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Minutes of Argoed Community Council meeting held on 17th July 2017 at Argoed Village Hall.

1717 To sign the register and receive apologies 1717.1 Community Councillors present: Chairman M. Williams, S. Blakeman, D.

King, G. Lewis, K. Mills and J. Watkins 1717.2 Apologies were received from A. Jones, A. Davies, H. Rowlands and Walter

Williams. 1717.3 The Council agreed to co-opt Ms Marilyn Blakeman for one of the vacant

seats in Hollybush. Ms Blakeman signed the Declaration of Acceptance of Office and the Clerk provided her with copies of the Code of Conduct and Standing Orders.

1718 To receive a report from the Police 1718.1 PCSO Jeff Dugmore had given his apologies for not attending the meeting

but had provided a written report. 1718.2 Anti-social behaviour – an analysis of ASBs was provided comparing Argoed

with the neighbouring wards of Oakdale, Cefn Fforest and Blackwood. 1718.3 Off Road Bikers – an operation has been set up for the months of July and

August to deal with the issue. 1718.4 PCSO Dugmore will be using the speed gun in the area of Penylan Road

over the forthcoming weeks. 1718.5 Untaxed vehicles – Blackwood NPT would be conducting an operation with

the DVLA shortly. 1719 To receive a report from County Councillor Walter Williams 1719.1 Cllr Williams had apologised for not attending the meeting but had provided a

written report. 1719.2 Argoed – yellow lines are to be painted at the top of Penylan Road in the new

financial year. Caerphilly CBC is to contact the owner of the garage in George Street with a view to getting it demolished.

1719.3 Hollybush – Caerphilly CBC has agreed to install street lights in the grounds of the Community Centre. The Highways Department has been contacted to cut back trees obscuring road signs and also repair signs not working.

1719.4 Markham – Trading Standards are investigating cars for sale outside Kim’s Shop. Also speed monitoring is to be conducted on Abernant Road(Nos 87-88) south of the roundabout.

Cyngor Cymuned Argoed

Markham, Argoed, Man-moel and Hollybush

Clerk/R.F.O. Gwyn L. James.

13, Cherry Tree Road, Pontllanfraith,

Blackwood, Gwent. NP12 2PY.

Tel. 01495 226038 / 07855 556483 www.argoedcommunitycouncil.org.uk

e-mail:- argoedcc@live.co.uk

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1719.5 Manmoel – planning application for a wind turbine being opposed by the residents. Highways Department speed survey showed that speeds were well below 30 mph.

1720 The minutes of the previous meeting held on 19th June 2017 were agreed

subject to the following amendment: 1720.1 Minute 1715.1 add “It was noted that the 30 mph signs approaching both

Hollybush and Argoed from the north were obscured with vegetation. 1721 Matters arising: - 1721.1 Cllr Walter Williams informed the meeting that he had arranged for a site visit

to the Former Markham Colliery Site with Chief Executive Officer of Caerphilly County Borough Council.

1721.2 Minute 1711.1 – Solar Panel farm, North of Penyfan Caravan Park. – the Clerk reported that the Community Council had received a £20,000 Community Benefit Fund payment from the company. It was agreed that the use of this fund be discussed at the September meeting.

1721.3 Minute 1713.4 – Oakdale Community Benefit Fund. The Clerk apologised for not having arranged the meeting with Caerphilly County Borough Council.

1721.4 Minute 1715.1 – The burning of rubbish is still being carried out. 1721.5 Minute 1715.5 – It was agreed to defer the joint meeting until the February

2018 meeting which is to be held in Markham Miner’s Institute. 1722 The schedule of correspondence provided by the Clerk was received and the

required actions agreed. Item 1722.7 – It was agreed that Cllr Stephen Blakeman attend the Joint Liaison Committee meeting instead of Cllr Garry Lewis. Item 1722.9 – Aneurin Bevan Health Board – it was agreed to contact the secretaries of Argoed Village Hall, Manmoel Village Hall and Hollybush Community Centre to establish whether the organisations would be prepared to permit the installation of a Defibrillator on the exterior of their buildings. The Defibrillators would be provided free by the Health Board and the Community Council would pay for the installation of an external cabinet. Item 1722.10 – Five man cleansing team – areas identified were the drainage channel on the west side of Penylan Road and street signs obscured by vegetation.

1723 To receive the financial report from the Clerk. 1723.1 The financial position of the Community Council as at 17th July 2017, showed

a total balance of £35,373.56 1723.2 The financial report produced by the Clerk was agreed. 1724 Delegates Reports 1724.1 Markham Primary School – Cllr Garry Lewis reported a new Deputy Head

had been appointed. 1724.2 Argoed Village Hall – concerns were expressed about the running of the Hall.

It was agreed that the Clerk write to Steven Hawkins of Caerphilly County Borough Council for guidance on this matter.

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1724.3 Hollybush Community Centre – see Cllr Walter Williams report regarding lighting

1724.4 Joint Liaison Committee Meeting – meeting due on 19th July 1724.5 Markham House and Leisure Centre – No report 1724.6 Access Forum – No report 1725 Local Reports 1725.1 Argoed – It was reported that road signs were obscured by overgrown trees

and bushes on the A4048. It was also reported that visibility at junctions along the A4048 was affected by overgrown trees and shrubs. Specific sites quoted were Manmoel Crossing and Dyer’s Dip.

1725.2 Hollybush – Cllr Keith Mills reported overhanging trees on the footpaths. Also, refuse bins were being left on footpaths. Concern was expressed about school children from Banalog Terrace who had to cross the A4048 to catch the school bus. He was calling for a zebra crossing to be installed near the Banalog Terrace junction with the A4048. He asked that a site visit be arranged with the Chair of Highways, the Chair of Education and County Councillor Walter Williams.

1725.3 Manmoel – Cllr Stephen Blakeman reported that quad bikes were being ridden through the village. He also spoke of an Austerity and Disability Issue Conference which was being held in Cardiff soon.

1725.4 Markham – no report 1726 Planning Applications 1726.1 17/0423/FULL – Land at Commin Road, Markham – erect horse stables 1726.2 17/0517/NCC – Land located between Methodist Chapel and 3 High Street, Argoed

– vary condition1 of planning consent to erect detached dwelling to extend the period within which the development can commence

1726.3 17/0521/FULL – Cruglwyn, Manmoel Road, Manmoel – install a 800 kw wind turbine Signed…………………………Chairman of Argoed Community Council 18th September 2017