Welcome to the
Vale of Glamorgan Council

Councillor Ms. M.E. Alexander

(Leader) - Vale of Glamorgan Council

Councillor N. Moore

(Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member Finance, ICT and Property) - Vale of Glamorgan Council

Councillor N.J. Gibbs

(Cabinet Member Education and Lifelong Learning)

Councillor R.F. Curtis

(Cabinet Member Visible and Building Services)

Councillor C.J. Williams

(Cabinet Member Planning and Transportation)

Councillor G. John

(Cabinet Member Leisure and Tourism)

Councillor S.C. Egan

(Cabinet Member Social and Care Services)

Councillor Mrs. M. Randall

(Cabinet Member Human Resources)

Councillor Mrs. V.M. Hartrey

(Cabinet Member Legal and Public Protection)

Councillors Mrs. C.V.L. Clay, G.A. Cox, T.H. Jarvie and G.C. Kemp.

Question

Answer

Mr. Barlow referred to congestion parking within Cowbridge.  Mr. Barlow stated that the large car park was used by many people who worked in the town which represented an abuse of the facilities.

There was general agreement with Mr. Barlow’s comments.  This was a matter that the Council would have to consider and could involve a range of options, including charging / enforcement procedures / limiting the hours of parking.

Mr. Holden referred to a possible solution in that the public should be encouraged to share cars and to use public transport.  Mr. Holden also suggested that car parking should be introduced in the Market area.

A resident referred to the St. Athan development and referred to the traffic problems that would arise.  The resident enquired if weight restrictions could be introduced on the road to St. Mary’s.

An assurance was given that the possibility of the introduction of weight restrictions would be investigated.  However, it was pointed out that wherever weight restrictions are imposed, an alternative route must be available for road users.

Jim Teague referred to an incomplete section of work carried out under the Safe Routes to Schools Initiative on the Cowbridge - St. Athan road at St. Mary Church.  In view of the increased use of this route as a result of the St. Athan development, members of the public were concerned about road safety.  MPs had been contacted and had said this would be designated a special route.

The Council had been in discussion with a number of residents on this matter.  Part of the affected land was unregistered, and any member of the audience who had knowledge of who owned the land were asked to contact the Council.  Furthermore, a site visit at the site would be held soon.

On the wider St. Athan issue, it was reported that work was ongoing as to how the site would be developed and the Council was considering the wider strategic transport issues.  There would also be a need for a strategy to be developed in respect of smaller roads, which could involve the use of weight limits and physical restrictions.

Howard Lewis referred to the 4 quarries in the Western Vale and the use by HGVs of the B4264.  Business at the quarries would increase as a result of the St. Athan development, and Mr. Lewis enquired as to how the traffic flow would be controlled.

Mr. Lewis also enquired as to the timescale for the submission of a planning application for the St. Athan development.

The resident was informed that there would be 2 planning applications.  The Ministry of Defence was currently negotiating with the Welsh Assembly Government on the proposals and there was no definite date agreed for the submission of planning applications.

With regard to the traffic issues in the area, it was stated that it would be advantageous to encourage HGVs to use alternative routes wherever possible.  The problem in the Western Vale was that there were no alternative routes to the B4264.  A meeting would soon be held with the Clerk of the local Community Council to discuss the issue.  One possible solution may be for the local community to establish a voluntary code with HGV road users.

Question

Answer

Linda Evans enquired as to the processes involved and asked which development option was to be chosen and would the facility be available for community use?

It was explained that the purpose of the initiative was to ensure that the school was fully fit for purpose.  A new school was not only to be built at Cowbridge but also at two other comprehensive school sites within the Vale.

Discussions about what could be afforded in new Cowbridge School would be the subject of discussions with the school.

It was planned that the School would be available for community use 52 weeks of the year.  Attempts were being made to enhance the level of educational provision.

It was the intention of the Council to extend the choice.  The Council would be looking, in design terms, at what could be provided.  It had to be remembered that a “blank cheque” was not available for the provision of a new comprehensive school in Cowbridge but what would be provided would be a school that the community would be proud of.

