Llandudno Library Refurbisment

This is my 500th Posting

Photo Credit: http://www.greatorme.org.uk/Trail1.html

Llandudno library will close at 6pm on Friday, 3rd September and reopen in mid January.


Attempts to use an empty shop to provide a temporary mini-library have been unsuccessful, but alternative services will be available from local libraries at Penrhyn Bay, Colwyn Bay, Conwy, Deganwy and Llandudno Junction

More details of alternative services can be found on the Council website:

http://www.conwy.gov.uk/doc.asp?cat=6534&doc=26936

This included details of:
Computer and Internet
Borrowing, Returning and Renewing items
Storytimes
Other Services within the Building

The "Roll of Honour" has been relocated to the Archives in Lloyd St. Some members of the public visit the library annually when the page is turned on the anniversary of members of family that fell in the War. Archives is open Monday - Thursday.

Additional Mobile library provision is being provided to areas of Llandudno as well as out side the Archives in Lloyd St. Visit the above web site for details of the Timetable. The timetable will be under continual review to change provision to cope with required usage.

Conwy County Heritage Days

Open Doors 2010 - European Heritage Days


http://www.conwy.gov.uk/doc.asp?cat=143&doc=17749&Language=1

Join us for Wales’s largest annual celebration of architecture and heritage: September 2010 ADMISSION IS FREE

European Heritage Days offer every-one the chance to discover their heritage when buildings and sites of architectural, cultural and historic interest will be open to the public, free of charge.
For further information about the properties that will be open to the public, please see the document below.

Heritage Days - September 2010

Meetings w/c 30th August 2010

Slow week

Tuesday 31st August

2pm Partnership Coordinators Meeting, Bodlondeb, CANCELLED
Took the opportunity to have a chat with Cllr Phil Edwards (Vice Chair of Partnership) and with the Scrutiny Officer.


Wednesday 1st September

2pm: Multi Agency meeting to discuss local Deganwy issue


Thursday 2nd September

Kallum and Thomas back to school

2pm: Cartrefi Conwy Committee Meeting, Colwyn Bay


Friday 3rd September

10am: Informal Council, Bodlondeb
Presentations on School Effectiveness Framework, Alternative Education Provision, Partnership Arrangements with Betsi Cadwalader University Local Health Board and Health Council.

Bridge Works Update

Maesdu Bridge:
I came home from town that way this morning. The traffic lights are back on the roundabout.
Back to single lane traffic. Some coloured tarmac being laid and work on the bridge embankment being undertaken.

Conwy Bridge:
Welsh Water carried out a Temporary Fix to the sewer pipe on Sunday, so they could clear the route.
They will need to go in again to make a more permanent fix, possibly today.
Update 31/8/10 4:15pm, I've just returned from Conwy via the Conwy bridge and the Traffic Lights have just been taken down. Works seem to have been completed with a fresh layer of tarmac on the Harbour side of the bridge. Still a small area coned off, where the fresh tarmac is. The car parking bay is also coned off to allow 2 lanes of traffic to pass the area where the works have occurred.

Wales Audit Office Coporate Assessment of CCBC - Positive Results

CCBC Coporate Assessment Aug 2010

This report was discussed in Cabinet on the Tuesday 24th August and Full Council on Thursday 26th August.
The following is the executive summary from the Council report, which explains what it contains, why it is produced and by who.

2. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

2.1 The Auditor General is required by the new Local Government (Wales) Measure (2009)(the Measure) to undertake an annual Improvement Assessment for each authority in Wales.


2.2 The assessment was undertaken by Officers from Wales Audit Office, with a view to answering the following question:-
“Are the Councils arrangements likely to secure continuous improvement?”


2.3 The final report was received from Wales Audit Office in August 2010, whereby it has been concluded that:-
“Most aspects of corporate arrangements now support improvement but the current uncertainty at senior management level is a potential risk to the Council’s ability to address the challenges that lie ahead. “

2.4 The conclusions within the final report are very positive. It reflects the progress that Conwy has made over time and its resilience under challenging circumstances. The findings within the report include:


• Conwy has made significant improvements to its corporate arrangements in recent years,


• The positive contribution the corporate arrangements are making towards improvement and meeting future challenges.


• The Councils arrangements are now sound in most respects.


• Well developed business processes and governance have sustained the Council during a difficult period for its leadership


• Conwy has begun to refine its priorities to guide its use of staff and resources in the increasingly challenging financial climate ahead and adopts a pragmatic approach to partnership working.

4. BACKGROUND INFORMATION


4.1 The Local Government (Wales) Measure received Royal Approval in June 2009. It redefines the duty placed on local authorities to make arrangements to secure continuous improvement and account for it. (Part 1). It also requires local partners to be involved and co operate in the    delivery of community planning outcomes and to engage with citizens (Part 2).

4.2 For each Financial Year the Wales Audit Office will assess each authority in terms of whether they are likely to comply with the requirements of the measure. The Auditor General will issue a corporate assessment report to each authority and will state whether she / he believes that the authority is likely to comply with the statutory duty to make arrangements to secure continuous improvement during the current financial year, he/she may also comment on whether the authority is likely to comply in subsequent years.

4.3 As this is the first year of the new approach under ”The Measure,” the corporate assessment report attached to this paper is a preliminary one, and this report should be viewed as a progress report. The Annual Improvement Report, due to be received in November 2010 will serve as an update to this assessment.

4.4 The Wales Audit Office have suggested “areas for improvement” within report. Actions have been developed to respond to these areas and are already being progressed. Progress will be monitored by the Improvement and Audit Group and reported accordingly.

The report is extremely positive and is one of the best reports the Authority has received in recent years. The local press have reported on report and as you would have expected used the banner headline from 2.3 for the basis. The newspaper articles have been fairly balanced and have reported the positives of the report. Some Councillors have criticised the press about running with a negative headline, but personally when the WAO report leads itself with the Bold Summary Banner on page 2 I think the criticism is misdirected.
 
In the Council meeting the WAO officer presented the findings of the report and added that one of the things we have to manage is "Adverse Publicity". I challenged and questioned the officer on why with such a positive report do the lead on Page 2 with a potential negative. The officer did imply that all WAO reports have banner summaries that Highlight potential risks, but in hindsights accepted that this was the source itself of the "adverse publicity".
 
The report is positive and the element of risk highlighted is I believe under control and the authority is moving forward under the current constraints. Of course it is in the interest to everyone involved that the situation with regard to the Chief Executive is concluded as soon as possible.
 
