Community Disabled Facilities

Noel Young gave a brief over view on his work within communities dealing with people with disabilities. He expressed how valued these people are to the community and all the hard work they carried out. He said that the League of Friends would be able to help our Partnership. A sub group will be set up to run a project involving disabled people from our community. Those who volunteered were Mair, Noel Young, Shelley, Grace, Jeanette and Doreen.

GAVO can also help us to access grants for disabled facilities and will offer any help that they can.

Christmas Bazaar – 11th December, 2004

Can the men help assemble tables and volunteers are required to man the stalls. Volunteers will need to attend at 9.00am and doors will open at 11.00am- 2.00 pm.

BT Connections

Granville has applied for the above and we will know more information in February.

British Legion Standard

The standard will be laid on the 12th February, 2005.

Partnership Rules and Constitution

David will help Granville write the rules in the New Year.

Date Of Next Meeting

Wednesday 5th January, 2005 at 6.30pm- Oakdale Community Centre.