APOLOGIES
Cllr. Dewi Tudur Lewis (Vice Chairman).
PRESENT
Cllrs. Lisa Birks (Chairman), John Richards, Ann Jones, Eluned Williams, Sian Mai Ephraim, Ffion Williams, Eifion Williams, Owen Lloyd Roberts, Margaret Roberts, Cllrs. Annwen Hughes and Gwynfor Owen (Gwynedd Council).
The Chairman welcomed Cllr. Meryl Roberts from Penrhyndeudraeth to the meeting to discuss the work that Opus company are carrying out in the area. It was stated that a meeting had been held between Opus and some of the Councillors in Talsarnau on the 16th of this month so as to know what was the work that was been carried out. It was stated that traffic management scheme was needed on the square in Penrhyndeudraeth and also it was agreed that meetings between the two Councils and Opus was needed.
DECLARATION OF INTEREST
No Member declared an interest on any matter.
MINUTES
The minutes of the meeting held on March 17th 2025 were found to be correct.
MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
Not to discuss the car park further that should of been minuted and not the car park and play park.
Cllr. John Richards stated that he was unable to gain access to see the CCTV cameras in Llandecwyn it was only the Police that could do this.
MATTERS ARISING
Election of Officers for the year 2025/26:-
Chairman:- Cllr.. Lisa Birks
Vice Chairman:- Cllr. Dewi Tudur Lewis
It was agreed from now on that the Council Chairman would remain in office for two years and not one.
Budget Plan
It was reported that the Council had spent £17,260.71 (which included bank charges) since the start of the new financial year and this was £14,627.29 less expenditure than what was earmarked in the budget for the year. The Clerk distributed copies of the Council’s budget plan for the year 2025/26 to every Member and they went through this plan. It was agreed to adopt this plan for the year ahead. It was agreed to reveiw the Clerk’s salary at its January meeting from now on and not in its March meeting.
Land near Bron Trefor
Cllr. John Richards made it known that he had not discussed the above matter any further with Mr. Harri Pugh and it was agreed to contact the Lloyds bus company asking if they have got a risk assessment of the location where they stop taken out in the village of Talsarnau and also if they can suggest another location.
Council’s Annual Report
The Clerk reported that she had prepared the third annual report on behalf of the Council and that she had forwarded a copy to every Member before the meeting. It was agreed to accept this report.
Council’s insurance policy
The Clerk reported that she had been informed by the Internal Auditors there was a need for the Council to review its insurance policy to make sure that is was sufficient. The insurance policy was looked at and it was agreed to ask the insurance company to remove the mowing machinery and sports equipment from the policiy as the Council no longer had this under their ownership. It was agreed to add the CCTV cameras and note that they are worth £7,000
GWYNEDD COUNCIL MATTERS
The following report was received by Cllr. Annwen Hughes – that she had received complaints about speeding through the village once again and had consulted with the Police about this. She had been informed by an Officer from the Snowdonia National Park that they are still keeping an eye on the cabins up in the woods near Soar and she will be following this up later this week.
Cllr Gwynfor Owen reported that he had received complaints about speeding in Llandecwyn and that he had rasied this matter in a meeting of the Full Council. It was made known that some had asked for 20 mph through Llandecwyn but it was agreed not to support this.
PLANNING APPLICATIONS
None come to hand since the last meeting.
TREAURER’S REPORT
The Treasurer reported that there was £23,579.32 in the current account and £17,802.15 in the reserve account.
Invoices needing payment since last meeting
E. W. Owen & Co – £228.00 –completion of P.A.Y.E on line
One Voice Wales – £147.00 – membership for the year
Defib Store – £70.80 – new pad for defib in Cilfor
Clear Insurance Ltd – £1,087.11 – Council’s insurance for the year
Mr. Meirion Griffiths – £460.00 – cut grass in Llanfihangel cemetery x 2
Mr. Meirion Griffiths – £210.00 – cut grass in Llandecwyn cemetery
Applications for financial contributions
Cwmni Seren – £500
The above payments were processed by Cllr. John Richards and Cllr Ffion Williams approved the payments and permission was granted to the Clerk/Treasurer to make payment on line or by cheque at the end of the meeting.
