Neil Prior

Annual report for Llanrhian Community Council 2023-24

In my third year as the Chair of Llanrhian Community Council, I’m pleased to write a short report highlighting some of our activities over the past municipal year.

Town and Community Councils are set up by statute and form the most local tier of democratic representation. Run by local residents who are either elected or co-opted onto the council, and acting on behalf of its area, Community Councils are comprised of people who care about their community and want to make it a better place to live.

As well as representing the community to the local authority, Community Councils can facilitate a wide range of activities which promote the well-being of their communities. They can bring local people together to help make things happen, and they can advise, petition, influence and advocate numerous causes and cases of concern on behalf of local communities.

Llanrhian Community Council is one of the smaller councils in Pembrokeshire, but I think that once again our combined efforts mean that we have had a positive impact on the communities that we represent, which this year have included the following:

Public Toilets

Due to the severe state of public sector funding, Pembrokeshire County Council, in attempting to make savings, has looked to local communities to take on the running of public toilets across the county. The provision of public toilets is not a statutory function (i.e. there is no legal requirement for councils to provide them), but we recognise their importance to the local community. As such, Llanrhian Community Council has taken on the running of Porthgain public toilets, and now operates and manages this facility as well as the public toilet in Trefin. This also provides a level of employment for local people who are paid to manage these facilities. Abereiddi public toilet continues to be managed by Pembrokeshire County Council whilst a long-term solution is found.

Llanrhian Connected Community project.

Predominately funded by Pembrokeshire County Council’s ‘Enhancing Pembrokeshire’ grant fund, Llanrhian Community Council has also contributed financially to this project working to create a stronger and more resilient local community across the Llanrhian ward. In 2023-24 our two part-time ‘Community Link Officers’ continued the work to help support local community groups and help people feel more connected to our area. The highlights of this activity include the incredibly popular community unches, which have now been held in Mathry, St Nicholas, Porthgain and Llanrhian, the ‘Widow’s United’ group which is growing in numbers and providing real friendship and fellowship to those who attend, and our communications including the popular community magazine Llais Rhian and the monthly e-bulletin. The team have also helped set up and support the neighbouring Pencaer Connected Community project.

Ynni Bro Rhian

As a statutory organisation, the Community Council is able to help others in acting as a ‘host’ organisation. This means that we can support other community initiatives by providing a level of governance, assurance and credibility to help get ideas off the ground. In this case, working with a small group of local people, we were able to support a community renewable energy initiative which has now evolved into the formation of a Community Benefit Society named Ynni Bro Rhian. It’s early days, but this society, with the support of the Community Council, will look to progress the renewable energy ideas for our area and provide a mechanism for other initiatives that benefit our communities.

The logo designed locally for Ynni Bro Rhian, our Community Benefit Society

Communications

We are active on social media platforms including Facebook and Instagram, regularly getting good engagement and reach by sharing local stories and snippets, and we also use notice boards for those who might not be on-line and who prefer more traditional methods of keeping up to speed. The Connected Community e-bulletin is growing with nearly 200 subscribers getting a monthly direct email informing them of what’s on, as well as part funding Llais Rhian.

Finance

The Community Council is funded through a precept, which has historically been very low, and has limited our financial ability to fund local causes. This year we have raised the precept from £10,000 to £18,000 and have started a ‘reserve’ account to provide a buffer if needed. With our existing activities and ambitions, and recognition of wider challenges (such as managing the public toilets at Porthgain), we need to make sure that we have sufficient funds to spend locally. We also act as the financial guardians and administrators of the funding streams for the Llanrhian Connected Community and Ynni Bro Rhian.

The playpark in Trefin.

We initiated this project just before the first national lockdown with a community engagement day in March 2020, and in collaboration with Gwelliant Trefin Improvement (GTI) in 2021-22, we saw phase one commence which included landscaping of the old bowls section, as well as a volunteer day to garden, paint and tidy the area.

In the following year the work continued with a number of further volunteer days organised by Llanrhian Community Council; hedge and shrub planting with Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority; the venue being made available for community events; and we were successful in applying for grant funding of around £25,000 to enable the Pavilion to have essential repairs carried out, including a new roof, windows and doors. This work was scheduled to commence in October 2023 but due to various issues the work has stalled and so we are actively reviewing how we move this work forward. We expect it to be completed this year.

