Jason Weyman

Annual Improvement Report 2010-11

2012-02-12T13:40:00.002Z

The Auditor General has published its Annual Improvement Report for Conwy County Borough Council for 2010-11.

Annual Improvement reports are being published for all 22 Welsh Local Authorities, National Parks and Fire and Rescue Authorities during January and February. The Auditor General looks at reports from the Wales Audit Office together with reports from Estyn and the Care and Social Services Inspectorate for Wales (CSSIW), which also assess the work of Local Authorities. The report produced considers what Authorities do, what they are trying to achieve and how well they are doing it.
In response to this year’s Report, Council Leader Dilwyn Roberts said, “We are very pleased with the content of the report and the acknowledgement that the Council is making good progress in delivering improvements in most of its priority areas.

The report acknowledges the Authority’s work in supporting improvements for the county’s prosperity and to maintain the area as a safe and pleasant place. In particular, the report highlights improvements in social services, and education services for children and young people are noted as good with good prospects for improvement.
Whilst the report is positive and encouraging, we will strive to continue to improve systems and services further, even in the difficult economic climate we are all experiencing at the moment.”
The full improvement report can be found here.

http://www.conwy.gov.uk/doc.asp?cat=143&doc=30715&Language=1

Wales U20 Rugby at Parc Eirias

2012-02-10T22:50:00.000Z

Back from a great evening at Parc Eirias, Colwyn Bay to see the U20s international between Wales and Scotland.

Great game and well done to Wales. Final Score Wales 28 Scotland 15

Excellent organised and promoted event, I'd be interested with your views if you attended or watched the game live on S4C.

Great event and it was my first time back at Parc Eirias since the development, and what a place. Well done to all involved.

Many thanks to the G Purchase for the invitation, via Cartrefi Conwy and it was good to talk directly about the extensive projects to update the Housing Stock to Welsh Quality Standards.

Future Games at Parc Eirias:

Wales U20s v Italy U20s
Fri 9th March, KO 7:10pm

Wales U20s v France U20s
Fri 16th March, KO 7:35pm

North Wales Select XV v Georgia
Sat 31st March, KO tbc

Meetings w/c 30th Jan 2012

2012-01-29T15:35:00.000Z

Monday 30th Jan 2012

2pm: Cartrefi Conwy Board Meeting (member)
Bryn Erias, Colwyn Bay

Wednesday 1st Feb

Apologies sent for Corporate Plan Workshop (work commitments in Chester)

Thursday 2nd Feb

10am TAITH Workshop
Optic Centre, St Asaph
The Taith Joint Board is a legally constituted joint committee of the six north Wales county authorities for the purpose of developing and implementing actions and strategies for transport in north Wales

2pm: Full Council
Bodlondeb, Conwy

Agenda:

1. Apologies for absence
2. Declarations of Interest: Code of Local Government Conduct
Members are reminded that they must declare the existence and nature of their
declared personal interests.
3. Urgent Matters
Notice of items which, in the opinion of the Chairman, should be considered at the
meeting as a matter of urgency pursuant to Section 100B(4) of the Local Government
Act 1972.
4. To receive any announcements from the Chairman, Leader, Members of the
Cabinet or the Chief Executive
5. To answer questions under Council Procedure Rule No. 14.2
6. A Compact for Change Between the Welsh Government and Local Authorities
7. Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales Annual Report

English: http://modgoveng.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=207&MId=3029&Ver=4
Cymraeg: http://modgovcym.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=207&MId=3029&Ver=4

Police Commissioners - The Future?

2012-01-27T20:04:00.002Z

Learn a new approach to citizen engagement on 30 January in scenic North Wales!

This is a unique opportunity to explore the use of OpenStrategies methodology in the context of community engagement with the police. Experienced facilitators will introduce basic elements of how PRUB* analysis can be applied to the task of producing a Police & Crime Plan in your Police Authority area next year in morning and afternoon sessions.

Registration: www.regonline.co.uk/e-plan

Who should attend?

Community & Residents' Association representatives
Community Safety Partners

Voluntary & Charitable Sector

Youth Offending Teams

Supported Housing organisations

Criminal Justice organisations

Police bodies

Please feel free to forward this invitation as widely as possible to those who might benefit in your area. This training is co-sponsored by Integral Business Support Ltd, a research, consultancy and training organisation based in North East Wales.

Further details about the OpenStrategies approach attached or at http://openstrategies.com

Yours sincerely,

Richard Hibbs (Event promoter & Chair) ‘Will Elected Police Commissioners make a Difference?’
c/o Integral Business Support Ltd, Wrexham Technology Park

We Can Work It Out

Mae’n amser cymryd rhan …

Bydd yr etholiadau cyntaf ar gyfer Comisiynwyr yr Heddlu a Throseddu yn cael eu cynnal yng Nghymru a Lloegr ar 15 Tachwedd eleni, a bydd yr unigolyn fydd â’r gwaith o gomisiynu gwasanaeth plismona ar ran Gogledd Cymru hefyd yn wynebu’r sialens o droi eu maniffesto etholiadol yn strategaeth lwyddiannus (sef Cynllun yr Heddlu a Throseddu).

Rhaid i’r Cynlluniau hyn roi sylw i bartneriaethau lleol a grwpiau cymunedol yn ogystal ag asiantaethau trosedd cenedlaethol, ac felly maent yn gyfle pwysig i ymgysylltu â dinasyddion ar raddfa nas gwelwyd ei thebyg erioed o’r blaen yng Ngogledd Cymru, a chyfle gwych i wella dealltwriaeth o’r cyfraniad a wneir gan strategaethau plismona tuag at ddiogelwch y cyhoedd.

Buaswn wrth fy modd yn trafod elfennau technegol y cysyniad hwn yn fwy manwl gyda chi cyn gynted â phosibl, petai arnoch angen mwy o wybodaeth cyn penderfynu a yw’r elfen ‘sialens timau’ yn teilyngu eich cyfraniad (oedran 16+).

Rhaid i ni gadarnhau’r niferoedd ar gyfer y digwyddiad ‘blasu’ a gynhelir ar 30 Ionawr mewn ychydig wythnosau – felly cofiwch gofrestru yn www.regonline.co.uk/e-plan yn gynted â phosib. Edrychaf ymlaen at glywed gennych yn fuan iawn!

Richard Hibbs (Hyrwyddwr a Chadeirydd) A fydd Comisiynwyr yr Heddlu Etholedig yn gwneud gwahaniaeth?

d/o Integral Business Support Ltd, Parc Technoleg Wrecsam

ON a wnewch chi ddosbarthu’r gwahoddiad hwn mor eang â phosib o fewn eich cymuned, i gymunedau cyfagos a rhanddeiliaid eraill yng Ngogledd Cymru a allai fod yn dymuno cymryd rhan

- DOG owners face £75 fixed penalty notices for not cleaning up after their animals from February 1.

2012-01-25T18:54:00.001Z

- DOG owners face £75 fixed penalty notices for not cleaning up after their animals from February 1.

To report dog fouling, or dog fouling problems at a particular location, phone Conwy’s community safety enforcement team on 01492 575701.

Places that are reported to be problem areas will be targeted for enforcement.

Deganwy Castle Hotel Planning Application Submitted

2012-01-20T20:23:00.000Z

0/38578	Deganwy Castle Hotel Station Road Deganwy Conwy LL31 9DA	Part demolition, conversion and extension of former hotel building to provide residential appartments, a hotel, restaurant and public bar with associated car parking, services areas, amenity space and landscaping.	REGISTERED	16-01-2012
0/38579	Deganwy Castle Hotel Station Road Deganwy Conwy LL31 9DA	Part demolition, conversion and extension of former hotel building to provide residential appartments, a hotel, restaurant and public bar with associated car parking, services areas, amenity space and landscaping. (Listed Building Consent)	REGISTERED	16-01-2012

Received 28-11-2011
Date Validated 11-01-2012
Date Registered 16-01-2012
Consultation Expiry Date 13-02-2012

Contact - Planning Services

Development Control
Regulatory Services
Civic Offices
Colwyn Bay
LL29 8AR
Conwy

Phone: 01492 575250 / 575390 / 575471 / 575121
Fax: 01492 512637
Email: regulatory.services@conwy.gov.uk

When writing to the Council on planning matters, please address your correspondence to the Building and Development Control Manager.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The reception area at the Civic Offices, Colwyn Bay, is open between the hours of:-

8.45am and 5.15pm, Monday to Thursday

8.45am to 4.45pm on Friday.

Whilst officers are usually available to provide advice and assistance on request during office hours, it is best to make an appointment beforehand to make sure you meet the right person. Click on the Who's who links below to see the list of Officer's and their contact details.

Tributes as 13-year-old in Deganwy crash dies - North Wales News - News

2012-01-17T23:23:00.000Z

Tributes as 13-year-old in Deganwy crash dies - North Wales News - News

RIP Kody

Boy, 13, fights for life after crash in North Wales - North Wales News - News

2012-01-16T22:13:00.000Z

Boy, 13, fights for life after crash in North Wales - North Wales News - News

Please contact the Police on 101 with any information in regard to the accident or issues leading up to the accident.

Llanrhos Old School

2012-01-15T20:18:00.003Z

Photos from the restored and refurbished Llanrhos Old School.
Now being booked up fast, in use at least once everyday of the week.
Bookings available for one-offs or for regular slots.

To book please contact David Rowley on 01492 572546

http://www.llanrhosoldschool.co.uk

Meetings w/c 16th Jan 2012

2012-01-15T16:12:00.000Z

I was unable to attend the Principal Scrutiny committee meeting last week, due to waiting for British Gas engineer to fix and service our boiler. Meetings with the History Group last week and attended the opening of Llanrhos Old School on Friday and the Open Morning on Saturday.

Monday 16th January 2012
1:30pm: Waste Management Board Programme, Mochdre
(I have a appointment at a bank on Monday and hence this meeting may be missed)

Tuesday 17th January
7:15pm: Deganwy and District Residents Association
Conway Yacht Club, Station Rd, Deganwy

Wednesday 18th January
10am: Corporate Parenting, Bodlondeb

Member of the Corporate Parenting Committee due to being Chairman of Partnerships.
All Councillors are Corporate Parents to the looked after children with the county.

2pm: Budget Working Group, Bodlondeb

Thursday 19th January
7pm: History of Deganwy Annual General Meeting
Our 2nd AGM and will involve a talk by Elan Rivers on Lady Henrietta Augusta Mostyn (1830 - 1912).

Road Crash on Tan Y Fron in Deganwy on Friday night

2012-01-15T15:11:00.003Z

Teenager 'critical' after road crash in Deganwy, Conwy

A teenager is critically ill in hospital after a road crash in Conwy.

He was in a Rover MGZ which crashed into a parked Mitsibushi Shogun at about 00:27 GMT on Saturday in Vardre Avenue, Deganwy.

North Wales Police said the teenager has life threatening injuries and has been transferred to Alder Hey Hospital in Liverpool.

Two local youths were later arrested and released on police bail pending further inquiries.

The seriously injured teenager was first taken to Ysbyty Glan Clwyd Hospital in Bodelwyddan.

The other occupants of the Rover received minor injuries.

North Wales Police said anyone with information should contact Sergeant Ifan Jones on 101.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-16568350

Thoughts are with the teenager and his family.
The crash was on actually on Tan Y Fron near the junction with Park Drive.
I received a couple of calls about this accident and other associated issues yesterday from local residents. There are under lying issues here.
I've been in contact with the police and it will take a while to piece all of the information together from crash investigators, interviews and CCTV camera.
I had a walk around Tan Y Fron and Troed Y Bwlch yesterday evening and spoke with locals. Police presence very visible yesterday and today.
All information is useful and if you have anything at all then please contact the police on 101.

Llanrhos Old School Open Morning Today 10am - 12pm

2012-01-14T09:44:00.001Z

Llanrhos Old School is now open following a £230K restoration and refurbishment.

Invited guests and dignitaries where present yesterday for the official opening by Lord Mostyn.

Come and have a look at what has been achieved in bringing a historic building back to life and now in use by the various groups/organisations and community.

Llanrhos Old School Open Morning

Today

10am to 12pm

Conway Rd, Llanrhos

(opposite St Hilary's Parish Church and the Lawn Cemetery)

Everyone Welcome

Website and Contact Details for Booking: http://www.llanrhosoldschool.co.uk/

Thinking of Becoming a County Borough Councillor?

2012-01-04T21:36:00.000Z

Thinking of Becoming a County Borough Councillor?

Thursday, 3 May 2012 is an important day for democracy in Conwy County Borough.

It's the day we go to the polls to elect Councillors to represent us on the Council for the next four years.
The County Borough Council elections will take place alongside elections for Town and Community Councils.
Some people may be thinking about standing for election and the Council has launched a campaign to provide as much information as possible about becoming a Councillor, so that individuals can make an informed choice on whether or not to stand.
Conwy County Borough Council has published a guide on becoming a Councillor, which is available on the website - click on the link below.
Copies are also available by phoning (01492) 576067/8/9 or by e-mailing member.services@conwy.gov.uk
Copies of the Welsh Local Government Association guide 'Be a Councillor' are also available.

In January, information sessions to explain what is involved in becoming a Councillor will be held at Conwy Business Centre, Llandudno Junction:

Thursday, 12 January 2012 at 2pm
Tuesday, 17 January 2012 at 10am
Tuesday, 31 January 2012 at 6pm

The sessions will also include information about voting and making sure that you are on the electoral register if you are eligible to vote.
The nomination period for candidates for the County Borough elections will start at the end of March 2012.

English: http://www.conwy.gov.uk/doc.asp?cat=142&doc=30404&Language=1
Cymraeg: http://www.conwy.gov.uk/doc.asp?cat=142&doc=30404&Language=2

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The above is taken from the Council website. I would encourage any one that is at all interested in becoming a Councillor to attend one or more of these sessions, it would be also useful to attend a selection of Council/Scrutiny/other meetings. Although this is only part of the work we do it will give you an idea of what the meetings are like.
The following links direct you to forthcoming Calendar of meetings:
English: http://modgoveng.conwy.gov.uk/mgCalendarMonthView.aspx?GL=1&bcr=1
Cymraeg: http://modgovcym.conwy.gov.uk/mgCalendarMonthView.aspx?GL=1&bcr=1

When I became a Councillor, I had never attend a meeting , nor did I have any idea of what was expected. I hope that my blog has highlighted some of the work a County Councillor does. Please have a look over the past posts to give you an idea of what it is like, the early years (2008) of the blog are probably more descriptive and showed the steep learning curve I went through.

If you are going to represent a political party then you will already be more than likely discussing the possibility with the local party organisations.
If you are interested in standing as an Independent (or as a representative of a Party) and would like someone to discuss things with or ask questions, they I would be happy to have a chat, and I'm sure I could find others that would be able to give you advice/guidance.

Calendar for January and the Week

2012-01-02T18:49:00.000Z

Back to work on Tuesday for me.

Things are a bit slow with formal Council meetings this week, but lots of reading to be done. I need to catch up on the Finances situation, specifically in relation to next years budget setting process.

Next Monday sees the first Principal Scrutiny of the year and sees us starting the final part of the budget setting process, in regard to reviewing and making decision on new Revenue Business Cases. The impact of which will directly affect the level of Council Tax.

For the last few years I have been heavily involved in the Business Planning process, as part of the Budget Working Group. But due to work and other things I have not been as involved this year, and I need to bring myself up to speed.

As normal our final settlement from the Welsh Government has not been as good as other Authorities. Some of this is in fact due to our low Council Tax. Having one of the lowest taxes in Wales is good for residents, but the Welsh Government do calculate that we have the capacity to raise more revenue from the Council Tax payer, and assumes that we should be bringing more in revenue from this source.

As for this week, and the rest of the month you can see that a calendar of formal meetings here:
English: http://modgoveng.conwy.gov.uk/mgCalendarMonthView.aspx?GL=1&bcr=1
Cymraeg: http://modgovcym.conwy.gov.uk/mgCalendarMonthView.aspx?GL=1&bcr=1

Although not a member I will be attending the Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Thursday evening:

Thursday 5th January 2012
6pm: Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Bodlondeb (non-member)
Agenda includes:

7. Call In of Cabinet Minute 648 - Private Sector Housing Capital Allocations
8. To consider reports by the Development and Building Control Manager
on the following matters:-
i) Conservation Area Appraisals
ii) Conservation Area Management
English: http://modgoveng.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=452&MId=2757
Cymraeg: http://modgovcym.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=452&MId=2757

Friday 6th January
2pm: Llanrhos Restoration Committee, Llanrhos Old School (committee member)
Final preparations for the formal opening on Friday 13th Jan and the Open Day on Sat 14th Jan.

2012 proves to be a busy year:
Continuing at work with blah d blah design ltd.
Deganwy Councillor on Conwy County Borough Council (until May)
Board Member of Cartrefi Conwy (until May)
Continue my activities with the History of Deganwy Group, Deganwy and District Residents Association, Llanrhos Old School (although this work is almost at an end), Aberconwy District Scouts Association Committee.
Deganwy Prom Day Committee, in organising this years events of the Deganwy Dash on Friday 1st June 2012 and the Deganwy Prom and Diamond Jubilee Celebrations Day on Sat 2nd June 2012. (proceeded by the Olympic Torch through the village on the 29th May 2012)

And of course the Local Election where I will be standing as a Independent candidate for Deganwy Ward in the County Council elections on Thursday 3rd May 2012. After the election it remains to be seen how my time and concentrations will be split, and this will depend on how successful my candidacy is and how the residents of Deganwy and Llanrhos cast there votes.

A Happy but Sad New Year

2012-01-02T17:53:00.000Z

Wishing all readers of this blog a Happy and Prosperous New Year.
I hope you had a nice Christmas and able to enjoy the festivities.

The New Year was brought in with a touch of sadness when the following was reported. Together with this, the fire in a flat on Mostyn St with a loss of life, and further 2 losing there life in a the car crash outside Llanberis the local news was not at all Happy for some North Wales families.

The loss of life of the local sailor, whose boat is registered in Deganwy is something that is closest to home. I have not heard anything further and I'm waiting to hear news of who the sailor was.
My deepest sympathies and condolences to his family. If this is a local man and part of the local sailing community then I know that that community will be rallying around to support.

It is a reminder to us all to be thankful for the family and friends that we have.

http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news//tm_headline=body-washed-up-after-boat-got-into-trouble-off-north-wales%26method=full%26objectid=30044736%26siteid=55578-name_page.html

The body of man was found washed up on the shore yesterday after a sailor got into trouble at sea on New Year’s Eve in gale force winds.
The grim discovery was made yesterday morning by members of Llandudno lifeboat team at west shore near the resort at 9.15am.
A search had been launched involving lifeboat crews on New Year’s Eve after reports a 64-year-old sailor was in difficulties anchored off Penmaenbach point.
He was unsure of his location in bad weather conditions and was cold and disorientated.

Holyhead Coastguard had been in contact with him by his mobile phone to ask if he was okay and, if he had a life jacket, to put it on.
Sadly one of the last messages the Coastguard had with the man was he was going to put the life saving jacket on before communication was lost with him.
At 10.20pm. Holyhead Coastguard asked for Llandudno's all-weather lifeboat 'Andy Pearce' to be launched to join the Conwy RNLI inshore lifeboat in a search for the yacht.
Another Llandudno lifeboat was also launched at 11pm to join the search.
By this time, the Conwy crew had managed to locate the yacht in the darkness, but found it to be unoccupied. Lifeboats, the North Wales Police helicopter and Coastguard teams conducted a search and resumed it the next day
A Llandudno lifeboat spokesman said: “At 9.15 am the Llandudno personnel found a body on the west shore beach. This was immediately reported to the Coastguard.”

Merry Christmas

2011-12-23T12:43:00.001Z

Signing Off for a Few Days

Wishing you and your families a Wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Take Care

Jason, Kirsty, Kallum and Thomas

blah d blah Christmas message 2011

2011-12-21T14:20:00.000Z

blah d blah Christmas message 2011

Christmas Celebrations in Deganwy

2011-12-16T21:46:00.000Z

Saturday 17th December

History of Deganwy Group Christmas Exhibition.

10:30am - 3:30pm

Peniel Chapel, off Ty Mawr Rd, Deganwy

Deganwy Christmas Carols and Father Christmas Visit

with Llandudno Town Band

2pm

Tan Y Fron Playground (off Pentywyn Rd), Deganwy

organised by Conwy Town Council

Saturday 24th December, Christmas Eve

not Deganwy but still worthy of a mention

Conwy Town Carols on Lancaster Square at 6pm

with Sioned Terry and the Beulah Band.

Father Christmas on the Castle and Fireworks at 6.50 -7pm

organised by Conwy Town Counil

Monday 26th December, Boxing Day

Boxing Day Dip,

Deganwy Promenade.

