Chairman’s Opening Remarks

Chairman Roger Evans welcomed all those present.
An objection was raised as to the way the disabilty group were treated.
Small discussion held with Noel Young on disability/dignity and various groups
available to help.
The Partnership have offered £100 to help the group when it is required.

Apologies:
Karen Richards (GAVO), Dean Tucker, Margaret Solerno, Barry Ebdon, Jeanette (Police),
Irene James, Don Touhig MP, Cllr Allan Pritchard.

Minutes of Last Meeting
Passed as a true record.

Correspondence Received
GAVO- letter of support required for extra funding. Partnership replied.
Caerphilly Borough-local development plan system. Do we wish to be
informed and consulted on planning issues?
License for skateboard park to be signed.
C.H.A.D – Thanking us for their support, also offering their
support/services to our residents

Treasurers Report
No report given

Justin Cooper- Highways
Justin Cooper from Highways gave a question and answer session.
The issue of village signs were discussed. Signs cost approx. £500 each.
The National Assembly Guidelines are followed - which means that street
clutter must be avoided. If we do wish to spend our money on signs then
the Council will be more pro-active and listen more carefully.
However, if it may be unsafe or too cluttered then the decision may be over ruled.
Signs must also be Bi-lingual.
There will be a HGV ban on the main road. Requests were made for signs to
direct traffic to Croespenmaen Industrial Estate, road safety signs for
horse-riding, recreation ground etc.

A request was also made for more bollards outside the Rugby Club to prevent
double parking. Justin stated that they can not be put everywhere.
The question was asked what is the criteria for speed bumps? – Accident record,
volume of traffic and speeding traffic.

Redrow site was constructed as a main access not as a residential access.
The council always pay serious attention to the roads and will study roads
carefully if an accident has occurred.

When the By-pass has been completed the road through the village will become
de-classified. This is to direct more traffic onto the new road.
Westward traffic will be encouraged to use new road.

Justin will find out if gritting will still take place on the old road and
will find out more information about Woodfieldside.
Roger thanked Justin for attending.

Projects
Woodfieldside Roundabout - Quote of £4000 received for sculptures and £1000
for smaller sculpture. A meeting is to be held next week.
Spoken to Neil Daniels planning permission may be required.

The Square - A meeting was held on the 20th September, 2005.
Winter planting will go ahead by the Cenotaph, climbers will be planted
outside toilet block and winter bedding will be planted. Some trees will be
removed this will also help the cameras pick up anti-social behaviour.
The tubs will be removed until summer. In the Summer we will have a gardener
for 2 days per week. Finance would be required for anything extra.
There is a group available that will help with peoples’ gardens and may
help with the village square.

Noel informed the group that there is plenty of help available- he will
liase with Granville and pass on required information.

Greengo - Finger posts have been ordered. Bulb planting season is about to begin.
We will plant around other side of the village this year.
Please give Jeff your name and telephone number if you are able to offer assistance.
A suggestion was made that maybe we could ask the school children to be involved.

However, anyone working with children requires a police check.
Whilst on the subject of schools Mr Charrington has asked if the
Partnership will speak to the School Inspectors.

Recreation grounds - The grass is already coming through.
The garden on the side of the bowling green could be developed more,
maybe we could turn it into a sensory garden. Children have been riding
over the bowling green on their bikes. The police must be informed if this happens.

Skateboard Park - Skateboard park license has just been signed.
The base will hopefully go down soon. A meeting will be held next
Tuesday or Wednesday with the young Skateboarders to see which units
they require. A planning application will need to go in first.

Bridleway Project - Extensive research with the horse society has been
carried out. Some projects have been altered. The oak bridges have been ordered.
Some original fears have been unfounded. Could we write a letter to say
we are happy with the chosen contractor. The project can be extended until
the end of December 2005, can we please write and confirm.
In the future we can also look at extending our working party around the
surrounding areas.

Bevin Boys Visit - Granville and Mike visited Blaenavon to forge links
between the Bevin Boys. An invite has been extended to the Bevin boys to
attend our meeting in January or February next year.

Quarterley Newsletter - To be distributed after next meeting.

Fairtrade Meeting - This will be held in the Community Centre on
Saturday 22/10/05 at 10am until 12.00

Aerials - Grace has put in another letter about removing aerials.

Operation Christmas Child - Tremendous support from Schools and Churches last year.
1.1 million shoe boxes sent last year. We would like to increase the amount by
10 % this year. Please all get involved.