The November meeting took place at the Ystradowen Community Centre on November 6.

Amongst matters discussed were: Grant applications for Maes Elwyn Park have been submitted. The official opening of the refurbished Cefnbrynbrain Park had to be postponed due to problem with dates. Information received from the County Council re. parking restrictions at the Bryn Road / Llandilo Rd. junction was nothing like what had been suggested and agreed in the meeting between Community councillors and an officer from C.C.C. This junction constitutes a serious hazard due to the parking of some large vehicles which obstruct visibility to pedestrians and motorists and urgent action is necessary to make the area safer and so avoid a serious accident.

Cross border health issues - The reply received from Mark Drayford (Health Minister) to the letter sent to him by the Community Council had not addressed the concerns raised by the Council into the different way patients in Carmarthenshire and Neath Port Talbot from the same medical practice were treated. It was therefore agreed that the Council would make public the points raised including details of the area involved, and would also write to the Minister asking whether sufficient regard had been given to the population density of Carmarthenshire when making the decision to reduce the H/A facility in Prince Philip Hospital to a nurse and GP led unit. It was pointed out that the population of Llanelli in 2011 census was 49,854, Ammanford 23,709, while that of Carmarthen was only 15,854.

Footpaths – it was noted that the footpaths within Cwarter Bach were in a dangerous state due to lack of adequate maintenance by the County Council. A further request will now be made to return the responsibility for the maintenance of footpaths to the Community Council while ensuring the transfer of the appropriate funding to cover costs.

Swimming Pool – no recent news but plans for the future are in progress.

County Councillor Glynog Davies Report.

1) The first round of Windfarm grants have now been allocated but, unfortunately only 3 applications had been submitted from the Cwarter Bach area. He again urged bodies to apply for grants available to them stressing that help is available from C.C.C. staff in completing application forms.

2) The development of the East Pit Site continues to cause concern; mainly the depth of the proposed lake which both the Community Council and residents feel would present a very serious potential danger.

New Bus Service: Funding has been secured for a once weekly bus service between Ystradowen and Neath (via Brynaman) commencing on 27th. November at a cost of £6 but free for consessionaries. This will allow approx. 2 hours in Neath. Seats are limited and will need to be booked in advance by contacting 01639 751067 on a first come first served basis.

REMINDER: Christmas lights within Cwarter Bach will be switched on December 6 to coincide with the Christmas evening and Garland Parade arranged by Canolfan y Mynydd Du.

Date of next meeting: December 4 at the Black Mountain Centre at 6.30pm.