Fancy dress and prizes for charities.

11am

Prize-giving afterwards at Conway Yacht Club, Deganwy.

organised by Conwy Town Council

I can not take any credit for any of the above.
The last 3 events are all courtesy of Conwy Town Council, thank you to Cllr Vicky MacDonald for passing on the details.
The History Group exhibition has been organised by group committee member Fiona Richards.

If you do have time to attend any of the above I'm sure you will have and enjoyable time, and in relation to the exhibition could learn some interesting information about the local area.

In case I don't post before the big day.

I wish you all and your families a Wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Colwyn Bay Waterfront, New design Good or Bad?

2011-12-12T20:38:00.003Z

Dear Jason,

I stumbled upon your blog piece about the pier while I was researching the Colwyn Bay Waterfront proposals. I have some concerns which I’ve written about here:

http://colwynbay.wordpress.com/2011/12/11/waterfront-project/

I’d be interested to hear your thoughts.

Many thanks,

Images from Colwyn Bay Observer blog http://colwynbay.wordpress.com/

Deganwy Letters in Weekly News

2011-12-11T19:53:00.001Z

Deganwy is open for business, and still remains an excellent place to stop, shop and eat.

2 weeks ago Victoria Stanley, Station Rd resident and Conservative candidate for Local elections next year, wrote a letter that appeared in the Weekly News.

Vikki's comments refer to low trade in the shops, negativity, car parking, yellow lines, and lack of community spirit.
"Who wants to stop in Deganwy: HELLO, Deganwy is on the map.

What has our village done that we cannot get any funding for car parks or even decent Christmas lights.

We are on a main road through to Llandudno. Nobody wants to stop because you cannot park. It looks an eyesore. There is no community spirit.

The council now wants to put yellow lines everywhere. We used to have thriving local businesses. We have a train station, that basically is a dump, the bridge is need of painting, litter on the line. Who wants to stop here?

A few local shops tried to get some Christmas spirit going, but shop owners are so negative because of poor trade that the plan fell flat on its face. When is the council going to wake up and encourage a local community, instead if taking all the time?

I suppose if we had the Welsh Assembly building we would get rejuvenated like the Junction. We have the Quay Hotel which employs locals as well as others and yet we cannot offer decent local facilities for their guests. We are on the map, take note, we want some input."

This week there is a response form Elaine Pritchard,owner of P3 Ladies Designer Wear in Deganwy

"No negativity from my shop: As a successful businesswomen I feel aggrieved at the comments expressed by Victoria Stanley about trade in Deganwy Village.

I must stay that I for one am in the "Christmas Spirit". My shops have been decorated for the past two weeks and we are very busy with customers who are able to park though the parking situation is limited.

There are those who also come on buses or trains. We do not actually have a train station. It is a request stop and lots of people do use it.

However, I wholly agree with Victoria's comments regarding the bridge and litter. Hopefully the railway company concerned will act accordingly.

I have been trading in Deganwy for 12 years and as we continue to thrive year upon year am very fortunate to have the support of loyal customers who are local and also come from far and wide.

Even though there is an economic downturn, we have been successful enough to recently expand our business in Deganwy.

The comment of poor trade is not applicable to P3. In P3 there is no negativity."

There are a few issues that have come out of these exchange of letters.

The first is the negativity, one thing I have tried to discourage is to express negativity so publicly. In my opinion there is nothing worst to put people off visiting the area than people bringing it down with negative comments.
The reality is that compared to a lot of areas, Deganwy is doing well. You only have to look down the parade and see there are very few empty shops. This has been the case for the at least the period while I have been a Councillor. Yes occasionally there have been an empty shop or 2, but the shops do change hands. This creates an exiting and dynamic variety of shops, restaurants and business in Deganwy.
It is a shame that one of the shop keepers had some really good ideas to create a even better festive feel in Deganwy, with extra signage, decorations and craft stalls. I spoke to the shop owner on a couple of occasions and managed to attract a grant of £350 to put towards the event. It is true to say that the lack of support and negativity from a couple of people did knock the shop owner, who in the end gave up on the ideas. This was a great shame, and meant the grant was never taken up. None of these people are related with P3.
The only comments I have made on the shops is that I do believe some could do with promoting themselves, so people who don't know what is in Deganwy known why they should come and have a look. I also made a comment this year, that I felt it was disappointing that not all the shops are open on Sundays. But I know the shops have there reasons.

A big welcome to the new Thai restaurant that has just opened in Deganwy, the latest a several new business that have chosen Deganwy as the base for their trade.

Car Parking: the biggest issue here is the we can all see an excellent opportunity and that is the former Station Land adjacent to the railway. This land is in private ownership and has until recently had planning permission for a bar/restaurant. There were hopes earlier this year that the land had been sold but alas no joy here. No joy is probably an understatement due to the passing of the former owner of this land earlier this year.
I don't know about anyone else but, I never have a problem parking in the village. There is a combination of on road parking limited to 1 hour/2 hours and the car parking. Yes the car park is chargeable except for the 2 free car parking bays that I was able to introduce.
You could argue for the car park to be free, like the other on in Deganwy on Deganwy Rd. But the issue here is it would be taken up with shop and office workers, leaving limited space for visitors. If you made it free but limited time, this would mean a traffic warden having to regularly visit to control it, and if there is anything I get contacted about is when the traffic wardens are in Deganwy "putting off" visitors.
There is always issues with Car Parking and yes it would be good to have more spaces, but I also believe if people wanted to stop they could. As we have heard from Elaine, the customers of P3 can still find ways and means to visit the shop. This is just one example of the businesses that attract visitors into the village.

The yellow lines, issue I assume relates to York Rd, where consultation has recently happened into putting yellow lines on the 2 bends. This is to try and make the road safer for 2 way traffic. This has been in the pipeline for sometime and was raised as a big issue by locals when the Deganwy Mews houses where built behind York Rd.

Community Spirit: I refute the suggestion by Vikki that Deganwy does have a community spirit. It has in fact got a great deal of community spirit, the issue is that it is quite diversely spread around the village. I believe due to the geographical layout of the village, with the village cut with The Vardre right through the middle, it means we don't have a conventional village centre. Through my role as Councillor you do get to see that there are pockets of community spirit around the village, but it related to different resident groups, communities of the churches/chapel, the school and other groups (E.g. Friendship, WI, clubs, History of Deganwy).

The one main time that the whole village do get together is during the now annual Deganwy Prom Day, of which Vikki has been a valued member of the committee for the last couple of years. This is a great event, and it is great to see to see people from all over Deganwy and Llanrhos all down on the Promenade to enjoy the events and entertainment.

More money from CCBC, yes that would be nice wouldn't it. I have spoken with some people who have some very exciting ideas of how the the whole read system could be changed to encourage people to slow down and stop. Alas this does need money. Money which CCBC does not have alone. The problem here is that you need the assistance of the Welsh Government to spend such money, and they generally will concentrate their efforts on Strategic Regeneration Areas. Something that Deganwy due to its demographics and location has continually missed out on.
Some money has been spent on Deganwy, not all by the shops and we are due to have the Public Conveniences not only saved, but also being refurbished. I have also encouraged CCBC to bring the kiosk back into use on the Prom.
But compared to some areas it is not bad, in fact I think Deganwy is a lovely place to visit.

There are not many places where you have such a diverse selection of business, with fantastic views across the estuary. Places to shop, eat and visit. Able to get there by path, road, bus, train and boat (not forgetting the River Taxi). Then be able to walk/cycle along the estuary path to Conwy, Deganwy Quay Hotel and Marina or to West Shore, or how about take a walk onto the Vardre and to the Deganwy Castle to see the results of the recent conservation project implemented by CADW.

I think that once the Deganwy Castle Hotel development happens it will freshen up that end of the Station Rd. That reminds me I must put in some calls to see where that is up to, no sign of the Planning Application that was expected to have been submitted by now.

Deganwy is open for business, and still remains an excellent place to stop, shop and eat.

Libraries Modernisation and Meetings w/c 5th December

2011-12-04T20:29:00.001Z

Libraries
Firstly I would like to say how glad I am that alternative options have been sort for some of the libraries.
I have played a small part in this, when a report came through Scrutiny and Cabinet late last year I expressed my concern on the options being proposed in the options paper.
http://jasonweyman.blogspot.com/2011/01/seven-county-libraries-face-closures.html
At this time the options seems to be just a case of how many libraries would close. I was keen that alternative models be considered.

In the new year the Acting Chief Executive, after hearing my concerns/ideas, asked me to join a working group of a 3 councillors and officer to discuss the options, and to agree what would be put in a consultation document.
I spoke with other councillors and visited Penrhyn Bay library with local members.
I was keen for alternative models to be put forward in the consultation document, with examples of what has been done in other areas, including the idea of collaboration with local volunteer groups.
These were put in the consultation documents and there were strong expressions of interest in some of the communities wanted to discuss these models further. Unfortunately Deganwy Library did not get very much response in relation to the other libraries, but at least it looks like up to 5 other libraries could be saved in some form.
Although I attended most of the working party meetings in the first half of the year, due to my new job my participation in recent meeting has not been as active, but I'm very pleased that the ideas have materialised into a workable solution.
I do believe the solutions still need a lot of work, and community groups will need to support the model. But from what I heard from other councillors I'm sure this will be possible in the identified areas.
http://www.conwy.gov.uk/sectionextra.asp?cat=8955&Language=1

Meetings

Monday 5th December
4:30pm: Llanrhos Old School Restoration Committee,
Our first meeting in the freshly refurbished Old School.

7pm: Christmas Meal with other board members of Cartrefi Conwy

Tuesday 6th December
7/8pm - Residents Associations Committee Xmas Celebration

Wednesday 7th December
2pm: Joint Conwy and Denbighshire Partnership Scrutiny Committee
I will be chairing the first (INFORMAL) joint scrutiny committee, between Conwy and Denbighshire on Wednesday. Although it is not possible for a formal legislative meeting, it will be possible after May 2012, when the new Local Government Measure comes into affect. With the level of collaboration and partnerships that exist between the 2 authorities, I have been keen to implement the joint committee, in order for us to improve understanding each other, to be appreciate that both sets of councillor have similar concerns and also for save the time of officers and other bodies to save time by only having to attend 1 meeting instead of 2 separate meetings.
This is a start, we are planning another meeting next year before the end of this administration. I hope the concept will then be in place for future meetings to take place under the new administration after May 2012, whoever that will be.

7pm: History of Deganwy Group Committee Meeting
Peniel Chapel Schoolroom, Deganwy

Thursday 8th December
10am: Full Council, Bodlondeb
Agenda:

1. Prayer

2. Apologies for absence

3. Declarations of Interest: Code of Local Government Conduct - Members are reminded that they must declare the existence and nature of their declared personal interests.

4.Minutes of the Council - To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the Council held on 20 October 2011.

5. Urgent Matters - Notice of items which, in the opinion of the Chairman, should be considered at the meeting as a matter of urgency pursuant to Section 100B(4) of the Local Government Act 1972.

6. To receive any announcements from the Chairman, Leader, Members of the Cabinet or the Chief Executive

7.To answer questions under Council Procedure Rule No. 14.2

8.Constitution and Maladministration Committee - To approve the recommendations contained in the Minutes of the Constitution and Maladministration Committee held on 15 November 2011.

9. Standards Committee - To receive the Minutes of the meetings of the Standards Committee held on 3 October 2011.

10. Presentation - Horizon Nuclear Power

11. Electoral Administration Act 2006 - Review of Polling Districts and Polling Places

12. Exempt Items: Local Government Act 1972, Section 100A and Schedule 12A (Access to Information)

To consider passing a resolution under the provisions of Section 100A(4) of the above Act to exclude the Public and Press from the meeting during consideration of the following item(s), as it is likely that, if present, there would be disclosure to them of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 14 of Part 4 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972.

12i Proposed Strategic Management Arrangements

12ii Director of Social Services

12iii Head of Regulatory Services and Housing

English: http://modgoveng.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=207&MId=2682&Ver=4

Cymraeg: http://modgovcym.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=207&MId=2682&Ver=4

Friday 9th December 2011

Conwy & Denbighshire Collaboration Board

due to work commitment in Chester I'm not sure if I will be back in time for this meeting.

Conwy County Borough Council : Deganwy to Eglwysbach Register of Site Allocation Representations

2011-11-28T19:42:00.000Z

Conwy County Borough Council : Deganwy to Eglwysbach Register of Site Allocation Representations

Increased costs for Conwy Quay Jetty

2011-11-27T21:18:00.001Z

The following is minute 1182 of Cabinet meeting on 10th May 2011

RESOLVED-
(a) That approval be given for the project to proceed on the basis
of the revised estimated budget for the construction of the jetty
in the amount of £406,331, which will be funded from
unsupported prudential borrowing, and repaid from an
increase in fees.
(b) That if the proposed contract cost is above £406,331 following
the tender exercise, the decision as to whether to let a contract
be made by Cabinet.

The above resolution was taken following the initial estimate increasing by £196K due to the "unanticipated geological ground conditions, identified as part of the site investigations of the project had necessitated a revised design for the piling element of the project and a different method of erecting the piles."

The additional £196,331 was going to be funded from unsupported prudential burrowing (or to you and me a mortgage). The would equate to £11k per annum from the revenue budget, this itself would have to be paid for from increased harbour related fees. I reported on this at the time and my concern was that this would mean harbour users would have to expect in my estimate increases of 10% in the fees.
http://jasonweyman.blogspot.com/2011/05/conwy-quay-jetty-approved.html

I did raise the question last time at the Harbour Authority as to whether the harbour users and the people who were going to foot the bill and been consulted on this. The answer was that only certain representatives had been consulted.

It now seems following the tendering exercise that the minimum acceptable solution to the construction of a new jetty is £497K. The additional £90K has come form Construction (+£43K), Contingency of £40k not included in the initial estimate and Project Costs (+£7.5K)

The proposal is that additional funding is sort from external grants. Currently this avenue has been unsuccessful. The alternative is that the addition is now added to the borrowing, which will increase the yearly revenue hit to £14K.

It is not unlikely that the jetty construction will happen this financial year. At the Harbour Authority on Wednesday evening, I will be suggesting that during the delay while alternative funding is sort, that a full consultation with the the harbour users is held to see whether they believe the increased fees are a price worth paying for the new jetty.

I will also ask for clarification of the figure of £15K being suggested as the annual dredging cost of the existing jetty. I will also question that this is not included within the current Harbour budgets. Yet the existing jetty has been maintained within budgets.

The argument of the officers being that £15K is more expensive than the £14K interest/capital repayments of the borrowing.
So does this mean that had the new jetty not been suggested the the fees would still have had to be increased by more than 10%.

I think it is only fair that we receive a breakdown of what fees will be increased to pay for the jetty or the dredging.

For the latest report on the increased costs that will be presented to the Harbour Authority on Wednesday evening and to Cabinet on 13th December click:
http://modgoveng.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=206&MId=2981&Ver=4

I am also concerned about the number of reports we have recently had where the solution to funding has been unsupported borrowing. It is not in my opinion the best method to support a particular spend because it means we have to pay for it over the next 20+ years.

The Jetty, the Additional Care Home Fees and the impact of the Job Evaluation have all recently been approved for unsupported borrowing. This follows very limited use of this feature in the past. I have expressed my concern at Council.
We have recently also heard that the state of the Highways of the County could need substantial investment, I can see another request for this type of borrowing materialising in the near future.
http://www.digitalhen.co.uk/news/uk-wales-north-west-wales-15747547
http://modgoveng.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=452&MId=2992&Ver=4
The minutes of the Communities Scrutiny have yet to be published and I wasn't at the meeting, but I would expect the funding recommendations to be going to Cabinet shortly.

Conwy County Borough Council : Children and Young People Roadshow 2011

2011-11-26T19:49:00.000Z

Conwy County Borough Council : Children and Young People Roadshow 2011

Budget and Savings

2011-11-20T15:33:00.001Z

Normally by this time of year I would have started discussing one of the Council's most difficult yearly decisions in determining the Council Tax.

Saying that I also over the last 2 years have tried to demonstrate that setting the budget is not done on one day in February but actually is process that takes all year to achieve.

As a member of the budget working group over the last few years I have seen the efforts that are taking place to reduce spend and to cope with the reduced income form the Welsh Government.

We have now received our provisional settlement announcement from Welsh Government. Needless to say the settlement is worse that the indication we had 12 months ago.

2. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
2.1 The announcement of the provisional Settlement has produced a reduced
level of grant support from the Welsh Government (WG) from that reported
to Members in September 2011.
2.2 The final Settlement might see further reductions for Conwy due to further
data changes and a specific grant which may be transferred through
formula in to the Settlement.
2.3 The overall resource shortfall of £7.531m has been reduced by a number
of firm savings, and plans to save, which together with additional income
from Council Tax produces a revised shortfall of £605k at this point in
time.
2.4 Member support is vital to ensure that the ambitious but achievable saving
targets are met for 2012/2013. There will be a need to engage with, and
gain the support of our Union colleagues together with our staff to ensure
that delivery of the budget is achieved in a way that demonstrates effective
use of resources while attempting to protect services to the people we
serve

The provisional Settlement provides Conwy with a decrease in Aggregate
External Finance (AEF) of -0.4% (2011/2012 compared with 2012/2013)
set against an all Wales increase in AEF of +0.2%

This reduced funding of £449K in itself is difficult to manage, but

it is made more difficult when the 2 biggest budgets within the authority are protected from and overall cuts. Any savings made with Education and Social Services are ring fenced in that service. Savings are still required in these services to counteract against the inflation increases. So all the savings required to tackle the reduced funding, increased inflation, reduction of other grant revenue, increases in number of "looked after" people means we are having to find an additional £7.5M of savings for the next financial year.

No mean feat, although the work that has been taking place for the last few years has mean that we have many of these savings already identified. There is still some time to go to but it looks like we still have £1M to find.

An assumption that Council Tax will be a 4% increase, will generate an additional £1.6M. This is assumed in the calculations above. A decision earlier this year asked that this be an assumed maximum increase. There is still work to be done and the final element to consider in the new year will balance the request for any new business cases for spend against the impact on the Council Tax payer.

Full details on the current saving s and the expected budget can be found as part of the agenda documents for the last Principal Scrutiny on 7th November.
http://modgoveng.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=107&MId=2734&Ver=4

Christmas Parking and other Cabinet decisions

2011-11-20T14:44:00.001Z

More form the 15th November Cabinet Meeting.

The "free after 3pm" parking during the Christmas Period (Sunday, 11 December 2011 to Sunday, 8 January 2012 inclusive,) will be repeated again this year.

The recommendation was also made to continue with the determining of the closure of Ysgol Rowen.

The attached minutes also details that the Catering at Venue Cymru will now be taken in-house. The contract with the current suppliers is due to expire. I know when the Market Test into the potential outsourcing of the management of Venue Cymru in 2010 that the the Catering Contract was a complexity to these discussions. The plan to bring the catering in-house will give the management a much better oppurtunity to run the whole site as a business. The food and beverage side, can be a good income generator and if done well could improve the financial performance of Venue Cymru as a whole. The Council employed management team now have everything at there disposal to achieve the business plan that they put together in response to the Market Test. This is what they are being measured against.

http://modgoveng.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=171&MId=2983&Ver=4

Minutes:

560. Christmas Parking

The Cabinet Member for Infrastructure presented a report seeking approval for concessionary parking for the Christmas 2011 period.

In 2010, Cabinet approved concessionary ‘Free after Three’ Christmas Parking throughout the Authority (with exemptions). It was proposed that a similar scheme be implemented this year running from Sunday, 11 December 2011 to Sunday, 8 January 2012 inclusive, with exemptions for Venue Cymru, the Great Orme Summit car parks and Coach Parks.

Members agreed that for future years, delegated authority should be given to the Joint Head of Service for Highways and Infrastructure in consultation with the Cabinet Members for Infrastructure and Finance and Resources to implement concessionary parking for the Christmas period, including consideration of any requests from Town and Community Councils.

Members also requested that a press release be issued in relation to this matter.

RESOLVED-

(a) That ‘Free after Three’ concessionary Christmas Parking be approved from Sunday, 11 December 2011 to Sunday, 8 January 2012 inclusive as outlined in the committee report with exemptions for Venue Cymru, the Great Orme Summit car parks and Coach Parks.

(b) That should a request from the Bay of Colwyn Town Council for additional concessions be received again this year, that delegated authority be given to the Joint Head of Highways and Infrastructure in consultation with the Cabinet Members for Infrastructure and Finance and Resources to approve the request. These additional concessions to be funded by the Town Council.

(c) That for future years, delegated authority be given to the Joint Head of Highways and Infrastructure in consultation with the Cabinet Members for Infrastructure and Finance and Resources to implement concessionary parking for the Christmas Period including consideration of any requests from Town and Community Councils.

