At the most recent meeting of Whitland Town Council the following items were discussed.

A report on the Civic Mayor-making ceremony was given and it was agreed that it had been a success, despite the weather.

The involvement of so many representatives from the various groups in the town had really been a good positive aspect of it.

The residents’ brochure produced in part to promote the various ‘Town of Culture’ events had been published.

There had been both positive and some negative feedback, but the Council considered that as a first version of such a publication it was a success, and they would use the feedback to improve future versions.

The Council did express their thanks to those who had given up their time to compile it, and distribute it, to the Narberth and Whitland Observer for publishing it, and especially to the local advertisers for participating.

Linked to the ‘Town of Culture’ status, Radio Cymru had raised the possibility of a live broadcast from the town in the coming weeks – the Clerk was requested to work with them to organise this.

The Council wished to start planning for the Christmas events and lighting early, and so instructed the Clerk to obtain quotes for various lighting options. These would be considered at the next meeting, and then planning for the events would start.

A number of residents had raised concerns about delays in their prescriptions from the local pharmacy.

The clerk had attended meetings with the management, and with them and the surgery to try to tease out the problems so that they could be resolved.

The pharmacy accepted that there had been issues recently but were putting in place procedures that would hopefully ensure the delays were eradicated. New staffing had also been put in place.

If people had issues, they were very welcome to contact the store manager. The Council would continue to monitor the situation.

The Council had received two consultation items: the prohibition of waiting at the Lon Hywel/North Road junction so that buses were able to manoeuvre safely, and year two of the foundation stage in Ysgol Llys Hywel to become taught through the medium of Welsh.

The Council were in favour of the prohibition of waiting for safety reasons, and agreed with the Welsh medium foundation stage so long as there was robust support for homework with parents who might not be Welsh-speaking and for new pupils arriving later in the term.

The Council were presented with the opportunity to work with the Memorial Hall and the Ex-Servicemen’s Club on the provision of a bench near the Pipriac Bridge.

The previous wooden seats had become dangerous and had to be removed over the last couple of years.

The World War One exhibition last year had been very successful and popular, and many visitors donated to it.

Even after the expenses incurred in putting it on were deducted there was some money left over.

Discussions with the Ex-Servicemen’s club had led to the two groups jointly offering to donate money for a replacement seating bench to the Town Council at that location, because they had been well used. The Council was pleased to accept this offer.

There had been some complaints to Councillors about dog fouling that was happening in one area of Whitland – and there were concerns about Whitland – and there were concerns about the impression it gave of the town to visitors and residents alike, and also the health hazard they caused.

The Council was reminded that under the current Public Space Protection Order people caught allowing their dogs to foul any land that is used by the public could face an immediate fixed fine of £100, and if prosecuted could be fined up to £1,000.

If people had evidence of someone disobeying this protection order they were welcome to send the evidence to Carmarthenshire County Council.

The Council had been very concerned that Cross Street toilets had had its water supply cut off for a few days.

This had been as a result of Welsh Water not realising or contacting the Council as the correct bill payer.

This had now largely been resolved, and the toilets were fully available once again. The Council was sorry for any inconvenience caused.

Other issues received included problems with goods along St John Street restricting people’s ability to walk along the pavement safely, and concerns about a private residence. Both of these had been dealt with by Carmarthenshire County Council.

Finally concerns about the chippings after the recent resurfacing work in St John Street blocking the drains and unseating the drain covers so making them dangerous had been reported to Carmarthenshire County Council who have delat with the situation promptly.

Two planning items were raised: W/38717- Prior notification – building portal frame shed over existing concrete yard at Alltybailey Farm, Velfrey Road, Whitland, SA34 0QR.

The decision from Carmarthenshire county Council was that no prior notification was required.

W/38858 - Demolition of existing single storey rear extension, replace with a new single storey rear extension and internal alterations at 18 Lon Hywel, Whitland.

This was discussed and it was agreed that the Council had no objections.