The report is interesting, but of particular interest to me in my role as Chairman of the Partnership Overview and Scrutiny committee is paragraph 43 of the Assessment Report:
 
43. The Council has established a Partnerships Overview and Scrutiny Committee, and this or another relevant committee receives regular reports about the work of partnerships in which the Council is involved. However, committees tend to pay too much attention to matters of detail rather than to the outcomes and governance of partnerships. Recent work by the Council’s Internal Audit team has identified weaknesses in the governance of a small sample of partnerships, and a lack of adherence to the Council’s performance and risk management procedures. A Partnership Co-ordination Manager has been appointed and is undertaking a review of partnerships to ensure that their planning focuses on outcomes more closely than is currently the case.

It certainly highlights the work that the we still have to do, with over 400 said Partnerships, it definitely means we have our work cut out. With Partnerships and Collaboration being high on the agenda when looking at future working practices with the reducing resources it is something that needs close attention.

The results of the Assessment Report is good news for the Authority and as other members including The Leader and Business Manager stated, we can not sit back and take our foot of the accelerator.

Following the past history of the authority this report gives us confidence to continue forward. I do believe that the operation of the authority is on a sound footing , but we now need to start looking at what we can do to further help residents and businesses.
We need to start considering the offering we make and how we can "join up" a lot of the work we do. We still in my opinion operate in silos, especially when we look towards businesses. A lot of our problems comes form higher level legislation from WAG, Parliament and Europe, but as the Local Authority contact that must people have into Government I still feel there are things that we can do to become more Customer Focused (in the wider term). Things like Planning, Regulatory Services, Environment, Business Support and other areas need consideration from the Business Sector perspective.

What we can do during a time of reduced funding and resources remains the challenge we all face.

Llandudno Hospital Flyer

Llgh Miu Flyer

You will have to excuse me, I'm having a play with "Scribd" http://www.scribd.com/ , which will allow me to Embed documents within my postings. It will be easier than converting things to JPEG images.

It seems to be working with quite a lot of formats, documents (word, text and pdf), Powerpoint presentations and spreadsheets. You simply upload the document to Scribd and then via the Share facility you can copy the Embedded HTML code. Which you then Paste into the "Edit HTML" window of the Blogger Editor.

The above is the embedded document, whereas below is the url:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/36522733/Llgh-Miu-Flyer

Minor Injuries Unit - Llandudno Hospital

See Guto Bebb, MP posting on this subject at:
http://aberconwyconservatives.co.uk/llandudno-hospital-and-the-reduced-opening-times-of-the-miu/

and the following article from this weeks Weekly News:
http://www.northwalesweeklynews.co.uk/conwy-county-news/local-conwy-news/2010/08/26/petition-calls-for-llandudno-hospital-minor-injuries-unit-to-open-at-night-55243-27136461/

Petition calls for Llandudno Hospital Minor Injuries Unit to open at night



Aug 26 2010 by Judith Phillips, North Wales Weekly News


A PETITION has been started to try to keep the minor injuries unit at Llandudno Hospital open at night.

Conwy county councillor Linda Groom, Carol Marubbi, and Doreen Websell from Llandudno have started the petition because they believe people will be seriously disadvantaged if they have to travel to Bangor or Bodelwyddan for treatment after 10pm from next week.

“The health board seem to think everyone has transport and can travel easily to a hospital 20 miles away, but that’s not the case at all. There are many families who don’t have cars and they will be in a difficult situation. No bus runs from Llandudno to Ysbyty Glan Clwyd after 7pm and a taxi costs around £24. The taxi fare to Ysbyty Gwynedd is around £31 and fares go up after midnight,” said Cllr Groom.

Carol Marubbi said she recently had to attend the minor injuries unit in an evening and it was packed out.

“There were around 20 people there and there were four doctors on duty who were working flat out. I was told I needed to be admitted to the hospital but I didn’t get up to the ward until 2am. What would have happened if the MIU had closed at 10pm? What would they have done with me?

“A unit like this is needed in Llandudno and it should be open 24 hours. Even if it is nurse led because there aren’t enough doctors available it would provide a valuable service for people who cut themselves or sprain their ankle late in the evening. Quite often people need reassurance and you can’t get that over the ‘phone from an out of hours doctor,” she said.

They are distributing copies of the petition in Llandudno and the Conwy Valley and hope to get at least 1,000 signatures.

But the health board says staffing shortages mean hours at the MIU will have to be cut.

“The health board’s primary duty is to ensure patient safety. It has experienced significant difficulties in recruiting all grades of doctors made worse by the impact of the European Working Time Directive and changes to immigration laws.

“The health hoard is introducing changes to the opening hours of the Minor Injuries Unit to ensure that staff are available to provide patient care when the unit is at its busiest during the day This enables more staff to be on duty to provide an improved service, including reducing waiting times.

“During the past 12 months attendances at the unit overnight have been minimal with a number of nights having no attendances at all. The impact of the changes will be continually monitored to ensure that the most effective service is delivered,” said a spokesman.

Conwy Bridge - Temporary Traffic Lights - Long Delays

images by photoeverywhere.co.uk

Update: 29/08/2010 4pm: I haven't been that way today, but there was definitley still work on the bridge on Saturday evening. I've just checked the bridge through one of my upstairs windows from what I can see traffic seems to be flowing in both directions. I can just about see most of the actual bridge and Conwy Castle from our side upstairs window. All seems OK.

Another Bridge, another problem.

I have just been emailed by the Council's Street Works Engineer detailing an emergency traffic control on Conwy Bridge.

Welsh Water have reported a leak to a sewage pipe running through Conwy Bridge.
Following a meeting with Welsh Water, The Environmental Agency and Environmental Heath the decision has been made to allow the emergency works to find and fix the problem.

As I passed the Daily Post roundabout at 3:45pm they had already started setting up, and will be operating under temporary traffic lights. Welsh Water have assured us that they will work until they find the leak.

This is obviously unfortunate due to the Bank Holiday weekend, but I think you would agree with me that such a problem needs immediate resolution.

I'm not sure who long the work will take, but can I suggest people give the bridge a wide berth at this time.

Can I also remind people that the River Taxi will be running between the 5 stops on the River. Can I suggest people use this service to cross or travel along the river either to Deganwy or to Conwy.

The River Taxi phone number is 07512 218003.

Maesdu Bridge Update - On Target for 10th Sept

Photo from 15th July

Update 27/08/2010: Received notification that the Traffic Lights have been removed and following Test Drives by the Arriva's Service Bus, the roundabout has been opened to traffic.

Local members have received an update on progress with the bridge from Highways and Infrastructure officers.

Things are on target for opening on the 10th September 2010.

The bridge should be open to pedestrians and cyclist before this date.

I was also speaking with the Cabinet member this morning and it is understood the traffic lights are being removed and the roundabout will be operation for the weekend. Hence the re-introduction of full time two-way traffic.