(d) That the Cabinet Member for Infrastructure together with the Cabinet Member for Corporate Modernisation issue a press release in relation to this matter.

561.Ysgol Rowen

The Cabinet Member for Lifelong Learning and Skills presented a report seeking approval to continue the statutory process for determining the possible closure of Ysgol Rowen by 6 April 2012.

Following the consultation exercise which ran from 5 October 2011 until 2 November 2011, only two responses had been received. In addition, a public meeting had been held on 12 October 2011, which had been attended by six people. The Cabinet Member for Communities, who is also the Local Electoral Division Member for Caerhun stated that unfortunately he had not received the letter, which Officers had sent informing him of the date and time of the public meeting.

RESOLVED-

That approval be given for the continuation of the statutory process for determining the closure of Ysgol Rowen, Rowen by 6 April 2012.

564. Catering at Venue Cymru

The Cabinet Member for Communities presented a report seeking approval on the way forward for the catering service at Venue Cymru.

Members fully supported the proposals detailed within the committee report and the benefits of proper in-house control, particularly in relation to pricing strategies.

RESOLVED-

That approval be given for the catering service to be brought in-house.

Latest on Colwyn Bay Pier

2011-11-20T14:14:00.001Z

Attached are the draft minutes from the Cabinet meeting held on the 15th November.
I wasn't present but the latest situation was considered in exempt items (i.e. public excluded). The minutes of the meeting are public and appear on the CCBC website.

I have read the exempt reports and Business Plan, although I'm not sure whether the business plan available online for councillors, was the final one discussed at the meeting. I can not detail the contents of the report, but I will say that I agree with the minutes where they say "it was felt by some Members that the Business Plan was over ambitious".

The only thing I would add is that the business plan does not show a growth in the first couple of years. They are assuming almost a lot of income in Year 1, I would suggest that the business plan should reflect the reality that it will take time to ramp up the business and interest, Hence a more realistic business plan, in my opinion, would show maybe 1 or 2 years of reduced income (e.g. Year 1 50%, Year 2 75%, Year 3 100%).

If the Council are expected to make any other decision at an appropriate stage it is important that we have a realistic plan. I expect the Grant Funders could also question how they will achieve the forecast straight away.

Mr. Jay Martin (Shore Thing) and Mr. Ian Parkin, the consultant which Shore Thing had engaged to develop the proposals for the restoration and development of Victoria Pier, Colwyn Bay were invited to remain in the meeting (after excluding press and public) to answer questions in relation to Minute 563 – Victoria Pier, Colwyn Bay. They then left when Cabinet discussed further.

Minutes and Recommendations:

The Cabinet Member for Communities presented a report, which provided Members with the progress being made by Shore Thing Ltd and Officers in preparing detailed proposals and funding applications for the restoration/development of Victoria Pier, Colwyn Bay.

A revised Business Plan was tabled at the meeting, which Members were requested to accept as the basis of partnership grant applications led by Conwy County Borough Council to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), Convergence and other funding bodies.

In response to a query regarding the acquisition of the Pier, the Acting Head of Legal Services provided Members with an update in relation to the negotiations with the Crown Estate.

The Section Head: Business and Enterprise also provided Members with further details of the possible funding sources and reported that Officers had supplied information to Shore Thing in relation to visitor numbers, which had helped to inform the Business Plan.

Following a question and answer session relating to the Business Plan, Mr. Jay Martin and Mr. Ian Parkin left the meeting in order for Cabinet Members to debate the proposals further.

Members considered the risks to the Council once the Pier had been acquired and the contingency plans if the proposals failed.

The Business Plan and Profit and Loss Projections were discussed in detail and it was felt by some Members that the Business Plan was over ambitious and the following concerns were highlighted:

· Income in relation to the footfall particularly in relation to the catering and bar functions

· Expenditure in relation to Staffing Costs

· Impact the rental units in the Commercial Zone will have on the kiosks currently located on the Promenade

· The need to market the Pier and have appropriate infrastructure/signage in place in the Town Centre

There was also concern in relation to the reputational risk to the Council, and in response the Chief Executive provided Members with details of the key trigger points and the phased programme of action options that could be progressed based on the degree of funding success. The Chief Executive confirmed that final approval would be dependent on all funding packages being in place.

Members acknowledged that the Business Plan was the basis for the proposals and that more detailed plans would be required if HLF supported the initial application.

The Acting Head of Accountancy and Exchequer informed Members that the Finance Department had reviewed the Business Plan and whilst it was normal for a Business Plan not to include inflation (both in relation to income and expenditure), Finance Officers also felt that the Plan was currently ambitious and suggested that if timescales permitted, Officers reviewed the Business Plan further in order that Officers were comfortable with the projected assumptions prior to submission to the HLF.

The Chair of the Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee informed Members that the Committee had supported the recommendations within the report at its meeting on 27 October 2011 and reiterated the timescales and key trigger points, which would provide the Council with the opportunity to consider more detailed plans.

Local Members also urged the Cabinet to support the proposals as a key element of the regeneration of the Colwyn Bay area. Cabinet recognised that there are risks associated with this scheme but that, on balance, the risk of progressing to the next stage were less than a decision not to progress.

RESOLVED-

(a) That the proposals from Shore Thing Ltd for the restoration and development of the Pier, be supported subject to confirmation from the Section 151 Officer, that the Business Plan is as robust as currently possible following a further review by Finance Officers. That these proposals then form the basis of partnership grant applications, led by Conwy County Borough Council to the Heritage Lottery Fund, Convergence and others so as to realise these proposals.

(b) That the previous recommendations be reconfirmed and that negotiations are commenced with Shore Thing to establish a draft lease to enable them to manage the pier post acquisition and renovation.

(Note: Councillors Philip C. Evans J.P and Graham Rees J.P. voted against the above resolutions)

Conwy County Borough Council : Warm Home Discount Scheme

2011-11-18T23:38:00.000Z

Conwy County Borough Council : Warm Home Discount Scheme

Standards committee seem to have issues with social media, but the website encourages us to share stories via this medium !!

Standards Committee and Blogs

2011-11-18T21:22:00.001Z

I have been meaning to post on this for a while.
At a Council meeting in July (the one I didn't attend) the Chairman of the Standards Committee spoke with Councillors about Disclosure of Confidential Information.

This follows a concern that a councillor involved in a meeting of the Colwyn Bay Task and Finish Group, Communities Scrutiny or Cabinet had spoken with the press and disclosed information.

First of all this was not me, and I have never disclosed any confidential information on my blog. Yet it seems that "Councillors Blogs" were discussed in the same discussion. In this regard I have only detailed public minutes and expressed my concern, but have not disclosed confidential information.
http://jasonweyman.blogspot.com/2011/04/colwyn-bay-pier-minutes-from-cabinet.html

As far as I know the only other Conwy Councillors that have a blog are Cllr Mike Priestley and Cllr Janet Finch Saunders AM. Now it is re-freshening for other councillors to have blogs but Cllr Janet's blog is mainly in relation to her new AM role and although Cllr Mike's is informative, it's probably not as prolific as mine. So any reference to Blogs in this instance most be directed in my direction.

It seems whenever this type of thing happens the aspersions are aimed in my direction. Below are minutes of the Council and the Standards meeting. I got fed up sometime ago about having to say "it wasn't me".

At this point it is worth noting that I have never been approached by any members of the Standards Committee or by officers about my blog. So if they do have these concerns then may be they should discuss it with me direct. Or are they scared I will post about it.

Sometime ago I did have a one conversation with a Senior Officer about one specific entry which they felt was close to the wire, but this was prior to the Pier and it was a friendly discussion. Apart from that there was the Towyn and Kinmel Bay issue, to which the Ombudsman stated I hadn't done anything wrong, but that I should be careful - which I am.

So to read the entry highlighted in red, I have to take this personally. I can not understand why nobody has been bothered to discuss the situation with me.

Even after 3.5 years of me blogging, it seems some are still not comfortable with it. I would suggest that the members of the standards committee should actually read the blog and then have the initiative to actually discuss this with me. I would quite freely attend a meeting of Standards to explain why I blog and to reassure them that I always post within the rules. In fact I believe I probably have a better understanding of these rules then a lot of others, because I have to consider it every time I post.

Minutes of Standards Committee of 6th June:

DISCLOSURE OF CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION
The Monitoring Officer presented a report, which brought to the attention
of the Standards Committee an apparent disclosure of confidential
information by a Conwy Councillor.
Members were informed that it had appeared from a press report that a
Conwy County Borough Councillor had provided confidential information to
a press reporter. The Committee’s attention was drawn to a copy of an
article from the North Wales Weekly News and a letter from the Monitoring
Officer sent to all Members.
The Council, through a Task and Finish Group (4 April 2011), the
Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee (7 April 2011) and
Cabinet on 12 April 2011, discussed its role in relation to Colwyn Bay Pier
in private, after having considered and passed the appropriate resolutions
to exclude the press and public.
On 14 April 2011 the article appeared at page 3 of the Colwyn edition of
the North Wales Weekly News. The article made a clear reference to
“One anonymous councillor ……” divulging confidential information to the
reporter.
The Monitoring Officer had sent a letter to all Members of the Council
reminding them of the Council’s Code of Conduct and that to disclose
confidential information was a breach of that Code of Conduct.
The Standards Committee were disappointed that a breach of the Code of
Conduct had occurred, especially as the Committee had issued direct
advice regarding the Disclosure of Confidential Information.
Further comments were made as follows:-
• The actions of one Councillor could bring the whole of the Council
into disrepute
• Concern was raised with regard to Councillors’ blog sites and the
information that was posted on those sites in relation to Council
business. As a way forward it was agreed that an addendum be
added to the Disclosure of Confidential Information advice in relation
to social media sites
• It was noted that in England a Councillor was ‘never not a Councillor’
• To relay the concerns of the Standards Committee it was suggested
that the Chair of Standards Committee should attend the next full
Council meeting, and address the Council in relation to the
seriousness of releasing confidential information to the press
• Within that statement the Chair should emphasise that if a Councillor
was aware that another Councillor had breached the Code of
Conduct it was their duty to report that breach to the Ombudsman
RESOLVED-
(a) That the Chair of the Standards Committee addresses full
Council on 7 July 2011 in relation to the seriousness of
Councillors disclosing confidential information to the press
(b) That an addendum be added to the Disclosure of
Confidential Information advice in relation to the use of
social media sites by Councillors.

Minutes of Council Meeting 7th July.

The Chairman of the Standards Committee, Mr Howie Roberts, was in attendance and addressed the Council on matters relating to the Disclosure of Confidential Information, an issue which had become a particular concern to the Standards Committee.

Mr Roberts advised the Council as follows:-

· The Standards Committee had received a report from the Monitoring Officer following what appeared to have been a blatant disclosure of confidential information by a Conwy County Borough Councillor to a local press reporter

· The Standards Committee believed that such a blatant disclosure of confidential information was clearly a breach of the Code of Conduct that all Members had signed up to, and the Committee would take a very dim view of such a breach of the Code, if it was to come before them for adjudication

· It created a really poor impression of Councillors generally, as people who cannot be trusted to keep a confidence.

· As Chair of the Standards Committee and on behalf of the Committee Mr Roberts requested that all Councillors think very carefully before being tempted to disclose confidential information to anyone – including the media. It could result in that particular Member being in front of the Standards Committee or Adjudication Panel for Wales facing suspension or disqualification which would be damaging to the reputation of the Council

· Mr Roberts reminded Members that if they have a reasonable belief that another Councillor had acted in breach of the Code of Conduct, possibly by disclosing confidential information, they were obliged by the Code to report that breach to the Ombudsman, otherwise they themselves would be failing to comply with the Code

· Mr Roberts stated that the Code of Conduct was in place to protect Members. The Standards Committee offered all Councillors training on the Code of Conduct, and it was essential that all Members attend future training sessions

Election Candidates for Deganwy next year

2011-11-16T19:38:00.001Z

I'm sure after the number of elections and referendums over the last couple of years, the last thing you want to know about is another one.
But May 2012 is now just 6 months away and all of Wales will have Local Elections for Town/Community Councils and County Councils.

As I standing councillor, my interest is obviously looking out to who will be standing in my ward of Deganwy.

The Conservative Party have been having their selection processes. So I was keen to discover who they had selected as candidates for the 2 seats for Deganwy.

Initially I was under the impression that current Town Councillor Cllr Sam Cotton was going to stand for the County Council. Sam has decided that she is already dealing with the Council on a daily basis working for Guto Bebb, MP. So she has decided not to stand for the County but I am very glad she will be standing as a Town Councillor. Sam is also the Chairman of the Deganwy and District Residents Association.

The 2 people I understand that are standing in the Deganwy Ward for the Conservatives are:

Vikki Stanley
Cllr Julie Fallon

I know both Vikki and Julie to different extents and I get on with both of them and I think it fair to say that I'm sure both would make good councillors.

Vikki lives on Station Rd and Julie is a near neighbour of ours on Bron Vardre Ave. I have worked with Vikki to a larger extent through the Residents Association and Prom Day committees.

Julie stood in the Marl Ward recent bi-election, which was won by Cllr Sue Shotter, Lib Dem. Julie was co-opted onto Conwy Town Council.

I'm yet to know about anyone else or whether my fellow ward councillor, Cllr Dennis Tew will be re-standing.

As you know I have recently started a full time job at blah d blah in Conwy. This has reduced the amount of time I am now spending at Council meetings. Saying that for 18 months I was there virtually full time. I am using the next few months to see whether I can continue in both my roles effectively. Although I have to juggle commitments and it is hard work, I still believe I am fulfilling my role as councillor. If at any point I didn't think it was possible I would prefer to give up and allow someone else to take on the role.

There has been a rumour around Council that I had already announced I wasn't standing. I was also told this last night at the Residents meeting. Although I haven't made my final decision I certainly haven't decided not to stand.

At this point it is looking very positive that I will be standing next year as an Independent.

I hope that my actions over the last 4 years will stand me in good stead, and I hope I have brought a fresh and challenging approach to the Council. It is never an easy task to make massive changes, but I do believe I've achieved a great deal. One thing that I have definitely learnt is that you can not make any promises on certain items in an election campaign. I never did this in 2008 and instead just highlighted what I could bring to the table, and promised to do my best.

I also hope my blog and more recent Twitter accounts, have opened up some of the workings of the Council and of being a Councillor. I have tried to be as open and honest in my work. If nothing else I hope any perspective candidates have a look over the past 750+ posts to have an idea of what is involved.

At the end of the day it will be the residents of Deganwy and Llanrhos that will have the final say in May 2012. Until then there is still lots of work to be done.

£240,000 Llanrhos old school restoration project completed

2011-11-12T20:00:00.000Z

£240,000 Llanrhos old school restoration project completed

Wales Rally in Llandudno and Conwy

2011-11-12T19:24:00.001Z

Due to other commitments I didn't get a chance to see much of the Rally in the area on Thursday.
Saw the fireworks in Conwy as I left work, and saw some of the cars going down the A55 on the way to the forest stage.
Also had the chance to see some of the cars along Mostyn Street in the evening as I was on my way to the North Wales Business Club dinner at the St George's Hotel.

I having some Google Alerts set up for various phrases such as Llandudno and Conwy, and the number of links from media across the globe to this phrases has been very impressive. I know one of the aims was to attract attention and visitors to the area, and it certainly has done this.

As with all these things, some people will have been inconvenienced due to the nature of the event. But if we want to try and promote the area and give business the opportunity to promote themselves to the visitors and living in a predominantly tourist area then we have to strike a balance.

One of my alerts directed me to these You Tube videos:

Wales GB Rally - Thursday 10th November

2011-11-07T19:51:00.000Z

Details of Thursday activities in Llandudno and Conwy for the Wales Rally GB

TIMETABLE - Thursday10 November

77cars have registered for this year’s rally. It will take approximately 1hour30minutes for the cars to pass any one point. The first car through each pointis scheduled at:

Start(Mostyn Street,Llandudno) 2.30pm

SS 1 Great Orme 1 2.38pm

SS 2 Great Orme 2 2.55pm

SS 3 Clocaenog 4.18pm

Opening Ceremony (Conwy Quay) 5.56pm

Service A (Mostyn Street, Llandudno) 6.25pm

Parc Ferme (Front of Venue Cymru, Llandudno) 6.55pm

OPENING CEREMONY

The International cars will be flagged off in Mostyn Street,Llandudno from approximately 2.30pm on Thursday 10 November. This will mean a road closure in place from12am until 12pm.

Llandudno will also host the early evening remote serviceand overnight Parc Fermé on Thursday.

Theofficial launch of the rally will take place on Conwy Quay from approximately6pm – 7.30pm and CCBC will also be adding to this with medieval entertainmentfrom 4pm until 8.30pm.

Inorder to facilitate the launch and related entertainment, the following roadclosures will be in place:

Conwy Quay (6am – 12am)
High Street (12pm – 12am) approximately as these timings are still in discussion

Allpublic car parks in the Conwy area (Morfa Bach, VicarageGardens, Mount Pleasant and Bodlondeb) will beavailable.

Relevantsignage will direct both traffic andpedestrians and all diversions will be fully publicised.

GREAT ORME

The Great Orme stage comprises 3.3 miles of tighttwisting, demanding tarmac road that follows the contours of the headlandmountain which is set in the Irish Sea. TheOrme is a very famous stage and was historically used on the Lombard RAC Rally,the last time being 30 years ago. It has many dangers, other than the normalcontours, including the 3" high kerbs located on the seaward side, afterwhich there is a small wall adjacent to a vertical drop to the sea.

Access to the Great Orme is very limited, due to theobvious dangers of the stage being located on the edge of a cliff face. Nopedestrian access is allowed through the start or finish - the only access isby ticket only which will grant access to the road via the top of the Orme.

Providing a full day of entertainment, there will be catering, commentary,merchandise and a big screen available to spectators on the Great Orme.Entertainment in advance of the WRC stage will include a thrilling display ofdriving skill from historic rally group Slowly Sideways.

Once on the Orme, spectators will have access to two viewing sites.

Viewing Point 1 - A fairly easy walk taking about10-15 mins from the car park.
This location offers good long viewing with limited close viewing options andlimited facilities for spectators with disabilities. Spectators will not beallowed to climb areas of the Orme due to dangers involved.

Viewing Point 2 - Mainly a flat walk taking about20 mins from the car park.
From this location spectators will have the opportunity to view the cars atclose quarters and see some spectacular driving as crews reach the highestpoint of the stage, coming into view from round a fast left into a fast right.This sequence is very fast and the cars will then power away along a very quickstretch of road which has ample viewing points. Catering and other facilities(big screen, commentary and merchandise) will be available at this location.

Disabled

There will be limited disabled parking at both car parksbut access to the Great Orme Stage is not recommended for less-abled spectatorswho may be in wheelchairs. Viewing Point 1 is recommended.

TICKETS

Access to the Great Orme will be by ticket only - eitherthe Great Orme Special Stage ticket (not transferable, no re-admission) or theWorld Rally Pass.
In advance of the event, spectators can purchase theGreat Orme Special Stage ticket (£20 per adult / £1 per child aged 9-15,children aged 8 or under go free) and World Rally Pass (£99 per adult)either online, on the telephone hotline or via selected outlets - see http://www.walesrallygb.com/ for details.Terms and conditions apply.
On the day, and strictly subject to availability,spectators will be able to purchase the Great Orme Special Stage ticket (£20per adult / £5 per child aged 9-15, children aged 8 or under go free) and theWorld Rally Pass (£99 per adult) at Venue Cymru (open Thursday 08:00 - 21:00)
OR
strictly subject to availability, spectators can purchase the Great OrmeSpecial Stage ticket (£20 per adult / £5 per child aged 9-15, children aged 8or under go free) at the Park and Ride car park. Terms and conditions apply.

Programmes: Each adult ticket includes a copy of the official programme (value£9.00)

ROAD CLOSURES

Thefollowing roads will be closed at the times stated on Thursday 10^thNovember:

1. Marine Drive: 12am – 8pm

2. St Tudno’s Road: 6am – 6pm

3. Old Road: 6am – 6pm

4. Ty Gwyn Road: 6am – 6pm

5. Mostyn Street: 12am – 12am (11^th Nov)

6. Clonmel Street: 12am – 9pm

7. The Parade (front of Venue Cymru): 6pm (9^thNov) – 9am (11^th Nov)

8. Happy Valley Road will have restrictedaccess from the junction with North Parade. This will enable those wishing touse the ski slope to gain access along with coaches collecting or dropping offfrom the Grand Hotel. The hotel will be fully consulted with and access allowedfor their residents at all times. A full closure will be in place immediatelyafter the Grand Hotel.

Accessfor residents and hotels will be kept via Ty Gwyn Road along with those living on Llys Helig Drivealso receiving resident passes.

