NHS in North Wales

There has been lots of stories in the press regarding NHS Services in North Wales and specifically how they are affecting Llandudno Hospital.
http://www.northwalesweeklynews.co.uk/conwy-county-news/local-conwy-news/2010/09/30/patients-could-die-if-they-go-to-llandudno-hospital-with-heart-attack-55243-27366749/

http://www.northwalesweeklynews.co.uk/tags/llandudno-hospital/

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-11444121
The articles in relation to the closure of the Minor Injury Unit highlight something that I believe is key to the underlying issues and that is the lack of the staff in the critical services.

The reorganisation of the Health Boards has come into a lot of criticism and here in North Wales we have the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board.

At the Partnership Overview and Scrutiny committee I chaired on Wednesday afternoon we had Councillors and Scrutiny Officers from other North Wales Authorities. It did not take long after formal proceedings for discussions to start regarding the Health Board. The lack of Local Authority/Councillors positions on the board was a majour issue. When the Health Board was formed that decision was taken by the minister that there would be only 1 Councillor on the board. That is 1 Councillor representing all the North Wales Authorities. All authorities have complained and asked for more inclusion so that there would be at least 1 Councillor per Authority, but the Board and Health Minister have refused this request. All Councillors at the meeting were keen to look into how the 6 authorities could work together to Scrutinise the Health Board.

I'm sure we can all agree that reductions of services at Llandudno Hospital are to be avoided but
at the same time services can not be provided if the staff are unavailable. This is the issue being given for several issues and for the MIU.

I agree with Public Protests/Writing Letters/ Petitions but to date I haven't seen any actions in to how to solve the fact that North Wales can not attract enough of the right calibre and specialist staff. We seem to be the "poor relation" in NHS terms. This to me is the critical point and without solving it, it doesn't matter how many petitions we sign or protests we march in, they will not solve the problem.

This is where our Assembly Ministers should be scrutinising the whole of the NHS in Wales. I suspect that behind this could be the devolution of the NHS between different countries. We now have a situation where different regions are fighting over the staff available, and I believe that England are attracting ore than Wales.

I understand that our MP, Guto Bebb is doing a lot of work with his staff behind the scenes. Some will say that as Health is a devolved area, than why is Guto getting involved. Well I feel this is exactly the sort of area that both our AMs and MPs should be getting involved in. It is only at these senior political levels that will solve the undermining issues of management of the NHS and ensuring we have enough operational staff of the right calibre and in the right locations.

Earlier this year Conwy County Borough Council were asked to nominate 3 members to join the Health Council. This is not the full board but is still involved in the NHS and reviewing services. Only 2 members came forward Cllr Abdul Kahn and Cllr Dave Holland, some other members who had been on previous Health Boards such as Cllr Linda Groom were unable to apply because they have already served the maximum time. Just before the names were put forward I was asked to "volunteer" by Cllr Philip Evans as nobody else had come forward, I agreed but it wasn't long before I realised that although an important service the Health Council wasn't for me. They provide an advocacy service and review cleanliness and other facilities of hospitals and wards. But again there involvement at the senior levels is limited. They are more operational focused. I resigned from this post after becoming a Scrutiny Chair. It needs people who are getting to really get involved and cause a bit of a stir, something I think I could have done but not with the limited time I had available.

The reason I raise the Health Council is that the Health Board have said that the Health Council agreed to the reduction of the MIU. Well I never saw an agenda item to discuss this and I have asked Cllr Dave Holland who has assured me that it has not been discussed. I discussed this with Cllr Linda Groom a member of the Llandudno Hospital Action Group (LHAG), who assured me that their representatives were somewhat duped at meetings. No vote was ever taken on the decision, so for the Management to say that LHAG agreed was very creative spinning.

So there seems be another issue and this is correct consultation/communication and governance of the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board.

It can be quite easy to be seen to be jumping on a political band wagon, but I have tried to raise an issue that no one is publicly highlighting or fighting for some answers. It is something that needs to be addressed by National Politicians.

The challenge is now how the 6 North Wales Authorities can work together to call the Health Board to account. The New Welsh Measure being proposed by WAG is flawed in places, but may open up ways for authorities to jointly scrutinise and to scrutinise other Public Bodies.

The article to the BBC News article on all the Health Reviews was a point on conversation I had after the end of last weeks meeting with Cllr Ann Davies from Denbighshire. How much are all these reviews costing and are they utilising all those senior managers from the previous health boards who are now working in lesser jobs but on protected salaries?

Close Encounter with "Dr Death"

Last week I collected my car after a new part had been fitted. I had to wait a few minutes and took a seat opposite a gentleman. Now I thought I recognised the gentleman as Mr Martin form Penmaenmawr, or as he is referred to as in the paper "Dr Death". When I got home I checked last weeks Weekly News and the photograph and now I'm completely sure it was him:

http://www.northwalesweeklynews.co.uk/conwy-county-news/local-conwy-news/2010/09/23/shamed-doctor-from-penmaenmawr-hits-back-at-critics-55243-27321761/

The gentleman who I'm sure is the said Mr Martin, tried to engage in conversation about news cars vs old cars. I politely replied but have to admit it was a very strange experience.

Cllr Linda Hurr has resigned

Cllr Janet Finch Saunders (Conservative Group Leader) emailed all councillors this morning and confirmed by the Interim Chief Executive later that Cllr Linda Hurr has resigned form both the Town and County Councils due to health reasons.

Cllr Linda Hurr represents the Marl Ward, the same division as Cllr Mike Priestley. The Marl Ward neighbours the Deganwy Ward and includes half of Llandudno Junction. Cllr Linda was elected like myself in May 2008, just narrowly beating Town Councillor Samantha Cotton (Deganwy) to the second seat in Marl.

Cllr Janet stated the resignation was with immediate affect, but Cllr Linda's letter states she will formally step down on the 31st October.

This means that a subsequent call for applications to both vacancies (Conwy Town Council and Conwy County Borough Council) will be issued and, if there are more that one application then a Bi-Election will be called. I understand that the application would be issued at the beginning of December which would give an election in late Jan 2011. (The vacancy for Eglwysbach will be issued in early October)

I found Cllr Linda was very enthusiastic at the beginning, but I personally I felt over the last year that the initial enthusiasm had diminished. Together with her health issues that have been with her for sometime she now feels she can not continue in her role. I wish Linda all the best for the future.

Aberconwy AM Gareth Jones to stand down at election

Gareth Jones, AM has announced he will not be standing in the Assembly Elections next year. It has been a case of 'will he or won't he' over the past few weeks.

It will be now interesting who the other parties select as there candidate for Aberconwy to join the Conservatives Cllr Janet Finch Saunders in the election.

I think we are getting close to finding the running order, I understand Labour will be deciding in early October.  We will have to see if any independent candidates stand, but we not find this information until much closer to the election it self.

From May 2012 we will have a new Assembly Minister representing Aberconwy and I think with Gareth not standing it really opens up the election.

Article from the BBC News Website:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-11415396
Aberconwy AM Gareth Jones to stand down at election


Gareth Jones says it has been a 'huge privilege and honour' to represent voters in his constituency The Plaid Cymru AM for Aberconwy, Gareth Jones, will stand down from the Welsh assembly at next year's election.