Other activities

This year we’ve also participated in the Electoral Commission’s Boundary review, where they are looking at the appropriate number of Town and Community Councils in Pembrokeshire (there are currently 77) and we have made representation to them saying that we think our current area is appropriate. The Commission will produce draft plans later this year, with any changes coming into effect in May 2027. It’s possible that we might merge with another area but we don’t yet know the outcome of the Commission’s review.

We also review all planning applications for the area as a statutory consultee of both Pembrokeshire County Council and Pembrokeshire Coast national Park Authority; we manage the defibrillators across our area (located in Square & Compass, Trefin, Porthgain, Croesgoch and Llanrhian) and have arranged defibrillator training; we provide an opportunity for members of the public to attend and speak at our monthly meetings; we make representation to Dwr Cymru Welsh Water and are actively engaged with them trying to address sewerage issues; and we’ve made small donations to local causes including Wales Air Ambulance and Young Farmers.

For a small council I think we are active and engaged, and the voluntary contribution that our councillors make does not go unnoticed. I’d like to thank them for supporting me in my role as Chair, underpinned by the consistently excellent work of our Clerk, Vanessa Walker.

Diolch,

Cllr Neil Prior

Launch of the Pencaer Connected Community, Dec ’23

Following the successful grant bid to help create a more ‘connected community’ across the Pencaer area, and the appointment of ‘Purple Sue’ as the Community Link Officer, working alongside me, the Llanrhian Connected Community and Pencaer Community Council, we held a community meeting in St Nicholas Village Hall in December 23 to launch the Pencaer Connected Community and ask local people to help map the area.

With around 40 people there, and lots of mulled wine, we asked people to think about the assets across the area, both physical and people, the gaps, and ideas. This is what we came up with:

Physical Assets

St Nicholas Village Hall
Bird Observatory – Strumble
Climbing Cliffs – Strumble
Dinas Mawr Iron Age Fort
Garn Fawr
Coastal Path
Footpaths and bridleways
Lighthouse
YHA Pwllderi
Tregwynt Mansion
Tregwynt Woollen Mill and Cafe
Holy Springs – St Nicholas, Harmony, Llanwnda
Beaches – Abermawr, Aberbach, Pwllcrochan,
Churches and Chapels– St Nicholas, Grantston, Llanwnda
Llangloffan Fen, Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales
Pontiago Garage
National Trust
Noticeboards – St Nicholas, Pontiago
Campsites – Strumble Camping, Trefechan Wen Camping, Hillfort Camping and Yurts, Treseisyllt Farm Camping, campsite at Trehilyn Farm, Tent and Camping St Nicholas. (Others?)
Yoga Studio Llanwnda
French Invasion Sites – Garn Gelli, Trehowell Farm

People and Groups

Pencaer Community Council
Pencaer Community Link Officer – Purple Sue
St Nicholas Village Hall Committee
Henner Womens Institute
Pembrokeshire Park Ranger
Local Historians and storytellers
Church and chapel congregations – St Nicholas, Harmony, Llanwnda
Fishguard Arts Society
Home Educators Group
Bluetits Swimming Group
Pilgrims
Sea Trust

Where are the gaps?

Directional sign to St Nicholas Village Hall
More noticeboards throughout Pencaer
Local names on relevant sites e.g. Afon Gleithegoch, Cnwc y Llygod etc.
Bus shelter in St Nicholas
More benches throughout Pencaer
Planters at village signs and around St Nicholas Village Hall
Return of Strumble Shuttle bus
Defibrillator needs updating and phone box needs painting in St Nicholas
Footpaths – better signposting for and improved general maintenance of public footpath network to include improved access and the creation of new rights of way
Regular Pencaer newsletter to include local tradespeople advertising
Community allotments
Community orchard
Churches need to be unlocked
Regular community gatherings in St Nicholas Village Hall
Address flooding issues and water drainage
Improve water quality
Central point for excess garden waste
Community dog walking group
Local tradespeople advertise on noticeboards