Councillor Moore stated that the Council would be looking for the best design possible for a new school.  If it was possible that a swimming pool could be provided within the funds available, this would be considered, but the establishment of the school was of primary importance.

A resident stated that Cowbridge does not have a swimming pool at present.  A swimming pool within the new school for community use would be an asset.

The resident was advised that the package being put together by the Council for the funding of the three replacement comprehensive schools had a shortfall of £36m.  Tenders were being sought at the present and the Council would soon know the design elements of the projects.

Councillor G. John stated that, as a former pupil, he was disappointed to see the same equipment in the school as had been there when he was a pupil.  Councillor John reminded those present that the provision of a swimming pool would cost a huge amount of money not only to build but also to run.  Councillor John pointed out that the Metrix development would involve facilities for community use.  Finally, Councillor John stated that the Vale of Glamorgan Cabinet was committed to the provision of a replacement school in Cowbridge.

Martin Blaney welcomed the letter that was to be distributed to the parents of pupils at Cowbridge Comprehensive School.  Mr. Blaney enquired as to any technical impediments there may be to the provision of the new building and also enquired as to how binding was the decision of the Vale of Glamorgan Cabinet.

Councillor N. Gibbs stated that the present administration had been in power since December and had taken the decision that the provision of the School Investment Strategy would be the Council’s top priority.  The present administration would not go back on its decision.

Hugh Morgan stated that he would be glad to see the construction of the replacement school.  Mr. Morgan enquired if the Council would need to sell land, i.e. playing fields, to fund the construction work.

Councillor Moore stated that the playing fields were owned by a Trust, not the Council.  The Council would go forward without having to sell the playing field land.  The Council would, obviously, have to look to sell some land off to fund the project.

A resident stated that the state of the whole school was very poor and referred to parts of the building falling off.

Councillor Gibbs replied that routine maintenance would continue to be done to the school whenever necessary.

Lesley O’Neill stated that the audience had heard earlier about the state of the old equipment at the school.  Mr O’Neill’s children attended the school at present and stated that if the Council had money available now, the construction of the replacement school should commence immediately.

Councillor Gibbs stated that the Cabinet of the Vale of Glamorgan Council represented the Vale as a whole.  The Cowbridge Comprehensive School was in the worst condition and that is why it had been placed at the top of the Council’s priorities.

Ms. Burgess enquired if the 6^th Form building was going to be sold for apartments.

No.

A resident commended the decision of the Council and welcomed the decision to build a school for the future.  The resident enquired as to why the plans being drawn up for the school had not been done so by a Welsh company.

The better school we build, the lower the maintenance.  Revenue expenditure is always a problem for local government.

The Council has already undertaken many surveys of the school sites as had been required by WAG.  The Council had employed the architects to support the Council’s bid to WAG.  The Council was not wasting money on design costs.

Jim Teague stated that he understood the Council’s educational funding level was the worst in Wales.

The educational funding of a council depended upon the standard spending assessment and the revenue support grant and in recent years, the Council has spent the allocated standard spending assessment monies allocated to education on the provision of educational services.  The Council delegated amongst the greatest proportion of funding to the schools within Wales.

In conclusion, Councillor Alexander promised those present that Cowbridge Comprehensive School would be built.

Question

Answer

A resident, in referring to the recycling bins used by the Council, stated that on windy days, the contents easily blow away.

At the time when the Council bought the recycling boxes, it was necessary for certain materials to be separated.  Plastic / cardboard was too light for this and ultimately blew away.  A plea was made for the public to bear with the Council as the method of collection would be changing.

A resident stated that he had read recently that much of the recycled waste could not in fact actually be recycled and was taken to landfill sites.  The resident enquired if the Council could put out a more detailed list of what was actually recyclable.

The resident was asked to leave his name and address and was told that he would receive a full list in due course.