Mr Jones, 71, represented Conwy in the assembly's first election in 1999, but lost his seat by 72 votes in 2007. A former headmaster, he returned to the Senedd when he won the redrawn constituency of Aberconwy in 2007. The chair of the enterprise and learning scrutiny committee said it had been a "huge privilege and a rare honour" to represent his electors. Mr Jones, who was awarded the OBE in 1991 for services to education, said he was "eternally grateful to the people for giving me that opportunity". He had been head of Ysgol John Bright in Llandudno, Conwy, and an independent educational consultant before the 1999 election.

'Enjoyed it immensely'

He became Plaid education spokesman and chaired the assembly education committee. After his 2003 defeat he became leader of the Plaid group on Conwy council before returning to the assembly. "Early on in my professional career as a teacher I never imagined that I would be in this position, nor that Wales would have a semblance of self-government, but I've enjoyed it immensely and will miss it greatly," he said.

"I hope I've been able to contribute something to our fledgling democracy here in Wales.

"I also hope that the next fourth assembly will see someone elected who shares my passion both for this constituency and for this nation and someone who will finally have the right tools to get on with the job of representing the people of Aberconwy in a proper parliament for Wales."

Voters will go to the polls next May, and Mr Jones will stand down when the assembly is dissolved at the end of March.

Meeting w/c 27th September

Monday 27th Sept

10am: Meeting with Towyn and Kinmel Bay Town Clerk

12pm: Spending Time at Bodlondeb, looking to make a "Call-In" in relation to a item discussed at the Asset Management Cabinet Sub-Committee last week.
A "Call-In" is made when a decision has been made by Cabinet or Cabinet Member(s) that you don't believe is the correct decision. The item relates to the following item:
6b Lock-out Agreement with a Developer for the re-development of the Library, Civic Hall and part Quayside, Conwy
The details are Exempt items, but I still need to do some work, and then if I want to Call-In the decision I need to find 2 other Councillors to support it.

Tuesday 28th Sept

2pm: Children and Young People Partnership (CYPP) Projects meeting, Dinerth Rd, Colwyn Bay (committee member)


Wednesday 29th Sept

9:30am :Children and Young People Partnership (CYPP) Board Meeting, Douglas Rd Youth Centre, Colwyn Bay. (attending as Chairman of Partnerships Scrutiny)

1pm: Partnership Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Bodlondeb (Chairman)
The meeting starts at 2pm, but as part of the North Wales Scrutiny Network, Councillors and Officers from other Authorities will be attending to view how a Scrutiny Committee operates in Conwy. I will be meeting and welcoming our guests from around 1:15pm.
Agenda:
1. Apologies for absence
2. Declarations of Interest: Code of Local Government Conduct
3. Urgent matters
4. Minutes: To approve and sign as a correct record minutes of the previous meeting.
5. Corporate and Service Improvement Board Minutes for information
6. To review the Partnerships Overview and Scrutiny Committee Forward Work Programme
7. To consider a report from the Strategic Manager - Conwy & Denbighshire Youth Justice Service on the following item:
7a Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Probation- Conwy & Denbighshire Youth Justice Core Case Inspection
8. To consider reports from the Interim Head of Children's Services on the following matters:
8a Play Strategy
8b Conwy and Denbighshire Local Safeguarding Children Board Update
9. Exempt Items: Local Government Act 1972, Section 100A and Schedule 12A (Access to Information)
10. To consider a report by the Head of Service - Provider Unit on the following matter:
10a North Wales Regional Telecare Partnership Board
Following formal proceedings, Members are asked to stay behind at the end of the meeting for approx. 30 minutes to discuss Conwy’s Partnership Overview and Scrutiny with visitors (Members and Scrutiny Officers) from other North Wales Authorities.

5pm: Governors Finance Committee, Ysgol John Bright (member)


Thursday 30th Sept

10am - 12:30pm Performing Personal Development Interviews with Councillors, Bodlondeb


Friday 1st October

All Day: All Wales National Scrutiny Meeting, Llandrindod Wales

Press Coverage of Ombudsman's Decision

Both the Pioneer and the Weekly News have reported on the Ombudsman's Decision not to investigate Towyn and Kimnel's Bay complaint against me.

The Top of Page 3 of the Pioneer covers the story.

And Page 12 of the Weekly News:

Ombudsman rejects complaint against Conwy councillor



Sep 23 2010 by Ian Hughes, North Wales Weekly News


A FORMAL complaint against a county councillor who made comments on his blog about a town council has been thrown out.


Towyn and Kinmel Bay Town Council lodged an official complaint to the Local Government Ombudsman claiming Cllr Jason Weyman of Deganwy had breached rule 6 1(d) of Conwy County Council’s code of conduct, which states: “You must not make vexatious, malicious or frivolous complaints against other members or anyone who works for, or on behalf, of your authority.”


Although Cllr Weyman has since deleted the offending blog entry, it is thought he had insinuated that the council was being investigated by an outside body.


But the watchdog has decided that the claims were not substantial enough to warrant an investigation.


Cllr Weyman was pleased with the outcome.


“I am extremely happy that the Ombudsman has come to this conclusion and can confirm that I have not breached the code of conduct,” he said.

A letter from the Ombudsman stated: “Having considered the information provided and read the relevant parts of the blog I am not persuaded that Cllr Weyman has breached the code of conduct as alleged.”


Cllr Weyman added: “I recognise that through my blog my opinions are in the public domain, but I have always taken care to ensure I post within the code of conduct.


“I have always been open and honest in my postings and see my blog as an extension of my councillor role.


“I think this is a victory for openness within local government.


“Sometimes social networking and blog sites can be criticised, but I hope this proves that within guidelines they can be used to highlight issues and concerns.

“Although some of my comments could be ‘close to the mark’ I have always paid very close attention to the content of my blog postings and there are certain things I have not said due to this.”


Cllr Weyman has agreed to meet with the community council’s town clerk, Dave Cowans.


If in disagreement with the decision, the town council has 28 days to request a review.

A decision will be made next Wednesday.

ian.hughes

http://www.northwalesweeklynews.co.uk/conwy-county-news/local-conwy-news/2010/09/23/ombudsman-rejects-complaint-against-conwy-councillor-55243-27321766/

From the looks of this report it seems that the Councillors must be meeting on Wednesday to discuss whether they will request a review of the decision. I don't suppose they will be discussing whether they should be issuing an apology.

Public level crossings face axe as Network Rail expands programme

I have been pointed in the direction of this article from a trade magazine Local Transport Today.
http://www.transportxtra.com/magazines/local_transport_today/news/?id=24051

It explains the programme Network Rail are currently pursuing with and shows that the stile and crossing in Deganwy is just one of many they are trying to close across the UK. There is even legislation being consider to give them more power to close such crossings.

I'm meeting up with Cllr Mike Priestley tomorrow to discuss a plan of action on this issue.

Public level crossings face axe as Network Rail expands programme



Network Rail is expanding its programme of level crossing closures from private crossings to those on public rights of way.

