Community council

A MEETING was held with Gwynedd Council in Porthmadog.Cllr Dylan Hughes reported that he had attended the meeting on behalf of the council and he stated that Gwynedd Council was looking into the possibility of town and community councils taking over the public toilets that will be closed by them, but no decision had yet been made on which toilets they will be closing.Cllr Mair Thomas reported that she and Cllr Robert G Owen had attended the AGM in the Memorial Hall. A copy of the balance sheet was presented to the council and it was welcoming to see that the committee has a very healthy bank balance. It was made known that inside the hall will be painted during the summer and also it was made known that the officials of the committee are staying the same apart from Hefina Griffith taking over the treasurer’s work from Meinir Lewis.The council had received a further letter from Gwynedd Council’s Highways Department with regard to the salt bins and stating when the responsibility of these will be transferred to the Community Council the cost of filling a cluster of bins (minimum of 3) is £80 per bin, and filling one only is £156 and that the Community Council is to advise which bins need filling by contacting the area liaison officer and also there will be a need to contact the Liaison Officer to agreed in moving or introducing more salt bins. Also stating that every salt bin will be inspected and filled before the winter season which starts on the 1st october 2016 and a plan showing the location and number of each bin will be sent to us for information and use before the 1st October and this can be referred to and used when there is a need to refill any salt bins in the future.Cllr Annwen Hughes reported that a speed check monitor had been placed on the A496 by Pensarn following concerns by local residents of speeding on this road. This speed check monitor will be in place for a week.It was agreed to hold the next council meeting on Wednesday, 4 May.

WI

PRESIDENT Jan Spicer read the apologies, birthday and welfare report.Margaret Selly received an orchid as overall competition winner.Orders were taken for diaries, the EWM Fashion Show and the Coleg Meirion lunch on 28 April.Jan drew attention to events listed on the Newsletter. Llanfair will enter one team in the county quiz: Jan, Sandra, Margaret and Pauline with Frankie as reserve. Stella reminded members about making bunting for Ardudwy Leisure.In the Darts Singles, Pat Elford had a traumatic evening when the car broke down in the middle of nowhere, with no mobile signal. A passing motorist agreed to telephone the local garage when he regained network coverage. Even-tually a tow truck and courtesy car arrived. Despite the stressful journey and a rushed snack, Pat reached the semi-final. Members gave a well-deserved round of applause.There was considerable correspondence this month : Entry Forms for County Show, NFWI Open Day, Complaints Procedures, Suttons Seeds Sustainable Garden Project, Denman Fund, Portmeirion Menu and booklets which are now available. Please contact Sue for details. The Public Affairs Resolutions will be discussed next month.In a change for the May meeting, the speaker will be Paul Morgan on the history of Aber Artro Hall.Jan welcomed the afternoon’s speakers, Police Constable Support Officers Darren Walters and Elliw Jones. Darren explained that the role of a PCSO is to deal with community-based events, whereas Police Constables remain close to their vehicle in case of emergencies. PCSOs do not carry a baton or pepper spray as they should look approachable, not intimidating. They must pacify people and talk calmly to them. Their work involves dealing with antisocial behaviour, people with mental health problems who are housed in the community, engaging with young people at an early stage, burglaries and duties at occasional royal visits. There are five rotas for pairs in this area. They have a car but no flashing light and cannot speed. Response time should be 20 minutes. If threatened, they make a general radio broadcast for assistance. Jan warmly thanked the officers for this clear, informative and very relevant talk.Raffle winners were: Margaret Selly, Christine Freeman, Frankie Gregg. Competition winners were Liz Butler, Sue Travis and Christine Freeman.