Colwyn Bay Masterplan

Photo Credit: http://www.origins-photography.co.uk/

Update 26/8/2010: Please see Richard Evans report in today's Weekly News for more information from the presentation and quotes from Local County Councillors:
http://www.northwalesweeklynews.co.uk/conwy-county-news/local-conwy-news//tm_headline=masterplan-revealed-to-regenerate-colwyn-bay%26method=full%26objectid=27136565%26siteid=55243-name_page.html


At the Communities Overview and Scrutiny committee on the 19th August we received a presentation on the Colwyn Bay Masterplan.

Consultants form DPP Shape, ARC4 and Kappe Massie, presented the outline view for the Masterplan. A detailed draft document will be available by the end of the month, which will be available for Public Consultation.

The meeting last week was attended by the Richard Evans from the Daily Post/Weekly News and a few members of the public.

At the beginning of the meeting officers made it very clear and stressed that the Masterplan is not a detailed implementation plan but rather a framework of ideas, concepts and aspirations.
The framework is mechanism to take advantage of opportunities that may arise other the next 10+ years. These opportunities may be Public Financing, Private Finance or a mixture of the two.

It is extremely likely that the Colwyn Bay will not end up looking like what is presented in the Masterplan.

The following are snippets of information I noted down from the presentation, but they may not make sense without seeing the Masterplan document itself

Key Components of the Plan are:

• The Beach
• Town Centre
• Eirias Park
• Housing Market to East of Town

Key Images of the Plan

• Beach and Pier Areas - included new Sea Defence and Prom/Beach work
• Linking the Beach to the Town Centre
• Development of the Town Centre including Redevelopment of the Bay View Shopping Centre

Key priority is to make the most of the Tow's existing Assets in order to improve:

• Create Community Cohesion
• Skills & Health
• Business and Tourism Growth
• Reduce Transiency

"Create the conditions for investment"
"Make the most of Colwyn Bay's assets and unique character"

Key changes included a re-designed town centre including creation of a new Town Square outside of a upgrading Railway Station. A new crescent developed from middle of Station Rd and bisecting the existing Bay View Shopping Centre, and creating a new bridge to the Beach area.
A new iconic building (multi storey) could be developed from the development of the Bay View Shopping Centre creating more Retails and Office Accommodation. The idea being to create a "classic circular" route within the town.

Other parts of the presentation showed the improvements to the Beach and Prom areas. The Pier was highlighted as key element of the plan in some form. The message seemed to be that some focal point for Colwyn Bay was required in this location.

Changes to Eirias Park, were suggested, building upon the development of the Rugby Academy changes. The ideas would be to build a new entrance via  a footbridge across the Dingle to connect it to the town centre. Eirias Park could be further developed to provide more Sporting options. It was also proposed that an Internal Play Barn area could be built in the current location of the Tennis Centre (this being relocated within the Park)

Additional Ideas on Housing were also provided looking at redevelopment of some areas, and the importance of consultation and agreement with local residents.

The presentation was very positively presented. I have to say that a lot of the plan is very aspirational and personally I felt that it goes along with other Masterplans I have seen. You do have to question whether we still keep having to recruit consultant to create this type of work. I suppose the one thing the consultant can provide is resources to go out and consult with Partners, Businesses, and Residents.

The one area I did comment on was the lack of Car Parking provision considered within the plan. I would have expected to see significant new provision within the town. Apparent 100 new spaces had been considered but a lot of this would be offset by the loss of the Ivy Street Car Park.
My question was that the aspirations of the Plan was for more Retail Business, more Office Accommodation, more Shoppers, more Sports Provision, improved Tourism to Beach and Town  and that we need to get people off the A55 then where will all these extra people park. The plan was supposed to be aspirational but lacked a significant element. The response was that further option were being considered.

I have asked when the Presentation can be made available, but I would imagine the Draft Masterplan will be issued shortly anyway which will give people the information they want to see.

Deganwy Library Decision

Decision made at Cabinet yesterday was to agree with the report to reduce the weekly hours for Deganwy Library from 16 to 6.
One concession that I had requested was proposed by Cllr Mike Priestley and supported by the rest of the Cabinet. This was to delay the implementation of the reduced hours to take into account the refurbishment of Llandudno Library.
It was decided that Deganwy's hours would not be changed during the first month of the closure of Llandudno Library. During this time the visitor numbers would be monitored and if there is a significant increased usage then the hours will not be reduced. Alternatively if there are no increase then the reduced hours will be implemented. This operational decision will be made in consultation with myself and Cllr Tew.

(My best wishes to Cllr Tew who has apparently taken a fall and is currently recovering)

I have received contact from some people concerned with the decision to reduce the hours. Although it is extremely disappointing to see a service reduced in Deganwy, unfortunately the figures speak for themselves. There is now a limited time left to support Deganwy Library before a decision on the whole Library provision is brought out for Public Consultation.

Considering the whole subject of Service Prioritisation and what we can or can not continue to provide with diminishing resources, Councillors will shortly be having to make decisions on similar and bigger issues.
I managed to attend the Budget Working Group today at 12pm, where we were discussing the Service Prioritisation Proforma and Scoring Matrix. The process of which will have to be agreed by Council. Following acceptance of this process, the hard work will then commence to start evaluating all Non-Mandatory services.

Meetings w/c 23rd August 2010

A relatively quiet week this week with no meetings on Monday or Friday. Its also less than 2 weeks left before the boys go back to school on the 2nd September.

Tuesday 24th August 2010

2pm Cabinet, Bodlondeb (Non member)
The decision on reducing hours for Deganwy Library is being made at this meeting. I will make representation to delay reducing the hours until Llandudno Library is reopened following refurbishment.
Agenda includes:
Minutes of Cabinet
Announcements by the Leader
Announcements by the Acting Chief Executive
Review Cabinet Forward Work Programme
Minutes of Cabinet Sub-Committee - Personnel held on 12 August 2010
Minutes of Conwy Harbour Advisory Committee held on 30 June 2010
Leader's Portfolio:
- Approval of absence due to illness - Councillor Wil Edwards
Business Manager's Portfolio:
- Corporate Assessment Report
Finance and Resources Portfolio:
- Capital Programme 2010/11 Progress Report
Infrastructure Portfolio:
- Housing Renewal Area - Capital Funding Proposals 2010/11
Communities Portfolio:
- Llangernyw and Deganwy Libraries
- Conwy Locality Plans
- Project Approval -Railway Stations Project
- Destination Management Plan
- CADW Heritage Tourism Project
Corporate Modernisation Portfolio:
- Tell Us Once
- Telephony Services for Hard of Hearing
Exempt Items: Local Government Act 1972, Section 100A and Schedule 12A (Access to Information)
- Infrastructure Portfolio
-- Circumstances relating to Renovation Grant 4579
English: http://modgoveng.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=171&MId=2485&Ver=4
Cymraeg: http://modgovcym.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=171&MId=2485&Ver=4


Wednesday 25th August

10am - Waste Management Board, Bodlondeb (Member)