The owner of the nation’s rail infrastructure is in the process of closing 400 level crossings across Britain, most of which are private crossings used by farmers and other landowners.

Network Rail says private crossings are easier to close than crossings on public rights of way but a spokeswoman said the closure programme was being broadened out to include the latter type as well.

“If we can close level crossings we will because of the risk they present to the public and [railway] workers,” said a spokeswoman. “It will be a continual programme. It’s not a case of we’re trying to obliterate them ...[but] in an ideal world we wouldn’t have level crossings. They’re an unfortunate legacy of a bygone era.”

In 2009 there were 3,950 public level crossings and 2,642 private level crossings on the main line rail network. Of the public crossings, just over 2,000 are on public footpaths.

Network Rail’s closure programme could be assisted by legislative changes currently being consulted on by the Law Commission and the Scottish Law Commission at the request of the DfT and the Office of Rail Regulation.

“Significant obstacles stand in the way of closing level crossings even where safety, convenience or economic analysis would point towards closure,” the law bodies remark.

Under existing legislation, private crossings can be closed if Network Rail can reach agreement with the owner of the right of way. The system for closing public crossings is more complex. Local authorities have the power to close public footpaths and bridleways using the Highways Act 1980 (England and Wales), but on safety grounds only. There is no specific provision in Scots law for stopping up ways over railway lines.

The proposed reforms will allow a wider range of bodies – Network Rail, highway and planning authorities, and the Office of Rail Regulation – to apply to the secretary of state/Scottish minister/Welsh minister for a closure order. Promoters would not have to provide an alternative means for people to cross the railway.

The law bodies propose that the national authority would refer closure proposals to local authorities. “If the local highway authority decided against stopping up, the applicant could ask the national authority to review that decision.”

The Ramblers Association this week voiced concern about the impact of the proposed law reforms. Senior policy officer Janet Davies said: “We do have concerns that the proposals will make it easier to close or divert public rights of way that cross railways on the level. Measures to improve the safety of existing crossings, particularly where the level of train movement is low, should be the first consideration.”

The law bodies recognise that closure of public footpaths could cause problems for rural communities and leisure users of the countryside. But they say the closure procedure would include a consultation process and a final decision by the Secretary of State/Scottish/Welsh ministers, who would weigh up the pros and cons of closure.

The reforms would also enable Network Rail to compulsorily close private crossings in circumstances that it cannot reach agreement with the owner of the private right of way.

The Rail Safety and Standards Board is developing an economic assessment tool (‘AXIAT’) to assess the costs and benefits of closing vehicular crossings and replacing them with bridges or underpasses. A trial application of the tool to four counties in England (Dorset, Lincolnshire, North Yorkshire and West Sussex) concluded that there was an economic case for closing 49 of the 288 crossings. “The most significant benefit of level crossing closure is a reduction in traffic congestion,” say the law bodies.

Cllr Angharad Booth-Taylor has Resigned

A bit of old news but Cllr Angharad Booth Taylor has resigned and will be standing down as the Councillor for Eglwysbach on 30th September 2010.

Cllr Angharad has been very supportive to me in my role, and as we both at the time had Post Offices it was good having an experienced Councillor with similar concerns and issues.

Cllr Angharad has moved to Pembrokeshire to be close to other members of family and grandchildren. Cllr Angharad has always been a very conscientious member and has been very proactive with her ward. Even though she has been living away recently she has still managed to hold surgeries within the village and continue to assist with Residents issue. She also been attending Council  and Committee meetings.

I spoke with her sometime and ago and also on the day that she resigned and it was inevitable that it would happen sooner or later. With the new members of the family arriving it was obvious that the decision had to happen sooner.

Cllr Angharad has quite a history in the local area and as a Councillor initially within Colwyn Bay and more recently in Eglwysbach. I felt the following from her profile on the Council webpage gives a bit of an insight:

Originally from Betws y Coed, I received most of my education at Ysgol Syr Thomas Jones, Amlwch where my father was a policeman, but finished my education at Llanrwst Grammar School. On leaving school I joined the Midland Bank at Llanrwst then moved to Colwyn Bay as Chief Cashier where I left after 10 years to start my family. I also ran a Restaurant and Bars in Upper Colwyn Bay with my husband for 15 years until we sold the business in 1998, and am proud to say that I have also raised six children who are now adults and in employment except for the youngest who’s at university.


I have lived within the county of Conwy for most of my life, 30 years in Colwyn Bay, and feel that I have something to contribute to our society. I stood in a by-election in the Rhiw Ward, Colwyn Bay in 1997 but although unsuccessful, I realised as I spoke to hundreds of people during the campaign that I really wanted to help them by becoming a councillor. I was proud to be elected onto the Bay of Colwyn Town Council and Conwy County Borough Council in 1999 and again in 2004, although I didn’t stand for election to the Town Council last year.

I hope that I can make a difference in my role as councillor and improve the quality of life of the people of Conwy by working together with my fellow councillors and staff of the council.

At this months Planning Committee, Cllr Linda Groom paid tribute to Cllr Angharad (who was Vice Chairman of Planning from 2008 to 2010). From the minutes:

"The Chair paid tribute to Councillor Angharad Booth-Taylor, who had recently announced that on 30 September, 2010 she would be standing down as Local Electoral Division Member for Eglwysbach.

Councillor Booth-Taylor thanked Members and Officers for their professionalism and support."

I'd like to thank Angharad for her help and support during my first couple of years of being a Councillor and I wish her and her family all the very best for the future.
There will now be a call for new applications to become a Councillor to represent Eglwysbach, and should there be more that one application then a By-Election will follow.

First Christmas Tree

Just got back form Bridgend this evening.
Stayed at The Premier Inn on Monday night and had a meal at the neighbouring Harvester pub.
Both very good in what they do.
But the Harvester already had its Christmas Tree up. Only 3 months to Christmas !!!

Chief Exec Trial Date Set

Just had the news that the Trial into allegations made against the Chief Executive, Mr Bryon Davies, has been set for 24th January 2011 at Mold Crown Court.

Mr Davis entered a "Not Guilty" plea.

The judicial process does seems to take a long time. I have no idea why Mr Davies had apperared at Crown Court a couple of months ago, it seemed it was just to set a date (today) to hear the plea, why they couldn't have heard the plea then I have no idea.

We, and all those involved, still have to wait (again!).

Pioneer Article: http://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/93535/council-boss-to-be-tried-for-rape.aspx
Daily Post: http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/2010/09/22/conwy-county-chief-denies-rape-charge-55578-27315500/

Meeting w/c 20th September 2010

Monday 20th September and Tuesday 21st September

I'm down in Bridgend carrying out a Member Development Charter Review on behalf of the Welsh Local Government Association.
Conwy achieved its Initial Charter status for Member Development last year. I was part of the team that helped the Officers to gain this accreditation. As part of my work with the WLGA via the Member Champion meetings, they asked for volunteers to help assess other applications. I have since volunteered and been on training and will be performing my first assessment this week. I am being paid for the work by the WLGA who are also covering my expenses, this is not from the Conwy purses. I have already completed about a day and half's work in reading and marking Bridgend's County Council's submission, a large Ring Binder of information and evidence. Tuesday will be the site visit and final determination of the award.

