MINUTES OF A COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY 25th NOVEMBER 7.30pm IN THE VILLAGE HALL
Present: Cllr Jane Dawkins (Chairperson), Cllr David Williams, Cllr Harry Duff, Cllr Gareth Woodcock, Cllr Janine Sharpless, Cllr David Mantle, Cllr Mark Brian.
In Attendance: County Councillor Jackie Charlton, PCSO Lee Garrett, Jo Gardner and Gail Jones representing the Llangynidr Well-being Group
Jessica Jones (Clerk).
The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and paid thanks to PCSO Lee Garett for calling in to provide an up-date of the current issues. The Chair also welcomed members Jo and Gail of the Community Well-being Group as the new Chair and vice Chair of the group.
1. Public Participation: PCSO Lee Garrett & County Councillor Jackie Charlton.
PCSO Lee Garrett:
1. New Dyfed-Powys ‘Connects’ facility is now up and running, providing residents the option to scan a QR code or go on line to sign up allowing you to receive local area alerts about general policing activity, crime, anti-social behaviour, events, prevention messages and more. It is an easy, free email messaging service. By signing up you'll have the opportunity to reply directly to your local neighbourhood prevention and policing team and have your say on your local policing priorities. Posters will be placed on the notice boards.
2. Residents are being advised to be very cautions of scammers in the area, claiming to be from a local solar panel company and fraudulently scamming residents into purchasing parts for their solar panels, that either do not exist or do not need replacing. Dyfed Powys Police are urging anyone who has been called upon to report to 101.
3. Reports of graffiti / vandalism in the Ashford tunnel.
4. Report of horse killed on the B450 mountain road.
5. Drug driver arrested in Llangynidr on a Sunday afternoon.
6. Local Police have been made aware of the up-and-coming Tractor Run event taking place on Sat 29th November, along with the Canal & River Trust event due to take place on Wednesday 10th December, meeting at the Coach & Horses from 6pm.
The Chair thanked PCSO Lee Garrett for his continued support to the residents of Llangynidr providing the important and valued updates particularly now his area has been extended further afield.
County Councillor Jackie Charlton:
Llangynidr County Councillor Report – November 2025
County Councillor Surgery
1. The Llangynidr County Council surgery is held every two months in conjunction with Llangattock. The next session for Llangynidr will be on the 13th December so hopefully will not interfere with Christmas planning. Should you wish to discuss any matters before then, please do not hesitate to get in touch using the contact details provided above.
2. Livestock Deaths and Speeding on Common Land
Recently, I was approached by Lee Garrett, PCSO, to meet with him and the Station Sergeant regarding the ongoing issues of livestock deaths and speeding on the common. The Police & Crime Commissioner has also taken note of my comments and has requested a report from the Chief Constable. I will provide further updates as more information becomes available. I am hoping to have a discussion over a cup of tea with the officers to explain the issues in detail.
3. Sustainable Powys – Communication and Updates
The Sustainable Hub is now accessible to Town and Community Councils via the following link: Sustainable Powys - Home. Llangattock Community Council will be providing feedback to Sustainable Powys regarding progress on the Community Hub, which I know you will find interesting.
4. Flooding:
Storm Claudia seem to stay east of both Llangattock and Llangynidr and Powys wasn’t hit too badly. There was significant surface water, with disruption along the A40 and the A4077 in several places. The Cibi in Abergavenny flooded the centre of town due to blocked culverts and flash flooding. We all saw the pictures of Monmouth and Skenfrith on the local and national BBC news. I have been in touch with Councillors in Monmouthshire and they were pleased with the offer of help. The clean-up has been handled well as far as I can see.
5. Drains and Culverts – Dyffryn Crawnon
We stay in touch with officers and they were able to address some of the issues before Storm Claudia hit although not all the culverts were cleared. The landslip is programmed for works to begin in January, but I’ve not received any updates since the last meeting. Will make my usual call on Tuesday before the meeting.
6. The Bridge
We had a site visit on the bridge with Jo Lancey to discuss several issues there including the dip signs, a light on the Bwlch side and the metal barriers with reflectors on the pinch points. It was finally confirmed that a light on the Bwlch side of the bridge is not appropriate. There are two reasons, the first being electricity although we did discuss solar panels. That might work but the main issue is the appropriate lighting on signs where there are no streetlights. You cannot have lighting on road signs if there are no streetlights as this distorts the visual impact of the sign when driving at night. The signs are designed to reflect headlights from cars so should be visible. The reflectors on the barriers should also assist the driver through the pinch points and it was agreed they require upgrading and repair. In the opinion of the Highways Officer more signage for the dip would not be appropriate. The signage currently in place should be sufficient for drivers. We did watch vehicles going onto the bridge for about 30 minutes. I have requested from Powys urgent consideration on repairing the plinths and reflectors.
