15th December 2025
Minutes of the ordinary meeting of Aberdyfi Community Council held at the Literary Institute on Monday 15th December 2025
Present:
Cllr Dewi Owen – Chair
Councillors: Cllr Mark Dunton
Cllr Anna Grundy
Cllr Ian Hewins
Cllr Brian Kelly
Cllr Catrin O’Neill
Cllr Sadie Porter
Cllr Megan Reynolds
Cllr Dave Williams
Cllr Henry Williams
1 member of the public was present
AGENDA ITEM 1 – To receive and accept apologies
CL/130/15.12.25
Apologies were received and accepted from Cllr Bradbury-Willis
AGENDA ITEM 2 – Chair announcements
CL/131/15.12.25
The Chair welcomed everyone and reported that the playground is progressing well and it was agreed that it is looking very good.
He congratulated the Golf Club on being named the Best in Wales and in the top 10 of the UK. He also congratulated Tywyn Magic Lantern cinema on being voted number 1 in the UK, especially when so many cinemas have closed in recent years, this is an amazing achievement and testament to all their hard work. He noted that Gwen restaurant in Machynlleth has also been awarded best in Wales and commented that the publicity from all these fantastic achievements greatly helps this part of Wales. It was agreed to write and congratulate all three establishments.
Action: Clerk to write to the Golf Club, Tywyn Magic Lantern cinema and Gwen.
He thanked everyone who came to the Christmas dinner and thanked Seabreeze for providing a lovely meal.
Action: Clerk to write and thank Seabreeze
He noted that BCUHB has been in the news a lot lately and we will wait to see the outcome of the various talks and the effect of the Senedd elections in May.
AGENDA ITEM 3 – Declaration of financial, personal or prejudicial interest
CL/132/15.12.25
Cllrs Hewins, Kelly, O’Neill, Owen, Reynolds and D. Williams declared an interest in agenda item 9 regarding the Neuadd Dyfi.
AGENDA ITEM 4 – To receive and confirm minutes of the Ordinary Council meeting on 17thNovember 2025
CL/133/15.12.25
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The minutes of the Ordinary Council Meeting on 17th November 2025 were received and unanimouslyapproved.
Proposed: Cllr D. Williams Seconded: Cllr Hewins
AGENDA ITEM 5 – To receive and confirm minutes of the Finance Committee meeting held on 9th December 2025
CL/ 134/15.12.25
The minutes of the Finance Committee meeting on 9th December 2025 were received and unanimously approved
Proposed: Cllr D. Williams Seconded: Cllr Porter
AGENDA ITEM 6 – To receive and approve the treasurer’s report
CL/135/15.12.25
The treasurer’s report for December was received and approved
Proposed: Cllr Reynolds Seconded: Cllr Kelly
AGENDA ITEM 7 – To receive a report from the Gwynedd Council representative
CL/136/15.12.25
Cllr Owen reported that the vegetation on the road towards Machynlleth has recently been cut back and this has helped improve visibility for drivers.
He had a phone call from the Trefeddian Hotel, who told him that they have been informed that the 40% business rate relief that was put in place during Covid is planned to be removed from April next year, meaning that their rates will increase by £70,000 next year. They are extremely worried about the effect this will have on their business. Cllr Owen raised this issue at the Gwynedd Council economy meeting last week and he reported that not many councillors knew about this proposal. The Gwynedd Council Officers agreed to look into it in more detail. Cllr D. Williams reported hearing that a new Act is planned to be brought in which would give 30% business rates relief, so the increase might not be as much as feared. However, he noted that this may have been an announcement by Central Government, not Welsh Government, he wasn’t sure. Cllr Owen said he would ask again at the next meeting of Gwynedd Council and report back on the situation.
He reported that Article 4 in Gwynedd looks as if it will now not be happening, but it is unclear how this will affect those with properties in the Parc.
Action: Clerk to contact Parc Eryri to ask about Article 4 plans.
Cllr Owen reported that last week Plaid Cymru voted with Labour to give Gwynedd an increase of 4.5%, which means that instead of the 11 or 12% increase in Council Tax that was feared, it will hopefully be more like a 5 or 6% increase for households.
