(1) Chairman Opens Meeting:
The chairman invited those present to sign the attendance list and formally opened the meeting at 19:30. He reported that our secretary Monty Slocombe has now been moved to St David’s Hospice in Llandudno. He confirmed that he has been in touch with Monty’s partner Clare and asked her to let him know of any developments regarding Monty’s condition. Cllr Carlisle also said that she had been in touch with Clare and offered her the best wishes of the association and confirmed that she, Monty and his family are in all our thoughts.
The chair introduced Cllr Jason Higgins as temporary secretary.
(2) Apologies:
The following apologies were received: Al Poynton, Carol Poynton, Cllr David Carr, Cllr Neil Coverley, Cllr Sandra Macallister.
(3) Police Report:
None received but all appreciated that the neighbourhood officer is undoubtedly busy dealing with operational matters. Cllr Carlisle provided an update regarding incidents of speeding on Wynnstay Road and Queen’s Rd. There have also been further incidents at the Queen’s Court Nursing Home suggesting that the situation at the site is not improving.
Action: Cllr Higgins to request an update from Carl our neighbourhood officer for the next meeting.
(4) Treasurer’s Report:
Defib. Account - £1,500
Events - £736.35
Association - £312.09
Total - £2548.44
(5) Peulwys Fields:
No developments to report at this time. The matter was due to go to cabinet on 11th March, however, Cllr Carlisle confirmed that this has now been put back to April / May time. Cllr Carlisle will provide an update as soon as she has more information.
Cllr. Carlisle highlighted that fact that the recent water crisis provided evidence that the Llysfaen reservoir has insufficient capacity to supply its immediate area when the mains supply is interrupted and that this should be a consideration when new developments are planned.
There then followed a general discussion on the loss of the water supply between the 16th and 19th January. In summary Cllr Carlisle noted and commended the efforts made by local volunteers to get water to vulnerable people and critical locations such as nursing homes in Old Colwyn. Cllr Carlisle extended her thanks to the ‘Water Angels’ for their efforts and confirmed that they have been nominated for a Bay of Colwyn Town council Volunteers Award.
On a wider note Cllr Carlisle felt that the official response from Welsh Water was lacking and that the problems experienced with stockpiling and distributing water were not handled as effectively as she felt that they could have been.
Cllr Carlisle also floated the idea of setting up a team of local volunteers to assist in responding should a similar emergency arise in the future.
Cllr Carlisle has asked for an enquiry into the response to the crisis.
Jane Love said that a big thank you was owed to Cllr Cheryl for the work she had undertaken over that weekend ensuring that the elderly and vulnerable received supplies of bottled water.
(6) Active Travel:
Nothing to report.
(7) Lifebelts Promenade:
The treasurer confirmed that he had received a response from Conwy council regarding the positioning of lifebelts on the Old Colwyn section of the promenade. The e-mail confirmed that the lifebelts had been installed at 50m intervals in accordance with expert drawings provided by the contracting designers.
A member suggested that the question they should be asked is whether a safety audit had been carried out?
(8) Litter Pick:
To be arranged once the weather improves, probably early spring-time.
(9) Unused Building Mochdre:
It was agreed that this topic has now been exhausted and should be removed from the agenda as no change was expected to be forthcoming.
(10) 20mph Speed Limits:
Conwy have published a list of routes that will be considered for returning to 30mph. The main route in Old Colwyn is Abergele Road from its junction with Llysfaen Road. Members felt that this should not be a complete re-instatement on that road as it passes directly through the village.
Cllr Carlisle confirmed that the change will only happen after public consultation and residents would get a say. It was agreed that this agenda item be modified to ‘Speed limits’ to reflect other issues with speeding vehicles and limits generally.
(11) Min y Don Park Planting:
Brian confirmed that there will be a planting event held at Min Y don park at 10am on Thursday 6th February. Pupils from the school council and school eco-council at Ysgol Swn-Y-Don will be attending to plant in a wheelbarrow and place a bug hotel. All are welcome to attend.
(12) Sand on promenade:
This has now been cleared and the item can be removed from the agenda.
(13) Defective Speed Limit Signs:
Cllr Jones reported that the faulty signs are now working again on the Dolwen and Llanelian Roads. There is still one defective sign on Abergele Road, Conwy are aware.
(14) Bird droppings under A55 underpass:
The matter has been reported to the council.
(15) Promenade steps closed, when are they expected to re-open?:
(This was addressed under item 7 lifebelts but is recorded here for completeness.)
Two pieces of the railings for the stairway are still missing. Brian our treasurer has received a response from Conwy stating that the contractor is actively chasing the supplier for the outstanding items and the steps will have to remain closed for safety reasons until the railing is complete.
Cllr Carlisle added that she is the chair of the Local Area Forum and has asked for an update on the grant to build a kiosk and toilet on the Old Colwyn section of the promenade. The chalet design units are to be located one in Old Colwyn and another in Rhos on Sea.
A member pointed out that there are no ‘repeater’ signs on the Old Colwyn stretch of the promenade prohibiting use of the parking areas by camper vans. Another member said that these are not able to be placed as the prohibition is for a zone not a particular stretch. It was felt that notices will most likely accompany the new parking machines when they are installed.
(16) Any other business:
(a) Potholes
Cllrs Carlisle and Jones confirmed that there is a drive to get the potholes fixed and that funding has been made available. They urged residents to report any they come across using the council’s reporting portal.
(b) Bin Audit
The three council litter bins removed from the Old Colwyn end of the promenade by the council for use in Rhos on Sea need to be located and returned. They were not required in Rhos after all.
Cllr Gail Jones suggested that people be encouraged to put their house name or number on their domestic litter and recycling bins. The recent windy weather has seen many bins lost as they have blown along the streets and no-one knows where they belong.
(c) Litter and Flytipping Abergele Road and Princess Rd Junction
The chair Richard pointed out that there are issues with rubbish and bins accumulating to the side and rear of the Kebab shop. The issues have become worse with the flats above the shop having been vacated. There is a dispute over the ownership of the covered area to the side of the shop which is being looked at by Conwy Council’s Regulatory Services.
(c)Dog Fouling
Dennis Clowser raised the issue of dog fouling once again becoming a problem in Old Colwyn. The council no longer have a dedicated officer dealing with this. The chair Richard produced some signs which he invited members to take and put up warning about the penalties for inconsiderate owners who fail to clear ups after their pets.
(17) Closure and Date of Next Meeting:
The meeting closed at 8.08pm the next meeting will be held on 4th March 2025.