12pm - Budget Working Group, Bodlondeb (Member) - Apologies given
 
There is also a meeting of one of the Customers Overview and Scrutiny committee at 2pm, which I will not be attending.
English: http://modgoveng.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=451&MId=2478&Ver=4
Cymraeg: http://modgovcym.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=451&MId=2478&Ver=4
 
 
Thursday 26th August
 
10am - Full Council, Bodlondeb
Agenda
To receive the minutes of the Constitution and Maladministration Committee held on 19 July 2010
Presentation of Certificates of Recognition
Corporate Assessment Report
Appointment of Independent Members to the Standards Committee
Proposed Changes to Elected Members representation on Standards Committee
Vacancy for Local Authority Representative - Betsi Cadwaladr Community Health Council (CHC)
Amendment to Contract Standing Orders in Relation to e-Tendering
Planning Scheme of Delegation
English: http://modgoveng.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=207&MId=2480&Ver=4
Cymraeg: http://modgovcym.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=207&MId=2480&Ver=4

3pm: Chidren's and Young People Partnership (CYPP) - Project Monitoring Group, Dinerth Rd, Colwyn Bay
Part of my additional responsibilities as Chairman of Partnerships, means I will be attending project and board meetings of several Partnerships.
Details on the CYPP can be found here: http://www.conwy.gov.uk/section.asp?cat=3778&Language=1

Deganwy Library Press and Cabinet Report

Deganwy library row reignited



Aug 19 2010 by Mari Jones, North Wales Weekly News


ONLY 1,750 people used Deganwy Library last year, more than a 60% drop from 2007.
In order to cut costs Conwy County Council is set to reduce the opening hours of the library to only two half days a week.
At present the library is open three full days a week.

The news has angered Conwy Town councillor Samantha Cotton, who in 2007 became involved in a campaign to save seven libraries in Conwy, threatened with closure. Deganwy was one of those libraries.
Cllr Samantha Cotton said: “Three years on, Conwy County Council is no nearer to making a firm decision on the future of these libraries.
“By reducing Deganwy Library’s hours to two days a weeks seems to seal its fate.”
She added: “Conwy County Council has previously stated that Deganwy, Conwy and Llandudno Junction’s existing facilities would not be closed until a purpose built alternative has been provided, servicing these communities.
“I trust Conwy Council is able to maintain their commitment to the Welsh Assembly One Voice Wales document, and maintain its pledge to life-long learning in Conwy by maintaining and improving facilities?
“However it would appear difficult given the threats of closure to our schools and libraries, which are the backbone of many rural communities.”

However, Deganwy councillor Jason Weyman remained more open minded. Pointing out that during this time of austerity Conwy County Council has to make difficult financial choices.
He said: “The decision to reduce the hours has still to be agreed by the Council’s cabinet, which will take place later this month.
“But the fact is people in Deganwy knew the library was under threat, so the last three years have been their chance to support the library and they haven’t.
“During 2006-2007 financial year 6,500 people used the library, but in 2009-2010 the number has fallen to just 1,750.
“Conwy County Council now have far less resources, I’m just pleased they are not closing the library completely.
“I have to admit I think the decision to reduce the hours is the right one, as we have to make the best use out of the resources available.”

If Conwy’s cabinet agree to reducing the hours the library will be open on Tuesday afternoons’ and Friday mornings’.
There are still hopes a super library will be built in Llandudno Junction which would serve Deganwy, and Conwy.

 
Above article is from this weeks North Wales Weekly News. The Library issue is a difficult situation and will be just one example of where Local Councillors will have to make a difficult decisions which affect their own wards. This is no reflection on Cllr Sam Cotton's comments as she was a key person in fighting the Library Closures and hence her comments are fully justified and I can understand and sympathise with her views. But I do feel that it is important that we maintain some provision within the village until we have a chance to review and consult on alternatives. I have spoken with Cllr Dennis Tew on this subject and although I will not speak for him direct I know we have similar views on this issue.
 
I'm sure my opinion may have upset some residents, especially those that do use the Library regularly. But having a detailed view of the Councils budget's and the challenges we face over the next couple of years, I hope I have set an example that other Councillors will have to follow. I just hope that for Deganwy this was one of the most difficult.
 
One thing I have asked for is that the reduced hours do not happen until Llandudno Library reopens in January. The press release detailing the closure and refurbishment of Llandudno Library encourages library users to use alternative services including those in Deganwy. Hence it make sense to not reduce the hours at a time when more people will be using the service in Deganwy.
 
The full report to Cabinet on the 24th August can be found here: http://modgoveng.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=171&MId=2485&Ver=4

 
The edited report details for Deganwy are:
 

1. PURPOSE OF THE REPORT

To obtain a decision regarding the closure of Llangernyw library and reduction in opening hours at Deganwy library due to very low usage.

2. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This is a report on proposals regarding Llangernyw and Deganwy libraries brought to Cabinet separately to the prospective autumn report on the future of the whole library service in Conwy. Both these libraries have lined drastically in usage over a number of years and, had it not been for the review of the service since 2006, would have had operational recommendations for action in 2008 and 2006 respectively. The proposal is to replace Llangernyw library, open only three hours per week, with a mobile library service and to cut the provision at Deganwy library to two sessions per week, a total of six hours, as opposed to the present 16 hours spread over five sessions on three days, commensurate with the level of usage.

3. RECOMMENDATIONS

3.2 That Deganwy’s hours be reduced from 16 hours to 6 hours per week giving the public three weeks’ notice.

 

4 BACKGROUND INFORMATION

4.1 Both these libraries would have been dealt with operationally over the years, consulting with the Portfolio Holder and the political process as required, had it not been for the ongoing library review since 2006 during which every such operational matter has been held in abeyance. In the meantime the situation has worsened in terms of usage, the customers having voted with their feet in these two libraries, and use of staff time and other resources for such little usage at times of great pressure in some other libraries is very inefficient and ineffective for the service.

4.6 Deganwy Library

Deganwy library has declined in usage since the early 2000’s, exacerbated by the difficulties in parking since the building and opening of the Quay housing and hotel complex (the library being situated near the

Quay traffic lights), the loss of parking at the former Church House, the retirement of a longstanding member of staff in late 2005 to whom customers were loyal, the decline of Deganwy as a centre of shopping and the increasing outward traffic of residents for everyday pursuits. Adult PLUS Surveys (Public Library User Surveys – national methodology) in 2004 and 2009 showed that a large number of Deganwy residents use Llandudno and Conwy libraries, with smaller numbers using other libraries, probably whilst doing their shopping or working elsewhere. 28 Deganwy ward adult residents in September 2009 used Llandudno library during the survey week, with ten adults using Conwy’s library (a total of 38) compared to only 30 Deganwy adults using Deganwy library that week.