Monies received since last meeting
Mr. K. Beale – £25.00 – Capel y Graig garage rent (April)
Mr. Meirion Williams – £247.00 – burial of ashes re the late Mrs Anna Wyn Williams
Gwynedd Council – £17,000.00 – half the precept
Mr. K. Beale – £25.00 – Capel y Graig garage rent (May)
The Treasurer distributed copies of the Council’s accounts for the year ending 31st March 2025 to every Member. The Members went through the accounts carefully and they all accepted the accounts. It was agreed by everybody that the accounts book be signed by the Chairman and the Clerk.
The Treasurer reported that that the Internal Audit had been completed and there were no significant matters arising apart from the following –
Failure to set a balanced budget
Failure to review the content of the Insurance policy to ensure that it is adequate, and not excessive
Lack of transparency resulting from failure to display specific details on the Council’s website in accordance with Part 5 of the Local Government (Democracy) (Wales) Act 2013
Failure to include all of the Council’s assets in the asset register.
The Treasurer reported that she had completed the Annual Return up to 31st March 2025, the Members went through this return and agreed to approve it and it was also agreed that the Chairman and Clerk/Treasurer sign this on behalf of the Council.
CORRESPONDENCE
Ms Fiona Roberts
Received a letter from the above informing the Council that she had purchased a bench made from recycable material to install in Llandecwyn and asking if the Council knew someone that would carry out this work. The Clerk reported that she had asked Mr. Meirion Griffiths if he would be willing to carry out this work and had sent his details to Ms. Roberts.
Eisteddfod Ardudwy
Received a letter from the above thanking the Council for the recent financial donation they received.
Gwynedd Council – Environment Department
Received a letter from the above informing the Council that the road between Llandecwyn and Maentwrog will be closed on the 14th of this month for 18 months until the work that is necessary to be done will be completed.
Village Hall Committee
Received a letter from the above thanking the Council for the recent financial donation they received.
Mr. Mark Leigo
Received an e-mail from the above asking if the Council if it would be possible to place a rubbish bin in the play park in the village and also asking if it would be possible to place another dog poo bin in the village as the one that was there has been changed and has been placed by the station. It was agreed to ask for a rubbish bin from Gwynedd Council to place in the play park and also asking them to empty it and it was also agreed to ask for a dog poo bin and place it somewhere in the village.
Cwmni Seren
Received an e-mail from Cllr. Dewi Tudur Lewis on behalf of a group of local lads that were doing a walk in the Cairngorms to raise money for the above and they intend to reach the top of 4 mountains in 24 hours. It was agreed to donate £500.
Snowdonia National Park
Received an e-mail from Mrs Naomi Jones asking if it would be possible for her to come to a meeting of the Council to discuss the latest situation regarding Plas Tanybwlch. It was agreed as the Council does not meet in June to invite Mrs Naomi Jones to the July meeting of the Council.
Creative Play
Cllr. Lisa Birks reported that she had received a quote from the above company regarding creating paths into the play park. There were two options available i.e ‘a path with “wetpour” on it for £5,605 and another option“stobipave” for a quote of £6,015. It was agreed that the Chairman contacted Hochief and Mantell Gwynedd regarding this.
Sian Gwenllian AS
Received a letter of thanks from the above for supporting a need for a dental school in Bangor
ANY OTHER MATTER
Want to know the latest about the yellow line issues on Soar Hill, and Cllr Gwynfor Owen stated that he is working with Clllr Dewi Tudur Lewis to arrange a site meeting.
Concerns were raised about litter around the Capel y Graig garage site.
It was reported that a tree needs attention behind Bron y Garth, Llandecwyn, and it was agreed to ask Rhydian Roberts, the Forestry Officer of the National Park, to take a look at it.
Concern was expressed that no response has ever been received regarding an email sent to the Highways Department in mid-April about Borth Las road.
There is a need for more clear signs showing the coastal path from the main road to Borth Las and on the other side of the railway to the tidal bank.
Want to know if the Highways Department has plans to resurface the Llandecwyn/Maentwrog road after the work by Opus has been completed.
It was agreed to hold a cemetery meeting again this year and to meet at the cemetery in Llanfihangel y Traethau at 7.00 PM on the 16th of next month.
English (UK) 
Cymraeg