Allroad closures will be fully advertised and residents/businesses informed of anydiversions in place.

PARKING

Twoareas will be available for spectator car parking:

1. Spectators are stronglyadvised to make use of the Park and Ride service provided by the eventorganisers. The location of the Park and Ride car park is in Bodafon Fields(entrance is off Nant Y Gamar Road, LL30 3BB).Spectators should park in the car park (open from 08:00) and will then berequired to pay a £2 PER PERSON charge for a return trip to the Great Orme onthe coach. Coaches seat approximately 80 people and will leave at regularintervals between 09:00 and 12:15. The coach will take spectators directly tothe viewing areas on the Great Orme Stage (there will be two drop offlocations) before returning to the Park and Ride car park in a circular trip.The journey to the viewing areas is expected to take 25 minutes. The last buswill leave the Park and Ride car park at 12:15 before the stage shuts down forthe competitive action to get underway from 14:38. After the Special Stage hasfinished, buses will depart from the same two pick up locations at regularintervals from approximately 16:30, returning spectators to the Park and Ridecar park. The last bus will leave the pick-up locations at 19:00. Thereafter,spectators will be obliged to make their own way down from the Great Orme.

2. Spectators will be ableto park in a non-Rally organised car park on the Great Orme itself from 08:00.Spectators using this car park will be obliged to pay £5 PER CAR and will needto show their tickets before accessing the roads leading to this car park.Spectators not in possession of a valid ticket will be obliged to purchase aGreat Orme Special Stage ticket (£20 per adult / £5 per child aged 9-15,children aged 8 or under go free).

Onlythe Maelgwyn Roadcar park will be utilised for the rally. All the other public car parks withinLlandudno itself will be available as normal, meaning that plenty of spaceswill be available for all motorists who wish to visit the entertainment in thetown or shop as normal.

Parking forofficials by the St George’s Hotel will be by permit only on the promenade andthere will be stewards at that location.

PARKING RESTRICTIONS

Restrictionswill be in place throughout all closures at the times stated above. Some areasof Ty Gwyn Roadwill also have parking restrictions in place in order to allow the smooth flowof traffic to and from the car park.

DIVERSIONS

Allpublic traffic coming into the town from the A470 will be diverted via Vaughan Street to Madoc Street (usingblack on yellow signage) from where motorists can access all of the public carparks.

Spectatorsfor the rally will be diverted down Queens Road and sent to the entrance for parking atBodafon Fields on Nant y Gamar Road.

Anyspectators that choose to park in the private car park on the Orme will bediverted via Vaughan Street, turning left along the promenade and then upChurch Walks to Ty Gwyn Road.

Parkingrestrictions will also be in place along various points on Ty Gwyn Road. All diversions will befully signed with qualified stewards in place at the relevant junctions.

SIGNAGE

Numeroussigns have been ordered from JT&M Signs and are being used to directtraffic off the A55 at Junction 19 (Llandudno Junction). Signage will also bein place to intercept any vehicles that access Llandudno through either Deganwyor Penrhyn Bay and will re-route them to thediversions specified previously.

Signagewill also be in place well in advance of road closures so that motorists do notfind themselves stranded in cul-de-sacs.

Aseparate signage schedule is being arranged in conjunction with the landownerfor directional signage to the Great Orme car park.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Localbus companies and taxi firms have been made aware of the rally and alternativeroutes and taxi ranks will be in place on the day so that minimum disruption iscaused to the public.

BETWS-Y-COED CAR WASH

Atpresent it is planned to host a car wash on a piece of land opposite theWaterloo Hotel between 4pm and 6.30pm. In order to ensure this does not affectthe traffic flow in the town cones will be placed from the old police houses tojust past the car park area adjacent to the 3^rd entrance for theBest Western Hotel.

BBC Two Wales
BBC Two Wales will have extensive highlights from the 2011 Wales Rally GB in an hour long special programme at 11.20pm on Monday 14 November.

Olympic Torch to visit Deganwy on 29th May 2012

2011-11-07T14:02:00.000Z

See story and full route on BBC website:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-13391986

Day 11 - 29 May 2012: Beaumaris to Chester
Beaumaris, Menai Bridge, Conwy, Deganwy, Llandudno, Penrhyn Bay, Rhos on Sea, Colwyn Bay, Old Colwyn, Abergele, Towyn, Kinmel Bay, Rhyl, Rhuddlan, Connah's Quay, Shotton, Queensferry, Hawarden, Saltney, Chester

As well as the above, other articles show that it will be at Bangor on the evening of the 28th May, and will also be incorporating a trip up Snowdon on the 29th May.

The torch will visit Deganwy amongst other locations in Conwy County on Tuesday 29th May 2012, This is just 5 days before next years Deganwy Prom Day, and we will ensure the village is decorated with the bunting.

Quay Marinas to invest in dredger for Conwy and Deganwy

2011-11-06T21:25:00.000Z

Quay Marinas to invest in dredger for Conwy and Deganwy

In a Joint Venture with The Crown Estate, Quay Marinas Ltd has placed an order for a cutter suction dredger to deal with siltation at Conwy Quays and Deganwy Quays Marinas.The Crown Estate is Quay Marinas' landlord at both marinas. The dredger and crew will also be available to work on other dredging projects for third parties.

The dredger, to be known as 'Little Orme', has been ordered from IHC in Holland and is due to be launched in December in preparation for this winter's dredging campaign.

Quay Marinas Managing Director, Simon Haigh, said 'We have used external dredging contractors at Conwy and Deganwy in past years but deploying our own dredger will enable us to carry out the work more economically and will be less disruptive to the marinas' operations.'

Gary Thompson, Coastal Manager at The Crown Estate, said 'Co-investing with Quay Marinas in the dredger not only makes financial sense but demonstrates The Crown Estate's commitment to investing in our Welsh maritime assets and to working in partnership with our tenants and stakeholders.'

http://www.quaymarinas.com/Marinas/DeganwyQuays/News/Quay-Marinas-to-invest-in-dredger-for-Conwy-and-Deganwy.aspx

Week Commencing 7th November 2011

2011-11-06T20:04:00.000Z

Lest We Forget

Monday 7th November

9:30am Scrutiny Chairs and Vice Chairs Meeting, Bodlondeb (member)

10:30am Principal Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Bodlondeb (member)
Agenda includes:

To consider a report by the Head of Environment on the following matter:

Fleet Management

To consider reports by the Acting Corporate Director and Head of Financial Services on the following matters:

Revenue Budget 2011/2012

Capital Programme 2011/2012 progress report- Half Year

Provisional Settlement 2012/2013 and Indicative Settlements 2013/2014 to 2014/2015

Exempt Items: Local Government Act 1972, Section 100A and Schedule 12A (Access to Information)

To consider a report by the Corporate Communications and Marketing Manager on the following matter:

North Wales Cricket Festival

To consider a report by the Head of Service Theatres & Conference Centre on the following matter:

Venue Cymru Restructure

Apologies given to a Regulatory Service Meeting for the afternoon

Tuesday 8th November

Working in Capenhurst all day

Wednesday 9th November

12:30pm: Meeting at Cartrefi Conwy

2pm: Education Service Review, Dinerth Room

Thursday 10th November

Working in Capenhurst in the morning

1pm and 2pm: Committee meetings at Cartrefi Conwy, Colwyn Bay (member)

Holiday, Activities w/c 31st Oct 201, Public Conveniences in Deganwy

2011-10-30T16:01:00.002Z

Holiday
It has been a very busy few months since starting to work full time at blah d blah, and fitting in Council work and all the other groups I'm involved with. I'm starting to think I may be spreading myself a bit to thinly. Sometimes it is the family that ends up loosing out.

So it was good to have a week away with the family and make use of the Campervan.

A very good week, including time in Herfordshire, Dorset (Blandford Forum Army Base and Royal Signals Museum), Devon, Cornwall and Somerset (Glastonbury and Cheddar Gorge).

Having spent 9 nights sleeping in the van it was good to get back home and spend a night in our normal bed.

Activities for w/c 31st October

Busy week at work this week, following a week off and it also being month end. So lots of financials required. Business meeting in Llanrwst on Tuesday and working in Capenhurst on Friday.

There are 3 scrutiny committees this week at Council, please refer to the Calender on the council website for more information:
English http://modgoveng.conwy.gov.uk/mgCalendarMonthView.aspx?GL=1&bcr=1
Cymraeg http://modgovcym.conwy.gov.uk/mgCalendarMonthView.aspx?GL=1&bcr=1

Monday 31st October

2pm: Cartrefi Conwy Board Meeting, Colwyn Bay (board member)

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

Tuesday 1st November

11am: Waste Programme Board Meeting, Mochdre (member)

Wednesday 2nd November

2pm: Partnership Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Bodlondeb (chairman)
Agenda includes:

Conwy and Denbighshire Local Safeguarding Children Board Update - Annual Report 2010-11

To consider a report by the Head of Community Development Services on the following matter:

Conwy Active for Life

Crime & Disorder Issues

The effects of the Government’s Comprehensive Spending Review on Crime and Disorder
The effects of the transportation of individuals to Custody Suites on Crime and Disorder figures

English: http://modgoveng.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=450&MId=2743&Ver=4
Cymraeg: http://modgovcym.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=450&MId=2743&Ver=4

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

That details this weeks formal meetings, need to do some catch up on emails for Council this week. Including some work to help one of the Deganwy Shop Business Owners who has some interesting ideas for the Christmas season in the village, to help attract visitors to the shops.

Public Conveniences in Deganwy

Regular readers of the blog may remember the recent discussions on the Public Conveniences in Deganwy. A key part of my term as a councillor has been to defend the service in Deganwy, and this was done sometime ago. As well as securing the toilets service, Deganwy was identified as one of the sites requiring updating this financial year. The whole Public Conveniences across Conwy was a delicate balance of reducing the number of sites and spending Capital on some sites in order to bring the operation (revenue) costs down. Some of these sites will be replaced with PCs that charge (e.g. West Shore) this was all very carefully formulated to secure the sites identified, including Deganwy.

Some weeks ago, there was a concern that the toilet provision could be moved from its current location, adjacent to the Estuary Path, Beach and Signal Box and on to the Car Park on Station Rd. One of the issues of the current site is that part of it is on Network Rail land. Officers were looking into seeing if the Car Park could be used a an alternative site.

Following discussions with Business Owners and Residents both Cllr Tew and myself contacted the Council Officers, stating that the car park site would not be welcomed and that we would prefer to maintain the facilities at the current site.

Over the last couple of days, I have received confirmation that the service will be maintained on the current location. The idea of the car park location will not proceed any further.

The Officers have advertised for expressions of interest for the tender process and they hope to award a contract before the end of the calender year.

Good News for Deganwy

Full Council and meetings

2011-10-19T20:12:00.000+01:00

Meetings this week:

Corporate Parenting Meeting on Monday. - Officer and Member Committee discussed progress and issues related to Children Services, including Looked After Children. Always a difficult meeting as we learn about some of the issues associated with children less fortunate than our own,

Joint Conwy and Denbighshire Member meeting Today - to discuss the Highways and Infrastructure Collaboration. This was followed with a meeting with my counterpart Chairman of Partnerships Scrutiny of Denbighshire to discuss a future joint scrutiny meeting in December.

Full Council - Thursday 10am
English: http://modgoveng.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=207&MId=2681&Ver=4
Cymraeg: http://modgoveng.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=207&MId=2681&Ver=4
Agenda:

1. Prayer
2. Apologies for absence
3. Declarations of Interest: Code of Local Government Conduct - Members are reminded that they must declare the existence and nature of their declared personal interests.
4. Minutes of the Council - To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the Council held on 7 July 2011, 8 September 2011, 21 September 2011 and 29 September 2011.
5. Urgent Matters - Notice of items which, in the opinion of the Chairman, should be considered at the
meeting as a matter of urgency pursuant to Section 100B(4) of the Local Government Act 1972.
6. To receive any announcements from the Chairman, Leader, Members of the Cabinet or the Chief Executive
7. To answer questions under Council Procedure Rule No. 14.2
8. Standards Committee
To receive the Minutes of the meetings of the Standards Committee held on 6 June 2011, 4 July 2011 and 8 August 2011.
9. To receive Minute 385 of the Audit Committee held on 26 September 2011
10. Local Development Plan - Regulation 19 and 20, Regulation 19: Representations Report, Regulation 20: Site Representations Paper copies of the Site Allocation Representations are enclosed as a separate document and are available on the website.
11. Fees for Care Homes
12. Local Government (Wales) Measure 2011
13. Level of Council Tax Discount for Second Homes and Holiday Homes and Long Term Unoccupied and Unfurnished Properties
14. Corporate Assessment Report
15. Annual Report 2010/11
16. Annual Scrutiny Report
17. Exempt Items: Local Government Act 1972, Section 100A and Schedule 12A (Access to Information) To consider passing a resolution under the provisions of Section 100A(4) of the above
Act to exclude the Public and Press from the meeting for the following item(s), as it is likely that, if present, there would be disclosure to them of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 14 of Part 4 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972.
18. Management issues following the appointment of the Chief Executive

The following week is School half term, and I'll be taking a holiday with the family.

Cllr Margaret Lyon, Independent

2011-10-10T13:15:00.000+01:00

Just a quick post:

Cllr Philip Evans has informed the Independent Group this morning that Cllr Margaret Lyon has joined the group.

Cllr Margaret resigned from the Conservative Party at the weekend. I do not know any of the reasons why.

The make-up of the council now looks like this:
Conservative 18
Independent 15
Plaid Cymru 14
Labour 7
Liberal Democrat 5

Tweet by Chris Dearden of BBC Wales this evening:

C_Dearden Chris Dearden

Cllr Margaret Lyon says she resigned from Conservative party after they didn't select her to fight her current council seat next May.

Steve Jobs

2011-10-07T19:40:00.001+01:00

Steve Jobs RIP .... Thank you for Apple

Iwan Davies is new CCBC Chief Executive

2011-09-29T21:39:00.000+01:00

Iwan Davies is new Conwy council chief executive

I attended Council this afternoon, where the new Chief Executive was selected. We received presentations from the candidates, Q&A sessions, and feedback from the Senior Appointments Committee.

A secret ballot was then taken. The result of which was that Iwan Davies was selected as the Conwy's new Chief Executive.

Congratulations to Iwan Davies.

Iwan's name may not be know to many outside the Council. But Iwan was the Chief Legal Officer and Monitoring Officer for the Council. When Bryon Davies (ex CEO) was suspended Iwan became one of the acting Corporate Directors.

The news has broken on the BBC website, through a press release.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-north-west-wales-15118459

Recent Activity and Meetings w/c 26th September

2011-09-24T19:58:00.000+01:00

My new pride and joy.
Purchased a couple of weeks ago, pictured above is my VW T5 Transporter Camper.
Traded in our caravan, which we failed to use this year.

Struggling with my health at the moment, nothing serious but had a few tests and have another appointment with the Doctor on Wednesday. Some of its a chest infection that won't go away but there seems to be an underlying issue, we'll see how I get on on Wednesday.

This means I have been struggling to do much more than work and meetings at Council. Had to miss the Deganwy Residents Meeting this week (although this was also down to working in Chester) and the Deganwy Beach Clean this morning.

Last weekend I spent Friday and Saturday on a stand at the Celebrate Cheshire event at Chester Racecourse.

Continue to split my work time between Conwy and Chester, and fitting in Council meetings. Interviewing for new staff on Tuesday and Friday this week at blah d blah.

Recent Council meetings have included 2 Full Council meetings, Conwy/Denbighshire Collaboration Board, Corporate Improvement Board, Modernising Libraries Meeting, Local Joint Voluntary Liaison Committee (Chairman), Partnership Scrutiny Preparation Meeting (Chairman),

Activity for the next week:

Monday 26th Sept

4pm: Budget Working Group, Bodlondeb (member)
To continue the work this small select group have been performing over the last couple of years to tackle the Budget issues.

Wednesday 28th Sept

2pm: Partnership Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Bodlondeb (member, Chairman)
Quite a large agenda this month:

7. Collaboration Programme Board Briefing Paper - July 2011

8. To consider a report from the Head of Regulatory Services and Housing on the following matter:

8a Update on Regional CCTV Project

9. To consider reports by the Statutory Head of Social Services on the following matters:

9a Commissioning, Procurement and Monitoring Hub

9b Health, Social Care and Well-being grant - end of funding update and lessons learnt

10. To consider reports by the Head of Children's Services on the following matters:

10a Emergency Duty Team (EDT)

10b North Wales Adoption Service - End Project Report

10c Joint Adoption Panel (Conwy and Denbighshire)

English: http://modgoveng.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=450&MId=2742&Ver=4

Cymraeg: http://modgovcym.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=450&MId=2742&Ver=4

5:30pm: Cartrefi Conwy Annual General Meeting, Conwy Business Centre, Llandudno Junction

Thursday 29th Sept

2:30pm: Council, Bodlondeb
Selection of new Chief Executive
Agenda:

1. Apologies for absence

2. Declarations of Interest: Code of Local Government Conduct

3. Urgent Matters

4. Exempt Items: Local Government Act 1972, Section 100A and Schedule 12A (Access to Information

To consider passing a resolution under the provisions of Section 100A(4) of the above Act to exclude the Public and Press from the meeting during consideration of the following item(s), as it is likely that, if present, there would be disclosure to them of exempt information as defined in Paragraphs 12, 13 & 14 of Part 4 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972.

5. Appointment of Chief Executive

5a Presentation by candidate(s)

5b Questions from Council Members to candidate(s)

5c The Leader to present the recommendations from the Senior Appointments Committee based on the interviews on 27 September 2011

5d Summary of the process by the Head of Corporate Human Resources

English: http://modgoveng.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=207&MId=2944&Ver=4
Cymraeg: http://modgovcym.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=207&MId=2944&Ver=4

High Tide Coast Risk for 48 hours

2011-09-11T20:23:00.000+01:00

Environment Agency Wales warns of high tide coast risk

People have been advised to steer clear of seafronts around the Welsh coastline during high tides over the next 48 hours.

Environment Agency Wales has also warned of possible flooding along the coast at high tide early on Monday and again on Tuesday.
North Wales is braced for storms as the remnants of Hurricane Katia head for northern parts of the UK.
But high tides are predicted for the whole of the Welsh coast.

The Environment Agency said the forecast strong winds, offshore waves and high tides could lead to flood alerts and warnings.

The agency said its officers will also be out on the ground checking flood defences and will deploy temporary measures if needed.
They advised people to steer clear of the sea front during the high tides as conditions may be hazardous.
BBC Wales correspondent Colette Hume reported on Sunday: "Strong winds and heavy seas are already battering the Anglesey coastline.
"Gusts of wind have knocked me off my feet here at Trearddur Bay. The weather began to worsen just after midday and the wind appears to be strengthening.
"At times it's hard to stay upright."
Billy Payne, forecaster for MeteoGroup, said: "The deep low pressure system which has come from the remnants of Hurricane Katia will approach north west Scotland tonight with strong winds hitting during Monday.
"There will be rain and widespread gusts of between 50-70mph across Scotland, Northern Ireland, North Wales and northern England while western parts of northern Scotland, which are most prone, could see gusts of up to 80mph.
"There is the potential for damage especially with trees and the winds will be strong enough to cause some structural problems."
BBC Wales article

Also see
http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/floods/default.aspx

I have checked for the 3 day flood warning this evening at 8:15pm and there or low risk warning for Conwy county tomorrow.

Who is knocking on your door?

2011-09-11T19:54:00.001+01:00

Update 13/09/2011

This email below has come from a very reliable person, and I do not question anything that has been described.
I have 2 issues here, one the activity of cold calling and that this seems to be a activity carried out through a Youth Offending team.
I have received an email from our Principal Licensing Registration Officer, who also wrote to the resident concerned and the PCSO. He has said he will follow this up with Nottingham's Youth Offending team and explain this practice will not be tolerated. There are pieces of legislation in place to stop such activities.
Our Community Safety Manager is also looking into the case, and is discussing this with our local Youth Justice team to determine if this is common practice.
Although I encourage the work done buy the Youth Justice team, I don't believe encouraging door to door selling as an appropriate practice (I'm not away this is the practice here). I personally never deal with anyone at the door, and that was why I was keen to support our street in becoming a No Cold Calling zone back in March 2008. I also sponsored, through our business, a series of Neighbourhood Watch signs for Bron Vardre Ave and Vardre Ave in Deganwy.
I would prefer not to see any type of door to door selling, (I would also include election canvassing in that)

Some advice received from Trading Standards:
As well as registering your street as a No Cold Calling Zone, it is also important that individual households display the notices delivered in the information pack. If you are displaying the sticker or notice then a person simply knocking on your door may be committing an offence. If you are not displaying a individual notice then no offence takes place.
Information packs can be requested from Conwy Trading Standards: www.conwy.gov.uk/tradingstandards

If you or your neighbours experience cold calls within a No Cold Calling Zone please call the Police on 101 or Conwy Trading Services on 01492 575220

Original Post:
This afternoon I received the following (edited) email, sent to myself, Cllr Mike Priestley and Guto Bebb, MP:

Dear Jason, Mike and Guto,

My Wife and I live in XXXXXXXXX, Deganwy. Last Friday the door bell rang and was answered by my wife. At the door was a young man, 16 – 17 yrs, who stated that he was selling items door to door as part of his rehabilitation as a young offender.