7. Post-16 Engagement
Progress is being made regarding post-16 education provision. The topic was discussed at the recent Five Councils Meeting, where a variety of perspectives and concerns were shared. There is some concern about ensuring that everyone, including those less engaged or holding different views, will be reached as the campaign against the closure of post-16 delivery moves forward.
8. Canal Event – 9th December
Preparations for the Canal Event on Tuesday, 9th December are progressing well. We are hopeful for a strong turnout to celebrate the 225th anniversary of the canal. I have details for Llangattock but not for Llangynidr. – Noted the details at the meeting for Llangynidr: 10th December meeting at the Coach & Horses from 6pm
9. Powys Budget Discussions for 2025/26
Powys County Council is actively engaged in preparations for the 2025/26 budget. A cross-party Budget Advisory Group, composed of backbenchers and opposition party leaders, is working in partnership with the finance team and Cabinet to develop a balanced budget. This collaborative approach is ensuring robust engagement with County Councillors across Powys, gathering a wide range of views and opinions on where savings can be made without compromising services. It is a significant undertaking.
10. Transport in the Community
Aberystwyth University is set to support our Transport Team in exploring further opportunities for community transport. I am staying in close contact with the Crickhowell travel group and Cllr Chloe Masefield, who is offering support to the group in Crickhowell. I know you are watching this with interest.
The Chair paid thanks to County Councillor Jackie Charlton for the regular reports and updates and Cllr David Mantle acknowledged the importance of the work being carried out on the horrendous problems with the Livestock deaths on the Mountain Road.
2. Apologies: Cllr Gene Taylor, Cllr Beth Carpenter
3. Declaration of Interest in the items listed below: Cllr Janine Sharpless declared an interest on Agenda item 8
4. Signing of the Minutes of the 28th October 2025 – Approved
5. Finance:
a) Budget v Actuals, Bank reconciliation for October 2025
Approved and Signed by Cllr Harry Duff
b) Cheques approved October 2025
Clean the Car Park (Oct) £40.00
Clean the public conveniences (Oct) £280.00
Car park non-domestic rates (Oct DD) £91.00
British Gas – electricity for the public conveniences (Oct DD) £26.05
Clerk's wages and stationery allowance (Oct) £576.30
HMRC (Clerk Tax & NI Contribution – Oct) £111.20
Scribe – Monthly Fee inc. VAT (Oct) £37.20
Materials for Car Park Flower Beds £64.70
Donation towards ‘Contact’ publication £150.00
c) Cheques for approval November & December 2025
Payments Approved Nov 25:
Clean the Car Park (Nov) £40.00
Clean the public conveniences (Nov) £280.00
Car Park non-domestic rates – Direct Debit (Nov) £91.00
British Gas – electricity for the public conveniences (Nov DD) £28.81
Clerk's wages and stationery allowance (Nov) £576.30
HMRC (Clerk Tax & NI Contribution – Nov) £111.20
Scribe – Monthly Fee inc. VAT (Nov) £37.20
First Grant payment to the Village Hall £3500.00
Welsh Water Direct Debit on 27th (Nov) £679.21
Viking Public Convenience Supplies (Nov) £124.46
Lantern Workshop - CRT 225th Anniversary Celebrations £320.00
Communities First Insurance Cover Dec 25 – Dec 26 £466.95
Payments Approved Dec 25:
Clean the Car Park (Dec) £40.00
Clean the public conveniences (Dec) £280.00
Car Park non-domestic rates – Direct Debit (Dec) £91.00
British Gas – electricity for the public conveniences (TBC Dec DD) £28.00*
Scribe – Monthly Fee inc. VAT (Dec) £37.20
d) Interest Payment & Donations
Agenda Item 5 D
Car Park & Toilet Donations (Oct) £156.67
Nat West Interest Current Account (Oct) £0.00
Nat West Interest Reserve Account – No Statement received
6. Correspondence:
Thank you email: From ‘Contact’ magazine for the donation towards the printing costs.
Residents Letter: Provision for use of parking in the main car park
Sustainable Powys Meeting – Meeting on 26/11/2025 7pm in The Foundry Brecon. Cllr Jane Dawkins to attend on behalf of Llangynidr Community Council.
