Minutes – Full Council – 15/01/2025

Date: Wednesday, 15-Jan-2025
Time: 18:45
Location Llanfyllin Public Institute

Cllr Peter Lewis
Cllr Sophie Nazar
Cllr Andrew Griffin
Cllr Jackie Griffin
Cllr Ann Williams
Cllr Ian Jones
Cllr Sean Cowham
Cllr Lynnette Kretchmer

Apologies were received from
a) Cllr Darren Mayor
b) Cllr Steve Wilkinson
Cllr Sophie Nazar did not attend.

None were registered

Minutes were agreed and approved.

Christmas Eve was a great turnout. Raised over £500 for the charities. Cllr Lewis thanked everyone involved in making it happen.
Wetlands Boardwalk has been inspected and signed off. They have also donated an additional bench.

Powys Council Tax still to be confirmed but suggested it could be around an 8.9% increase.
Maes Myfflin road adoption is finally being resolved, this has been causing issues with those trying to sell.
Depot Update: Closure is not currently planned in 2025/26, but Cllr Lewis will seek clarification and confirmation.
The planning enforcement officer has been back to review the activity by the Workhouse, they are following a specific enforcement process which will take time.

a) Allotments
Nothing to report on allotments.
Date: Wednesday, 15-Jan-2025
Time: 18:45
Location Llanfyllin Public Institute

b) Market
Christmas Market Review will be held within the next 2-3 weeks with a view to start planning earlier this year.
Action: Cllr A Griffin to arrange.
c) Wetlands
Powys CC have confirmed that the Wetlands Boardwalk extension has been accepted as part of the Brilliant Basics grant.
We now need to complete the more detailed cost analysis and project plan for submission by 31st January.
d) Public Institute
Requests for Snooker Club to be more accessible for youngsters. It has been opening Mon-Wed most weeks, but more
weekend use is wanted.
e) Toilets
New Cleaner now started, working every day and feedback is good. Councillors agreed to move forward with
refurbishment planning as it was felt we could not wait for grant outcomes.
Action: Cllr Cowham & Cllr J Griffin to review what is needed and work with contractors for potential plans and costs.

a) Bus Services
Consultation closes on 13th February. Cllr Williams advised that consultation feedback is only possible online and is not easy to navigate for many residents who may wish to provide feedback. Councillors agreed to hold an open session in the Public Institute on Thursday 6th February where Councillors will assist anyone who wishes to provide feedback.
b) Brook Street. Another complaint about the state of Brook Street. All agreed that being within the conservation area and so close to the town it gives a negative impression and needs to be addressed. Planning enforcement officers are due to visit and assess.

Payment was received from the National Lottery prior to Christmas. Funds have been transferred to the Solicitors for completion.
All agreed we need to draft a press release with pictures ready for completion.
Action: Cllr J Griffin to draft and will send via email for all to review.

a) Payments for approval
All payments were approved. Agreement reached for RFO/Clerk to spend up to £100 per month on consumables for toilet cleaning supplies etc.
It was also agreed to donate £100 each to Vivace and OsUkes for entertainment at Christmas events.
b) Budget – Finance Committee presented the 2025/26 budget for review and approval. Councillors were provided with 3 scenarios to review. Following debate, it was agreed that the increase would be 0.38p per week per household. RFO will complete the form and submit to Powys CC by the due date of 31st January.
c) 137 Grants
Cllr Lewis declared an interest in the Llanfyllin Show application and Cllr Kretchmer declared an interest in the St Myllins application.
Applications have been reviewed by the Finance Committee and recommendations to the council were as follows:
Menshed: Applied for £500 to provide cold months warm spaces.
Approved: £500
Friends of St Myllins: Applied for £500 to help cover the cost of new flooring in the vestry.
Approved: £500

Stage 5 Theatre, Y-Dolydd: Applied for £300 for staging for workshops and events.
Approved: £300
Crosskeys: Applied for £1,000 to support Truth be Told multi-generational story telling @ Llwyn Teg. It was agreed that we would support the registration fee and 10 sessions.
Approved: £300
Arts Connection: Applied for £700 to support the St Myllin’s Day activities and the Photography Club.
Approved: £500 from the 137 Grant and £200 from the discretionary grants budget for the Photography Club
Llanfyllin Agricultural Society: Applied for £500 to support a Village Green area at the show for children. Access will be included in the entry fee to provide more value for families in the hope this will encourage more attendance.
Approved: £500
Good Companions: Applied for £500 for venue hire and general running costs. Items do not meet the criteria therefore cannot be supported from the 137 Grant. The Council are still keen to support Good Companions and will contact them to discuss other ways in which we can provide support.
Rejected: £500
Approval of the 137 Grants was proposed by Cllr I Jones and seconded by Cllr Kretchmer.
Action: Cllr J Griffin to confirm to applicants

a) Planning Application Notification 24/1863/FUL. Support the concept but all felt that social housing does not meet the needs of the town. There are also additional concerns related to the proposed reliance on bus services which are due to be cut significantly in 2025.
b) Planning Application Notification 25/0012/TRE. No adverse comments.

Due to the resignation of the Town Clerk, it was proposed that an interim Clerk be appointed. It was agreed by all Councillors present that Cllr J Griffin would cover in the short term, working alongside Cllr S Cowham to resolve all outstanding issues and complete the year end audit before recruiting a new Clerk later in the year.

Cllr J Griffin reported she had done some research on potential storage containers; secondhand ones are available within the budget but when you then add delivery and any other repairs that may be needed it is not that cost effective. New containers are available for around £3,000 which council agreed was not unreasonable for a long-term investment. Budget of £3,000 was agreed by all Councillors present. Suggested location in the corner of the Wetlands Car Park. Need to deal with the issue of long-term
overnight parking and abandoned vehicles.
Action: Cllr P Lewis to look for alternatives before purchasing.
Action: Cllr J Griffin to review and issue removal notices where needed.

To confirm the date of the next meeting as follows:
Date: 19-Feb-2025
Time: 18:45
Location: Llanfyllin Public Institute