Bearing in mind we are in a ‘no cold calling’ area and do not buy at the door anyway, he was sent on his way. However, my wife was concerned about the lack identification and and circumstances in general and telephoned the Police. This morning, Sunday, we had a visit from a PCSO from Llandudno Police Station.

The PCSO informed me that following our telephone call, a search was made of the area and several youths stopped and spoken to. The PCSO went on to tell me that, and at this I am incredulous, that they were brought in a mini-bus by the Nottingham Youth Offending Team from the Nottingham area and dropped off here to disperse and sell items door to door in the Conwy – Llandudno area before being collected later!

So, as I understand it, offenders from 150 miles away are brought here to a no cold calling area to sell dusters. And they won’t spend time casing properties or disturbing elderly people, or as in the case of my wife, disabled and at home alone.

I look forward to your thoughts on this bizarre and ludicrous situation.

Best regards

Cllr Mike and I have independently responded to the resident (who actually lives in the Marl Ward) both expressing our dismay on this activity. This is a concern for the whole county. Cllr Mike has said he will follow up things with the Police.

I received a further reply from the resident this afternoon saying "it’s a normal occurrence, offenders, both young and older, from outside the area coming in and door to door selling"

I have passed on the email to our Regulatory Services department to determine what , if anything we can do.

For information on Cold Calling Restriction Zones please visit: http://www.conwy.gov.uk/doc.asp?cat=8480&doc=26295

Public Conveniences in Deganwy

2011-09-09T21:03:00.001+01:00

An alternative location for the Public Conveniences in Deganwy is being considered.

I would appreciate any comments or thoughts.

Should this alternative be viable then this will be subject to formal Planning and public consultation.

During the work of the officers and members during work last year to define a strategy for Public Conveniences, I was able to make arguments to secure the future of the toilets in Deganwy, and that they would be refurbished.

Deganwy has been earmarked in the this year Capital Programme to be refurbished in this financial year.

2 options are either to refurbish/replace the current provision at the existing site.
Or relocating the toilets onto the Car Park.

I seem to remember that my fellow ward councillor, Cllr Tew has been requesting that the toilets be located nearer to the car park and railway station.

Some issues with the current location are wind blown sand, vandalism and that permission of Network Rail will be required because access to their land will be required. A suitable electricity supply would also need to be sort.

It will be interesting to see how forthcoming Network Rail will be. It wasn't long ago that I blocked the sale of some scrub land next to the crossing to Network Rail, where they were going to install CCTV for the future automation of the crossing. This was when we were trying (and failed) to negotiate the keeping of the footpath crossing at the foot of Pentwywn Rd.

There are pros and cons for each option. I understand there are local concerns about moving the toilets to the car park. Some are concerned how they would look. I understand the new block would be similar to the new facility installed on West Shore Prom.

The new toilets would take up the area of one car parking space, but officers also believe they could reconfigure the layout so the wouldn't be any reduction in the number of car parking spaces.

Toilets on the car park, could encourage more people to stop in Deganwy as they pass through. If there was adequate signage, it could also encourage visitors from the Estuary Path and into the village.

To be honest, my most biggest concern was to secure the provision in Deganwy. I would be interested in people views of which location they would prefer.

Nothing has been decided and I have been asked to submit my views and hence this post.

Meeting w/c 5th September

2011-09-04T15:15:00.002+01:00

Internet back on at home after over a week of problems.

Been quiet week or so at Council, and the suddenly this week I would have had meetings everyday. That's just not practical with the job, so I've had to send apologies for a couple of meetings this week.

Lots going on at work this week, with time split between Conwy and Capenhurst offices.

This posting will be short and I'll provide a link to the agenda rather than detailing the agenda. I have some work to do!!

Monday 5th Sept

9:30am: Scrutiny Chairs and Vice Chairs Meeting, Bodlondeb (member)

10:30am: Principal Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Bodlondeb (member)
English: http://modgoveng.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=107&MId=2732&Ver=4
Cymraeg: http://modgoveng.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=107&MId=2732&Ver=4

Wednesday 7th Sept

2pm: Conwy/Denbighshire Collaboration Programme Board, Venue Cymru (member)

5pm: Independent Group Meeting (member)

7pm: History of Deganwy Committee Meeting (member)

Thursday 8th Sept

10:30am: Full Council Meeting, Bodlondeb (member)
English: http://modgoveng.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=107&MId=2732&Ver=4
Cymraeg: http://modgoveng.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=107&MId=2732&Ver=4

7:30pm: Conwy District Scout Association Committee Meeting, Colwyn Height (Treasurer)

Congratulations to Becca Chin

2011-08-25T22:43:00.000+01:00

Back in June I asked for your support for Becca Chin's attempt to gain financial and mentoring support from the Bring on Tomorrow Foundation http://www.bringontomorrowfoundation.com/

My posting from June
http://jasonweyman.blogspot.com/2011/06/please-support-becca-chin-funding-bid.html

Article in this weeks Weekly News
http://www.bringontomorrowfoundation.com/

I received a call from Becca's mum Lucy a couple of weeks ago to be told the news and to thank me for my support on the Blog. Lucy and Becca have asked me to pass on their thanks for the support given by everyone who voted for her on the website.

Congratulations to Becca and I hope this allows her to continue her bid for future Olympic selection.

I remember when

2011-08-25T22:24:00.002+01:00

If you watched Grange Hill, had 4 TV channels, played in the woods, made a den, fell out of trees, a game was Kerby or Bulldog with not a computer in sight, rode your bike, used jumpers for goal posts, had to be in before dark, got grounded if you were late, not even the home phone was mobile, vandalism was scratching the school desk with a compass, you recorded the top 40 off the radio, got 10 sweets in a 10p mix and you turned out ok, then re-post, THIS IS WHEN BRITAIN WAS GREAT!!

Deganwy Castle Hotel Update

2011-08-25T21:25:00.001+01:00

Attend the last half hour of the consultation exhibition at the Deganwy Castle Hotel this evening.

Firstly a bit more detail on the plans

26 1 and 2 bedroom apartments
8 bed Boutique Hotel
Bar and Restaurant
Outside space for bar and restaurant
Changes to the front of building to remove 1960s changes to take frontage back to picture above
Demolition of 1960s block on railway side
Building of new modern apartments on the railway side. Same height but slightly increase footprint with new build closer to the railway line.
Gardens and parking to be maintained, with additional parking at rear.
Improved access from Marine Crescent/Station Rd junction. Fountain to be relocated within grounds. Existing entrance to be for pedestrians, maintaining the existing pillars. New 2 lane entrance to be created from the second pillar down towards the rail crossing.
No function rooms

Speaking with the Planning Consultants at the end of the event, they have received very positive feedback. It seems it was my arrival that caused more concerns to be expressed about a couple of elements to the plans. They received over 300 visitors throughout the 4 hours. Visitors were encouraged to complete feedback forms.

I did receive some positive comments from a few people, who recognised that a compromise was always going to have be sought between apartments and a hotel.
The Town Council were invited into the exhibition an hour early, I understand this was appreciated and again a positive impression was given by the consultants.
While I was there someone was giving in their name and and address, expressing an interest in purchasing one of the apartments.

Some of the concerns that were expressed to me:

The lack of a function room
The kitchen area for the restaurant being to far away, causing concerns for the viability of the restaurant. Some concern on who will want to take on the running of the hotel
The design of the new apartment block - some residents felt it was to modern and out of keeping with the area.
The concerns that the new apartment block is being built with a flat roof (this was from a local, retired builder/developer). They felt a pitched roof was easier to maintain and would be better aestheticly.
One house is more affected by the new build than others due to the direction of the windows.

The planning consultants and architects will now decide what to do, and whether they wish to make any amendments before submitting formal plans into CCBC in September.

Colwyn Bay Pier Update

2011-08-25T20:42:00.000+01:00

Colwyn Bay Pier

I attended the Communities Scrutiny Committee this evening, surprisingly there wasn't any press or public present. Not because of the Pier but because of the Dog Orders which have been amended and will be coming out to public consultation.

Although not on the agenda, the Pier was discussed as an Urgent item, as I was told it would be. One of my concerns was that Councillors were finding out more from the press than through our officers. What was evident following this evenings update was that the Trustees company did all of the actions without informing the Council. The officer themselves only found out what the company was doing from last weeks press and then they had to phone the trustees to find out first hand.

During the negotiation to acquire the pier, one of the conditions was that it had to be transferred with Vacant Possession. The trustees were in the process of doing this and the case was due at Caernarfon Crown Court on Friday last week, to get the order for Mr Hunt to vacate the pier.

Earlier this month, a piece of the pier fell off. Until now Repair Orders have not been placed on the trustees as it would have meant that the trustees could have insisted they did not have the funds and would ask CCBC to purchase the pier. It seems when this piece fell of the repair order was generated by the Enforcement team.

According to the officer the trustees have said it is that this repair order, and the information that their insurance company were no longer willing to insure the pier, that was the reason they decided to disclaim the pier.

Now whether this is true, whether it was to do with the court case against Mr Hunt, or whether it was a mixture of the 2, only the trustees actually know.

Although CCBC officers knew this was a possibility, they felt that negotiations to acquire the pier had progressed well.

The situation is that the Crown Estate now own the Pier. If any other party is to now acquire the pier then they will have to purchase it from the Crown Estate, as the estate has a duty to get best consideration of value for any part of its estate. The process by which CCBC can do this is being determined. The Scrutiny committee (I'm not a member) agreed to recommend to Cabinet that that officers proceed with this negotiation with Crown Estates (or their representatives). Council at its meeting on the 8th June, agreed a ceiling to the purchase price of £35,000. CCBC have an agreement that the Welsh Government will provide a grant to purchase the pier.

Shore Thing have been encouraged to continue there work on a Business Plan of which an appraisal and initial cased is expected at the send of September. The major concern now is that there is a limited window of opportunity to apply for Heritage Funding and this runs out in mid November.

Communities Scrutiny Meeting - 25th August 2011

2011-08-22T14:33:00.000+01:00

Following my request for an update on Colwyn Bay Pier I was informed that regular updates will be provided to Scrutiny ("this Thursday") and via something called the Strategic Funding and Development Board. I have never heard of the later, and assume that some Cllrs are on the board, but it not something I have seen the minutes from.

Although it isn't on the formal agenda, I'm assuming the situation will be discussed at the Communities Scrutiny committee on Thursday 25th September at 5pm.

The agenda on Thursday does include a some interesting subjects:
Dog Control Orders, Homelessness Project, Gywnt y Mor Community Benefits package.

The report for Dog Orders reports the following:
1.1 To highlight the proposal to make Dog Control Orders covering the whole of Conwy County Borough Council and obtain the views of Members prior to going back to public consultation, which is necessary given the significant changes which are being proposed following initial consultation in respect of the proposed Dog Control Orders.

http://modgoveng.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=452&MId=2929&Ver=4

Colwyn Bay Pier - Ownership

2011-08-20T13:19:00.001+01:00

There has been recent press and blog posting about the current situation with regard the ownership of the Colwyn Bay Pier.
As reader of this blog may know, I was the only Councillor present at Full Council to vote against the proposal by Council officer to acquire the Pier at this time. I was uncertain about the time frames suggest and the fact we did not have a sound Business Plan in place.
When officers talk in terms of "with a fair wind", then I get very concerned. Especially when there weren't much factual substance behind the proposals. Well it now seems the "fair wind" has let them down at the first hurdle.

It seem the Pier has now defaulted to the Crown.

At the Council meeting in June it was decided to move forward with the acquisition. The sum suggested in reports was not the same as the anticipated value that the trustees had on it. This point was glossed over in the meeting.
I do not know but I imagine there has been an issue agreeing a sale price between the trustees and CCBC. An official repair order has now been issued on the trustees, this may be tactics by CCBC to move the acquisition forward, and force the trustees hand.
I have asked Council officers for an update, and also requested that all Councillors are kept up to date on progress.
(I asked for the same on Maesdu Bridge, but these reports only arrived when chased, until the 11th hour of the contract when a couple of reports were sent proactively. Its a different department but I don't hold my brief that we will get monthly reports)
So I'm not sure what the current position is, but something is telling me this is Plan B. I have the feeling that we have been told in the past that if the pier falls to the Crown, that it actually means that Local Authority has to take responsibility for it, but as David Jones MP say below, this will add several months to the project while the legal issues are resolved".
If the Local Authority now has the responsibility then other forces (Enviornment Agency, CADW) will be put on the authority for it to make the repairs, at tax payer expenses. As I have said before, a public authority is perceived to have unlimited funds and hence can not claim it does not have the money to repair. This "unlimited" resource is called the Council Tax Payer.
During the Council meetings held a couple of months ago, we were also told that the Full Business Plan would be available around this time from "Shore Thing" the non-for-profit public interest group being set up to take on the pier. Colwyn Bay Town Council have funded this work. This business plan will be essential for applying for Heritage Lottery Funds, for the pier's renovations.

Where this leaves the former owner Mr Steve Hunt I'm not sure.

The BBC Wales http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-north-west-wales-14583358 states:
Confusion surrounds who now owns the grade II-listed historic pier in Colwyn Bay.

It has been closed since its owner was made bankrupt in July 2008, and it came under the control of a trustee in bankruptcy.
The trustee has now formally given up any interest in the pier because its condition is getting worse.
The pier's former owner, Steve Hunt, said he believed the pier should now come back to him.
Victoria Pier was opened in June 1900, and over the years has hosted performances from artists as diverse as Morecambe and Wise, Harry Secombe and Elvis Costello.
But very little maintenance has been done in the last three years since Mr Hunt was made bankrupt in a dispute with Conwy council over unpaid business rates and council tax.
On 4 August 2011, a panel of the decking broke off and fell onto the promenade.
The council warned in a letter the next day that other sections of the pier needed to be inspected urgently, and that dangerous decking and railings had to be removed.
Solicitors for the trustee in bankruptcy say this means he has disclaimed the pier, a technical term for giving up any interest or control over the structure.

'Potential risk'
In a letter, seen by BBC Wales News, the solicitors say: "It has come to the attention of our client that part of the structure of the pier has collapsed, and fallen on a public thoroughfare.
"Obviously this has raised concerns of the potential risk to the public. The bankruptcy estate is not in funds, and so [there is no money available for] repairs to the pier.
"Our client, as trustee in bankruptcy, is mindful of the fact that he is potentially personally liable in circumstances where, for example, any individual is injured as a result of any structural defect in the pier.
"Having undertaken a risk analysis he has taken the decision to disclaim his interest in the pier pursuant to section 315 of the Insolvency Act 1986."
Mr Hunt said the trustees' solicitors had told him that the pier would now pass to the UK government's Treasury solicitor under a system known as bona vacantia.
He said: "The ownership needs to be resolved urgently. I'm talking to my solicitors to work out the legal position.
"I'd be happy to have the pier back because everyone just wants to see it restored. There's money potentially available in grants, but we need to move fast to get it. If it does come back to me I'd be committed to seeing the restoration take place."

Conservative MP David Jones, who represents Clwyd West, said he found it odd that the trustee should disclaim the pier now, when a full survey report had been done, giving detailed information about the state of the pier.
He said: "My biggest concern is that we have a structure on the seafront which is disfiguring the town, and I hope that Conwy County Borough Council will now work with Steve Hunt to get something done.
"I'm personally willing to do everything I can to do something about it."

Thoughts of Oscar has also posted on this and includes a press release form David Jones, MP.
What surprised me though is that none of David Jones, MP fellow Conservative colleagues within the Council supported his ideas as a way forward. The ideas were discussed, but were not proposed.
http://thoughtsofoscar.blogspot.com/2011/08/are-we-in-brown-stuff.html
http://www.davidjones-mp.com/index.php?page=press_releases

MP’S CONCERNS OVER COLWYN BAY PIER

Colwyn Bay, 19 August 2011
Commenting on the news that Mr Stephen Hunt’s trustee in bankruptcy is seeking to disclaim Colwyn Bay pier as an onerous asset, Clwyd West MP David Jones, said:
“This is an extremely worrying development.
“The council resolved several weeks ago to seek to purchase the pier from the trustee. It would appear that this now cannot proceed.
“The trustee has apparently decided to disclaim on the basis of a recent report of structural problems at the pier. However, the pier has now been in his hands for over three years and its poor condition has always been patently obvious.
“Furthermore, there was an engineer’s report some months ago which indicated that the cost of restoring the pier would be several million pounds. It was consequently fairly clear that the pier was very probably a negative asset.
“People will therefore want to know why the trustee has left it so late in the day to seek to disclaim the asset and I believe they are entitled to an explanation.
“I am also very concerned over the conduct of Conwy Council in this matter. On 20 April 2011, I had a meeting with Mr Hunt, Councillor Brian Cossey and senior council officials, which was very positive and which seemed to establish a way forward, whilst minimising the financial exposure of the council and local taxpayers.
“However, at a later meeting with other councillors on 20 May, I was dismayed to be told that the council would not proceed with the arrangement proposed at the earlier meeting and had instead decided to try to buy the pier. That decision was subsequently ratified by the full council.
“The decision of the trustee in bankruptcy now means that that purchase cannot go ahead. It may also be that the pier will vest in the Crown as bona vacantia, in which case it is very likely that the matter will not progress for several months.
“The consequence of this will be that it will be impossible to proceed swiftly with grant applications to potential funders. Furthermore, the window of opportunity for applying for regeneration money will soon be closing.
“The further consequence may well be that the council will be obliged to exercise its statutory powers to address the rapidly-deteriorating condition of the pier. The cost of this –which will probably be very substantial indeed - may well fall upon the council taxpayers of Conwy.
“For almost the last two years, I have been urging Conwy Council to engage properly with Mr Hunt. Whilst it gives me no pleasure to criticise the council, I have to say that its conduct of this issue (with the honourable exception of Councillor Cossey and some other senior councillors and officials) has been woefully inept.
“I again urge Conwy to be proactive in this matter, to enter into discussions with Mr Hunt and to try to find a way forward for the benefit of the people of Colwyn Bay. The consequence of not doing so will be expensive and may well also be the loss of the pier.
“I am quite prepared to make as much time as may be necessary available to help.”
ENDS

More from Saturday's Daily Post: http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/2011/08/20/colwyn-bay-s-victoria-pier-s-future-plunged-into-fresh-doubt-55578-29270172/
If and when I receive any more infor I will let you know.

Deganwy Castle Hotel - Public Exhibition

2011-08-15T21:33:00.000+01:00

Myself and Cllr Tew were invited to meet the Deganwy Castle Hotel Planning Consultants from Hourigan Connolly today.
Also present was one of the owners of the site.

We had the chance to have a look round inside and to have a preview of the new plans.

Later this week, quite an extensive part of Deganwy will receive a leaflet inviting them to a public consultation which is being held at the Hotel on Thursday 25th August between 3pm and 7pm.

The approach of the developer is appreciated and they recognise the importance of the site to the village.

More information will be available next week, and the planning consultant has asked that they make the appropriate publicity arrangements. It is only right due to the courtesy they have shown me that I respect their request to make the annoucements to the public next week.

Detailed plans will be submitted to the Council in September.

I can say that the developers are being sympathetic to the site and also have listened to the views/concerns of the local residents.

I will blog further on the plans next week, when they become public.

Meetings w/c 15th August 2011

2011-08-14T21:13:00.000+01:00

There are no meetings on the the Council Calender this week.

http://modgoveng.conwy.gov.uk/mgCalendarMonthView.aspx?GL=1&bcr=1
http://modgovcym.conwy.gov.uk/mgCalendarMonthView.aspx?GL=1&bcr=1

Partnership Scrutiny/Communities First
On Wednesday we were expecting to hold a meeting of the Partnership Overview and Scrutiny committee, of which I am the Chairman. This only item left on the agenda was a progress report on the Communities First project and the future plans of the Welsh Government in it regards.
On the same day a Officer/Member workshop is being held to discuss the subject and prepare responses to the Welsh Government consultation document. It made sense to cancel the Partnership Scrutiny committee to save the Officers and Members time. We have asked members of the committee to attend the workshop instead. A formal report will then be produced and will go straight to Cabinet on the 13th September.