Wednesday 22nd September

11am: Fundraiser for Llanrhos Old School Restoration
Cllr Vicky MacDonald is providing a guided tour around Conwy Castle (ticket only), followed by refreshments at the Guildhall.

2pm: Audit Committee, Bodlondeb (member)
Agenda:
1. Apologies for absence
2. Declarations of Interest: Code of Local Government Conduct
3. Urgent Matters
4. Minutes
5. To consider a report by the Acting Chief Executive on the following matter:
5a Corporate Assessment Report
6. To consider a report by the Acting Corporate Director on the following matter:
6a Code of Corporate Governance
7. To consider reports by the Acting Corporate Director and Head of Financial Services on the following matters:
7a Half Yearly Report on Treasury Management for 2010/11
7b Treasury Management Activity and Actual Prudential Indicators for 2009-2010
7c Report of the Head of Financial Services regarding the External Audit of the Statement of Accounts for 2009/10
English: http://modgoveng.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=176&MId=2389&Ver=4
Cymraeg: http://modgovcym.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=176&MId=2389&Ver=4

Thursday 23rd September

10am: Meeting with Cllr Mike Priestley, regarding Network Rail and Stile on Glan Y Mor Rd

2pm: Corporate Improvement Board, Bodlondeb (member)
Programme/Project Progress and Review committee

5pm: Cartrefi Conwy Annual General Meeting, Business Centre, Llandudno Junction

7pm: Awards Evening at Ysgol John Bright
Attending as LEA Appointed Governor

(There is a meeting of the Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee at Bodlondeb at 5pm, where additional Planning Guidance with respect of the Local Development Plan will be discussed: http://modgoveng.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=452&MId=2345&Ver=4)

Freedom of the County Borough to The Royal Welsh

I attended the Freedom of the County Borough to The Royal Welsh today in Llandudno.
I only managed the 1 photograph above of the Veterans.
If any one has other photographs I'd really like to publish them here if you could send them to me at: jasonweyman at tinyworld.co.uk

I'm not a great supporter of the Civic ceremonies or the pomp and ceremony, but I had no hesitation in supporting this one. It was Unanimously Resolved at a Council meeting on the 21st May 2009 to honour The Royal Welsh this honour.

A lot of the soldiers on duty today had recently returned from Afghanistan.
Myself and a few other councillors has the privilege to share in a glass of port with the officers including the Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel N J Lock before the start of the parade. The parade mustered at the Coach Park on Mostyn Broadway.
The Band was of The Prince of Wales Division.

I saw about 22 County Councillors during the parade.

From the Coach Park, the parade proceeded along Mostyn Street to Gloddaeth Street. From there they headed towards the Promenade and stopped at the War Memorial on the North Parade.

While the parade took place down Mostyn Street we went direct to to the War Memorial via the Promenade. I had a good chat with Guto Bebb, MP on the way to the War Memorial. We spoke about how he was finding being an MP and the proceedings at Parliament. We also spoke about local issues such as the Hospital, he was surprised I hadn't posted my thoughts on the subject. I had to say that I agreed with his sentiments from his blog which I published on my blog. We had a quick chat about blogging and he accepts that he needs to do more on this front, I indicated this would be appreciated. Cllr Ronnie Hughes joined us as we neared the War Memorial. Cllr Ronnie had watched the parade down Mostyn St and said it had received a very warm welcome throughout the town. I also said hello to Darrren Millar, AM as we reached the War Memorial.

At The War Memorial the Parade stopped for inspection, several addresses and the presentation of the scroll from the Council Chairman, Cllr Brenda Taylor, recording the Freedom of the County Borough of Conwy. The speaker system was a bit limited at the War Memorial. I was stood at the side of the speakers and I couldn't here anything that was said. Most of the public seemed to be along the road and hence and the speakers were facing onto the Prom. The rain started at this point so some of the spectators dispersed at this point but there was a good turnout with many singing during the Welsh National Anthem.

The Parade was then reformed and proceeded along the Promenade and onto the Venue Cymru Car Park for stand down. From here the parade and guests (including Councillors) retired to Venue Cymru for refreshments.

It was a great honour to be able to see and be part of honouring the soldiers of The Royal Welsh.

Some extra information:

THE ROYAL WELSH

The Royal Welsh was formed on 1st march 2006 and is an amalgamation of The Royal Welsh Fusiliers, The Royal Regiment of Wales and The Royal Welsh Regiment. They now form 3 Battalions

The 1st Battalion The Royal Welsh (Royal Welsh Fusiliers) is a Regular Light Role Infantry Battalion based in Chester, which returned last year from a two year tour of Cyprus form where it deployed to Afghanistan, Iran, Beirut and The Falkland Islands. In 2009, it went on exercise to Kenya to be deployed to Afghanistan. It will return on exercise to Kenya in March 2011.

The 2nd Battalion The Royal Welsh (Royal Regiment of Wales) is a Regular Armoured Infantry Battalion based in Tidworth in Wiltshire. 2009 saw the completion of a six month tour of Iraq, followed by the commencement of company deployments in Afghanistan which will continue through to 2011.

The 3rd Battalion The Royal Welsh is a Territorial Army Infantry battalion based in Cardiff, with companies and platoons covering much of Wales. Its role is to provide reservists to the two Regular Battalions while they are on operations. The Royal Welsh is the largest Infantry Battalion from Wales and has deployed more than 1500 soldiers on operations in its short 4 year life.


Conwy County Borough Councillors Present Today

Cllrs John Boyle, Cheryl Carlisle, Brian Cossey, Philip Evans, Linda Groom, Gail Hall, Ron Hastings, Janet Howarth, Jobi Hold, Dave Holland, Ronnie Hughes, Christine Jones, Glyn Jones, Hazel Meredith, Mike Priestley, Graham Rees, Bill Roberts, Adrian Tansley, Brenda Taylor (Chairman), Dennis Tew, Merfyn Thomas, Jason Weyman
(sorry if I missed anyone)

http://www.conwy.gov.uk/doc.asp?cat=143&doc=27022&Language=1

No Investigation by Ombudsman

I have today received a letter from the Ombudsman stating they will NOT be investigating the complaint made by Cllr Kenneth Stone, Mayor of Towyn and Kinmel Bay Town Council.

The letter addressed to me from the Investigator states:

Dear Councillor Weyman,

Code of conduct complaint made against you by Councillor Kenneth Stone of {address}........

The Ombudsman has decided not to investigate this complaint. I enclose for your information a copy of my letter of today's date to Councillor Stone explaining the decision.

You will note that Paragraph 2(b) of the Code provides that the Code applies to whenever a member acts or gives the impression that they are acting in the role of member. As such you need to mindful when referring to council business on your blog as the Code will apply if its content clearly relates to your role as member. If you require any guidance on this you may wish to speak to your Monitoring Officer.

Yours sincerely

.......

The second paragraph highlights part of the Code of Conduct that I was aware of and have had to take into account when blogging. I have a several occasions discussed with the Monitoring Officer what I can and can not blog. I appreciate the decision of the Ombudsman. There is the warning to be careful but the decision indicates I did not break the Code Of Conduct in the comments I made.

