NARBERTH TOWN COUNCIL
Approved Minutes of the Annual General Meeting of Narberth Town Council, held in the Seminar Room of Bloomfield Community Centre, Narberth, on Tuesday 6th May 2025.
PRESENT: Cllrs: C Walters; C Meredydd; G Meredydd; C Barnes; H Cole; M Kelly; M Paffard; D Rigby, E Rogers and County Cllr Tierney. Cllr K Monroe attended the meeting via Zoom. There were eight members of the public in attendance, some of whom spoke about the arrangements for the Eisteddfod Proclamation on 17 May 2025 and the Christmas Lights during the public participation session.
Cllr Walters then led the meeting in a one-minute’s silence to remember the 80th anniversary of the Victory in Europe (VE) Day.
01/26 APOLOGIES: (Agenda item 1)
Apologies for absence were received and accepted from County Cllr Morse. Cllr Walters then announced the resignation of Cllr K Macro from the Town Council, with immediate effect. The Narberth Urban Ward Member had stepped down earlier that day due to work commitments. Cllr Walters thanked Cllr Macro for the time and effort she had given to the role.
02/26 ELECTION OF MAYOR: (Agenda item 2)
Cllr Walters nominated Cllr C Meredydd to be the Mayor for the forthcoming year. Cllr Rogers seconded this proposal and all members were in favour of this. Cllr Meredydd stated that Cllr G Meredydd will be his Mayoress.
03/26 DECLARATION OF ACCEPTANCE OF OFFICE: (Agenda item 3)
Cllr C Meredydd duly signed two copies of the Acceptance of Office as Mayor in front of the Town Clerk. One copy is to be placed on file and the second copy retained by Cllr Meredydd.
04/26 ELECTION OF DEPUTY MAYOR: (Agenda item 4)
Cllr G Meredydd proposed Cllr Rogers be the Deputy Mayor for the forthcoming year, seconded by Cllr Barnes, after Cllr Kelly withdrew her nomination made at the April meeting for the position. All members were in favour of this.
05/26 DECLARATION OF PERSONAL INTEREST: (Agenda item 5)
Cllr M Paffard declared an interest in Agenda item 11, Planning Application, by virtue of being a volunteer at the food bank and stated he would not take part in the vote. He also declared an interest in item Agenda Item 12, the Library, as he is the Secretary for the Friends of Narberth Library.
Cllr H Cole declared a personal interest in Agenda Item 11, Planning Application, by virtue of being a nearby resident.
Cllr C Meredydd declared a personal interest in Agenda Item 23 by virtue of being the Mayor.
06/26 CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES: (Agenda item 6)
The Minutes of the Full Council Meetings held on 4th February 2025, 4th March and 1st April 2025 were approved as a correct record.
IT WAS RESOLVED by a unanimous show of hands.
07/26 ADOPTION OF REVISED STANDING ORDERS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE ‘ONE VOICE WALES MODEL STANDING ORDERS WALES 2023’ (REPLACING THE CURRENT STANDING ORDER REVISION 2018): (Agenda item 7)
A set of revised standing orders in accordance with the ‘One Voice Wales (OVW) Model Standing Orders Wales 2023’, replacing the current Standing Order Revision of 2018, was presented to the meeting.
IT WAS RESOLVED that the Council adopt the OVW Standing Orders for the conduct of its meetings and those of its Committees(?).
08/26 REPORT OF THE COUNTY COUNCILLORS: (Agenda item 8)
In his opening statement, County Cllr Tierney congratulated the new Mayor and Mayoress on their appointment and then reported:
A40: The A40 Llanddewi Velfrey to Redstone Cross road scheme was officially opened on 2 May 2025. However, Cllr Tierney expected outstanding works to side roads and a cycle route at Redstone Cross to be completed the end of August. In relation to the Redstone Cross junction, an additional road safety evaluation had been undertaken and, from a design perspective, Cllr Tierney stated the road was deemed as safe as it could be. He had also requested a traffic evaluation to be carried out on the A478, and at Coxhill, to understand where traffic was going when the Redstone Road junction was closed and understood that traffic was not massively increased on these two routes.