7. Go Safe initial observations received from Gail Jones for October 2025 – Reviewed and points noted by Gail Jones on the details of a webinar on 10th Dec, delivering 20’s Plenty message and making it work. Gail also noted the on-going communications with Cllr William Powell on the policing budget consultation forwarded by the Police and Crime Commissioner, closing date for responses: 5th January 2026. As noted in County Councillor Jackie Charlton’s report in item 1, further information to be provided in due course on additional Traffic Police for the area and up-date following meetings with MP David Chadwick and the Police & Crime Commissioner. The Chair also raised the question on the possibility of having the speed strips placed at the Village Hall and at the Coach & Horses to provide monitoring information and data on the volume of traffic passing through the village. County Councillor Jackie Charlton to follow up with Powys Highways.
8. Planning Applications:
25/24203/FUL – The Old Barn, Castle Road, Llangynidr. Proposed alterations and extension to the existing dwelling. Observation made by the Councillors on the character of the proposed development and whether it is in keeping with its current setting having regard to the historic fabric of the Old Barn and with particular attention drawn to the height and scale of the proposed development sitting within the existing dwelling. Clerk to present observations to the Planning Officer.
9. Confidential HR matter – Chair proposed to exclude the public participation due to confidential nature for review under a part 2 – confidential session. Agreed
10. Section 6 – The Biodiversity Action Plan – round 3 for consideration. Overview of the action plan reviewed and agreed for all Councillors to participate in the on-going monitoring process of the plan. Plan approved.
11. Update from the Llangynidr Community Well-being Group and support with purchase of a Defibrillator for the Dyffryn Crawnon. Note: Item addressed earlier in the meeting under the public participation. Update provided by Gail Jones on the successful grant application towards the purchase of a defibrillator, via the Crickhowell Volunteer Bureau, to be placed in the old telephone box situated in the Dyffryn Crawnon. A working group will be established to carry out a revamp to the phone box and made ready for the instillation in the New Year. The Community Council paid thanks to the CWG for their continued support and efforts with this very worthwhile project.
12. Five Councils meeting held 13th November – key points: Post 16 Education at Crickhowell High School, maintenance of the ‘C’ roads and how to share the Five Councils resources. The Chair gave an appraisal of the topics discussed noting ‘Clustering’ of the 5 Councils to make use of resources between the Councils; it would assist if a representative from each of the 5 Councils would consider putting themselves forward. Current status of the Post 16 Education review covered under County Councillor Jackie Charlton’s report, noting it is currently in the pre-consultation phase.
13. Insurance renewal due in December 2025. Quote received from Communities First for £402.07. Total approved of £466. 95 to cover the additional £64.88, which provides additional cover for contract disputes. Approved
14. Co-option of Councillor vacancy – Review of application/s. Application submitted by a local resident. All agreed the applicant would be a welcomed asset to the Community Council given their career background and local knowledge and involvement within the Community. All agreed to invite the interested applicant along to the January 2026 Council meeting. Clerk to send invitation to the January meeting.
15. Canal & River Trust Event being held in Llangynidr on Wednesday 10th December 2025. Meeting point will be The Coach & Horses at 6pm. Helpers/ Volunteers required to marshal the event to arrive at 5pm. The Councillors will endeavour to support the event where possible, assisting with marshalling duties. The Chair paid thanks to the Landlords, Megan and Jack at the Coach and Horses for providing the facility to host the lantern making workshops and for supporting the overall event with the Canal & River Trust.
16. Quotes received for maintenance of Persondy Hedge: £250.00 and Car Park Hedges: £650.00 for approval. Two quotes provided for Persondy Hedge for £250. The one accepted and approved included the additional replanting of further saplings as and when required in the spring. For the hedging works in the Car Park, it was noted the corrected quote received for the car park is £675.00. Approved.
17. Query raised by a local resident on the boundary fence. Further information to be requested from the resident on what cost implications were involved from the historic works previously carried out. Adjourn to January 2026.
18. Overhanging branches on the road to Crickhowell need cutting back. Reported to CRT and case reference provided, investigations to be carried out by CRT. Agreed the Clerk to also report the problem to Powys Highways due to the dangerous nature of the overhanging trees, forcing larger vehicles to travel further into the centre of road.
19. Road Closure notice: Llangynidr Mountain B4560 on 4th December 2025 – Noted
20. An acknowledgement of thanks to the on-going work being carried out by volunteers in the car park. The Chair paid thanks to the dedicated team of volunteers who are continuing to work hard on the rockery element of the car park. This work is appreciated by not only the Community Council but also the residents of the village, who are enjoying watching the developments take shape and look forward to what will start appearing in the spring.
21. Any other business (for information only) None
22. Dates of next meetings:
Finance Committee Precept Monday 15th December 2025 – 7.00pm
Full Council – Tuesday 20th January – 7pm
With no further business to discuss the Chair closed the meeting at 10.15pm