4.7 The library has been staffed on a mainly temporary basis since 2006, the main post having been deliberately left vacant after a failure to fill it in that year, a decision on the future of the library service being expected imminently all that time.

4.8 Deganwy library usage has declined:

Year Visits

2006-07 6,526

2007-08 3,484

2008-09 2,756

2009-10 1,750

Of the final figure, only 200 were child visits during the year. During the survey week in March 2010 a total of 50 people, including ten children came into the library, an average of three people an hour. In practice, during some hours no one came in. Adult users during the September 2009 PLUS survey lived within 1.3 kilometres of the library (75% cut off point) and so mainly within Deganwy ward.

4.9 In comparison with other smaller libraries two sessions per week, one morning and one afternoon, would suffice for the present users, whilst service to the whole wider area will be covered by the proposed report on the future of the whole service.

5. CONSULTATION

5.2 Local Members at Deganwy have been consulted and support the decision in order to maximise the resources available to meet the areas that have most call upon it. Both agree that it is important to demonstrate an alternative improved provision before making a final decision on the total future of the library. One Member suggested that the timing of the reduction in hours happen when Llandudno library is reopened after refurbishment.

Officers vs Councillors Cricket and Bowls

The Cricket Match was rained off this evening. The heavens opened at around 4pm this afternoon. By the time I got to Rhos On Sea at around 5:30pm it was obvious there was no chance of a match.

Plan B was that those who had turned up joined others to play Bowls instead. Saying that we only had 8 Councillors who ended up staying to play.

Final Result: Officers 4 - Councillors 4

I lost the final match 21 - 17 meaning the evening was declared a draw. (Although Councillors did have the largest aggregate score).

A very enjoyable evening.

Computer/Internet familiarisation - Llanrhos Old School

"Llanrhos Old School Project Group. Computer/Internet familiarisation - Fun and functional for all ages.

We are holding two "Taster Sessions" for anyone wishing to attend; either at 10.30am on Saturday 4th Sept. or 7pm on Wednesday 8th Sept.

The sessions are aimed at unlocking the mystery and fear operating your computer, the internet or email. Dependent on interest we are hoping to roll out a programme of practical sessions at Llanrhos Old school later in the year.

For further information contact David Rowley 01492-572546"

Cllr Mike's visit to Deganwy

Many Thanks to Cllr Mike Priestley for his kind words on the blog both today and also his mention of the River Taxi on  Monday

http://mikepriestley.blogspot.com/2010/08/shopping-in-deganwy.html

"Mrs P wanted a plant stand for our hall this week and we looked in quite a few places. Driving through Deganwy this afternoon and not a parking space to be had on the road, I remembered Cllr Jason telling me about the Two free half hour spaces in the Pay & Display car park in Deganwy. As I drove in, there they were,two empty spaces. Loving a bargain I parked up and we both set off on our quest for the plant stand, not only did we find a suitable stand, we also had a chance to pop into the new deli The Olive Grove and purchased some goods. The free half hour space is a good idea and I have a thinner wallet to prove it. Had this facility not been available I may not have shopped in Deganwy at all."

Also did anyone see highlights of the European Ladies Golf Completion held at Conwy Golf Club on BBC2 last night.
Some great promotion for Conwy, both as a Golfing destination and to visit. Good interviews where Conwy and its hospitality is mentioned. Most of the highlights were from the last round on Sunday when the weather was excellent which made for some excellent coverage. Particularly liked the backdrops of Deganwy and the Vardre amongst other views.

Meeting w/c 16th August

Monday 16th August 2010

9:30am Cartrefi Conwy Board Meeting, Bryn Eirias, Colwyn Bay (Board Member)

2pm: Llandudno Archives - investigations into the Footpath Rail Crossing in Deganwy

Evening: Completed and Sent my response to the Ombudsman Compliant made by Councillor Stone, Mayor of Towyn and Kinmel Bay Town Council. My response was a comprehensive point by point response to each of the points and came to a total of 7 pages. Once I hear the next steps I will post on it and if appropriate will post my response in full.


Tuesday 17th August

10am: Joint Corporate and Service Improvement Board, Bodlondeb (Committee Member)

6pm: Police and Councillor Surgery, Deganwy Library


Wednesday 18th August

9:00am Community Safety Partnership and Crime & Disorder Scrutiny Pre-Meet, Bodlondeb (Chair of Scrutiny)

10:00 Project Management Arrangements meeting with Officer

2pm Partnership Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Bodlondeb (Chairperson)
English: http://modgoveng.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=450&MId=2326&Ver=4
Cymraeg: http://modgovcym.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=450&MId=2326&Ver=4
Agenda includes:
To consider a report by the Head of Regulatory Services on the following matters:

- Crime and Disorder Scrutiny Functions - including Councillor Call for Action
- Transforming CCTV - North Wales (Invest to Save - Update).
To receive a presentation by Matthew Stewart (Community Safety Partnership) on the priority and risk areas of the Community Safety Partnership for the forthcoming financial year


7pm History of Deganwy Committee Meeting, Peniel Chapel, Deganwy (Chairperson)


Thursday 19th August

2pm Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Bodlondeb (non member)
English: http://modgoveng.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=452&MId=2473&Ver=4
Cymraeg: http://modgovcym.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=452&MId=2473&Ver=4
Agenda item to discuss:
Regeneration of Colwyn Bay Master Plan

-- Presentation by D.P.P. Shape on the Regeneration of Colwyn Bay Master Plan

5pm Officers vs Members Annual Cricket and Bowls Match, Rhos on Sea Cricket Club
Its Cricket for me, see if we can overcome the defeat we received last year
 
 
Friday 20th August
 
9am: Personal Development Review with Leader, Bodlondeb

Deganwy Quay Day - Sunday 15th August

Deganwy Marina

One of the organisation I should have thanked yesterday was Quay Marinas who have supported the River Taxi in allowing it to use the facilities of the 2 marinas on the river.

As this years River Festival celebrates today with the Conwy Quay Day, the Festival will end tomorrow with activities at Deganwy Quay and Marina. The Prizegiving ceremonies and celebrations will take place tomorrow evening at the Quay Hotel. Prior to this there is a family fun afternoon on the Quay, sponsored by The Quay Hotel and Spa, Conwy River Festival, The Crown Estate, Quay Marinas and Network Yacht Brokers.

DEGANWY

QUAY DAY

15th August 2010 . 12.00noon

All are welcome for a fun afternoon at the marina!

Barbecue, Treasure Hunt, RNLI Display,

Try a Boat, Stocks & Sponges, Band on Deck

plus other activities including the visit of HMS Pickle

Treasure Hunt

The following is taken form the advert for the Treasure Hunt

Oooh arr me Hearties!

It's a fine day to Hunt some Treasure ....

Come and join Network Yacht Brokers of Deganwy for an after of fun, frolics and finery!