Road Safety: Cllr Tierney said he intended to hold another road safety meeting in the Queen’s Hall within the next month and added he would be getting in touch with interested parties.
2026 National Eisteddfod of Wales Proclamation Ceremony: Cllr Tierney, along with County Cllr John T Davies, who is Chairman of the Executive Committee of the 2026 Pembrokeshire Eisteddfod, held a meeting last week in the Queen’s Hall regarding the Proclamation Ceremony for the 2026 event being held in Narberth on 17 May 2025. While he admitted sharing local people’s frustrations that not a lot of publicity had been done for the Ceremony, Cllr Tierney insisted this was an opportunity to showcase the town to a wider audience. He set out to ensure that the County Council would clean the streets in readiness. Cllr Walters raised a question on behalf of a member of the public from the start of the meeting around parking concerns. Cllr Tierney confirmed that a plan, which included alternative parking arrangements on the day, was coming together. Around 140 members of Gorsedd Cymru were expected to attend the ceremony and Cllr C Meredydd said he had accepted an invitation to take part in the proclamation procession.
Pembrokeshire County Council: Councillor Tierney reported that senior leaders and managers of the County Council were due to hold their leadership team meeting in the town on 21 May. He had been in contact with local community groups to meet the team and a question and answer session as well as a tour of the town was also planned. Cllr C Meredydd confirmed he would be able to attend.
09/26 REPORT OF THE CLERK: (Agenda item 9)
Precept First Instalment: The Clerk advised that £27,668.00 being the first instalment of the 2025-26 precept had been received from Pembrokeshire County Council.
Fire Risk Assessment: A copy of the new Fire Risk Assessment carried out by Pembrokeshire Fire and Safety Limited on the Town Hall and a new Fire Safety Log Book, had been forwarded by the Clerk to The Golden Sheaf Gallery.
Town Hall Gas Boiler and Alarm Service: The Clerk confirmed that she had booked GGT Thomas and Son Limited to service the gas boiler and alarm at the Town Hall on 13 May 2025 and had been liaising with The Golden Sheaf Gallery about it.
Narberth Allotments: The Clerk reported on the signed Accounts and Current Account Statement she had received from Narberth Allotments.
IT WAS RESOLVED that the Clerk could release the cheque for the 2024-25 Council donation.
Donation: The Clerk had received a request for a donation from the Llangollen International Eisteddfod.
IT WAS RESOLVED that consideration of this Agenda Item be deferred to a later meeting.
Window Cleaning: The Clerk requested Council to grant her plenary powers to make payments up to the value of £25.00 to the window cleaner between meetings. Proposed by Cllr Walters; seconded by Cllr Rogers.
IT WAS RESOLVED by a unanimous show of hands.
Training: As part of her professional development with the Town Council, the Clerk stated she had enrolled on a webinar for New Clerks working in Community and Town Councils in Wales run by the SLCC on 13 May 2025 at £20.00, and Members agreed to this.
Annual Leave: In the March meeting, the Clerk reported she had 6.5 days’ Annual Leave to use by 31 March 2025 and had requested to take two days’ leave on 21 and 22 March, which she did not take as she was on sick leave from 12 March to 7 April. She asked if she could carry forward up to 5 days’ leave into the following leave year in accordance with the Model Contract of Employment for Local Councils. The Clerk stated she had since taken 29 April and 2 May and was due to take 9 May as annual leave, and Members agreed to this.
Emails forwarded to Councillors during April 2025:
- Llangollen International Eisteddfod Annual Fundraising Appeal to Local Authorities on 6 April 2025.
- Open Access Holiday Playschemes by Play Wales on 6 April 2025.