AGENDA ITEM 8 – To receive and approve a report from the Clerk
CL/137/15.12.25
The Clerk reported on the following:
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* Digital Noticeboard
The clerk is still waiting for Phil Pugh to give a quote for connecting the digital noticeboard.
* CCTV in Neuadd Dyfi car park
The clerk hasn’t had time to research costs yet.
Action: Clerk to research cost and put on agenda for discussion
* Risk Management Policy
One Voice Wales has informed the clerk that it is sufficient just to make reference to the S6 report in the Risk Assessment Schedule.
Clerk is still waiting for a reply from RoSPA regarding disclaimer notices and inspection regimes
* Playground refurbishment
Work has begin on installing the equipment, though has been hampered by the bad weather so is slightly behind schedule. It is envisaged that the wet-pour will be installed early in the New Year. The clerk has received extremely positive feedback from the public so far.
She noted that a date needs to be set for the official opening and an eisteddfod competition needs to be arranged prior to this. It was agreed that early March might be good, to give time to arrange prizes, signage, personnel etc.
Cllr Hewins noted that the shackles and seats on the swings need to be replaced, and asked if the company doing the refurbishment might do it while they’re here. It was agreed to ask if this is possible.
Cllr Hewins noted that the benches in the playground need attention and suggested they be painted. Cllr Owen agreed and suggested he and Cllr Hewins move the benches once the work is finished to a barn and pain them.
Action: Clerk to arrange signs and eisteddfod
Action: Council to decide on a date for official opening and arrange for a dignitary to open the playground.
Action: Clerk to ask if possible to install new seats and shackles on the swings and obtain a cost
Action: Cllrs Hewins and Owen to refurbish the benches
* Skip
Was a great success with the vast majority of people being very positive and thankful for it. The clerk noted it wasn’t put in the best location so if it is repeated, she will give them more specific instructions on where to place it. The Councillors agreed it was a success and agreed to have another skip next year, again out of season.
Action: Clerk to put on Agenda for next Autumn
* Dwr Cymru
Dwr Cymru have passed the work done on the water pipe in the allotments. The Clerk is waiting for an invoice for the parts used.
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* Trees in main car park
Cllr Owen reported that he has been approached by Parc Eryri who wish to work with Aberdyfi Council to plant trees in and around the village. He suggested we could off buying these trees until he has met with Parc officials, as they may pay for them or provide replacements. He asked all councillors to inform the clerk if they know of anywhere where trees might be planted elsewhere in the village.
Action: Councillors to inform clerk of sites suitable for tree planting
Action: Clerk to inform Roman of the situation
Action: Clerk & Cllr Owen to meet with Parc officials early next year
* Mobile kitchen storage
The clerk reported that Des is giving up his unit in Tywyn so the council needs to find somewhere to store the mobile kitchen. Various options were discussed and it was agreed to speak to Des to see if it could be stored in the unit behind the Post Office temporarily and to put it as an item agenda for the next meeting.
Action: Clerk to add to agenda for next month
Action: Cllr Owen or Cllr Kelly to speak to Des
AGENDA ITEM 9 – To receive and consider planning applications
CL/138/15.12.25
NP5/50/109K Neuadd Dyfi, Penrhos, Aberdyfi LL35 0NR
Construction of extension to create new entrance area
No objections raised
AGENDA ITEM 10 – To ratify decision to pay £142.72 for translation of interpretation boards
CL/139/15.12.25
Agreed unanimously
Proposed: Cllr Porter Seconded: Cllr Kelly
AGENDA ITEM 11 – To consider keeping both sets of toilets open all year
CL/140/15.12.25
The Finance Committee recommended keeping both sets open all year and it was agreed unanimously to go ahead with this.
Proposed: Cllr O’Neill Seconded: Cllr Hewins
Action: Clerk to inform Gwynedd Council
AGENDA ITEM 12 – To consider increasing parking charges in Neuadd Dyfi car park
CL/141/15.12.25
It was agreed to remove the 1 hour option and increase charges to £2.25 for 2 hours, £3.25 for 3 hours and £4.75 all day and review next year.