Deganwy Castle Hotel
I made efforts to contact the new owners of the Deganwy Castle Hotel (through a contact in the business) for sometime after the purchase, only to be told that they weren't ready to discuss anything at that time. They did promise they would contact me when they were ready and I was pleased to receive a call from the owners Planning Consultants last week. I'm meeting them on Monday with Cllr Tew to discuss the proposed plans for the site.
I'm glad to hear that the will be social element to the plans. The consultants are also planning to organise a public presentation of the plans, and a leaflet will be sent out very soon. I will post more after the meeting, I need to discuss with them what can be made public at this time.
The ideas look promising and I just hope that the redevelopment of the Deganwy Castle Hotel will be able to progress soon, and that the Planning Process is fruitful.

blah d blah
Work at blah d blah is going well. For the next couple of months I will be working from the Capenhurst office at least 2 days a week, probably on Tuesday and Thursday (depending on business and Council meetings)

Monday 15th August

12pm: Meeting with Deganwy Castle Hotel Planning Consultants

2pm: Cartrefi Conwy Board Meeting, Bryn Erias, Colwyn Bay (member)
I have agreed with Cartrefi Conwy's Chief Exec and Chairman that I will continue as a Board member of Cartrefi until the elections next May. Having originally resigned when I got my new job, I did agree to continue until the AGM in September. But it makes more sense for everyone concerned that I continue in the role until the local elections in May 2012. After this date the membership for the Cartrefi Conwy Board will need to be agreed based upon the new membership of the Council.

Wednesday 17th August

12pm: Communities First Consultation Workshop, Conwy Business Centre, Llandudno Junction
Workshop replaces the Partnership Scrutiny committee planned for the same day.

RGC 1404 enters SWALEC Division in 2012/13

2011-08-14T20:20:00.000+01:00

RGC 1404 Enters SWALEC Division One

Welsh Rugby Union

August 13, 2011

The Welsh Rugby Union has voted to include the North Wales Regional Development team RGC 1404 in SWALEC Division One East for the 2012/13 season.

The decision is part of a review of the North Wales development project undertaken in order to ensure there is a sustainable model for the further development of rugby in North Wales.

The side will continue to play meaningful friendly fixtures this coming season, including matches against Principality Premiership clubs and other arranged fixtures.

As part of the further development of North Wales players, the following measures have been agreed:

* The WRU North Wales Academy will continue to be appropriately resourced and two more District Under 15 squads from the region will be established, and will compete in the Dewar Shield tournament. This will increase the critical mass of players in North Wales vying for selection into the WRU North Wales academy. North Wales will continue to participate in the Regional Age Grade Championship at Under 16 and Under 18 level and further fixtures will be arranged for North Wales academy players.

* A General Manager for the RGC 1404 project will be appointed to drive the project forward and maximise commercial opportunities available within North Wales and provide a key link between the major stakeholders - the WRU, the North Wales Rugby Council and Conwy County Borough Council.

* There will be no Canadian involvement in the side for the forthcoming season. This situation will be reviewed during the coming season.

* The Welsh Rugby Union will provide further support to Conwy County Borough Council in the staging of events and the generation of rugby in the area.

* The fixed term contracts of the RGC 1404 coaching team have come to an end and an announcement will be made over the coming months regarding appointments for the new season.

WRU Head of Rugby Joe Lydon said, "Great strides have already been made in North Wales rugby in the past two seasons, both on and off the field and we are constantly looking for ways to embrace the enthusiasm and professionalism of everyone involved in the game there.

"We know that the standard of rugby has risen in North Wales in recent years but we are conscious that the side now needs to test itself in a competition structure in order to be judged on merit against other sides hoping to progress up the rugby ladder in Wales.

Dai Davies, North Wales Rugby Council Chairman said, "The North Wales Rugby Council, in conjunction with the WRU Executive believe the decision to include RGC 1404 in SWALEC Division One East for season 2012/13 will provide a new impetus for North Wales rugby, and a channel for players coming through the WRU North Wales Academy."

Cllr Graham Rees, Cabinet Member, Conwy County Borough Council said, "We've been looking forward to hearing this news, it's an exciting opportunity for the region's players and I hope it will help to retain these talented young people in North Wales.

"The Council is committed to working with the WRU and other national governing bodies of sport in Wales to create a centre of sporting excellence at Parc Eirias and making sure that the regeneration and economic opportunities that arise benefit the whole region."

Meeting w/c 1st August 2011

2011-07-30T14:17:00.000+01:00

My Planned Activities

Monday 1st August 2011

9:30am Scrutiny Chairs and Vice Chairs Meeting, Bodlondeb (member, Chairman of Partnerships)

10:30am Principal Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Bodlondeb (member)
Agenda includes:
7.Minutes of the Custody Cells Task and Finish Group
This will be an interesting debate, because the Police see this as operational issue and have not taken it well that Councillors have asked to look at this. But I know of at least one member who has strong concerns about this and whether there are potential other solutions for have local custody cells, particularly to cope with fall out from the evening economy. This member is not sure that alternative options were discussed by the Task and Finish group, i.e.could other agencies/partners help with this solution (e.g. using cells at Llandudno Magistrates Court for example)
8. To consider a report by the Head of Human Resources on the following matter:
8a Job Evaluation - Overtime Payments
9. To consider a report by the Head of Property Management and Asset Services on the following matter:
9a Framework arrangements in relation to Minor and Capital Construction Works in Property Management and Asset Services (PMAS).
10. To consider a report by the Corporate Performance and Improvement Manager on the following matter:
10a Corporate Performance Report November 2010 - April 2011
11. To consider a report by the Democratic Services Manager on the following matter:
11a Annual Overview and Scrutiny Report 2010 / 2011
12. To consider reports by the Acting Corporate Director and Head of Financial Services on the following matters:
12a Revenue Budget 2011/2012
12b Capital Programme 2011/12 Progress Report
English: http://modgoveng.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=107&MId=2731&Ver=4
Cymraeg: http://modgovcym.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=107&MId=2731&Ver=4
Tuesday 2nd August

4:30pm: Llanrhos Old School Restoration Committee, St Paul's Hall Craig Y Don (member)
- to discuss progress on the restoration project, which is currently ongoing

Wednesday 3rd August

9:30am Partnership Scrutiny Preparation Meeting, Bodlondeb (member)

7:30pm: Deganwy Prom Day Committee Meeting (member, Treasurer)
- review of this year events, review of finances and determining of Charity donations

Thursday 4th August

9:30am Cartrefi Conwy Committee Meeting, Bryn Eirias, Colwyn Bay (member)

Other Council Meetings

Please see the following Calender for details of forthcoming meetings at Council:
English: http://modgoveng.conwy.gov.uk/mgCalendarMonthView.aspx?XXR=0&M=8&DD=2011&ACT=Go
Cymraeg: http://modgovcym.conwy.gov.uk/mgCalendarMonthView.aspx?XXR=0&M=8&DD=2011&ACT=Go

This week both the Customers and the Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee will meet. If I have time after work I am particularly interested in a couple of agenda items, so will see if I can attend although I will be late.

Customers Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Bodlondeb
Tuesday 2nd August 2011 at 5pm
The agenda include an item on Residential Parking. I am interested to understand whether a generic residential pass scheme has been discussed or just areas of the county identified by members of the Task and Finish group. This has been on the agenda for some time, but there have been very limited meetings of the Task and Finish group to discuss.
English: http://modgoveng.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=451&MId=2898
Cymraeg: http://modgovcym.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=451&MId=2898

Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Bodlondeb
Thursday 4th August 2011 at 5pm
Interested in the Conwy Locality Plans and a report on the Llandudno Pier Pavilion Site.
Why is it we are prepared to take on the risk of purchasing Colwyn Bay Pier and other buildings in the Colwyn Bay yet there are other "Local Eyesores" where we seem not be be able to do anything about them. I'd be interested in understanding the differences.
English: http://modgoveng.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=452&MId=2753
Cymraeg: http://modgovcym.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=452&MId=2753

New Post (at last !!) - Recent Activities

2011-07-30T13:15:00.002+01:00

New Job
Posting has been limited recently since taking on my new job as Business Manager at blah d blah design ltd (http://www.blahdblah.com/) in Conwy. I'm very lucky to have found a employer who is happy to give me the flexibility in working hours to continue to carry out my Councillor duties and attend meetings.

So far I have only had to cancel attendance at a couple of meetings, due to work commitments having to take priority. It is better if the council meeting I have to attend are spread through the month, so I'm not out of the office to many times during the week. 2/3 meetings per week during work time is probably a sensible limit.

I also have the option to to take a reasonable amount of time off unpaid per month, where the time required is to much to make up through flexible working. This is actually an employment right, but its not something you tend to push to much when being interviewed. http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/index/your_money/employment/basic_rights_at_work.htm

Recent Activities:
It's been quite on the formal meetings front recently. Having reduced a lot of my membership of committees it has made a dramatic difference on how much time I spend at Bodlondeb. At time it does feel as if I have left a full-time job, as one of the officers said I was like a member of staff the amount of time I was spending there. Although I missing this level of interaction, I don't think it is a bad thing. It is good to take a step back and take a different view of things. I guess I was in danger of being to close to the operational aspects.
I remember people warning me when I first became a Councillor, not to become "native". I never really understood what this meant exactly, but now I have taken a step back I can see where they were coming from.

Last week we had the Deganwy Castle Open Day, and members of the History of Deganwy Group, as well as having a display, were acting as Marshall's for the event. It was a nice event and we must have had between 300 - 400 visitors throughout the day. I was on duty most of the day and it was another great day of weather. It was also Conway Yacht Club's 100th Birthday celebrations on the same day and I know the Yacht Club had lots of activities throughout the day. From the Vardre it was great to see the boats coming across from Beaumaris, and the activities in the River.

As I said posting has been limited recently, and this is resulted in a massive drop in site visits, They have dropped by 50% over the last 4 weeks. But as one of my fellow marshalls at the Castle Open Day said, not surprising as there's nothing new to read about!! Thanks for the kick Kaye.

Saturday morning a met up with PCSO Jill Buerdsell from an Environmental Visual Audit on Deganwy Prom and the beach area. At the recent Residents meeting will had been informed of the use of the Prom for groups of youngsters meetings and drinking. I have encouraged those residents who have contacted me to contact the non emergency number (101) and to report the incidents with the Police. If the satistics then show an issue then we can apply for dispersal orders if required, but we would need to show that this is a persistent problem.
I do feel sorry for youngsters in that it only takes a few of them to meet up and people start panicking and raising issues. This is not always the case and the groups gathering is not the problem as such, as long as they are not causing a noise nuisance. But what we have suffered in Deganwy from is if the youngsters have been drinking it is the trouble and damage they cause on there way homes.
Deganwy Prom and the Beach areas are defined No Drinking Zones.
We visited the area this morning to see if we could see any evidence of groups meeting last night. There are some drinks can on the little beach, but not many. The are more energy drinks cans that anything else. We will ask for this area to be litter picked.
On the prom, green and sand dunes this was very little evidence. Generally you would expect to see lots of litter. We cleared one broken bottle from the sand dunes.
In addition when we owned the Post Office we had a particular issue with one homeless gentlemen, who wasn't very nice or respectful to our staff. I had to call the police to this person when he refused to leave the shop. After the incident we managed to get all the shops in Deganwy to bar him and he soon moved on. There was some rubbish and discarding sleeping material in the sand dunes on our visit today and we believe this was from the same person, which we have now cleared away. The police are keeping an eye on the situation for us.

Sea Defence on Marine Crescent, Deganwy
For the last couple of years I have received complaints regarding the Flood Gates on Deganwy Prom, specifically the main gate from Marine Crescent on to the Prom. During the winter at the inherent risk of flooding the gates have remained closed for long periods of time. This has caused a problem for access to the Prom, specifically for disabled visitors. The problem is particularly a problem for people coming along the cycle path from West Shore, only to arrive at Deganwy and not be able to get over the gate and access the Toilets and the village. I have been raising these issues with the Environment Department for sometime to find a possible solution, yesterday the team showed me designs of options to overcome the situation.
The engineers have come up with a solution which will be a sensible way forward and have a low impact to the area. The idea will be to remove the gate (and use it elsewhere along the coast) and increase the height of the prom over a long ramped area. This will give permanent access to the Prom at all times, but maintain the protection to the residents of Marine Crescent. We still need to discuss the idea with the Panning Department and will discuss the plans with the residents who own the houses the connect to the Prom.
This solution I hope will be subtle rather than creating a new pathway and ramp with handrails to get over sea defence wall. If everyone is agreement then we should have this implemented before the end of the calender year.
At the same time I have asked for a series of fencing to be be created by the Little Beach area, near the Toilets. Sand is being blown from this area across the road and into people's gardens. The proposed solution to test is to build some small fencing at the top of the beach to act as sand traps.

Siege, Bloodshed and Destruction at Deganwy Castle

2011-07-20T13:00:00.001+01:00

Deganwy Castle Family Open Day

Saturday 23rd July

10:00am - 4:00pm

As part of the Festival British Archaeology, CADW in collaboration with the Council for British Archaeology and with assistance from the History of Deganwy Group are holding a Family Open Day on the site of Deganwy Castle on the Vardre.

Take a guided tour of the castle remains, visit our siege encampment and learn about the ancient arts of warfare. Taste the past with our medieval cakes and have a go at making your very own medieval pot. Come and delve into the history of Deganwy Castle!

Free Admission to the Events

Free shuttle bus from Conwy Castle car park leaving every 20 minutes from 9:40am. Shuttle Bus will stop in the Village Centre before dropping people off at the Green on Maes Y Castell.

Deganwy Castle has a rich medieval history of bloodshed, destruction and siege. Come along for a unique opportunity to spend a day at the castle remains and experience the past as it comes back to life.

Visit the siege encampment and learn about the ancient arts of warfare
Watch enactments in the battle arena
Hear the storyteller tell of the castles triumphs and defeats
Taste the past with medieval cake tasting
Learn about the techniques of ancient medicine and have a go at being a knight
See Llewellyn ap Iorweth's stone head
Make a medieval jug to take home
Guided tours of the remains
Medieval masonry conservation demonstrations (to be confirmed)
Refreshment and Toilet Facilities on site
Plus stalls, exhibitions, heraldry face painting and lots more

Stalls/Exhibits from Llandudno Museum, Royal Commission, Llandudno Museum, History of Deganwy Group and Conwy Castle.

Access via stiles and across farmland, please keep dogs on leads and practice the country code. Sensible footwear advised.

Volunteers for Marshals would be greatly appreciated - please contact me on 01492 592843

Last chance for views on Libary Closures inc Deganwy

2011-07-07T20:55:00.000+01:00

Library Consultation

The 8 week consultation on the future of Conwy's Library Service has begun. The library consultation document and feedback questionnaire are available here at www.conwy.gov.uk/library/consultation, printed copies are also available in libraries, leisure centre's, Bodlondeb in Conwy, Civic Offices in Colwyn Bay, and the Business Centre in Llandudno Junction.

Councillor Goronwy Edwards, Cabinet Member for Communities said, "I'd encourage as many people as possible to respond so that every voice and idea is heard."

We are urging anyone who lives, works, or is being educated in Conwy County to complete the library consultation questionnaire. Tell us how and why you use the service, share your views and ideas. All responses received by the closing date of 26th August 2011 will be collated and analysed and used to inform the future strategy for the library service.

http://www.conwy.gov.uk/sectionextra.asp?cat=8955&Language=1

After reports to Scrutiny and Cabinet earlier, and comments I raised at these meetings, I was asked to join a working group to formulate the Consultation document. I'm pleased to say that the document now includes potential options for local communities to take control of there own libraries. Various models are introduced in the document. This is not an easy solution and will require local groups to be formed. These groups will need to have a great deal of support from local volunteers and ideas on how to cover the operation costs of the buildings and the library services.

This is the final opportunity to engage with the Council to save local libraries.

Deganwy is at risk; the visitor and usage figures do suggest that it is the least used library in the area. One thing that myself and Cllr Tew have stuck to is that we would object to the closure of Deganwy until a new solution had been put in place. The proposal is for a Strategic Library to be built or an existing one modernised to serve the Conwy/Llandudno Junction/Deganwy area. The location of this facility will be critical and has to be easily accessible by the 3 communities. Although there are no firm proposals in the document, this would be subject to further consideration. There is an opportunity here to bring together different services to create a multi purpose building to serve these communities.

Chief Exec Vacancy to be advertised internally

2011-07-07T20:28:00.000+01:00

Conwy Council votes against sharing chief executive

BBC Wales article

Plans to share a chief executive with a neighbouring authority have been rejected by Conwy councillors.
Members ignored a plea by Local Government Minister Carl Sargeant for authorities to collaborate more.
Instead, councillors voted to advertise the job of chief executive internally.

Former chief executive Byron Davies, who was suspended after being cleared of raping a woman council employee, resigned in June.

Councillors said the chief executive job would be advertised internally at first, but an external advert would be placed if no suitable candidate could be found.

The proposal was one of the number put before councillors at the meeting on Thursday.

Conwy's head of corporate human resources, Phil Davies, told members in a written report that while he was not recommending any course of action, sharing a chief executive with another authority would be in keeping with a request by the Welsh Government.

Last month, Local Government Minister Carl Sargeant said he expected to see more collaboration and joint appointments.
He claimed the staffing structure of Wales' 22 local authorities was outdated, with too many of them independently hiring chief executives without looking at other options.

But Coun Ronnie Hughes, the authority's business manager, said: "What's got under my skin is members of my party ridiculing Conwy County Borough Council for what's going wrong in local government.

"We keep being told Conwy isn't working in partnership, but I am staggered by the work that we are actually doing to work with other authorities.
"We have a shared highways department with Denbighshire, we share officers in planning and regulatory services."
He continued by reading out a lengthy list of partnerships which the authority is currently involved in.

Conservative leader William Knightly added: "We are not here for the Welsh Government to tell us what to do. This joint idea doesn't have many positive attributes."

Mr Davies resigned from his post last month. He was cleared of the rape charge in January but was found guilty by the council of misconduct in March for being overly aggressive towards staff.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-north-west-wales-14065365

Daily Post Facebook Page

2011-07-04T20:58:00.000+01:00

For news in Conwy county, please follow or contact @dpow4 or on Facebook at dailypostconwy@gmail.com From Dave Powell 01492 574485

http://www.facebook.com/mobileprotection#!/profile.php?id=100002538653842

DFS - Llandudno - November

2011-07-04T20:39:00.000+01:00

Sofa retailer DFS has agreed to open 35,000 sq ft of new stores at two retail parks owned by the Hercules Unit Trust, managed by Schroders and advised by British Land.

DFS will open a 20,000 sq ft store at Valentine Retail Park in Lincoln and a 15,000 sq ft store at Mostyn Champneys Retail Park in Llandudno, North Wales. Both shops will open in late November.

Jon Massey, chief operating officer at DFS, said: “Both retail parks trade well, serve strong catchments, and are well managed. Consequently, they provide us with a great platform from which to grow the DFS brand in their respective regions.”

Cushman Wakefield and Morgan Williams acted for British Land in Llandudno, and Morgan Williams and Harvey Spack Field represented British Land in Lincoln. BNP Paribas acted for DFS.

http://www.propertyweek.com/news/news-by-sector/retail/dfs-to-open-stores-in-lincoln-and-north-wales/5020959.article

Diary w/c Monday 4th July 2011

2011-07-03T17:37:00.000+01:00

With my new responsibilities with my job, I won't be reporting on all the Council meetings and instead will concentrate on those meetings that I'm a committee member of.
So this will not include some of the public meetings, such as Scrutiny Committees that I'm not a member of, or Planning Committee (although I will try and mention when these are and provide a link).

Here is the link to the Calender section of the Council website, detailing meetings this month and links to their agendas:
English: http://modgoveng.conwy.gov.uk/mgCalendarMonthView.aspx?GL=1&bcr=1
Cymraeg: http://modgovcym.conwy.gov.uk/mgCalendarMonthView.aspx?GL=1&bcr=1

Also due to my work commitments, it will mean that I may not be able to attend all the meetings. I will certainly not be able to attend anywhere near what I have been over the last 18 months. This week is an example as I will not be able to attend Full Council on Thursday morning. This will be the first Full Council I have missed since becoming a Councillor in May 2008.