- Play Wales – Easter Holidays play ideas on 14 April 2025.
- Play Wales – Playday 2025 theme on 1 May 2025.
- Via Carmarthenshire County Council Part Time Youth Support Worker (Pembrokeshire) Vacancy for Ethnic Minorities and Youth Support Team Wales on 6 April 2025.
- Via Carmarthenshire County Council – PCC wellbeing event at Manorbier on 23 April 2025.
- Via Carmarthenshire County Council – Reminder to submit feedback to the West Wales Nutrient Management Board’s Nutrient Management Plan by 12 May 2025.
- Via Carmarthenshire County Council – Link to the Future Generations Conference on 14 June 2025.
- Via Carmarthenshire County Council – Applications now open for the Race Council Cymru’s Windrush Grants on 6 May 2025.
- Carmarthenshire County Council invitation to Afon Tywi Water Monitoring Equipment Workshop on 10 April 2025.
- Trix Street Art and Illustration introduction on 6 April 2025.
- Via OVW – Welsh Government Democratic Engagement Grant on 7 April 2025.
- Via OVW Ystadau Cymru Asbestos Awareness Training on 10 April 2025.
- Via OVW invitation to Compassionate Communities in Wales event on 8 May 2025.
- Via OVW invitation to joint OVW/SLCC event on Ethical Frameworks in England and Wales on 14 May 2025.
- Via OVW Ogi Cefnogi Community Fund open for applications on 16 May 2025.
- Via OVW Keep Wales Tidy’s Local Places for Nature grants available on 6 May 2025.
- Via OVW – Two-minutes silence on 8 May 2025 to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day.
- OVW – Motions for 2025 Annual General Meeting – on 7 April 2025.
- OVW invitation to next Cost of Living Crisis Team webinar on 10 April 2025.
- OVW – Independent Audit Committee Member Sought on 16 April 2025.
- OVW – E-Bulletin on 17 April and 6 May 2025.
- OVW – ‘Pethau Bychain’ presentations on Atlantic Grey Seals following 8 April event on 22 April 2025.
- OVW – Cost of Living Crisis Project Information and Resources on 24 April 2025.
- OVW invitation to 10 Community and Town Councils interested in joining Biodiversity Pilot Group on 30 April 2025.
- OVW – Training Dates from April to June 2025 – on 30 April 2025.
- OVW – Revised Financial Regulations – on 1 May 2025.
- Pembrokeshire County Council – School Transport Policy Consultation – on 9 April 2025.
- Pembrokeshire County Council – Narberth Active Travel Feedback – on 11 April 2025.
- Pembrokeshire County Council – Start of Statutory Consultation for extending existing 40mph speed limit at Coxhill to 30mph zone at Robeston Wathen – on 23 April 2025.
- Pembrokeshire County Council – Dog Beach Restrictions – on 1 May 2025.
- Pembrokeshire County Council – Start of remedial work outside Narberth GP Surgery, Northfield Road – on 6 May 2025.
- Via Pembrokeshire County Council invitation to Pembrokeshire Music Service’s Music at the Manor event on 9 May 2025.
- Natural Resources Wales – Sustainable Drainage Concept Design Grant – on 10 April 2025.
- PAVS – Spring News Update – on 14 April 2025.
- PAVS – Some More Spring News – on 1 May 2025.
- Planning Aid Wales and Welsh Government Consultation on managing and designing gypsy and traveller sites on 17 April 2025.
- Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water – River Water Quality Drop-in Sessions on 2 and 7 May 2025.
- Friends of Friendless Churches invitation to information and volunteering session on 7 May 2025.
- Disability Wales – e-news – April 2025.
- Via County Councillor John T Davies – notes and actions following breakfast briefing on 1 May 2025 regarding the temporary road closure 2025/174 on various roads in Narberth for National Eisteddfod Proclamation Procession on 17 May 2025.
- Haverfordwest Town Council – VE 80 Anniversary events from 8 to 10 May 2025.