A more detailed response to the complaint is provided by the Ombudsman in the letter they have sent to Cllr Stone:

Dear Councillor Stone,

Complaint against Councillor Jason Weyman

I have now been able to consider your recent complaint against Councillor Jason Weyman, a member of Conwy County Borough Council.

Under the authority delegated to me by the Ombudsman I have decided not to investigate your complaint.

The substance of your complaint was that the content of Councillor Weyman's blog in June 2010 contains inaccurate and defamatory information regarding the Towyn and Kinmel Bay Town Council.

Your say that the references on his blog concerning an Ombudsman report and a witness statement imply that the members of Towyn and Kinmel Bay Town Council allow bullying and intimidatory behaviour within the Town Council, the blog also implies that the Town Council are being reviewed by the Welsh Audit Office and say that Councillor Weyman's report of the Town Council's meeting on the 23 June was inaccurate.

I note that you consider Councillor Weymouth {I like the new name !} has breached Paragraph 6 (1) d of the code which says that member must:-

"not make vexatious, malicious or frivolous complaints against other members or anyone who works for, or on behalf of, (the members) Authority".

It may be helpful to firstly explain that when determining whether to investigate a breach of the Code the Ombudsman uses a two stage test. In the first instance, we aim to establish whether there is evidence that a breach has actually taken place. The second test is whether the alleged breach has actually taken place. The second test is whether the alleged breach would be likely to a sanction being imposed upon the member by the Standards Committee or Adjudication Panel for Wales.

As an investigation by this office can have potentially significant implications for the elected member, the decision to investigate a complaint that a Councillor has breached the Code of Conduct is one which is given careful consideration. Each complaint is judged on its own merits and a decision made after careful assessment of the evidence provided in support of the compliant. If during our assessment of a complaint we form the view that one or both of the parts of the above test are unlikely to be met we will not investigate the complaint.

Whilst Councillor Weyman states on his website that his comments are his personal comments, paragraph 2 (b) of the Code provides that the code applies whenever a member acts or gives the impression that they are acting in the role of member. In view of this I consider that the code of conduct applies in relation to matters about which which you have complained.

Furthermore, in the Ombudsman's Guidance on the Code of Conduct which he issues in April 2010, he confirms that if a member has a blog or another social networking service in the members role as Councillor then even if the member does not use his title, "if the content is clearly related to the role as member then the Code will apply".

Paragraph 6(1)(d) of the Code refers to vexatious complaints made inter alia against members which are not founded in fact and which are motivated by malice. In this sense malice is taken as a desire to do some harm to the member. Having considered the information provided and read the relevant parts of the blog I am not persuaded that Councillor Weyman has breached the Code of Conduct as alleged.

Firstly, in relation to the issue reported in the blog about the Standards Committee hearing, Councillor Weyman did provide a web link for the details of the hearing and whilst he refers to a letter from a previous employee of Towyn and Kinmel Bay Town Council, he also states that these issues were not directly considered by the Standards Committee. Whilst in has blog he comments about behaviour at the Town Council and says that "there seems to be more going on" and "why other councillors didn't seem to raise concerns and allowed things to continue" may be unfortunate, I do not consider them to be derogatory or as directly accusing members of the Town Council of bullying.

Councillor Weyman says in his blog that the comments about the involvement of the Welsh Audit Office "looking into and reviewing" the Town Council, was made due to information from another source. Furthermore, and as you say in your complaint, he did remove this comment from his blog when contacted by the Clerk to the Town Council after a request to do so.

Finally in his blog detailing a summary of the Town Council meeting on 23 June 2010, Councillor Weyman clearly states that the information was received from someone present at the meeting. He states that he was not present at the meeting which was held to discuss whether the Town Council should make a complaint to the Ombudsman about Councillor Weyman's comments on his blog.

I have considered the evidence you sent in support of your complaint against Councillor Weyman and on the basis of that information I am of the view that the evidence presented does not satisfy the requirements of the two stage test to which I have previously referred. We will not therefor be investigating your complaint.

I have copied this letter, which constitutes a formal statement of reasons for the decision not to investigate your complaint, to Councillor J Weyman and to the Monitoring Officer of Conwy County Borough Council. If you disagree with this decision please write to me with 28 days requesting a review and setting out the reasons why you disagree with the decision.

Your sincerely

...........  

The first part of the above letter explains the process the Ombudsman go through to determine whether to investigate.

The second part in essence explains that anything I write on my blog is as a Councillor (member) and hence is subject to the Code of Conduct. This is something I have been very aware of, in fact the best way to consider the Code of Conduct is to assume it applies at ALL TIMES.

A key statement from the letter is "Having considered the information provided and read the relevant parts of the blog I am not persuaded that Councillor Weyman has breached the Code of Conduct as alleged." The letter then goes on to explains the reasons why.

You can see the whole story by reviewing my postings on the subjects as well as details of the complaint here: http://jasonweyman.blogspot.com/search/label/Towyn%20and%20Kinmel%20Bay

For completeness I now feel appropriate that I can publish my letter of response I made to the Ombudsman when I received the notification of the Complaint. It is a quite a few pages:

Ombudsman 1

In addition I received information that Towyn and Kinmel Bay had received feedback from their external Auditors Hacker Young on the results of the review of there 2008/9 accounts. I submitted an FOI request and the Town Clark provided me the following document, showing the agenda discussed at this weeks Council Meeting and details of results of the Audit. Worth looking at the statements about Standard Orders.
Towyn and Kinmel Agenda

I am very pleased with this result and it has actually proved a very interesting experience. It has confirmed that I have not broken the Code of Conduct. Although some of my comments could be "close to the mark" I have always paid very close attention to the content of my blog postings and there are certain things that I have not said due to this.

I have agreed to meet with the Town Clerk form Towyn and Kinmel Bay Town Council.

This has been a slight distraction, but I feel it is now important to concentrate all my efforts back to the organisations I am involved in. This includes representing the Deganwy and Llanrhos residents on Conwy County Borough Council.

Network Rail and Glan Y Mor Rd Stile

Network Rail were invited but declined to attend a meeting of the Harbour Authority Advisory Committee held at Bodlondeb on Wednesday Evening.

The subject was discussed and updated on the work put in by our Rights of Way officers into the crossing. They have managed to review the Act Of Parliament from 1853 in relation to the building of the line.

There isn't any reference in the document in relation to this particular location. Other places are but not this one. We where also informed that this is the only such crossing in the County that is not a designated Public Right Of Way. There are rules that if certain places have shown to have 20 years of uninterrupted use then the can be classified as a Right of Way. Unfortunately for us there is an Act of Parliament that means that this does not apply to Railways.

It seems that Network Rail have decided to review all crossings and establish a regime to close down all uncontrolled crossings they can.

I have maps from 1882 and 1928 showing an access at this site to the slipway. We (Cllr Mike Priestley and I) have received correspondence from various sources detailing the use of the site, for which we are very grateful.

It seems our best "legal" avenue would be the news that some properties have a legal covenant in their deeds giving them access to the foreshore.

The Harbour Authority Advisory committee agreed to object to the access to the Harbour being closed.