Ideas for Activities

Community garden
Community lunches
Groups in St Nicholas Village Hall – art and craft workshops, yoga, cooking group, bazaars, plant and food produce market, art exhibitions, open studios, Welsh learners group, knitting, children’s activities/parties
Whats -app community notification group
Tree planting
Walking group – e.g. U3A Ramblers, Pembs. Coastal Path Friends
Litter picking group
Nature/wildlife interest group
Celebration events
Music events – e.g. local bands
Regular seasonal café at St Nicholas Village Hall
Rhos- y-Caerau Chapel 300 year anniversary celebration

From this, Sue has been busy enlisting local volunteers to help, and a number of the ideas are in progress, including the knitting group, new benches, and the community lunch to name just a few. If you’d like to get involved, please get in touch!

Community Renewable Energy – the next steps

Following the community renewable energy feasibility study that took place earlier this year, I have further good news to share. Llanrhian Community Council have been successful in securing a further grant of nearly £12,000 from CWMPAS to explore the possibility of establishing a community renewable energy enterprise. This grant will help establish a community-based company, owned and driven by local residents and experts, meaning that we will be able to have a strong influence over renewable energy developments in the area, and ensure that any financial benefits can be re-invested into the community. This may also lead to the creation of work opportunities for local people.

Are you interested in getting involved?

The success of this initiative will depend on local people getting involved, and there’s a number of ways you could do this:

You could join an interim project management group. We’re looking for anybody with an interest in renewable energy project to join that group. You might have expertise in specific areas, such as renewable energy, planning, legal, finance, project management, setting up businesses, web development, communications, organising events, or you might own land!

Alternatively, you might be committed to exploring ways of harnessing renewable energy sources or simply have an interest in what is going on. Whatever your skills or interests, we would welcome your input and support. We are planning on organising an on-line meeting soon so please get in touch to register your interest.

What else do we have planned?

We will also be engaging with the residents of the Llanrhian Community Council area to ask for their views and gain support for the future direction of the project. If that support is there, we will then set up a Community Renewable Energy Company.

We’d also like suggestions for a name for the potential Community Renewable Energy Company, so if you have an idea, please get in touch. Ideally, the name will have a strong Welsh flavour, have relevance for the region, but not include the name of one our villages.

All being well, our intention is to set up a formal company by January/February next year, along with with a governance structure and policies. We will need to appoint Board members for the company and so if you are interested in becoming a Board member, or you know of someone who might be suitable, please get in touch.

More information on the project can be downloaded below, including:

Background on Stage 2 of the Renewable Energy Project (previously operating under “Egni Trefin”)
A summary of the Cwm Arian Feasibility Study Report
The full 90+ page Cwm Arian Feasibility Study report, in both English and Welsh

summary-of-feasibility-study-egni-trefin-energy-2 Download

draft-plan-for-stage-2-of-the-renewable-energy-project Download

care-egni-trefin-feasibility-final-report Download

care-adroddiad-dichonoldeb-egni-trefin Download

Please do get in touch with either myself or the Connected Community team at croeso@connectitycommunity.wales if you are interested in joining the project team, being a board member, have an idea for a name for the company, or have any other comments.

Community Renewable Energy

Those who came to the recent event at Ysgol Croesgoch will know that a small group of residents have been exploring the possibilities of a community energy scheme. Managed by Llanrhian Community Council and supported by Gwelliant Trefin Improvement, the three-month project, funded by a grant of £10,600 from Cwmpas has completed a feasibility study into launching a community-led renewable energy project. Initially concentrating on Trefin, the objective was to explore ways of harnessing local energy sources aiming in the longer term, to reduce energy bills, create a community benefit fund, contribute to energy security and to reduce carbon emissions, preferably through a locally-led enterprise.