10/26 APPROVAL FOR THE ADVERTISEMENT OF A COUNCILLOR CASUAL VACANCY IN THE RURAL AND URBAN WARDS: (Agenda item 10)
Cllr C Meredydd informed the meeting that two Councillor casual vacancies had arisen, one in the Rural ward and the other in the Urban ward, following the passing of Cllr Emma Richards and the resignation of Cllr Katie Macro, respectively.
IT WAS RESOLVED that the Clerk notify Pembrokeshire County Council’s Electoral Services team to initiate the process to advertise the casual vacancies for the Rural and Urban Wards.
11/26 PLANNING APPLICATIONS: (Agenda item 11)
[During consideration of this item, Cllr Cole declared a personal interest by virtue of being a nearby resident.]
25/0018/AD – Grace Court House, Market Square, Narberth – Wall Mounted Projecting Hanging Sign – Objection due to:
- Proposed signage and its design were not in keeping with the host listed building and the area.
Latest planning decisions made by Pembrokeshire County Council:
11.1 Conditionally Approved:
- 24/0883/PA Crinow Farm, Crinow – Alterations and extension to existing nutrient store.
12/26 NARBERTH LIBRARY: (Agenda item 12)
Open Plus Service Suspended: Cllr Paffard, as Secretary of The Friends of Narberth Library, advised that Pembrokeshire Libraries was suspending its Open Plus unstaffed access service from 12 May to 4 June 2025 due to a change of library management system.
Keys: The Clerk that confirmed she had now got a second set of keys cut for the Library. Cllr Walters agreed to liaise with the Clerk about purchasing a separate key safe and arranging to get it installed on the side of the building.
13/26 CHRISTMAS LIGHTS COMMITTEE: (Agenda item 13)
As Chair of the Christmas Lights Committee, Cllr Walters sought Council approval of a recommendation made by the Committee on 8 April 2025 to award a four-year contract for the provision of a conical Christmas tree, 32 lamp post motifs and the purchase of a bespoke wall motif.
Cllr Walters explained the Committee had evaluated tenders from three of the largest Christmas Light companies in the UK for 32 lamp post motifs against the criteria set out in the published brief. The contract would be awarded to Blanchere Illumination to supply star-shaped motifs, with a mix of red and blue LEDs and made from 60 recycled plastic bottles. As the lights would be 3D printed in colour, Cllr Walters added they would still appear bright when off during the day. The Committee had also chosen a six-metre celestial tree for the top of the town, bringing the total cost of the hire of the lights, which included delivery, collection and storage and a refresh in year 3, to £9,375.50 per year.
According to Cllr Walters, the Committee’s intention was to encourage a phased approach to the Christmas lights and look at improving the lighting features in the town year on year. The Committee had considered string lights; however, a few issues had been identified with anchor points, putting lights on over-pruned trees and electricity that would need to be surveyed further. He then put forward Blanchere Illumination’s further proposal of an additional bespoke motif for the rear of the Town Hall for purchase that came with a two-year warranty, excluding vandalism and adverse weather damage, and an annual service as part of the agreement for £4,230.00. Proposed by Cllr G Meredydd; seconded by Cllrs Barnes and Monroe.
Cllr Walters also confirmed he had gone out to tender for the erection of the Christmas Lights over a four-year period with the Council’s current contractor and two new companies. This tender would be evaluated at next month’s Committee meeting.
IT WAS RESOLVED to accept the recommendation of the Christmas Lights Committee to award a four-year contract to Blanchere Illumination to supply a celestial Christmas tree, 32 lamp post motifs and purchase of a bespoke wall motif.
14/26 NARBERTH TOWN: (Agenda item 14)
Footgolf: Cllr Cole mentioned an email she had received from a member of the public, who was interested in setting up a temporary children’s footgolf attraction on the Town Moor during school holidays and on weekends in the summer.
