Your Councils Work 2022/2023 and Plan for 2023/2024
Annual Audit
Passed with no issues. Clear audit achieved.
Gilestone Farm
Last May the Welsh Government (WG) announced the purchase of Gilestone Farm with a view to lease the farm to the Greenman group. This caused large concern to the community of Talybont around conservation, noise, traffic, and mass tourism events, in a village that is already a tourism hot spot.
A working group was formed to create a survey for the community. It was decided to wait for release when facts were available to include, preventing more upset and fear from arising.
The Council had an informal meeting with Fiona Stewart (director of the GMF/T) in May of 22 and waited for a follow-up meeting with her and the Welsh Government. A meeting with the WG occurred in November and a meeting with key stakeholders, Fiona Stewart and the WG in March. We have been awaiting details from the WG about the ‘business plan’.
The Council has submitted detailed questions about the plans for the site with little information received to date. Pressure continues from the Usk Valley Conservation Group, who released their own poll in December) as well as community members to take a stance against the plans. There are also constituents who are supportive. TOUCC have chosen to follow the regulatory advice, and to wait for more detail on events and plans before making considered decisions.
Talybont Activity Centre (Old Railway Station)
Following the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park decision to grant a Certificate of Lawfulness for the development of the Activity Centre. The council argued its validity after numerous residents confirmed that the site had never previously been a campsite. The argument and the following appeal were both rejected. Karl Speed presented his plan to the council in February 23.
One Voice Wales
Talybont-on-Usk continues their membership in One Voice Wales. They are represented on the NEC and the Policy Committee of the NEC. They are also participating in the audit board.
Installation of speed warning signs
Four sites were equipped with poles and sockets for installing two speed information signs. Two sites are in Talybont and two sites in Pencelli. They have proven effective
Henry Vaughan Garden
Members of the Council fixed unstable handrails and fencing in the garden.
Playground Improvements
The village playground has had a new fence to replace the damaged old fence and ensure child safety. More trees were planted on the north end.
MUGA Repairs
Following the flood damage, the MUGA has been repaired. The floodlights have been set for appropriate hours of lighting.
Council Website
The council redesigned their website to include statutory requirements set by the WG.
Council Facebook Page
The Council set up a facebook page to keep the community informed
Resignations
Several Councillor resignations have occurred in the last 12 months. In addition to this the Clerk also resigned. Although numerous reasons were given for resignations, Gilestone Farm was a common denominator. The Council wishes to thank all people involved for their service over the years.
FUTURE PRIORITIES
You can download a version of the report here.
Passed with no issues. Clear audit achieved.
Gilestone Farm
Last May the Welsh Government (WG) announced the purchase of Gilestone Farm with a view to lease the farm to the Greenman group. This caused large concern to the community of Talybont around conservation, noise, traffic, and mass tourism events, in a village that is already a tourism hot spot.
A working group was formed to create a survey for the community. It was decided to wait for release when facts were available to include, preventing more upset and fear from arising.
The Council had an informal meeting with Fiona Stewart (director of the GMF/T) in May of 22 and waited for a follow-up meeting with her and the Welsh Government. A meeting with the WG occurred in November and a meeting with key stakeholders, Fiona Stewart and the WG in March. We have been awaiting details from the WG about the ‘business plan’.
The Council has submitted detailed questions about the plans for the site with little information received to date. Pressure continues from the Usk Valley Conservation Group, who released their own poll in December) as well as community members to take a stance against the plans. There are also constituents who are supportive. TOUCC have chosen to follow the regulatory advice, and to wait for more detail on events and plans before making considered decisions.
Talybont Activity Centre (Old Railway Station)
Following the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park decision to grant a Certificate of Lawfulness for the development of the Activity Centre. The council argued its validity after numerous residents confirmed that the site had never previously been a campsite. The argument and the following appeal were both rejected. Karl Speed presented his plan to the council in February 23.
One Voice Wales
Talybont-on-Usk continues their membership in One Voice Wales. They are represented on the NEC and the Policy Committee of the NEC. They are also participating in the audit board.
Installation of speed warning signs
Four sites were equipped with poles and sockets for installing two speed information signs. Two sites are in Talybont and two sites in Pencelli. They have proven effective
Henry Vaughan Garden
Members of the Council fixed unstable handrails and fencing in the garden.
Playground Improvements
The village playground has had a new fence to replace the damaged old fence and ensure child safety. More trees were planted on the north end.
MUGA Repairs
Following the flood damage, the MUGA has been repaired. The floodlights have been set for appropriate hours of lighting.
Council Website
The council redesigned their website to include statutory requirements set by the WG.
Council Facebook Page
The Council set up a facebook page to keep the community informed
Resignations
Several Councillor resignations have occurred in the last 12 months. In addition to this the Clerk also resigned. Although numerous reasons were given for resignations, Gilestone Farm was a common denominator. The Council wishes to thank all people involved for their service over the years.
FUTURE PRIORITIES
- Make sure the Council is fully compliant with all statutory requirements in The Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021: Statutory Guidance for Community and Town Councils
- Training: The council will ensure all of the members are fully trained in the Code of Conduct and basic functions of Community Councils as well as encouraging training in other courses that wil be beneficial.
- Instigate a council communication protocol to make sure that every matter is addressed as promptly and effeciently as possible and that the entire council is informed.
- Instigate a Communication Strategy with the Welsh Government for the land they have purchased.
- Schedule a Community Assembly and subsequent Survey to ascertain where the community stands on a variety of issues.
- Implement the Finance and Governance Toolkit
- Biodiversity Plan: work with members of the community to ensure that we are caring for the wide array of flora and fauna our stretch of land hosts and protecting them for future generations in our day to day activities
- Place Plan: The council will commence working with the National Park Authority to develop a place plan. We will be looking at issues such:
- how the community be able to accommodate the rising level of tourism and both the benefits and probleman s that arise from it,
- the cost of living crisis
- infrastructure
- an aging community
- climate change and the effects it may have
- Ensure the Wellbeing for Future Generations Act is considered in all council activities
- Follow up with the Canal and River Trust to ensure our stretch of the canal is not dangerous.
- Follow up with Powys roads to introduce the 20Mph Speed limit and make certain the roads are in safe driving condition and marked appropriately throughout our villages.
You can download a version of the report here.