Take part in our Treasure Hunt beginning at 12pm on Sunday 15th August at Deganwy Marina.

To take part you must wear pirate attire - a hat at the very least

Hats will be available to purchase on the day.

Cost: £2 per person

Contact Network Yacht Broker for more information on

01492 582222

I understand the Treasure Hunt will involve a boat trip stopping off at several locations around the river. Watch out for other Pirates on route.

Due to timings of the tide, I understand the last Treasure Hunters will have to be back in the Marina by 3pm. So get there early to avoid disappointment.

Prizes for the Treasure Hunt are 'mighty fine' :

• 
  
  An overnight stay for 2 with breakfast at the luxury Quay Hotel
• 
  
  £100 from Conwy Marina Berth Holders Association
• 
  
  A Family Carvery at the Mulberry on Conwy Marina
• 
  
  A delightful bottle of wine form Conwy Fine Wines
• 
  
  Wine from Spar in Conwy
• 
  
  Complimentary Free Boat Lift Out, 2 Weeks Hard Standing, Free Boat Wash and Complimentary Lift In, from Jon Roberts, CMM Marina Manager
• 
  
  4 Honda Jackets (2 x Large / 2 x Medium)

It should be a very good day I hope you enjoy it.

River Taxi on BBC Wales Today 13/08/2010

In case you missed it, as I did, last nights programme with the 2 minute report by Matthew Richards on the River Taxi is now available on the BBC website:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006mj49

River Taxi report starts at 15 minutes into the programme.

Update: The video has also been added to the updated news article on the BBC website: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-10959971


I can be see just the other side of the boat with my back to the camera (missed a trick there!) when Rob Woodward is being interviewed. I'm also the one holding the Loud Haler when the Champagne is smashed onto the Boat.

The Wales Today also had 2 other mentions for Conwy in the programme. The first is in the Sports section regarding the Wales Ladies Golf Championship taking place at Conwy Golf Club (I will be there on Sunday). The second was the Eglwysbach Show being mentioned in the Weather Section. The Eglwysbach Village show takes place today (Saturday 14th August).

Update: Sat 14th: We  (Kirsty, Kallum, Thomas and I) walked over to Conwy this morning (via the Cycle path and the Network Rail stile on Glan Y Mor Rd) to visit the Conwy Quay Day. We were a bit early for the main events, but had a look round the Quay and in town, visiting Edwards Butchers of course. We decided to take the River Taxi back to Deganwy Beach. As we approached the Jetty the boat was just  leaving. Not a problem we just phoned up and thought we would have to wait 10 -15mins for it to return after dropping off its fare. Gave the River Taxi a ring on 07512218003, spoke with Wade Smith who asked if we were at the jetty, on which he turned the tender round and came back to collect us all. We had a very pleasant trip down the river dropping a couple off at one of the pontoons on the river and over to Deganwy. I had quick word with Wade who said it was going very well and is proving more popular than they expected. At the Deganwy Beach Jetty met 3 gentlemen from Robertson's Geologging who where catching the River Taxi over to Conwy Marina, for a visit to the The Mulberry.
We had a bite to eat and a drink at the Olive Grove Coffee Bar. Caryl and Iona telling me that things where going well with the new venture. This was around 12:30pm, it wasn't very busy but there was a steady stream of customers both take-out and sitting in the cafe. We walked back home via talking with 5 residents and business owners, all of whom seemed happy with the River Taxi idea.

New River Taxi Signage at Deganwy Beach

Article form today's Daily Post's web site: http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news//tm_headline=conwy-river-taxi-service-returns-after-180-years%26method=full%26objectid=27060153%26siteid=55578-name_page.html


Just to point out the correct fare is £2 per person

Conwy river taxi service returns after 180 years



Aug 14 2010 by David Powell, Daily Post


AN HISTORIC river taxi service for the public restarted for the first time in 180 years.
For £3 a trip, passengers can book a Conwy River Taxi to take them between Conwy and Deganwy and vice versa.
There are four, ten-seater boats, and operators say one should reach callouts within five minutes.
Not since the early 1800s has there been a public ferry operating on the river. The original service ran from Deganwy, at the river’s narrowest point, and later operated near Conwy town when the castle was constructed.
It ceased operation when Thomas Telford’s suspension bridge was opened in 1826.
The new service’s five stops are Conwy Town Quay, Conwy Marina, Conwy Beacons, Deganwy Beach and Deganwy Quay Marina.
The aim of the service is to boost tourism on both sides of the river and it could ease car congestion in Conwy with boats sailing from a jetty at the Beacons overspill car park.
Users will also include boat owners who have craft moored at Deganwy Quay and Conwy marinas.
North Wales Cruising Club, Conwy Yacht Club and Network Yacht Brokers with Conwy County Borough Council are running the service.
Private businesses are also supporting the venture, including graphic design and print firm Designbanc and Robinson’s Brewery, whose sponsored boat, Old Tom, got a champagne launch at Deganwy Quay yesterday.
Rob Woodward, director of Network Yacht Brokers, said: “We all believe it’s a great idea and we’re confident the service will be a boost for businesses on both sides of the river, while providing an essential service for river users.”
It aims to run throughout the year, at weekends and on bank holidays. Running costs will be met by the operators and through business sponsorship, with assistance from Conwy County Borough Council.
The small taxi passenger fee will go directly to the sailors operating the boats. In this way, the success of the service will create four local jobs.
Conwy harbourmaster Tony Mead welcomed the new, public, water taxi.
He said: “It’s fantastic. There has always been a service to get boat owners to and from their boats. Now the general public can use it to get between the marinas and to various other points.”

To book a River Taxi call 07512 218003.

River Taxi Launched

Today I had the pleasure and honour of being part of launching the new River Taxi service on the Conwy River.

The event started at 3pm with the new businesses of Marina House on on Deganwy Quay holding an Open Afternnon.
The launch of one of the River Taxi's took place at 4:30pm. This particular boat is called "Old Tom" after the beer of the sponsors Robinsons Brewery (The Mulberry, Conwy Marina) and is owned by Network Yacht Brokers one of the Partner Organisations
I was asked to make a small speech to launch the boat and 2 of the sponsors performed the chamanage smashing onj the boat and pouring of a bottle of "Old Tom".

The press were present including the locaql papers and BBC Wales. I unfortuaetly missed the BBC Wales news at 6:30pm but there was apparently a very good story on the Taxi and Deganwy got quite a good mentoin. I also had a call from HTV News at lunch time interested in the story.

Sorry for the local residenst who turned up from 3pm to watch the launch, we I'm afraid were in the hands of the businesses and sponsors. I think quite a few had to leavebefore the actual lanch at 4:30pm. The event was well attended, I would guess around 150 + people where present at the launch.

There is one mistake in the newspaper article and the BBC Wales website:
The charge for the service £2 per person (not the £3 in the articles). In addition accompanied under 16's travel free.