IT WAS RESOLVED that the Clerk respond to the member of the public referring them to Pembrokeshire County Council to request permission.
One-way system: Cllr Walters drew Members’ attention to a number of vehicles recently being driven in the wrong direction on the one-way system from the Farmers Arms, to which Cllr Barnes agreed and said she had witnessed vehicles being driven the wrong way from the Kirkland Arms.
IT WAS RESOLVED that the Council write to the County Council’s Highways Department requesting an assessment of road markings and signage in Spring Gardens.
Confidentiality: Cllr Walters reminded Members of the importance of confidentiality and claimed information that was regarded as being of confidential nature was being shared outside of Council meetings and if it continued he would report the Council. Any discussion would be a breach of confidentiality and the Code of Conduct for Members, added Cllr C Meredydd.
15/26 SPEED AWARENESS SIGNS: (Agenda item 15)
Cllr Walters limited discussion of this Agenda Item to the proposal of a speed awareness sign on Coxhill as the Town Council was yet to have permission from Pembrokeshire County Council for a similar sign on Station Road. Cllr Walters stated he had obtained three quotes and sought Council approval to authorise a quotation from Elan City Ltd to provide two radar speed signs, with solar panels, batteries, mounting kits and delivery, at a total cost of £4678.98, excluding VAT; Seconded by Cllr Rogers. One sign would be erected in Coxhill by the County Council while the other would be placed in storage while a case was being put together for a sign in Station Road.
IT WAS RESOLVED by a unanimous show of hands.
16/26 COUNCIL TRAINING: (Agenda item 16)
As part of their training and development, Cllr Paffard requested to enrol on an Introduction to Community Engagement Part 1 course on 19 May 2025 and Cllr Barnes asked to enrol on Health and Safety and Chairing Skills courses on 13 and 20 May, respectively. All courses were being run as webinar sessions by OVW.
IT WAS RESOLVED that this would be in order.
17/26 NARBERTH CHURCHYARD & GREEN WORKING PARTY: (Agenda item 17)
Following the announcement of Cllr Macro’s resignation, Cllr Walters alerted the Council that it would have to submit a report to inform the funder how it used the grant money for St Andrew’s churchyard. Cllr Paffard also suggested checking with Cllr Macro about any other outstanding work that still needed to be completed, such as the goat hire and the recruitment of volunteers to help clear the rest of the churchyard and wildflower meadow. Cllr Monroe mentioned a group of volunteers, aged between 14 and 18 years, she was aware of that could be approached to carry out horticultural work on a rotational basis. Cllr G Meredydd said she would contact Cllr Macro for a handover.
Cllr Cole reported that the new access path was breaking up in places, and wondered whether the contractor could be asked to return to assess the condition of the path and whether it could be topped with crushed road planings to make it smoother for people to walk on.
Cllr Barnes put her name forward to join the Green Working Party and Members agreed to this.
In response to an email sent by Cllr Cole about the contractor strimming the churchyard at 8am on a Sunday and on the Early May Bank Holiday, Cllr Walters advised no stipulations as to times when to mow grass had been specified in his contract.
18/26 POLICY COMMITTEE: (Agenda item 18)
Cllr C Meredydd confirmed the date of the next Policy Committee meeting being 10 June 2025 and to be held at Narberth Community Library at 7pm.
Cllr Cole suggested contacting OVW for policy templates while Cllr Monroe was aware of similar policies and frameworks in the Third Sector.
Cllr Walters sought Members’ approval to authorise a quotation from OVW to implement a suite of human resources policies and consultancy services of £478.00 that could be met from the Council’s contingency funds; Seconded by Cllr G Meredydd and agreed by Members.
19/26 FINANCE COMMITTEE: (Agenda item 19)
Cllr C Meredydd confirmed the date of the next Finance Committee meeting being 17 June 2025 and to be held at Narberth Community Library at 7pm.