Proposed: Cllr Hewins Seconded: Cllr Kelly
Action: Clerk to arrange
It was agreed to delegate the purchase of 2 new signs to the clerk, 1 sign giving general information and 1 smaller sign detailing charges, up to a maximum of £500.
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Proposed: Cllr Owen Seconded: Cllr Hewins
Action: Clerk to purchase signs
AGENDA ITEM 13 – To consider and approve budget for 2026/27
CL/142/15.12.25
The draft budget for 2026/27 financial year recommended by the Finance Committee was approved unanimously
Proposed: Cllr Kelly Seconded: Cllr O’Neill
AGENDA ITEM 14 – To consider and approve the precept demand for 2026/27
CL/143/15.12.25
The draft precept recommended by the Finance Committee of £51,181 was approved unanimously. Due to an increase in the Tax Base for Aberdyfi from 1194.7 last year to 1336.17 this year, this equates to an increase in a Band D property of 0.5% (18p), ie. from £38.12 to £38.30.
Proposed: Cllr Hewins Seconded: Cllr Kelly
Action: Clerk to submit precept demand to Gwynedd Council
AGENDA ITEM 15 – To consider quotes for repairing fence of playing fields
CL/144/15.12.25
The clerk presented 3 quotes for consideration and it was agreed to accept the quote for £1,665.50, with the proviso that any extra unforeseen work is agreed prior to being carried out.. Cllr Dunton offered to donate 4 bags of postcrete to the project.
Proposed: Cllr D. Williams Seconded: Cllr Porter
Action: Clerk to arrange for the work to be done
AGENDA ITEM 16 – To consider quotes for repairing the cupboard doors in the shelter beside the main toilets
CL/145/15.12.25
The clerk presented 3 quotes for consideration and it was agreed to accept the quote for £1,140.00, with the proviso that any extra unforeseen work is agreed prior to being carried out.
Proposed: Cllr Hewins Seconded: Cllr Kelly
Action: Clerk to arrange for work to be done
AGENDA ITEM 17 – To consider quotes to fence in and roof the bin compound by the fire station
CL/146/15.12.25
The clerk presented 3 quotes for consideration and it was agreed to accept the quote for £3,588.00, with the proviso that any extra work is agreed prior to being done. Cllr Hewins offered to dispose of the waste from the project.
Proposed: Cllr O’Neill Seconded: Cllr Hewins
Action: Clerk to arrange for work to be done
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AGENDA ITEM 18– Correspondence which requires a response from the Council
CL/147/15.12.25
* Email regarding Food Festival arrangements
It was agreed that there should be no restrictions on what stalls should be allowed to take part and it was suggested that perhaps more stalls could possible be put on the wharf gardens or in the Neuadd Dyfi, to allow the festival to accommodate more stalls.
Action: Clerk to inform the organisers and reply to email
* One Voice Wales – Notice of Annual Meeting 21 January (remote). 1 councillor required with 1 reserve. Cllr O’Neill offered to attend and Cllr Owen offered to be reserve.
Action: Clerk to inform One Voice Wales
* Email regarding provision of skip
It was agreed that the skip had been a great success, with some people taking items that had been put in and the clerk confirmed that the skip company recycle as many items as possible. The council declared its intention to repeat the provision next year in the off-season.
Action: Clerk to reply to email.
AGENDA ITEM 19 – To note correspondence not requiring a decision from the Community Council which has already been circulated to Councillors
CL/148/15.12.25
* One Voice Wales – National Energy System Operator methodology consultation
* Tywyn Hospital Action Group – reference papers for Dyfi Ward consultations
* One Voice Wales – training dates for December 2025 – March 2026
AGENDA ITEM 20– Items for consideration at future meetings
CL/149/15.12.25
* Purchase of better equipment for streaming and remote attendance at meetings
* Photo of all councillors
AGENDA ITEM 21 – Items for release / Rushlight / Website / Facebook
CL/150/15.12.25
* Panto
* Ian Bayliss rowing the Atlantic
* Clwb Sgwrsio 5th January
* Beach clean
* Golf Club, Cinema, Gwen congratulations
* Institute membership increasing
* Recap of year?
AGENDA ITEM 22 – Date of next meeting
CL/151/15.12.25
Monday 19th January
There being no further business, the Chair closed the meeting at 8.45pm
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