I am having a meeting with Cllr Mike next week to discuss our next steps.
I think these will be along the lines of meeting with the Rights of Way officer to go through the excellent work they have do. We will also have a discussion with Legal to verify a few points.
Our aim is to try and have a conversation with Network Rail as soon after this as possible.
We would want to understand their process and determine how it can be influenced.
If we have no joy with Network Rail then we will trigger the many offers of support to start the protest activities.

Deganwy Castle Hotel Details

Deganwy Castle Hotel Details

I'm assuming the contact details on this are correct

Meeting and Activities w/c 13th September

Monday 13th September

10am: Cartrefi Conwy Meeting, Bryn Erias, Colwyn Bay (member)

4pm: Principal Overview and Scrutiny, Bodlondeb (member)
Special meeting called following last weeks meeting. It was decided a special meeting was required to discuss the details of the the Welsh Assembly's proposed measure (similar to Act of Parliament) on Local Government.
The National Assembly for Wales has power to make laws for Wales (known as ‘Measures’) in relation to specific defined activities/functions, including matters relating to local government. The Assembly has
published a proposed Measure relating to local government which is seeking to:
(i) broaden and increase participation in local government
(ii) review and improve governance structures
(iii) enhance the role of non-executive (back-bench) members in relation to scrutiny
(iv) develop and strengthen the role of community councils
(v) reform the allowances system for members; and
(vi) allow Ministers to issue statutory guidance on collaboration.
The report, but can be found at: http://www.assemblywales.org/ms-ld8140-e.pdf
The accompanying Notes (104 pages) can be found at: http://www.assemblywales.org/ms-ld8140-em-e.pdf
Agenda:
4. Call in of Cabinet Minute 311 - Housing Renewal Area - Capital Funding Proposals 2010/11
5. To consider a report by the Acting Corporate Director on the following matter:
5a. Consultation - proposed Local Government (Wales) Measure
English: http://modgoveng.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=107&MId=2528&Ver=4
Cymraeg: http://modgovcym.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=107&MId=2528&Ver=4
 
 
Tuesday 14th September
 
Morning: I'm currently reviewing a Member Development Charter submission on behalf of the WLGA. I need to finalise and send my report by Tuesday, before visiting the authority in question next week.
 
2pm Cabinet, Bodlondeb (non-member)
Agenda:
1. Apologies for absence
2. Declarations of Interest: Code of Local Government Conduct
3. Urgent matters
4. Minutes of the Cabinet
5. Minutes of Cabinet Sub-Committee - Personnel held on 12 August 2010
6. To receive the minutes of the Cabinet Sub Committee - Council Tax - Hardship Relief held on 18 August 2010
7. Announcements by the Leader
8. Announcements by the Acting Chief Executive
9. Matters referred back to the Cabinet following call-in by an Overview and Scrutiny Committee
9a Call in of Cabinet Minute 311 - Housing Renewal Area - Capital Funding Proposals 2010/11
10. Matters referred to the Cabinet by an Overview and Scrutiny Committee, for consideration
 - Conwy and Denbighshire Local Safeguarding Children Board Funding Arrangements
11. Review Cabinet Forward Work Programme
12. Leader's Portfolio
12a Code of Corporate Governance
13. Business Manager's Portfolio
13a Corporate Performance Report
14. Corporate and Regulatory Services Portfolio
14a Policing in the 21st Century Consultation - reconnecting police and the people
14b Crime and Disorder Scrutiny Functions, including Councillor Call for Action
14c RIPA Procedure & Policy
14d Gating Order
15. Finance and Resources Portfolio
15a Reserves and Balances 2010
15b Revenue Budget 2010/2011
15c Revenue Budget Planning and Progress 2011/2012 to 2013/2014
16. Social Care and Health Portfolio
16a Awel y Mor Residential Home
17. Lifelong Learning and Skills Portfolio
17a 21st Century Schools - 3rd Tranche Bid Results and proposed way forward
18. Communities Portfolio
18a European Rugby Academy
19. Exempt Items: Local Government Act 1972, Section 100A and Schedule 12A (Access to Information)
20. Infrastructure Portfolio
20a Glan Conwy Memorial Hall, Glan Conwy (CCBC as Custodian Trustees)
20b Acquisition of Lease, Dinerth Road Offices, Rhos-on-Sea
English: http://modgoveng.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=171&MId=2280&Ver=4
Cymraeg: http://modgovcym.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=171&MId=2280&Ver=4

7:15pm: Deganwy and District Residents Association, Conwy Yacht Club, Station Rd, Deganwy (Committee Member)
Residents Welcome
I will be only be present for 1 hour


Wednesday 15th September

9:30am Partnership Scrutiny Pre-Meeting, Bodlondeb (chairperson)

11:30am Member Development Working Group, Bodlondeb (member)

2pm "A Voice in Your Local Community" - establishing a Youth Forum workshop, Douglas Rd, Colwyn Bay

7pm: Conwy Harbour Advisory Committee, Bodlondeb, (vice-chairperson)
Agenda:
5.To consider a verbal report from the Countryside and Rights of Way Manager on the following matter:
5a Network Rail - proposed closing of footpath and removing the stile across the railway on Glan Y Mor Road, opposite the junction of Pentywyn Road, Deganwy
6.To consider a verbal report from the Principal Harbour and Maritime Officer on the following matter:
6a Conwy Harbour Boat Jetty and Inner Mooring Pontoon Siltation update
English: http://modgoveng.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=206&MId=2494&Ver=4
Cymraeg: http://modgovcym.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=206&MId=2494&Ver=4
I have asked for Network Rail's proposal to close the footpath across the tracks in Deganwy to come to this committee. The proposed action would affect access to the Harbour and hence why I believe the committee should discuss the item. The Rights of Way officer has invited Network Rail to attend we will see whether they will attend.


Thursday 16th September

All Day: Member Development Champion and Officer Network Meeting with WLGA, Elan Valley, Nr Rhayader, Powys
Representing Conwy CBC as Member Champion

5pm: Joint Meeting of Communities and Partnerships Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Bodlondeb (member, Chairman of Partnerships)
Agenda:
To consider a report from the Head of Environmental Services on the following matter:
Flooding and Storm Damage
English: http://modgoveng.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=645&MId=2503&Ver=4
Cymraeg: http://modgovcym.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=645&MId=2503&Ver=4
I'm not sure if I will be back from mid-Wales in time for this meeting, so will have to send my apologies.

7pm: History of Deganwy Group, Peniel Chapel, Ty Mawr Rd, Deganwy
Speaker is Vicky MacDonald (Conwy Town Mayor) and guests on growing up in Deganwy.


Friday 17th September
Car being MOT'd and Serviced at Toyota

4pm: Meeting with Children Services Officers, Civic Annex, Civic Centre, Colwyn Bay


Saturday 18th September

11:00am The Royal Welsh Freedom of the County Ceremony, Venue Cymru, LLandudno


Sunday 19th September

Some confusion on my parts about what is happening on Sunday. Thanks to Cllr Mike P for putting me straight. It seems it is the Town Council's Civic Service this week.

Closure of Flood Gates on Deganwy Prom this weekend

Due to the "Extremely High Tides" forecast this weekend the Environment Department have taken the decision to close the flood gate at the end of Deganwy Promenade.