The taxi has already been operating by the North Wales Cruising Club who are running the service throughout the River Festival and it has already proved very popular.

Press Coverage for Rail Crossing Issue

Photogrpah courtesy of The Pioneer

Deganwy rail stile under threat



Published date: 11 August 2010
Published by: David Waddington


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A STILE providing access to a Deganwy coastal path could be removed under a proposal by Network Rail.

In a letter from the Countryside and Rights of Way Manager, it is confirmed Network Rail intend to remove the stile on Glan Y Mor Road, opposite the entrance to Pentywyn Road, which allows pedestrians to cross a railway line to reach Deganwy beach.

A spokeswoman for Network Rail said: “Our aim is to protect lives as we recognise the risk level crossings can pose. In this case, we could lower the risk in the area as there are two crossings about 100 yards from each other and one of them is also not a scheduled public right of way. However, we are still in the early stages of examining the proposal with the council and we will consider solutions that continue to connect the community, while protecting their lives.”

The proposal has already garnered opposition from councillors in both Deganwy and Llandudno Junction who fear the closure of the stile would not only inconvenience residents and visitors, but also increase hazards.

Cllr Jason Weyman of Deganwy said: “When we resurfaced the cycle path, the stile was temporarily closed and people were up in arms.


“Without the stile you'd have to go back into Deganwy at the quay or carry on walking the other way to the bus depot. If you have to go back to the level crossing I think it is more dangerous - when the gates come down you find people running across. At the stile, people take a lot more care when it's up to them to make the decision to cross.”

According to Cllr Weyman, the stile is not a right of way, which limits the involvement of the Council in the final decision of whether the stile can remain in place.

He added: “There may be a glimmer of hope. Houses on Ty Mawr Road and Warren Drive have to have access to the front shore. About ten years ago this was a sticking point when Network Rail considered closing it in the 90s.


“We need to respond to the letter as soon as possible and discuss the issue before taking any action. If that doesn't succeed I will have to look at bringing the public in.”

Cllr Mike Priestley of Marl Ward confirmed he would be lending his full support to keep the stile in place.


He said: “Lots and lots of people use it. I would say that whole part of Deganwy do. From that area residents can access the Conwy Access Strategic Route, and with the new bridge on to the RSPB Reserve. And the other way there is Deganwy Beach and on to West Shore.


“It's going to push people off the path and force them to walk along the busy main road. It defeats the point of why that path is there.


“We will swing into action if needed. I would urge Network Rail to reconsider their plans at this stage.”



Above article is by David Waddington anjd is published in this weeks Pioneer
http://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/91809/deganwy-rail-stile-under-threat.aspx

Press Coverage for the River Taxi Launch

Conwy river taxi to be launched



Aug 12 2010




A NEW river taxi service linking Conwy and Deganwy will be launched tomorrow.


There are high hopes the service between the two towns will boost tourism on both sides of the river.

People can book the ten-seater open launch through a phone line. It costs £3 per person for a one-way ticket and is being run by Conwy Cruising Club, Conwy Yacht Club and Network Yacht Brokers.


Although it’s already making journeys, there will be an official launch at Marina House on Deganwy Quay at 3pm tomorrow when Deganwy councillor Jason Weyman will do the honours.


He said: "I’ll be happy to be there as I pitched the idea about a river taxi to a Conwy/Deganwy Locality Plan meeting last November.


"Since then Conwy County Council development manager Jim Jones has worked with partner organisations to create the service.


"I have to admit to being very excited about seeing another idea coming to fruition.


"It’s also a great example of a collaboration between public, private and community clubs."


The taxi will run between five allocated stops: Conwy Quay, Conwy Marina, Conwy Beacons, Deganwy Beach and Deganwy Marina.


The service will need additional funding to help with ongoing operation costs, so organisers admit there is still work to be done to attract sponsorship or grant funding.


Local firm Designbanc has provided its services free of charge to design flyers, posters and beer mats for hotels and pubs.


Wade Smith, who will run the boat, said: "The boat’s already running and is quite busy. Tourists use it to go backwards and forwards from Conwy. We hope to run the boat through the year, not just the summer.

"We’ll just have to see how things go."


During busy periods extra boats will be available, but the service will act as a normal taxi subject to tidal conditions.

To book, call 07512 218003.

The above article is by Mari Jones in today's Daily Post and North Wales Weekly News
http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/2010/08/12/conwy-river-taxi-to-be-launched-55578-27048188/

Meeting and Events w/c 9th August 2010

Conwy Estuary

Monday 9th August 2010

Day off, Spent weekend in Anglesey


Tuesday 10th August 2010

9:30am: Planning Site Visits
Visited a couple of sites for Flood Alleviation works on the Afon Gele in Abergele, plus a residential property in Cefn Berain

3pm: Meeting Cllr Christine Gilligan (Conwy Town Council) and Ian Halfpenney from CADW.
Met in Deganwy Village to look at locations for potential signage and information boards. I am keen to have signage from the Cycle Path and River Taxi Pontoon to attract people from the Beach into the Village and then up to Deganwy Castle. As part of the work CADW are doing they will be providing signage and interpretation boards. I was hoping with the Town Council's assistance to may be get some of this resource to be spent in the village.
Sometime ago a managed to get the Cycle Rack fitted in the village centre, but have still failed to work out the signage requirement and CCBC have told me that this is a Town Council responsibility. Now that we have the launch of the River Taxi on Friday (more on this later) I was hopefully it will be possible to get the Town Council and CADW to both fund part of a joint information board on the Cycle Path. It was a promising meeting and its looks positive that we should be getting something in this location. Many Thanks to Ian for his time and also to Christine for taking on my request to help with the idea and to bring the Town Council on board.

Wednesday 11th August

2pm: Planning Committee, Bodlondeb (Committee Meeting)
Agenda:
Deferred applications from the previous Committee meeting