A community engagement event discussing renewable energy options

A tender exercise was undertaken inviting other community energy groups or consultancies with relevant experience to bid for parts, or all aspects, of the feasibility study work. Cwm Arian Renewable Energy Ltd (CARE), as an established community renewable energy organisation, were awarded the tender in April, and completed the work by the end of June 2023. The comprehensive feasibility report outlines the renewable energy project possibilities given the areas resources, and which of these the community may be most supportive of. It also gives us a platform for future opportunities for community energy schemes across the wider Llanrhian ward. You can read a copy of the report here:

care-egni-trefin-feasibility-report-reva2-10072023 Download

Annual Report for Llanrhian Community Council 2022-23

In my second year as the Chair of Llanrhian Community Council, I’m pleased to produce a short report highlighting some of our activities over the past municipal year.

Town and Community Councils are set up by statute and form the most local tier of democratic representation. Run by local residents to act on behalf of its area, Community Councils are comprised of people who care about their community and want to make it a better place to live.

Despite Llanrhian Community Council being one of the smaller councils in Pembrokeshire, I think that once again our combined efforts mean that we have had a positive impact on the communities that we represent, which this year have included the following:

The playpark in Trefin. We initiated this project just before the first national lockdown with a community engagement day in March 2020, and in collaboration with Gwelliant Trefin Improvement (GTI) in 2021-22, we saw phase one commence which included landscaping of the old bowls section, as well as a volunteer day to garden, paint and tidy the area.

The work continued this year with a number of further volunteer days organised by Llanrhian Community Council; hedge and shrub planting with Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority; the venue being made available for community events; and we have recently been successful in applying for grant funding of around £25,000 to enable the Pavilion to have essential repairs carried out, including a new roof, windows and doors. This work is scheduled to commence in October 2023 and we hope will encourage further use of this community venue.

We’ve received grant funding to repair the roof, doors and windows for Trefin Pavillion

Cefn Gallod Residential Development. At the time of writing last year’s report, a legal challenge had been submitted to challenge the decision ofPembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority to approve a contentious planning application that will have a significant impact on the amenity of residents living in and near Cefn Gallod, Trefin. We were subsequently successful in getting the application back to the planning committee in July 2022, but the final decision of the committee, by one vote, was to approve the planning application. Llanrhian Community Council continues to keep a watching brief on this planning application, commenting most recently on the sustainable drainage plans that have been submitted by the developers.

We continue to review all planning applications that apply to the area as is our statutory responsibility.

Llanrhian Connected Community project. Predominately funded by Pembrokeshire County Council’s ‘Enhancing Pembrokeshire’ grant fund, Llanrhian Community Council has also contributed financially to this project working to create a stronger and more resilient local community across the Llanrhian ward. In 2022-23 our two part-time ‘Community Link Officers’ continued the work to help support local community groups and help people feel more connected to our area. This year a number of events have been carried out including a cost-of-living event, and more recently helping to bring back the ‘community lunch’ which was held in Mathry. The team have also worked hard on communications with the monthly events e-bulletin, and of course bringing back Llais Rhian, our community magazine, in an updated format.

Llanrhian Community Council will part fund the project for a further year, as we have just been successful in receiving around £13,000 in grant funding to continue the Connected Community project, which will also include a further two editions of Llais Rhian.

The return of Llais Rhian has been well received across our area

Representation to Dwr Cymru Welsh Water. Acting upon concerns informed by data, we have actively engaged with representatives from Dwr Cymru Welsh Water to gain a better understanding of sewage discharges at Trefin, Porthgain and St Nicholas waste water treatment works. At the time of writing, Dwr Cymru Welsh Water have positively engaged with us and have made improvements to the St Nicholas site and have added Trefin to their SOAF (Storm Overflow Assessment Framework) programme. A site visit to Porthgain is scheduled for May 2023.

Housing needs. We have engaged PLANED to help design, deliver and collate a housing needs assessment survey to be distributed across the entire Llanrhian Ward (including the communities of Mathry and Pencaer) to help identify local and specific housing needs for the future. This is a first step in creating a community led housing initiative.

Communications. We are active on social media platforms including our Facebook page and Twitter account, and this year added Instagram to our communication channels. We regularly get good engagement and reach by sharing local stories and snippets, and of course use notice boards for those who might not be on-line and who prefer more traditional methods of keeping up to speed. The Connected Community e-bulletin is growing with nearly 150 subscribers getting a monthly direct email informing them of what’s on.

