(1) Meeting Opened
The Chairman opened the meeting and welcomd new members.
(2) Present
All present signed the attendance sheet
(3) Apologies
Cllr. Jason Higgins (Gen. Purpose & Planning Meeting), Cllr. Brian Madden (Gen. Purpose & Planning Meeting), Gareth Erlandson (Family Occasion), Gwyn Jones, Viv Perry (Family Occasion)
(4) Police Report
Absent
(5) Treasurer’s Report
- O.C.R.A. Funds: £264.55p
- War Memorial: £1338.00p
- Defibrillators: £680.36p
- Graffiti Project: £200.00p
Brian informed the meeting that a defibrillator had been purchased and stored at Secretary’s home in order to purchase at current prices anticipating inflationary trends. Planned location is promenade when work there is complete.
(6) Vacant Building Plots & Buildings
We have been in communication with David Jones MP who has given advice re future action. Legislation concerning Planning is wholly devolved to Wales and it seems that Cardiff has powers to act against builders who leave brown sites idle for decades as at Queen’s Road junction Endsleigh Road. There are also many idle sites and buildings such as the Imperial Hotel and the former market which might be used for housing. Instead of this we see good agricultural land being cleared for the ever-increasing housing estates.
We will follow this up with Cheryl and David.
(7) BID
The £40,000 project to improve the general area, in Colwyn’s case the Cefn Road refurbishment plan, has now been wound up and it seems that what is left will be allocated to the Crown. Two local businesspeople have fought hard, but unsuccessfully. The fund has been depleted through legal and Council fees and is no longer viable. See item (9) Mins. OCRA 5th July 2022 and other issues at https://www.oldcolwynresidents.org
(8) Vacant Building Plots
Secretary had that morning received communication from Cardiff informing us that negotiations to get existing powers in England to tax vacant land plots devolved from Westminster to Wales have to date failed. Darren Millar AM, has submitted written questions to the Finance and Local Government Minister for Wales in response to our requests. Considerable potential rating income is being lost throughout Conwy County whilst residents rates rise each year. One plot at Queen’s Road capable of containing several dwellings has been dormant for some 20 years and is overgrown and is being used to deposit rubbish. The Secretary has been informed by the County Council that this is not a priority, and the have no figures of such empty plots or buildings through the County.
Cheryl would appraise David Jones MP of the situation.
(9) War Memorial & Armistice Day
Town Council waiting for stone mason’s structural report before adopting ownership and responsibility for the edifice in accordance with your Councillor’s voting.
Brian and Merfyn told us that arrangements have been made to tidy the memorial. A service will commence at 10:00am Sunday 13th November 2022, followed by a procession to the memorial. Town Council have organised road closures etc., and a P.A. system is organised together with a bugler. Licensee of Sun has created a soldier silhouette. The Methodist Church is to join us at St. John’s.
(10) Minafon Flats
Cheryl told us that there is still no response from the Housing Department
(11) Cycle Path
Cyclist still not dismounting. Gates have been adjusted to allow easier access for disabled folk.
(12) Speed Cameras
Need to be adjusted to cope with the new planned 20mph legislation. We understand that Monmouth C.C. will not implement this.
(13) Dog Fouling Cameras
Brian in possession of these but they should be installed so as to comply with legal guidelines. There is heavy fouling at the Queen’s Road underpass. Enquiries to be made.
(14) Overflowing Waste Bins
An improvement is noted here. Is there a street sweeper for Colwyn? Enquiries to be made.
(15) Dangerous Parking Wynnstay & Wynn Avenue
Traffic Orders are in proses of completion.
(16) Solar Lighting Wynn Gardens
Brian and Cheryl have been working hard on this. The builders at Penmaen Head offered the village Community Funding which they speedily accepted for solar powered lighting at the Gardens. They are now ensuring that the agreement ensures responsibility for a satisfactory safety and maintenance procedure.
(17) Any Other Business
(a) Min-y-Don Park
Dark nights are here, and children play there; could there be more lighting? Brian told us that they are working on a plan for the refurbishment of the park. Tennis courts are rarely used, and there is a need to re-plan from the beginning in the area.
(b) Fountain Wynn Gardens
Not working. There is a leak which will cost £178.20 to repair.
(c) Tree Damaged Wynn Gardens
Sprayed with a paint like substance. Also, a newly planted silver birch on Abergele Road snapped.
(d) Colwyn Bay Football Club
Cllr. Neil Coverley has received positive news re the proposed new stand at our football ground. Colwyn Bay certainly raising its status in many ways.
(18) Meeting Closed
Meeting closed at 8.05pm, there being no further business. Next meeting, 7.30pm. Same location on 6th December 2022.