- Code Ref: 0/36784 - Erection of an agricultural workers dwelling. Gerlan Farm, Mount Road, Llanfairfechan. -- Minded to grant conditional planning permission.
- Code Ref: 0/36789 - Construction of single storey garage and mower store. Tarkwa, Mountain Lane, Penmaenmawr. -- Members views are sought as to whether to re-affirm the Committee resolution to be ‘minded to refuse planning permission.
To consider the following reports:
(i) Planning Applications
- Code Ref: 0/28424 - Request for the removal of the Section 106 Legal agreement relating to Plot 2, land at Cefn Berain, Llannefydd (Approved under planning ref: 0/28424). Land at Cefn Berain, Llannefydd. -- Officers recommend that the Section 106 is not discharged.
- Code Ref: 0/36966 - Erection of children's leisure facility including cafe/restaurant and car park. Glan Y Gors, Cerrigydrudion. -- Minded to refuse planning permission.
- Code Ref: 0/37014 - Erection of replacement dwelling. Trofarth Isa, Trofarth, Llangernyw. -- Minded to grant conditional planning permission.
- Code Ref: 0/37026 - Continued use of land as caravan site for stationing of 7 no. park homes for permanent human habitation without complying with conditions 3 and 4 of planning permission 0/27200 and construction of access ramps and steps. Little Paddock Caravan Park, Gwellyn Avenue, Kinmel Bay. -- Minded to refuse planning permission.
- Code Ref: 0/37034 - Extension and alterations to dwelling. 10 Craig Wen, Rhos On Sea, Colwyn Bay. -- Minded to grant conditional planning permission.
- Code Ref: 0/37047 - Proposal for new flood management works along Afon Gele through the centre of Abergele in the vicinity of Glanrafon, The Mount, Faenol Avenue and Ffordd y Morfa, including a culvert at Ffordd y Morfa bridge. Afon Gele, Abergele. -- Minded to refuse planning permission, unless concerns in respect of flood risk, trees and alterations to footways can be resolved to the satisfaction of the Development and Building Control Manager.
- Code Ref: 0/37064 - The construction of a rock revetment as a temporary repair measure to 160 metres of undermined existing sea wall. Promenade, Old Colwyn, Colwyn Bay. -- Minded to grant conditional planning permission.
- Code Ref: 0/37070 - Erection of a football fence. Land at Blackmarsh Playing Field, Swan Lane, Mochdre. -- Minded to grant conditional planning permission.
General Planning reports
- Confirmation of Provisional Tree Preservation Order CCBC 143, 60 Pen-y-Bryn Road, Colwyn Bay
- Confirmation of Provisional Tree Preservation Order CCBC 144. "Pippins", 56 Pen-Y-Bryn Road, Colwyn Bay
English: http://modgoveng.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=205&MId=2365&Ver=4
Cymraeg: http://modgovcym.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=205&MId=2365&Ver=4

4pm: Personal Development Review with Councillor


Thursday 12th August

10am: Meeting at Llandudno Police Station discuss a Local Issue

10am: There is a meeting of Cabinet in Bodlondeb (non committee member).
I won't be attending due to above meeting. The Agenda includes discussion of Development Sites in the Denbighshire Local Development Plan. The Rural Development Plan is also being discussed.
English: http://modgoveng.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=171&MId=2486&Ver=4
Cymraeg: http://modgovcym.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=171&MId=2486&Ver=4

6pm Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Bodlondeb (Non committee member)
Agenda:
To consider reports by the Head of Community Development Services on the following matters:-

i. Pier Pavilion, Llandudno
ii. 'Turning the Tide' - Update
iii. Conwy Locality Plans
English: http://modgoveng.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=452&MId=2344&Ver=4
Cymraeg: http://modgovcym.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=452&MId=2344&Ver=4

Friday 13th August

9am: Meeting with Ken Finch to discuss Corporate Parenting responsibilities that I now hold as Chairperson of the Partnership Scrutiny Committee.

3pm: Deganwy Quay Marina House Open Afternoon and Lanch of the New River Taxi, Deganwy Quay
I have been invited to:
"Network Yacht Brokers, Livetech Solutions, Designbanc Ltd, Coast & Marina Properties and Quay Marinas would like you to come and help celebrate our move into Marina House. To drink in the fabulous views, take in the sunshine on the new decking area and come and while away and hour or two at the end of a busy Friday afternoon"
The event is being sponsored by Robinsons Breweries

In addition to the above lanuch of the new/relocating businesses for Deganwy, the new River Taxi is being launched.
I, together with the Managing Director of Robinsons Breweries, will be performing the Champagne Launch. I have been invited as the Local Councillor, but it also a rather apt because it was an idea that I put to a Conwy/Deganwy Locality Plan meeting last November. Since then the CCBC Development Manager (Mr Jim Jones) has worked with Partnering Organisations to create the River Taxi service.

The service is being run in a Partnership between the Conwy Cruising Club (Mr Mike Harrision), Conwy Yacht Club (Mr Vic Edwards) and Network Yacht Brokers (Mr Rob Woodward).
The Taxi will run between 5 Allocated Stops: Conwy Town Quay, Conwy Marina, Conwy Beacons, Deganwy Beach and Deganwy Marina.
The service will need additional funding to help with the ongoing operation costs, so we still have work to do each year to attract sponsorship or grant funding, but the key is that the service is launched.

Designbanc have provided there services for free to design the promotion material including Flyers, Poster and Beer Mats for local Hotels and Pubs.

The launch will be subject to the tide timings on Friday. I'm understand that I will be asked to say a few words before we launch the River Taxi with the tradition Champagne bottle ceremony.

Local Business People and Dignitaries have been invited to the event based around the Marina House and new "Quarter Deck" area at Degawy Quay Marina.

I have to admit to be very exited about seeing another idea coming to fruition. It is  also a great example of a collaberation between Public, Private and Community Clubs.

During busy periods extra boats will be available, but the service will act as a normal tax:

Pick Up the Phone and call the River Taxi:

0751 221 8003

Sunday 15th August

S4C Wales Ladies Golf Championship of Europe at Conwy Golf Club

I don't normally put myself forward for these type of events, there is usually a long list of Councillors wanting to attend on behalf of the Council. The attendance of Councillors is usually restricted to one from each Political Group. The Independent Councillor that asked to go has other responsibilities on Sunday and hence I have been asked to step in as no one other Independent was interested. My family are out for the day to visit other family members and hence I have a free day so have agreed to attend.

I am also interested to understand why we sponsor such events and to really see what work is required of us during the day. We are in fact there to work and to network with other sponsors and guests to promote the Council and the Area.
http://www.rydercupwales2010.com/en/fe/page.asp?n1=122
As you can see form this link the championship is an extension of the Ryder Cup championship taking place in Newport in starting on 1st October.

I am to arrive by 10:30pm at the Hospitality Marquee by the 18th Hole and close of play is due around 6pm. Lunch will be served at 1:30pm. I will report back on the event.

CCBC have provided sponsorship to the event to the some of £16,000 from a Subvention Fund, which is used to attract events to the area. The aim of this subvention fund is to help promote and market Conwy to external people in order to achieve greater visitors numbers and bed nights. I will be interested in seeing how this is achieved and what success the event brings. The sponsorship for this event was a non recurring cost and hence will not repeated next year unless a new business case is submitted in the Budget round. I have in the past questioned this spend, so now that it is here I suppose it make sense to witness it and to "scrutinise" it.

Deganwy Quay Day

Sunday 15th August

Deganwy Quay

12pm onwards

Due to attendance at the Golf I will not be able attend the Deganwy Quay Day on Sunday, but it is well worth a visit to see the events being organised by Quay Marinas and Network Yacht Brokers