Finance. The Community Council is funded through a precept, which has historically been very low, and has limited our financial ability to fund local causes. This year we have raised the precept from £6,000 to £10,000 and have started a ‘reserve’ account to provide a buffer if needed. With our existing activities and ambitions, and recognition of wider challenges (such as considering managing the public toilets at Porthgain), we need to make sure that we have sufficient funds so this was an important step to make.

In other areas, we continue to manage the public toilet in Trefin with a local resident being paid for this work, we continue to manage a number of defibrillators across the area, and also put on a defibrillator training course for local residents. We continue to operate a policy of funding local causes where appropriate. We have also had to deal with a particularly contentious local land issue, with some strong feelings being made known by local residents, and the situation eventually being resolved by Pembrokeshire County Council’s Common Land Officer.

This year we welcomed Priscilla Wilde and Paul Niedzwiedzki as new Community Councillors and they have settled in well and make a valuable contribution. For a small council I think we are active and engaged, and the voluntary contribution that our councillors make does not go unnoticed.

I’d like to thank them all as I feel supported in my role as Chair, underpinned by the consistently excellent work of our Clerk, Vanessa Walker.

Diolch,

Cllr Neil Prior

Pulse Survey Winter 2022/23

Thank you to everyone who took part in the recent Connected Community Pulse Survey. Intended to be a brief check-in to ‘take the pulse’ of the community, the below provides a brief summary of the responses and outlines the action plan based on the survey findings.

Respondents were asked to rate both the importance and their current satisfaction with community life in our area. They were also asked for unprompted feedback on what changes/additions would improve their quality of life.

Summary of Survey Findings

· Of the 56 responses received, 80% rated community life as important/very important to them.

· Over two-thirds of respondents (68%) are currently satisfied/very satisfied with community life in our area.

· More community events/activities was identified as a key theme to help improve quality of life in our neighbourhood. Broader participation from all age groups/locations was also mentioned.

· A focal point for community gatherings was highlighted, with local pubs having a key role to play here.

· Protecting the environment and living sustainably were also recognised as important areas for improving quality of life. Increasing biodiversity, reducing litter and finding ways to share/recycle resources were the principal themes.

· Improving access and maintenance of local footpaths was also desired. Linked to this, there was interest in establishing a local walking group with social and/or environmental activities.

· Respondents felt that having a local shop/post office would enhance their quality of life.

· A better, regular public transport service was also a common theme.

· Road safety was an area of concern with speed limits and enforcement mentioned by several respondents.

· Improved communication would also underpin all of the above areas – raising awareness and encouraging participation from all sectors of our community.

People gathering to celebrate the Jubilee in 2022

Action Plan

· The Connected Community team will continue to work on an improved communication framework using both online and non-digital means – expanding the reach of our current channels (social media, e-Bulletin, Llais Rhian) and exploring other routes (online Community Calendar, physical noticeboards).

· Enhanced communication will raise awareness of current community activities. Connected Community can help launch new activities by connecting interested people and sharing information on local venues. Email croeso@connectedcommunity.wales to support your project ideas.

· This survey identified establishing a neighbourhood walking group and maintaining local footpaths as specific project ideas. Connected Community will research options to progress these ideas. Please email croeso@connectedcommunity.wales to get involved.

· Infrastructure improvements are longer-term and involve multiple stakeholders. Connected Community will continue to work with partners across the county to raise awareness and share opportunities for the community to get involved.

Pencaer Community Meeting, December 2022

On December 20th 2022, a community meeting was held at St Nicholas Village Hall / Neuadd-y-Pentref Tremarchog, with around 30 residents from across the Pencaer Community (which includes the St Nicholas and Llanwnda wards). The purpose of the meeting was to generate ideas so that a bid could be submitted to Pembrokeshire County Council’s Enhancing Pembrokeshire Grant, which makes funds available through the second homes tax for community initiatives.

The meeting outlined the grant criteria and process, and then attendees were invited to share thoughts on the following topics, before the meeting concluded with the prioritisation of two possible grant bids to pursue. Oh, and as it was just before Christmas, mulled wine and mince pies were served.

A midway break for mulled wine and mince pies. It was nearly Christmas after all.

What are the Community Strengths?