The gate will re-open on Tuesday when the tide levels have dropped to a lower level.

The above details have been sent to me as a Deganwy Councillor, but the process will be being repeated across the county at various points. So this is a warning to all.

I had a brief look at the weather and it doesn't look like it will be to bad, it will be windy (with some rain) but strongest on Monday with 21mph South Westerly winds. So fingers crossed it doesn't look like we will get storms at the same time. High Tides and Storms would have been the worst case scenario.

Maesdu Bridge Opening at 4pm

I have just received an email form the Head of Highways to inform us that:

"I am delighted to advise that Maesdu Bridge will be fully open to all traffic as of 4pm today. There will be some minor finishing works which will be carried out over the next week or two but these works will involve little or no traffic management".

We also received an email yesterday afternoon to indicate the plan was to have things ready for this afternoon. On my way back home this afternoon I thought I would just check whether it was likely to be open and have to say that it certainly looks ready with all the roads surfaced (including the anti-skid elements as you approach the roundabout) and just a couple of works vehicle on the bridge.

I'm sure this will be a relief to many people.

As Councillors we still have work to do, to scrutinise and audit the project, but that is for another day.

Update: CCBC Press Release:
09/09/10 - Maesdu Bridge Open to Traffic



The new bridge at Maesdu Llandudno was opened to traffic today (09/09/10) after an 11 month project to replace the old structure.
Replacing the bridge was essential to ensure long term access to West Shore and Llandudno. The old bridge, built in the 1920s had deteriorated and had a 7.5 tonne weight limit for vehicles. There were concerns about the structural integrity of the bridge and safety measures had to be installed to prevent deteriorating concrete from falling onto the railway.
Dawnus Construction Ltd started work on site in October 2009. The initial construction was scheduled to take 37weeks, but was delayed by 10 weeks due to changes in working requirements by Network Rail and some modifications to the bridge design.
Stuart Davies, Head of Highways & Infrastructure for Conwy and Denbighshire Councils said, "I am delighted that the bridge is now completed with improvements for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists. The removal of the weight restrictions will have a positive impact for businesses in the area."
"I am obviously disappointed that completion was delayed, but the contractor has worked very hard with the engineers to complete the scheme as quickly as possible. The safety improvements, from the wide footway/cycle path and the roundabout, are a very positive measure for all road users."
"I would like to thank everyone for their patience and cooperation whilst the works have been carried out."
Final finishing works will take place next week, but these should not affect traffic movement.

Meetings w/c 6th September

Following a quiet week, the beginning of this week is very busy.

I didn't make the meeting of Informal Council last week, due to illness. Its not very often I miss meetings due to illness, but I had a bug which hit me about 1 hour before the meeting.

One thing I would recommend to anyone becoming a councillor is sort yourself some office space. This was something that was recommended to me when I was first elected. I have been sharing part of the conservatory with the house computer and desk, this area has now become the children's domain. I have for several months been working from the living room, but the pile of paperwork has grown to take over a corner of the room. I decided (well Kirsty had a lot to do with it) that a new solution was required and hence I have spent the weekend converting the shed into an office. The walls and roof have all been insulated and boarded. The floor has been insulated, boarded and carpeted. 2 very hefty shelves along the length of the shed, and blinds at the windows. Temporary electric provision for now and there you have it a brand new office. Excellent service form Richard Williams (Deganwy) Ltd in cutting all the plywood board to my dimensions, and delivering the materials on Friday. The amazing thing is that everything fitted, and with the spare offcuts I managed to board the floor. Security of the shed could be an issue, hence will ensure that my laptops are returned to the main house when not in use.
Just having a break, before starting to move a desk and all the paperwork into the new office.


Monday 6th September 2010

9am: Informal Meeting of Overview and Scrutiny Committee Chairs and Vice Chairs, Bodlondeb (member)

10am: Principal Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Bodlondeb (member)
This is going to be long meeting from the looks of the agenda. It will be interesting how many members stay for the duration, the distributed agenda does warn of the length of the meeting with suggested timings and estimated finish of 3pm. In addition there is also a urgent item in relation to the Venue Cymru Market Test (Tender Process), which I understand is an Exempt Item (also subject for Cabinet on Tuesday)
Agenda:
1. Apologies for Absence
2. Declarations of Interest: Code of Local Government Conduct
3. Urgent matters
4. Presentation by PriceWaterhouseCoopers on the feasibility of a Joint Head of Children's Service
5. Minutes
6. Corporate and Service Improvement Board Minutes for information
7. Minutes of the Audit Committee
8. Minutes of the Informal Meeting of Scrutiny Committee Chairs and Vice Chairs
9. To review the Principal Scrutiny Committee Forward Work Programme
10. To consider reports by the Acting Corporate Director on the following matters:
10i. Consultation - proposed Local Government (Wales) Measure
Anyone interested in the future of Local Government should have a look at this Proposed Measure with some significant changes being proposed by WAG.
The proposed Measure runs to a total of 108 pages and therefore is not appended to this report, but can be found at: http://www.assemblywales.org/ms-ld8140-e.pdf
The accompanying Notes (104 pages) can be found at: http://www.assemblywales.org/ms-ld8140-em-e.pdf
10ii. Code of Corporate Governance

11. To consider reports by the Acting Corporate Director and Head of Financial Services on the following matters:
11i. Reserves and Balances 2010
11ii. Revenue Budget Planning and Progress 2011/2012 to 2013/2014

12. To consider a report by the Corporate Performance and Improvement Manager on the following matter:
12i. Corporate Performance Report

13. To consider a report by the Head of Regulatory Services on the following matter:
13i. Policing in the 21st century consultation - reconnecting police and the people
14. Exempt Items: Local Government Act 1972, Section 100A and Schedule 12A (Access to Information)
15. To consider a report by the Acting Corporate Director and Head of Financial Services and the Head of Engineering and Design Services on the following matter:
15i. Acquisition of Lease, Dinerth Road Offices, Rhos-on-Sea

English: http://modgoveng.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=107&MId=2315&Ver=4
Cymraeg: http://modgovcym.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=107&MId=2315&Ver=4

Afternoon: Independent Councillors Group Meeting
This meeting will start once Principal Scrutiny completes


Tuesday 7th September

9am: Planning Site Visit (member)
Just one visit  today to Cerrigydrudion

2pm: Cabinet, Bodlondeb (non-member)
Agenda includes:
4. Social Care and Health Portfolio
4i. Report by PriceWaterhouseCoopers on on the feasibility of a Joint Head of Children's Service
5. Exempt Items: Local Government Act 1972, Section 100A and Schedule 12A (Access to Information)
6. Communities Portfolio
6i. Venue Cymru Market Test
English: http://modgoveng.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=171&MId=2520&Ver=4
Cymraeg: http://modgovcym.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=171&MId=2520&Ver=4


4:30pm: Llanrhos Old School Restoration Committee, Llanrhos (member)


Wednesday 8th September

9:30am: Cartrefi Conwy Board Meeting, Colwyn Bay (member)

2pm: Planning Committee, Bodlondeb (member)
Agenda includes:
5. Deferred applications from the previous Committee meeting
5a. Code Ref: 0/35591 - Redevelopment of Plant Hire Depot Into residential development, 18 No. Dwellings. Land at Bod Hyfryd, Tan Y Graig Road, Llysfaen, Colwyn Bay.
- That the Committee be asked to reaffirm its decision of the 15th April, 2009
- (a) To be minded to grant conditional planning permission
- (b) To authorise the Development Control Manager to
- i) Instruct the Head of Legal and Democratic Services to enter into a Section 106 Agreement, and
- ii) Determine the application under delegation.