Monday 4th July

9:30am: Scrutiny Chairs and Vice-Chairs Meeting, Bodlondeb (member, Chair of Partnerships)

10:30am: Principal Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Bodlondeb (member)
This Scrutiny committee is now Chaired by Cllr William Knightley who has been selected as the leader of the Conservative Group, following, Cllr Janet Finch-Saunders' election to the Welsh Assembly. Cllr Sam Rowlands is the Deputy Leader of the Conservative Group.
Agenda includes:
7. To review and consider the following reports by the Acting Corporate Director and Head of Financial Services:
7a Revised Programme and Project Management Methodology
7b Capital Programme 2010/11 Outturn and Revised Capital Programme 2011/12
7c Financial Outturn 2010/2011
8. Presentation by the following Members of the Cabinet concerning the Cabinet Work Programme and the Cabinet's priorities:
8a Councillor Meirion Hughes (Finance and Resources)
8b Councillor Graham Rees (Corporate Modernisation)
English: http://modgoveng.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=107&MId=2730
Cymraeg: http://modgovcym.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=107&MId=2730

Tuesday 5th July

4:30pm: Llanrhos Old School Restoration Committee
I have given my Apologies for this meeting
The 20 week restoration project at Llanrhos Old School is due to start on Monday 4th July. The Contractor is Grosvenor Construction based in Kinmel Bay: http://www.grosvenorconstruction.co.uk/

Wednesday 6th July

2pm Partnerships Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Bodlondeb (member, Chairman)
We have members of the Betsi Cadwaldr University Health Board (BCUHB) with us at the meeting to present progress on the local NHS issues and answer questions from Committee members.
Agenda includes:
4. Presentation from representatives of the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board
5. Minutes
6. To review the Partnerships Overview and Scrutiny Committee Forward Work Programme
7. To consider a report by the Partnership Coordination Manager on the following matter:
7a End of Year Partnership Performance Reviews and updates
English: http://modgoveng.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=450&MId=2740
Cymreag: http://modgovcym.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=450&MId=2740

7pm: History of Deganwy Committee Meeting, Peniel Chapel, Deganwy (member, Chairman)

8pm: Conwy District Scouts AGM, Rhos on Sea, (Executive Member, Treasurer)

Thursday 7th July

10am: Full Council, Bodlondeb
Due to work commitments, I have given my Apologies for this meeting.
Agenda:
9.Appointment of an Independent Member of the Standards Committee
10. Re-appointment of Independent Member of the Standards Committee
11. 'Healthy Conwy 2011-14' - the Health Social Care and Well-being Strategy
12. Special Responsibility Allowance (SRA) for Vice-Chair Licensing
13.Recruitment of Chief Executive/Head of Paid Service: Options Paper
Following the resignation of Bryon Davies, the Council now need to decide how to proceed. The options can be seen in detail by following the link below. But in summary the options are: Continue with Interim arrangements for a set time, Recruit Internally, or go through a full External Recruitment process.
English: http://modgoveng.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=207&MId=2680
Cymraeg: http://modgoveng.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=207&MId=2680

Break from Blogging

2011-06-30T19:38:00.000+01:00

Its been quite a bit light on the Blog and Twitter activity recently.

I have been concentrating on my new job and tackling the steep learning curve. Very interesting and spending time between Conwy and Capenhurst, Chester.

It means that the evenings have been taken up with Councillor activities, be it emails, ward issues etc.

Had a couple of calls regarding the role out of the Recycle More service. A couple of niggles but on the whole the role out is proving successful. The environment council officers have been very good at chasing up and resolving issues. It was good to hear of a result of a visit to a 95 year old resident in Deganwy by an officer, after a fellow councillor reported she was worried she could not cope. The lady is already an avid recycler and taking advantage of the assisted collection scheme. A short time with the officer and the lady was now looking forward to recycling more.

I have had to give apologies to a few meetings over the last 2 meetings, I have also asked to come off some of the committees I'm a member of, including Customers Scrutiny, Audit and Planning. I have also had to resign from my roll on the Cartrefi Conwy Board, but I have agreed to delay this until the AGM in September and carry on as the Chairman of Audit and Risk until that point. Cartrefi have agreed to move the Audit committee meetings to the evening to accomodate.

I attended the Harbour Authority Advisory Committee last night at Bodlondeb. Interesting meeting regarding the new Jetty on Conwy Quay and Equality Access Assessment. The report stated that there are time when the gradient of the jetty would not be suitable for Disabled Access. But the report stated this was for a "short time" and that for the "majority" of time it would be available for all. I have asked for more information to fully understand what a "short time" means. So we resolved that we need more detail on timings when the jetty will be available. There was some concern that although the jetty 24 hours a day, it was of concern that from its location it could not reach around 30% of the harbour moored boats at low tide.
I was also surprised to hear the river Users had not been consulted on the additional spend for the work. This additional spend is being funded from potential borrowing ( a 25 year loan) and will be paid for by increasing the Harbour Income. Yet nobody has asked the people who will ultimately be hit with a hike in charges to pay for the jetty. Income has to increase by 5% to pay the yearly loan repayments. But not all income can be increased by this much and hence I've estimated that mooring fees will have to increase at between 5 -10%, on top of the annual increases already taking place.

Back to more Council meetings next week. Should be in Bodlondeb on Monday and Wednesday next week.

Byron Davies

2011-06-17T19:13:00.001+01:00

Conwy County Borough Council Chief Executive Bryron Davies will by mutual agreement resign from his post with effect from 17th June 2011.

Temporary management arrangements were put in place during his absence and these will continue until his successor is appointed.

Neither Mr Davies nor the Council will make any further comment on this matter.

The above statement has been issued to CCBC staff and the media today.
I can not make any further comments due to the confidentiality obligations at the Council meeting.

Article on BBC Wales website: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-north-west-wales-13811392

New Independent County Councillor

2011-06-16T22:55:00.001+01:00

Congratulations to Peter Groudd (Lewis) who has just won the Uwchaled By-election.

Result:

Crossley (Welsh Conservatives) 30
Groudd (Independent) 477

Formal results will be added to the following CCBC Website page:
http://www.conwy.gov.uk/doc.asp?cat=7717&doc=24174

New Job

2011-06-14T17:18:00.000+01:00

Today I have been offered and accepted a new job.

From Monday I will be the new Business Manager for Blah d Blah Ltd, based in the Riverside Business Park in Conwy. Blah d Blah are a Creative Agency http://www.blahdblah.com/blahdblah/html/home.php

This will now mean some significant changes at Council. Since selling our business in June 2009 I have spent a great deal of time at Council and I'm a member on many committees, and attend a great deal of extra meetings. I do have a very good attendance record and have attend more meetings than most other councillors. This has been my choice but the this will now have to change. My new employers are 'happy' for me to continue in my role as a Councillor and are willing to provide flexible working to allow me to attend meetings.

I have had to consider my future career and still having 25 years before I retire, I have had to consider achieving some better stability for myself and the family. This opportunity, in a job I have done before, on the doorstep was to good an opportunity to ignore.

The next 10 months will be interesting and I will be able to report on how and if it is possible to be a Councillor and hold down a full time job. I have experienced the role of a Councillor, while Self Employed, "unemployed" and now as Employed.

Please support Becca Chin funding bid - takes 2 mins

2011-06-11T20:09:00.001+01:00

Update: Following the first 2 comments I have received I must clarify that this is not a request for your money. It is a request to vote for Becca Chin on a website to give her a chance of receiving funding from the Foundation detailed below.

The Bring on Tomorrow Foundation is a sporting legacy initiative established by "For Goodness Shakes" in partnership with Sports Aid. The foundation helps to fund the development of promising young athletes, nurturing their talent and providing the support they need to become Great Brtian's champions of tomorrow.

Please follow the link below and vote for Becca (search for "Chin") as many times as you can (you can vote once per e-mail address) and pass these details on to your friends and family. It only takes 2 minutes to vote by entering your name and e-mail address.

www.bringontomorrowfoundation.com/final.php?id=89

Becca completed at the 2008 Beijing Paralympics and was the youngest Welsh Paralympian at just 16 years old. She is from Deganwy, North Wales but has recently moved to Manchester to study Human Nutrition at University and further hew rowing career by training on the Great Britian World Class start Program with a top British Coach.

Please help Becca's dream of becoming an Olympian a reality.

Thank you very much

Meetings w/c 11th June 2011

2011-06-11T13:44:00.001+01:00

This week I'm expecting some news that may affect the amount of time I spend at Council meeting. Since selling the business I have been able to concentrate full time as a Councillor and attending meetings, not only of those committees I'm a member of, but also those that I'm not a member of. Depending on some news I hope to receive early this week, this may have to change significantly.

Monday 13th June

2pm: Social Service Budget Efficiencies Meeting, Bodlondeb (member)

Tuesday 14th June

2pm: Cabinet, Bodlondeb, (non-member)
Agenda includes:

8. Matters referred to the Cabinet by a Scrutiny Committee, for consideration
i) Modernisation of Learning Disability Services
9. Leader's Portfolio
i) Children and Young People's Partnership Respect Strategy
10. Corporate Modernisation Portfolio
i) Report of the Corporate Communications Task and Finish Group
11. Corporate and Regulatory Services Portfolio
i) Annual Monitoring Report on the Implementation of the Welsh Language Scheme April 2010 - March 2011
12. Environment and Sustainability Portfolio
i) Flood Risk Regulations 2009
13. Communities Portfolio:
i) Project Approvals from the Local Community Regeneration Provision
14. Lifelong Learning and Skills Portfolio
i) Local Authority School Admissions Policy 2012/13
ii) Musical Chorus - Youth in Action EU Project Proposal
15. Exempt Items: Local Government Act 1972, Section 100A and Schedule 12A (Access to Information)
16. Lifelong Learning and Skills
i) Education Services MIS- Procurement Options Report
17. Finance and Resources Portfolio
i) Write Off Report
18. Infrastructure Portfolio
i) Integration of Parking Services Teams for Conwy County Borough Council and Denbighshire County Council
19. Social Care and Health Portfolio
i) Project Plan, Llys Gogarth - Combined Residential Service
English: http://modgoveng.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=171&MId=2675&Ver=4
Cymraeg: http://modgovcym.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=171&MId=2675&Ver=4

3pm: Partnership Performance Meeting, Bodlondeb (member) - POSTPONED
Review of Children and Young Peoples Partnership (CYPP)

Wednesday 15th June

11:30am: Families First Project Board, Dinerth Rd, Rhos on Sea (member)

2pm: Joint Voluntary Sector Liaison Committee, Bodlondeb (member)

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

Friday 17th June

9am: Llanrhos Old School Restoration Project
Work to clear the building in preparation for contracted works
Update: I now have a meeting in Chester related to my new job, hence will have to give my apologies. Will make up for it on Saturday morning.

Saturday 18th June

8:30am: Llanrhos Old School Restoration Project
Continued works to clear the site

Sunday 19th June
Don't forget its Father's Day !!

New Blog - Welshnewsnot

2011-06-11T10:25:00.000+01:00

Hi Jason

Just getting the word out about our new Welsh news blog, the idea is that it will make you laugh. Have a look.

http://welshnewsnot.wordpress.com/

Deganwy Dash Results 2011

2011-06-09T19:29:00.001+01:00

Photo by Maurice Clark

Please follow the link to the 2011 Dash Results, Photographs and Video

www.deganwydash.co.uk

Note: this years race was 5.2 miles and hence for direct comparison please compare with 2009 results which was of the same result.

140 runners started the race, 138 finishers a record for the race.

The winning time was also a record for the 5.2 mile course.

A great deal of entries for this years race arrived within the last week and we also had around 30 register on the day. Although this was very welcome and boosted the field, we were caught out by the last minute interest which caused a few issues with the logistics, regarding water at half way and goody bags at the end. - We will obviously have to take this into account next year and be more confident with our predictions on numbers. We do apologise for this and hope you continue to support the event in 2012.

Provisional Dates for 2012:

Deganwy Dash: Friday 1st June 2012
Deganwy Prom Day: Saturday 2nd June 2012

both dates to be confirmed by the committee

Colwyn Bay Pier

2011-06-08T22:50:00.003+01:00

At Special Council this evening the decision was made by the Council to purchase the Pier from the the current Bankruptcy Trustees.

The were a great deal of apologies for the meeting. I think the vote was 31 - 1, so only 32 of 59 Councillors were there for the vote (a couple of others were at the beginning of the meeting but had to leave before the conclusion)

I was the only Councillor to vote against the proposals. May be I'm the one who has got it wrong, but my view is that this is going to cost us a great deal of money over the next few years, while we wait to see if we by some chance get funding to restore the pier.

Funding is highly dependent upon a yet to be seen Business Plan from the Pier Pressure Group's company "Shore Thing". I apologise for the pun, but at this time this is in no way a 'sure thing', only a 'maybe'.

My concerns remain that there are is great deal of uncertainty at the moment and all options run with high risk. We received financial best and worst case figures on the options (as I requested at the Cabinet meeting). The option recommended by officers and cabinet in my opinion misrepresented the worst case figures and didn't matched the risk analysis (I did challenge this in the meeting).This, in my opinion, strewed the view that this option was one of least financial risk, this is not the case.

The issue which everyone has not taken heed of is that if a Public Authority own the site, CADW will then assist that the repairs are completed even if we are unable to find External funding. Hence if we do not get this funding it will be the Conwy Council Tax payer that will have to come up with the money.

We are dealing with this problem because of the bankruptcy timings. We are also dealing with this in times of significant austerity. I do hope I'm wrong but I feel this will be another Maesdu Bridge issue (I wasn't wrong about that one). We are being pushed into things because of external timing issues, very risky indeed.

Please beware that just because the authority takes ownership do NOT (thank you Richard) expect changes quickly. The grant application process is far from quick (compare it to Llandudno Railway Station). I can see us with nothing to show, except expenditure, for a few years yet (3 - 5 years)

So what would I have done, My preference would have been that we managed the transfer of the pier to a third party arms length organisation, such as Shore Thing. This would then have passed the massive liability of ownership out of the Council Tax payer. The other option was to do nothing, this will have meant that Steve Hunt would have taken receipt of the Pier in July. In my opinion, it would be then up to Mr Hunt to move it forward. My advice would have been to encourage Mr Hunt to work with the Pier Pressure Group/Shore Thing. If this did not work or if Mr Hunt was unable to keep up with the upkeep required then it may mean in the future (several years) that we would have had to taken on the liability then. Hopefully this would be after the current financial climate. The structural survey of the Pier at this point may have given us more options, which could include demolition.

What I will be interested now is understanding why we are doing this with the Pier yet other Local Eyesore sites in the County can not be dealt with.

The report details still remains exempt due to personal details within the report. Although I did vote as did others that the meeting should not be exempt.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-13701410

I hope I will be able to tell you that my concerns turn out to be unfounded and that as described by officers we have the "fair wind" and everything goes to plan and that all costs are covered by external finance. If this happens I will be first to put up my hand and say I was wrong.

Quick Posting

2011-06-05T22:29:00.000+01:00

Got back from a weeks holiday on Friday evening. We went down to Bluestones in Pembrokeshire. A great time with Kirsty and the Boys, and almost managed to keep away from the Internet for a whole week.

Attended the Deganwy Dash on Friday evening. 138 runners completed the race. Well done to the everyone and many thanks for all the volunteers that helped with the event.

A successful Deganwy Prom Day on Saturday. It is only at events like this when you appreciate just how many people volunteer their time for so many different organisations. We only had a small subset of the local organisations and charities. Again many thanks to the rest of the committee and volunteers for the day.

Back to business at Council and Cartrefi Conwy tomorrow. I will find time over the next few days to post my diary for the week. I do have a a private appointment on Wednesday which means I have had to give my apologies for the Planning Committee. I should be back later on Wednesday (4pm) for a Special Council meeting to discuss and make decision on Colwyn Bay Pier.

Deganwy Prom Day - Saturday 4th June 11am - 4pm

2011-05-25T18:16:00.001+01:00

Should be great day with lots to see and do.
See you there.

Deganwy Dash & Deganwy Prom Day 2011

2011-05-25T09:25:00.000+01:00

Deganwy Dash

Friday Evening: 3rd June 2011

Start 7:15pm

The Deganwy Dash 5 mile run is part of the the Deganwy Prom Day festivities. Now in its third year and going from strength to strength. It is organised by a committee of local volunteers who freely give up many hours of their time to ensure the success of the event, their only reward is a successful weekend.

We are a not for profit organisation and in 2010 we gave donations to History of Deganwy Group, Deganwy & District Residents Association, Deganwy Youth Club, St. John Ambulance, Llandudno & Colwyn Bay Tram Society, Tudno FM.

The Dash is an open event, well organised by our race director who is an experienced runner with over 25 years experience of organising both Road and Fell races.

It has the usual event insurance and medical cover. It is not tied to Welsh Athletics so there is no ‘unattached levy’, everybody pays the same entry fee.

Entries still being taken, please contact Geoff Glegg 01492 589513

or download application form from the website

http://www.deganwydash.co.uk/

Deganwy Prom Day 2011

Saturday 4th June 2011

on Deganwy Promenade

11am to 4pm

This years events should be as good as our last 2 years of events.

We have some Tudno FM with us all day to run events on the Arena.

Anyone wanting to provide entertainment on the arena for up to a 30 minute slot please contact Mrs Chistine Gilligan on 01492 584516

Dedicated Fun Dog Show Arena - see http://deganwyresidentsassociation.blogspot.com/2011/05/deganwy-prom-day-4th-june-2011.html for details of the Dog Show

Other attractions for the day include: Climbing Wall, Inflatable Slide, Bouncy Clown, Barbecue, Carnival Queens, Children Rides, Cake and Craft Stalls, Ice Cream Van, Face Painting, Children Sports, Refreshments, Stalls and Displays from Local Organisations

Conway Yacht Club Open Day 11am-3pm

Prize Draw (1st Prize £100, 2nd Prize £50 plus other prizes)

We are pleased to also announce that the new Kiosk (Franco's) on the Promenade is Open for Business selling Refreshments, Paninis, Hot Drinks and Ice Creams

http://www.deganwypromday.org.uk/

Llanrhos Old School - All systems go

2011-05-23T18:01:00.000+01:00

Article in today's Daily Post with the news that WREN have approved a grant of nearly £50K. This means the project has now raised £240K for the Restoration Project. Contractors has been decided and work will commence at the end of June.
As part of the committee, I must congratulate the other members for all their hard work in achieving this result. My role has been limited compared to other members. The committee have worked extremely hard to raise the money through local initiatives and grant applications.

More fundraising is still required to buy equipment to furnish the restored building, so please support the groups efforts. They will have a stall at the Deganwy Prom Day on Sat 4th June.

http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/2011/05/23/llanrhos-community-centre-reaches-fundraising-target-55578-28743277/

Llanrhos community centre reaches fundraising target

by Wendy Jones, DPW West

May 23 2011

RELIEVED fundraisers are celebrating reaching a £240,000 target to convert an old school into a community centre – after a letter telling them about the final £50,000 grant got lost in the post.

The scheme is to convert the Grade II-listed Llanrhos Old School near Llandudno which was built in 1822 and had fallen on hard times.

Llanrhos Old School project manager Dave Rowley, who feared that the clinching grant had been refused when the letter failed to arrive at his home, joked: “My fingernails were almost down to the bone with worry but I rang them in desperation and got the good news. I was bowled over and I'm delighted that the final piece of the jigsaw is in place.”

Work is due to start at the end of June.

In October 2009 the Rev Robert Griffiths, of Llandudno, brought together a group of volunteers for the restoration project and a plan was born to raise £240,000 to refurbish the historic school.

A report by a surveyor had revealed major restoration and conservation work was needed to prevent further disrepair and save the building for the community.

The volunteers arranged funding and fundraising events backed by mayor of Conwy Cllr Vicky MacDonald and others on Conwy Town Council, Conwy County Borough Council, the Welsh Government’s communities’ facilities and activities programme, landowners Mostyn Estates Ltd who lease the site to the church, and Llanrhos Parish Church Council among others.

But with the total hovering at around £190,000, Mr Rowley believed he had stumbled at the final hurdle with no news about the volunteers' grant application to a body based in Norfolk.

It was a request to the Landfill Communities Fund of Waste Recycling Group (WRG) run by the environmental body Waste Recycling Environmental Ltd (WREN).

Mr Rowley said: “On May 5 I was told by WREN I’d be notified within seven days about whether we’d got the £50,000 grant. When that period expired, I thought the worst. Anyway, I rang them up and they said ‘You should know by now you’ve got it.’ I said ‘I don’t’ but they said I had. Their letter had got lost in the post.”

He hailed the ‘tremendous support’ from statutory bodies and well-wishers.

“Many people have come forward to describe their own personal empathy with the building over the years. They’ve got memories of attending Sunday school there in the 1930s. Some even remember nettles growing through the seat of the outside toilet.”

He said he had found the generosity of individuals with their time and donations “quite staggering and heartwarming” and added: “The sense of community is alive and well in Llanrhos.”

After the makeover, which will involve installing boilers, underfloor heating, insulation and a first floor storeroom among other improvements, groups expected to use it include police and councillors holding surgeries, Brownies, Cubs and Scouts, a camera club, Darby and Joan Coffee Morning Club, film buffs, Tai Chi and an Over 60s fitness club.
Donations may still be made to its running costs. Ring Dave Rowley on 01492 572546 or e-mail daverowley64@yahoo.co.uk

Organisations and community groups requiring funding for projects should visit www.wren.org.uk or contact WREN on 01953 717165.