The audience were also advised that the recycling contract could allow for up to 5% contamination.  It was reported that the area of Cowbridge recycles its rubbish very well.  Furthermore, it was stated that the Council ranked as 4^th best recycler in Wales.

Ms. Hiller stated that she was worried about wheely bins.  She travels to Cardiff often and has noticed that people there often have difficulty moving their wheely bins down their drives.  Ms. Hiller felt that bin bags were the best solution.

A resident congratulated the Council on its recycling efforts, especially the garden waste bags.

A resident stated that they felt the Council’s garden recycling process was second to none.  They also reminded the Councillors present of the litter pollution that occurs on the beaches.  Could the Council concentrate on enforcement action?

Councillor Curtis agreed with the comments regarding enforcement action.  Litter was an increasing problem and society was throwing more and more away.  Council did carry out enforcement action and also sent out warnings for litter.  Enforcement action also takes place with regard to dog fouling and fly tipping. 

A resident issued a vote of thanks for all the men who worked at the Llandow amenity site and asked if a greater efficiency could be made of the site.

Councillor Moore agreed with the comments made and stated that the Council needed to address this issue.

A resident asked if the issue of waste/ recycling could be introduced into the school curriculum.

Councillor Curtis said that the Council’s staff do attend at schools to raise the issue.

Councillor G. John advised that he is a Councillor in Llantwit Major and was currently working on an environmental campaign with schools and urged the schools in Cowbridge to follow this lead.

Jane Hayden congratulated the Council on its waste / recycling policies.  She stated that she did not want wheely bins to be introduced.  With regard to dog fouling, Ms. Hayden stated that there was a shortage of dog fouling bins in the Western Vale.

Question

Answer

Howard Lewis referred to the possible rock concert to be held in Wick and asked what the Council’s position was with regard to this.  Mr. Lewis stated that every single member in Wick was opposed to the concert.

Councillor Moore stated that he was aware of the situation namely that an application had been made for the holding of a rock concert of the 4^th, 5^th and 6^th August with a maximum permitted attendance of 5000 people.  The application included the supply of alcohol and regulated entertainment.  The application was currently the subject of consultation and representations on the application could be made up until 28^th June.  The application would then be considered by the Council’s Licensing Sub-Committee on 25^th July, 2007.  Councillor Moore stated that he understood some 30 representations against the application and 1 in support had been received to date.

Kim Roberts referred to the sports facilities available for the children of Cowbridge.  He stated that the area had a wonderful outdoor sports facility on which some £160,000 had been spent.  Mr. Roberts enquired if the facility was being effectively used as he rarely saw anyone using it.

The facility is controlled by the school and a report had been requested on the utilisation of the facility.  The report would also include suggestions as to how the facility could be promoted.

Mr. Swayne referred to the state of disrepair at Three Fields Park.  Mr. Swayne had been under the impression that the park would be brought  up to standard in April this year, but nothing had happened yet.

A written reply would be provided to Mr. Swayne.

Mr. Swayne enquired as to the provision of parking at the cattle market.

Councillor C.J. Williams stated that the future use of this area was yet to be determined.

Ian Hyde referred to the footpath across the fields which, if made more accessible, could lead to a reduction of congestion in that the amount of traffic parking in Cowbridge Town Centre would reduce.

A resident referred to the provision of cycle routes in the area.

The Safe Routes to Schools initiatives has recently been renamed Safe Routes for Communities by the Welsh Assembly Government.  The aim of the initiative was to provide improved cycle paths and the Council would be drawing up travel plans.

Ms. Austin referred to a popular woodland near to where she lived and enquired as to how this woodland could be maintained.  Ms. Austin stated that she did not know who owned the land.

If Ms. Austin provided details of the lands to officers present at the meeting, efforts would be made to establish the land ownership.

Howard Lewis stated that some 25,000 Vale residents were over the age of 65 and many would like to take walks throughout the area.  Mr. Lewis asked if access features for the elderly could be borne in mind by the Council.