Coastal path & beaches
The landscape, and an area of outstanding beauty which attracts tourism
Footpaths and bridleways (some of which need maintenance)
Landmarks – French landing site, lighthouse
Natural world – Garn Fawr (Dark Sky site), Strumble Head and the bird observation point
Local history & folk tales
It’s on the pilgrim route and national cycle route
St Nicholas Village Hall
Events at St Nicholas Hall – Henner WI (1x month), previously writers workshops, life drawing classes, jubilee events etc
Facilities at the Hall – has radar keyed disability toilet, wi-fi, audio-visual facilities,well equipped kitchen
Churches and Chapels
Tregwynt Woollen Mill – provides jobs, has cafe
Tregwynt Ballroom – can be booked e.g. yoga, concerts
Pontiago Garage
Pwll Deri Youth Hostel
Farming which provides local employment
The people – wide cross section of personalities
Broadband is good in St Nicholas Village
The Strumble Shuttle
A defibrilator in St Nicholas
Promximity to Fishguard and Goodwick

What Could be Better?

Bringing the community together more often
Less individual isolation
Cost of living support
Concerns over access to healthcare; more first responders
Communication – sharing information – online (e.g. Facebook) & offline (e.g. noticeboards and a community magazine similar to Llais Rhian)
Pencaer website – currently has a history focus; could increase awareness & add current information
St Nicholas Village Hall has huge potential but needs some work and a longer term plan
Housing availability and local permanent population decline
Village traffic safety – big tractors driving through
No bus shelter in St Nicholas (although there is a bus stop)
Sewage treatment concerns
Infrastructure resilience, e.g. Broadband outside of St Nicholas and mobile signal
Environmental support

Ideas for Community Projects

Coastal paths – improve accessibility for people who are not so mobile e.g. add handrails at steep parts
Conduct a bird & insect survey – could expand into art project to broaden appeal
Markers at key places in the community – information boards that explain their significance; art/photo/writing
Communication – link up around the whole Pencaer area (residents look mainly towards Fishguard, not St Davids)
Revamp local noticeboards & optimise locations
Improve local communication e.g. website, FaceBook, Instagram
Would like to replicate the Llanrhian Llais Rhian community magazine
Needs a person to coordinate all the communication
Revamp Village Hall – damp treatment; repainting; install hearing loop; improve quality of heating; battery storage linked to solar panels
Use this opportunity to increase usage of St Nicholas Village Hall
More events & activities e.g. clubs, whist drives, guest speakers, musical performances, art exhibitions and clasees etc. Need to fund/pay workshop leaders
Create wildlife corridors
Inland footpaths – many overgrown; improve access & signage
Nameplates to record & preserve traditional local names for places/rivers etc
Create a pool of community electric bikes – for local residents to use & visitors to borrow
Have social nights in the Hall
Establish community sports – with a social focus e.g. table tennis, bowls, cricket. Currently no obvious outdoor space for this & no playgrounds/swings. Residents go to Fishguard/Goodwick for more serious/competitive sports.
Community sport/exercise – plans were in place for ‘fun run’ event pre-Covid, could be revived & updated. Group cycling outings.
Community energy initiatives
More electric car charging points
AIRES – community camper van locations
St Nicholas ‘nifty fifty’ event

Main Project Ideas to be pursued

Following the presentation of ideas, and given the timescales and potential budget available, two outline projects were agreed in principle.

St Nicholas Village Hall

Building improvement and maintenance work to St Nicholas Village Hall to help encourage further community use, maximise community engagement through increased events, and provide fresh impetus post-Covid to strengthen community cohesion and wellbeing.

Pencaer Connected Community

Explore employing a part-time community link officer tasked with building relationships across the community, developing and implementing a communications strategy, and the creation, publication and distribution of a community magazine. This will help create connection, belonging and improve wellbeing across the area. It will also be complimentary to increasing uptake of the use of St Nicholas Village Hall.

Next steps

Following the meeting, and subject to further discussion with the relevant stakeholders, the intention is to submit two bids to the Enhancing Pembrokeshire grant in January 2023. Thank you to all who attended and contributed their time, ideas, enthusiasm, bottles of mulled wine and mince pies.