5b 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

6. To consider the following reports:
(i) Planning Applications
6a Code Ref: 0/37046 - Erection of first floor extension. 7A Warren Road, Deganwy
- Minded to grant conditional planning permission.

6b Code Ref: 0/37061 - Demolition of existing offices, sub-division of industrial unit from 2 units into 3 separate units and use of land for siting of 22 no. storage containers. Cader House, Cader Avenue, Kinmel Bay
- Minded to grant conditional planning permission subject to the satisfactory resolution of the siting of the containers in respect of the foul sewer and the parking and turning layout
6c Code Ref: 0/37144 - Discharge of Section 106 Planning Obligation Made Under Outline Planning Permission Code Ref. 0/22160/O to Allow Open Market Occupancy of the Dwelling. Cynefin, Ty Nant, Corwen.
- Officers recommend that the Section 106 Agreement is not discharged

English: http://modgoveng.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=205&MId=2366&Ver=4
Cymraeg: http://modgovcym.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=205&MId=2366&Ver=4


Thursday 9th September

4pm: Conwy Excellence Fund Meeting, Glasdir (member)
Meeting to discuss and decide on 13 applications for Excellence Fund Awards

6pm: Communities Facilities Brochure Launch, Glasdir

7pm: History of Deganwy - Committee Meeting, Peniel Chapel, Deganwy

Llandudno Library Refurbishment Works

On a previous post in relation to Deganwy Library I received the following question:

Anonymous said...



Do you have any idea what is going to be done to Llandudno Library that is going to take 4 months, and how much is it going to cost?


An interested tax-paying constituent


In response I posted 2 comments:

jkw24 said...

The refurbishment was mentioned at Cabinet this week, but there was no detail given. I will ask the questions


The following is taken from the Council's website

"Llandudno Library
Mostyn Street
Llandudno, LL30 2RP
Tel (01492) 574010
Fax (01492) 876826

Llandudno library will close for refurbishment at 6pm on Friday 3rd September and re-open in mid-January. More information to follow...

The library has occupied its current, prime location within the town since 1910. Llandudno is our busiest library receiving around 170,000 visitors a year. It stocks approximately 38,000 books, CDs and DVDs and has 23 PCs for free access to the Internet. There is also free Wireless access at this library, photocopying and faxing facilities.

The library has community rooms for hire for meetings and training purposes, and hosts weekly story times for the under 5s and Internet taster sessions on a regular basis. There is also Language & Literacy Support and IT tuition available. For up to date information about any events taking place in the library, visit the News & events section."

AND

jkw24 said...



I've done a bit more digging into this by Searching the Agenda and Minutes volumes on the Council webpage: http://modgoveng.conwy.gov.uk/ieDocSearch.aspx?bcr=1

I extracted these points from a report to Cabinet in March 2010:
------------------------------------
3.3 Development of Llandudno Library – Seeking Cabinet approval to allow funding for this project in the amount of £100,000 from the Local Community Regeneration Provision for 2010/11 financial year.

4.3 Development of Llandudno Library
Llandudno Library is a strategic, regional library and is the County’s highest performing library. It is a well used community venue for local citizens, tourists and overseas visitors, and plays a key role as an information provider, receiving around 55,000 enquiries per year. The Authority’s Culture and Information Service are making an application to CyMAL: Museums Archives and Libraries in Wales’ (a division of the Welsh Assembly Government) programme of investment, which is available to refurbish the public library network to deliver modern library facilities in order to attract more people to benefit from an improved range of education and learning opportunities provided by public libraries.


An application has been submitted to CyMAL for £300,000 to refurbish Llandudno Library, and the cost of realising the total project is £400,210.


An application has been made to the Local Community Regeneration Provision for £100,000 to match-fund the CyMAL grant, and £210 will be found from the Libraries budget.

6.3 Llandudno Library – An amount of £100,000 is requested from the Local Community Regeneration Provision in order to draw down a further £300,000 in grant funding from CyMAL to refurbish Llandudno Library.

The minutes of the meeting meeting gave the following resolution:


(c) That approval be given to allow funding for the development of Llandudno Library in the amount of £100,000 from the Local Community Regeneration Provision for 2010/2011 financial year.
------------------------------------
So that covers the cost question.


I have emailed the departmental head for more detail on the actual works.

Latest:

I have received a response from the Section Head for Culture and Information. The detail of the works is taken form the original application for CyMAL (WAG) funding. Any variation of works from the application has to be agreed with WAG to ensure that the grant is being used for its intended purpose. It is worth pointing this out, because questions have been asked as to whether the money could be used for other purposes, or to help with the Revenue Account.

A number of activities take place at Llandudno Library (the busiest library in Conwy) including IT classes, Adult literacy classes, Story time for under 5's etc. When so many services are happening in close proximity to each other this can cause disruption and noise throughout the library. The works will maximise the space to allow the facilitating the number of services available, and is based on customer feedback.

The library is no longer fit for purpose as it was designed some 17 years ago. The library also has access problems which will be addressed in the refurbishment this will include automatic doors, creating an additional entrance from the rotunda to the "reference library", Increasing floor space in the main library by removing walls and the existing counter.

The library is looking worn and dated, as given in customer feedback during a survey carried out in 2009. Colwyn Bay and Abergele libraries have recently been refurbished and have been received positive feedback.  The refurbishment will create a modern and attractive environment by improving lighting, decoration, carpeting and replacing worn out furniture.

Improvements will be made to Internal and External Signage. Comfortable Seating Areas will be provided where customers can relax and drink coffee. The improvements will aim to increase library visits and encourage additional use by current and new users.

The large large counter will be removed, and will make it easier for staff to be released into the library to support customers. The shelving will be replaced with custom built library shelving designed to maximise stock promotion.

Improvements will be for IT and Wi-Fi users, as well as being able to respond  to future Technological developments. Self Service Equipment will be introduced for Loans.

Other improvements will be made for Children and Families, Study, and Local History Resources.

The refurbishment is taking 4 months due to the complexities around the building being listed and the comprehensive amount of structural and improvement work being undertaken.
http://www.conwy.gov.uk/doc.asp?cat=6534&doc=26936


Deganwy Library made another appearance in the Weekly News this week, Mari Jones' article picks up on the 1 month reprieve from the having its hours reduced. The reprieve which I requested will enable it to be determined if Deganwy is receiving extra customers due to the refurbishment of Llandudno Library:
http://www.northwalesweeklynews.co.uk/conwy-county-news/local-conwy-news/2010/09/02/a-lifeline-has-been-thrown-to-deganwy-library-55243-27180835/