20/26 REPRESENTING COUNCIL ON OTHER BODIES: (Agenda item 20)
A40: Cllr C Meredydd reported that he and Cllr G Meredydd had attended the opening of the A40 Llanddewi Velfrey to Redstone Cross road scheme.
Bloomfield: Cllr G Meredydd explained that it had come to the attention of the Trustees of the Narberth and District Community and Sports Association that operate Bloomfield House Community Centre that the lease on the Centre only had 11 years remaining. Cllr Meredydd stated the Trustees had requested that an extension, or new 100-year lease be drawn up, and asked for this item be added to the Agenda for the next meeting.
21/26 NARBERTH PERSON OF THE YEAR AWARD: (Agenda item 21)
Cllr C Meredydd asked Members to give consideration for the Narberth Person of the Year Award this year. The Council would invite nominations on Facebook and on the Council website for the Award, which can only be given to an individual who is not being remunerated for their role. Proposed by Cllr Barnes; Seconded by Cllr Rogers
IT WAS RESOLVED by a unanimous show of hands.
22/26 NARBERTH TOWN CRIER – VE DAY 80 PROCLAMATION: (Agenda item 22)
Cllr C Meredydd enquired about the Town Crier delivering the official VE Day 80 Proclamation. Cllr Rogers, who is President of the Narberth Branch of the Royal British Legion, admitted that while they had not been approached for the Town Crier to make a proclamation in the town, the Legion was holding a commemoration service at St Andrews Church on the evening of 8 May and a picnic on the Town Moor on 10 May.
23/26 MAYORAL ALLOWANCE: (Agenda item 23)
[During consideration of this item, Cllr C Meredydd declared a personal interest by virtue of being the Mayor.]
Cllr Walters proposed the allowance to be paid to the new Mayor at the amount specified in the precept; Seconded by Cllr Barnes.
IT WAS RESOLVED that the Mayor’s allowance will be £1,500 for the year, plus £500 for a Senior role
24/26 TOWN COUNCIL ACCOUNTS FOR YEAR-END 31 MARCH 2025: (Agenda item 24)
All members had received a copy of the Town Council’s Accounts for year-end 31 March 2025. Proposed by Cllr Walters; Seconded by Cllr Rigby.
IT WAS RESOLVED to approve and accept these as a true record of the Town Council’s finances for the year. The Mayor, Cllr C Meredydd, duly signed a copy of the Accounts.
25/26 ANNUAL RETURN STATEMENT FOR YEAR-END 31 MARCH 2025: (Agenda item 25)
All members had received a copy of the Town Council’s Annual Return Statement for year-end 31 March 2025. Proposed by Cllr Walters; Seconded by Cllr Rigby.
IT WAS RESOLVED to approve and accept these as a true record of the Town Council’s Annual Return Statement for the year. The Mayor, Cllr C Meredydd, duly signed a copy of the Annual Return.
26/26 FINANCIAL REPORT: (Agenda item 21)
26.1 Income received:
a) Golden Sheaf – rent £ 625.00
b) Bank interest for NatWest – April 2025 – £ 31.81
26.2 Payments due:
a) Society of Local Council Clerks New Clerks Webinar £ 20.00
b) IRPW Members’ Allowance and cost of office consumables annual payment 2024/25 for each of the Councillors listed below in accordance with Minute 245/25:
Cllr C Meredydd – £ 208.00
Cllr G Meredydd – £ 208.00
c) A R Martin – Expenses – £ 84. 39
d) C A Coaker £ 864. 69
e) C Viggars £ 300.00
f) Google d/d £ 9,20
IT WAS RESOLVED that Full Council agreed to make these payments.
The Clerk had forwarded Members a copy of the up-to-date Council Budget Tracker.
27/26 APPROVE AND SIGN BANK STATEMENTS: (Agenda item 22)
The Mayor checked and signed the Bank Statements for the current; the business reserves and the Instant Access account.
Signed …………………………………… Date ………………………..
Mayor