Agenda and draft minutes

None.

The Chair invited members of the public present to put questions to the Area Committee, or to raise issues of concern:

Abergavenny in Bloom

A representative from Abergavenny Town Council had raised an issue at the September 2019 Area Committee meeting regarding the watering of the plants within Abergavenny Town and the need for the contactor to bring water from Usk, as there are no water outlets available within the town.

It was noted that following the September 2019 meeting the Head of Policy and Governance would liaise with the Estates Department and with Abergavenny Town Council with a view to identifying an appropriate water outlet, going forward.

To date, there was no further information to report in respect of this matter.

We received a presentation by Dr. Emily Warren of Aneurin Bevan University Health Board regarding transforming services for children’s mental health and emotional wellbeing in Gwent (The Iceberg Programme).

In doing so, the following points were noted:

·         A peer support group is being run in collaboration with King Henry VIII School in Monmouthshire.

·         The Area Committee outlined the work being led by the Deputy Head Teacher of King Henry VIII School. Dr. Warren was provided with the Deputy Head Teacher’s contact details with a view to passing this on to her colleagues.  Also, the Area Committee was keen to learn more about all of the projects in totality.  Dr Warren would liaise with her colleague with a view to providing the Area Committee with further details.

·         It was identified that funding for this scheme was being provided by Welsh Government.  However, it was on a short term basis which made it difficult to plan for the long term.

·         Schools can play a role in supporting the new model.

·         The Gwent Iceberg Model is the framework for bringing together a number of interlocking programmes.

·         The Gwent region is the only area that has undertaken this programme.  It is anticipated that other regions across Wales will follow this model, going forward.

We thanked Dr. Warren for an interesting and informative presentation.

The Cabinet Member for Resources provided a presentation on the 2020/21 budget proposals.

Having received the presentation, the following points were noted:

·         In response to a question raised regarding whether extra funding would be made available via Welsh Government to address the deteriorating roads across the County, it was noted that it this would be a matter for the Welsh Government to decide.

·         It was noted that there were many retired professionally qualified people living within the County who could be utilised.  Monmouthshire County Council currently utilises the services of over 2000 volunteers across the County.

We received a progress report by Team Abergavenny.  In doing so, the following points were noted:

·         Welsh Government has agreed a draft solution to the bus stop required in Park Road by Tesco. It was noted that funding is awaited for this scheme.

·         With regard to the no left turn sign at the Baker Street end of Princes Street, it was noted that this matter was still ongoing with the Highways Department.

·         With regard to the management of the use of street space in Frogmore Street, it was noted that the Licensing Department has investigated this matter.

·         In response to a question raised regarding safe routes to school, Team Abergavenny stated that it had been investigating signage within the Town but would also look into the matter of safe routes to school.

·         Concern was expressed that new signage erected at the bottom of Frogmore Street at the pedestrianised zone was misleading, as taxis were still entering this area since the signs were erected. It was noted that a request had also been made to the Highways Department for similar signage to be erected at the Boots end of Frogmore Street to prevent vehicles entering the pedestrianised zone.

We received a verbal update by County Councillor S. Woodhouse.

The next meeting of the Strategic Transport Group will be held on 5^th February 2020. 

Members were asked to contact Councillor Woodhouse directly if they had any items to be raised at the next Strategic Transport Group meeting.

In response to a question raised regarding the range in cost of rail fares, it was noted that the Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Neighbourhood Services is aware of this matter and is liaising with the relevant bodies.

We received the report by the North Monmouthshire Liaison Committee.

In doing so, the following points were noted:

·         Planned Maintenance of Highways – The Highways Department is responsible for planned maintenance works and operates such a programme of works for the County.

·         Dog waste bin emptying – The Area Committee noted the views raised as outlined in the report.

·         Summer Playscheme – Abergavenny Town Council contributes £12,000 towards this playscheme. However, there are a number of attendees from neighbouring community council areas that access this playscheme. Therefore, a request is being made to the North Monmouthshire local councils to consider contributing to the playscheme, going forward. The County Council’s Community Infrastructure Coordinator will be visiting local community councils regarding this matter. It was noted that Llanfoist Fawr Community Council is providing a financial contribution towards the Summer Playscheme.

The minutes of the meeting of the North Monmouthshire Area Committee dated 20^th November 2019 were confirmed and signed by the Chair.

We received and noted the Scrutiny Work Programme.

We received and noted the forward planner for Cabinet and Council business.

We received and noted the North Monmouthshire Area Committee future work programme.  In doing so, the following item was added:

·         That a representative from Green Valleys Community Interest Company be invited to attend a future meeting of the Area Committee to provide information regarding its green energy schemes.

Wednesday 25th March 2020 at 1.00pm.