Deganwy Beach Clean - Sat 21st May 2011

2011-05-23T09:20:00.000+01:00

Here are a few pictures from the successful Beach Clean on Saturday.
In this first photo you can see the recently opened Franco's Kiosk.

Time for a Break - Meetings for next 2 weeks

2011-05-22T13:47:00.001+01:00

Its been a very interesting and busy few months, for me there is a slow down in official meetings from later this week and the next week, so I'm going to take advantage of this. The second week is also the School's half term holiday, so time for the boys.

I feel it is time for a break, to recharge my batteries, and take some time off. Part of this break is that I will stop blogging for the next 2 weeks. I will create one more post after this one to promote the Deganwy Dash and Deganwy Prom Day. Unless anything urgent or very interesting comes up they I will return to blogging shortly after the Prom Day.

Meetings w/c 23rd May and 30th May

Chairman and Vice-Chairman of committees are elected each year after the Council AGM. We had the AGM last year and hence the next meeting of each committee will be appointing these members. I'm the Chairman of the Partnerships Overview and Scrutiny committee, and I hope to be nominated and is supported reelected to this rule for the next 12 months. The next meeting of Partnerships will happen on Wednesday afternoon.

Monday 23rd May

2pm: Audit Committee, Bodlondeb (member)
Agenda:
1. Appointment of Chairman
2. Appointment of Vice-Chairman
3. Apologies for absence
4. Declarations of Interest: Code of Local Government Conduct
5. Urgent Matters
6. Minutes
7. Matters referred to the Audit Committee by KPMG
This item is well worth a look and details the results of work carried out by the authorities external auditors KPMG following several questions and objections raised by Mr Willetts and Mr Hunt. These issues are linked to the accounts of the Council for the year ended 31st March 2010. A lot of this issues have been discussed in local blog sites.
8. To consider a report by the Acting Corporate Director and Head of Financial Services on the following matter:
8a International Financial Reporting Standards Implementation - Accounting Principles and Policies
9. To consider reports by the Head of Audit and Procurement Services on the following matters:
9a Internal Audit Performance for the Period 1st April 2010 to 31st March 2011
9b Internal Audit Annual Statement of Assurance 2010/2011
9c Internal Audit Strategy & Strategic Plan 2011 to 2015 / Internal Audit Plan 2011 to 2012
10. To consider a report by the Head of Revenues and Benefits on the following matter:
10a Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit Investigations
English: http://modgoveng.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=176&MId=2392&Ver=4
Cymraeg: http://modgovcymconwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=176&MId=2392&Ver=4

Tuesday 24th May

10am: Cabinet, Bodlondeb (non-member)
Agenda includes:
4. Agenda item on "Buildings and Structures of Local Importance (BSLI) SPG" has been postponed
5. Exempt Items: Local Government Act 1972, Section 100A and Schedule 12A (Access to Information)
To consider passing a resolution under the provisions of Section 100A(4) of the above Act to exclude the Public and Press from the meeting during consideration of the following item(s), as it is likely that, if present, there would be disclosure to them of exempt information as defined in Paragraphs 12, 13, 14 and 15 of Part 4 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972.
6. Lifelong Learning and Skills Portfolio
6a Management Arrangements for the Catering Service
6b Review of Education Services Strategic Management Structure
7. Communities Portfolio
7a Colwyn Bay Pier
English: http://modgoveng.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=171&MId=2671&Ver=4
Cymraeg: http://modgovcym.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=171&MId=2671&Ver=4

2:30pm: Waste Management Programme Board, Mochdre Offices, (member)
(I have had to give apologies for Families First Project Board, which was scheduled for the same time)

Wednesday 25th May

2pm: Partnerships Overview and Scrutiny Committee (member)
Agenda
1. Appointment of Chairman
2. Appointment of Vice-Chairman
3. Apologies for absence
4. Declarations of Interest: Code of Local Government Conduct
5. Urgent matters
6. Minutes
7. To review the Partnerships Overview and Scrutiny Committee Forward Work Programme
8. To consider reports by the Head of Environmental Services on the following matters:
8a Green Programme Board Progress Update
8b Flood Risk Regulations 2009
9. To consider a report by the Children and Young Peoples Co-ordinator and Statutory Head of Education Services on the following matter:-
9a Conwy Children and Young People's Partnership (CYPP) Respect Strategy
10. To consider a report by the Statutory Head of Adult Services on the following matter:
10a 'Healthy Conwy 2011-14' - the Health Social Care and Well-being strategy
English: http://modgoveng.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=450&MId=2333&Ver=4
Cymraeg: http://modgovcym.conwy.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=450&MId=2333&Ver=4

7:30pm: Deganwy Prom Day Committee Meeting (member)

Thursday 26th May

7:30pm Conwy Scouts District Executive Meeting, Colwyn Heights, (member, Treasurer)

Friday 3rd Jun

7pm Deganwy Dash
http://www.deganwydash.co.uk/

Saturday 4th Jun

11am -4pm: Deganwy Prom Day
http://www.deganwypromday.org.uk/

Deganwy Beach Clean - Saturday at 10am

2011-05-20T14:03:00.002+01:00

Saturday 21st May

10am

Beach Clean, Deganwy Promenade

Meet at the Beach Entrance by the Signal Box and Toilets

on Marine Crescent, Deganwy

All volunteers welcome,

Please bring your own gloves

Litter Pickers and Refuse Sacks available

Free refreshments all those who help, available from the front of 22 Marine Crescent

Event by chance coincides with Welsh Assembly Government's Tidy Towns initiative

The Big Spring Clean - Ymgyrch Glanhau'r Glannau

May-Mai 21-27 2011

Join in at a beach near you

North Wales Regional AM disqualified

2011-05-19T18:14:00.003+01:00

Update 21/05/2011:
Aled Roberts in today's (Saturday's) Daily Post has detailed that the information he received did not include the Valuation Tribunal on the list. I can not verify this as I didn't receive the information pack form the Returning Officer as I had already downloaded it form the web. But I will say that the information in my post was extracted from the website this week. And hence will show the changes, if as Aled states the information was only update a week ago.
The Valuation Tribunal was not listed in the 2006 order, but was listed in the subsequent 2010 order which came into effect in January.

If this is the case the Aled Roberts does have a strong case to have his disqualification removed, allowing him to continue in the role he has been elected to.

http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/2011/05/21/disqualified-north-wales-am-says-he-was-misled-by-officials-55578-28734388/
Mr Roberts said links on the Electoral Commission website and National Assembly also displayed the 2006 order until they were updated this week.
“I had checked the 2006 order months ago when going for nomination and the Valuation Tribunal wasn’t on it.
“It was only on Tuesday that I discovered the 2010 order and then I resigned immediately from the tribunal.
“Basically, the booklet of guidance to all candidates had the wrong information.
“It meant there was no correct information anywhere and I am left in the middle.

Original Post:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-13454976

A police investigation has started into two Liberal Democrats who have been disqualified from the Welsh assembly.
It emerged this week John Dixon and Aled Roberts, elected nearly two weeks ago, were members of public bodies to which AMs cannot belong.
The joint inquiry by the South Wales and North Wales forces is in its early stages and follows a complaint of electoral fraud.
The party blamed an "honest mistake" and says it will co-operate fully.

I am sure no intentional fraud and wrong doing was intended by the above candidates or the Welsh Liberal Democrats.

I remember looking at the list of bodies to ensure that my position on the Board of Catrefi Conwy wasn't in any way a problem. It wasn't, but I did check the rules before submitting my candidacy.

Update 10:45pm: Just watching SharpEnd on ITV Wales, politicians trying to say that the documentation was incorrect. I can not except this, if I looked up the rules as an Independent candidate, acting on my own, then surely the political parties should have checked. As detailed in the rest of the blog, the information was available.

It will be interesting to see what now happens, personally it looks like an oversight, and as soon as they realised they resigned there position.s There are talks that the AMs could be allowed back, or that alternative candidates on the Lib Dems list would get the role, or that the Election would be become invalid and hence a new Election would be needed. I have to admit I do not know what the consequences of this are; firstly as a candidate, or how it would affect the other Regional Assembly Members/Candidates.

The argument could be asked whether the results of The Regional Election were based upon the candidates that were on the Parties List or not. This could get complicated, but I hope not, and that it is resolved quickly.
The Electoral Commission guidelines state:
http://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/__data/assets/electoral_commission_pdf_file/0003/108597/Can-you-stand-for-election.pdf

Disqualifications

Apart from meeting the qualifications for standing for election, you must also not be disqualified from standing. There are certain people who are disqualified from being elected to the National Assembly for Wales. You cannot be a candidate if at the time of your nomination or election you:

are a judge

are a civil servant

are a member of the armed forces

are a member of a police force

are a member of a legislature of any country or territory outside the Commonwealth (other than Ireland)

are employed as a member of staff of the Assembly

hold an office that is mentioned in The National Assembly for Wales (Disqualification) Order 2010 are the subject of a bankruptcy restrictions order or interim order (see link and list below)

A person may also be disqualified from election if they have been convicted or reported guilty of a corrupt or illegal practice by an election court.

What to do if in doubt

If you are in any doubt about whether or not you are disqualified from standing for election, you must take action to be sure you are not disqualified. If you do not, you could be found guilty of making a false statement on the Consent to nomination form, which is a criminal offence. You should consult the legislation or, if necessary, take independent legal advice. The Returning Officer will not be able to confirm whether or not you are disqualified.

The list of bodies is:
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2010/2969/contents/made

PART 1 Bodies the members of which are disqualified

A committee established by the Pensions Regulator under section 9....

A National Park authority for a National Park in Wales;....

A panel, established under Schedule 10 to the Rent Act....

A tribunal constituted under section 27 of, and Schedule 3....

A tribunal referred to in paragraph 10 of Schedule 26....

Adjudication Panel for Wales or Panel Dyfarnu Cymru; .

Agricultural Land Tribunal; .

An urban development corporation for an urban development area wholly....

Anglesey Recovery Board; .

Any member of the Big Lottery Fund appointed under paragraph....

Arts Council of Wales; .

Board of Trustees of the National Library of Wales appointed....

Board of Trustees of the National Museum of Wales appointed....

Board of the Pension Protection Fund; .

British Waterways Board; .

Board of Medical Referees appointed by the Welsh Ministers; .

British Broadcasting Corporation Trust; .

British Transport Police Authority; .

Care Council for Wales or Cyngor Gofal Cymru; .

Care Quality Commission; .

Central Arbitration Committee; .

Channel Four Television Corporation; .

Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission; .

Commission for Equality and Human Rights; .

Competition Appeal Tribunal; .

Competition Commission; .

Competition Service; .

Council for Healthcare Regulatory Excellence; .

Council of the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service; .

Countryside Council for Wales; .

Electoral Commission or Comisiwn Etholiadol; .

Environment Agency or Asiantaeth yr Amgylchedd; .

First-tier tribunal; .

Food & Drink Advisory Partnership; .

Food Standards Agency or yr Asiantaeth Safonau Bwyd; .

Food Standards Agency Advisory Committee for Wales; .

Gas and Electricity Markets Authority; .

General Teaching Council for Wales or Cyngor Addysgu Cyffredinol Cymru;....

Health and Safety Executive; .

Health Protection Agency or yr Asiantaeth Diogelu Iechyd; .

Higher Education Funding Council for Wales other than a member....

Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority; .

Human Tissue Authority; .

Independent Appeal Panel for Farmers; .

Independent Police Complaints Commission; .

Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales; .

Independent Social Services Complaints Panel; .

Joint Nature Conservation Committee; .

Local Better Regulation Office; .

Local Government Boundary Commission for Wales; .

Meat Promotions Wales or Hybu Cig Cymru; .

Mental Health Review Tribunal for Wales; .

National Employment Savings Trust Corporation; .

Office of Communications; .

Office of Fair Trading; .

Pensions Regulator; .

Postal Services Commission; .

Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales;....

Sianel Pedwar Cymru; .

Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory Committee; .

Sports Council for Wales; .

Statistics Board or Bwrdd Ystadegau established by the Statistics and....

Upper Tribunal; .

Valuation Tribunal for Wales; .

Welsh Industrial Development Advisory Board; .

Welsh Language Board or Bwrdd yr Iaith Gymraeg; .

Welsh Levy Board or Bwrdd Ardollau Cymru. .

.Expand + / Collapse -PART 2 Other disqualifying offices

A person appointed by the Welsh Ministers under section 3(1)....

An auditor appointed under section 13(2) of the Public Audit....

Ambassador or Permanent Representative to an international organisation representing Her....

Auditor General for Wales and members of his or her....

Certification officer and any assistant certification officer having functions under....

Chair of Welsh Health Specialised Services Committee; .

Chair and members of the Marine Management Organisation; .

Chair and members of the Welsh Committee of the Administrative....

Chair and Chief Executive of the UK Commission for Employment....

Chairman and Chief Executive of the Student Loans Company Limited;....

Chairman and Chief Executive of the Technology Strategy Board; .

Chairman and deputy chairman of the Civil Service Appeal Board;....

Chairman and vice chairman of the Sustainable Development Commission; .

Chairman and any other member of the Passengers’ Council in....

Chairman and any member, not being also an employee, of....

Chairman and any member, not being also an employee, of....

Chairman and Director General of the British Council; .

Chairman and non-executive director of a National Health Service Trust....

Chairman of the Beef Assurance Scheme Panel; .

Children’s Commissioner for Wales or Comisiyndd Plant Cymru, Deputy Children’s....

Civil Service Commissioner; .

Commissioner for Older People in Wales or Comisiyndd Pobl hŷn....

Commissioner for Public Appointments; .

Commissioner and assistant Commissioner of the Boundary Commission for England;....

Commissioner and assistant Commissioner of the Boundary Commission for Northern....

Commissioner and assistant Commissioner of the Boundary Commission for Scotland;....

Commissioner and assistant Commissioner of the Boundary Commission for Wales;....

Comptroller and Auditor General; .

Director of Finance Wales Public Limited Company or any wholly....

Director of the Pensions Advisory Service Limited; .

Director of the Post Office company (within the meaning of....

Forestry Commissioners and member of their staff; .

Governor or Administrator of a British overseas territory within the....

Health Service Commissioner; .

Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education and Training in Wales....

High Commissioner representing Her Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom;....

Independent Case Examiner for the Department for Work and Pensions;....

Independent Groundwater Complaints Administrator appointed under section 21 of and....

Ombudsman for the Board of the Pension Protection Fund appointed....

Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration; .

Pensions Ombudsman appointed under section 145 of the Pensions Schemes....

Person holding a politically restricted post, within the meaning of....

President of the Special Educational Needs Tribunal for Wales, or....

Returning officer for a constituency or an electoral region of....

Social Fund Commissioner; .

Trustee of the Independent Living Fund (2006). .

...

Deganwy Article in Weekly News

2011-05-19T16:37:00.000+01:00

http://www.northwalesweeklynews.co.uk/conwy-county-news/local-conwy-news/2011/05/19/should-deganwy-businesses-open-up-on-sundays-55243-28717770/

http://www.northwalesweeklynews.co.uk/conwy-county-news/local-conwy-news/2011/05/19/olive-grove-cafe-in-deganwy-a-success-story-55243-28717769/

I guess some of my words may not go down well with some of the traders:

Jason gently criticises Deganwy traders for not getting more involved with village life.

“It’s a shame that not one of the traders is on the Prom Day committee or Deganwy Residents’ Association, both of which are doing their utmost to promote the village,” he said.

“When we bought the post office the first thing we did was join things in the village and get involved. It did us no harm at all.”

Jason believes business owners should get together to think up ideas of how to promote the shops on Station Road.

The article goes on to discuss the benefit of more business opening on Sundays. It is something I did when we owned Deganwy Post Office, but apart from the former Sunset Club business and P3 Ladies wear it was always disappointing that other businesses did not open on Sundays. I accept that traders need sometime off, I also understand that there are a lot of Antique Fairs that happen on Sundays, but I always felt that there was scope to attract people to the village if we made it know what was open.

The introduction of the River Taxi (something I helped initiate) last year has started to attract more people over from Conwy, but I did receive comments last year to say that those that came over on a Sunday afternoon were disappointed there was nothing open when they got here.

My specific comments about Sunday's being very busy and then Monday's being quiet were my experience of what happened on a Bank Holiday weekend. I must stress that generally Monday's are busier in the village, as this has until recently been the main day that the pensions/benefits were paid out at the Post Office.

I also believe that the opening of the Kiosk on the Promenade has not gone down well by some traders, as it may stop people coming into the village from the cycle path. I would just to like to clarify that I initiated these discussions with Council officers when I still owned the shop. I felt that the kiosk, although would be in competition with some of the things we did in the shop, would on the whole attract more people to the area and hence the whole village would benefit.

I see from the article that the classic complaint of the car park has been raised. It is true that many of the businesses and employees are using the Deganwy Castle Hotel to park. This does mean that the car park is empty and hence available to potential customers to park.
The decisions and current policy on car parks was decided on prior to my time on the Council. I have managed to achieve the free 30 min parking spaces, which together with the limited time on street parking does give many opportunities to park to for free to see what the village has to offer.
Car Parking is such a contentious issue, as are the Traffic Wardens. Should the parking become free, then unless restrictions are put in place then all that would happen is the car park would be full of employees who work in the business, leaving no spaces for customers to park. By putting restrictions in place, this would have to be policed which would mean that Traffic Enforcement Officers would have to spend more time in Deganwy, this is something I know other people would not want to see.
There have been calls for the Council to purchase the Old Station land to convert into parking. A great idea, but this is would be a very difficult to achieve in the current climate, especially on the sort of money being asked for the land. Any such purchase would need to be approved through a Capital Business case supported by the majority of councillors over the whole authority, very unlikely this amount of spend would be agreed. But I agree the land could be a good event space/car parking facility.

I would call on traders to become more involved in what is going on in the village. Although the traders will support the Prom Day with sponsorship/prizes etc, it is a shame none of the business are able to assist with the organisation of the event. One of the principle objectives of the Prom Day was to promote Deganwy and attract residents and visitors into the village.

Future of Llandudno, Deganwy and area

2011-05-18T16:23:00.001+01:00

I've just returned from a consultation event at Llandudno Swimming Pool regarding the Shorline Management Plan.

The event is now open to the Public until 8pm this evening. - Meeting Room, Upstairs at Llandudno Swimming Pool

Well worth attending, deals with Great Orme, West Shore and westwards.

It shows the potential future for Llandudno, Deganwy, Conwy Valley and the coast round to Bangor.
Llandudno is very high risk. Deganwy would need some interesting solutions.

The plan challenges the thoughts that just building sea walls higher and higher it not a sustainable future. Rather than sea views, residents will end of up with sea wall views. A classic example of this is on Marine Crescent in Deganwy. The local resistance to the creation of the defence sea wall was evident, but this is still only a medium term solution. It would not cope with a nominal 1m or potential 2m rise in sea levels over the next 100 years.
In the words of the Consultant, if Llandudno was not so important in terms of economics and housing, then the decision would be just to let the sea reclaim it.

The other issue with Llandudno is not as easy as building sea walls, as the sea level increases will come from beneath the town, not necessarily from the coast. We have a fair few years until this point but the plans do need some thought on how we deal with the threat. West Shore being an interesting point, should we allow nature to take its own course and create a natural defence.

The following is repeated from my previous post:

Shoreline Management Plan, Llandudno Swimming Pool

Public consultation event on the second generation of Shoreline Management Plans that affects Conwy's coastline between Llanfairfechan and the Great Orme, Llandudno

Public Exhibition is open from 3pm, with regular presentations by Consultants, Royal Haskoning about the SMP with time for open discussions/questions.

The West of Wales Shoreline Management Plan (SMP) provides a high level strategy for managing flood and erosion risk for the coastline between St Anne's Head, at the entrance to Milford Haven and the Great Orme.

The Plan assesses these risks to people and the developed, historic and natural environment. It considers the immediate risks and how management of this risk can be developed in to the future in a sustainable manner, to ensure that this does not tie future generations to costly and unsustainable management. Although the Plan focuses on management of risks and defences, it has to take account of the broader issues of coastal management. It provides a framework with which opportunities for broader management can be considered and aims to provide the foundation for balanced management of other issues relating to the coastal area.

The draft SMP2 documents are available for review on the SMP website www.westofwalessmp.org, where you can also provide comments.

If reviewing and commenting on the plans, you will need to look at Costal Area F and Policy Zones PDZ20 and PDZ16.

Within the tables the following acronyms are used:
NAI: No Active Intervention
HTL: Hold the Line
MR: Managed Re-alignment

Deganwy is shown as HTL for the next 50 years, but beyond that MR will be required.

Llandudno with Sea level increase: