Decisions

That the playing fields and changing rooms at Longlands Lane, Margam, Port Talbot. SA13 2NR be declared surplus to the ongoing strategic and operational requirements of the Education, Leisure and Lifelong Learning Service.

Members received information and data in relation to the admission of pupils to Neath Port Talbot schools, and were pleased to note that every child who had applied for a school place within Neath Port Talbot had received a place.

There had been a large scale movement of pupils, following in year transfer applications totalling 925, in 2018/19. Members queried whether each of these transfers had been relocated successfully and as per their first choice. Officers explained that not all had got their first choice, some had had their second choice and some had stayed in their original school, or chosen to appeal the decision.

The new school in the area of Coed D’Arcy was discussed, and it was noted that it had not yet been designated as an English or a Welsh medium school. Welsh medium capital grants were expected within the next couple of years which would ease current pressures in existing Welsh medium schools. It was hoped the new school in Coed D’Arcy would be built in 2021 – the admissions figures would be included in the report following the opening.

Members queried what support was available to parents regarding the appeals process, and noted that the appeals procedure was clearly set out for parents who chose to make an appeal, and information was also available from education and legal officers.

The high number of pupils in Dwr Y Felin comprehensive school was discussed, and members noted that various factors influence where children are placed, including parental choice, siblings in the same school, the appeals process and the proximity of the homes of looked after children.

Contingency plans were discussed should any local schools reach their capacity – catchment areas could be altered, schools could be expanded, and the new school at Coed D’Arcy, would all be taken into account.

Following scrutiny, it was agreed that the report be noted.

Committee was pleased to note that Members nominated from Neath Port Talbot had attended every meeting they had been invited to, and were providing challenge.

That the minutes of the 3 June 2019, be approved.

That the objections be overruled in part and the Prohibition of Waiting at Any Time and Prohibition of Waiting, Loading and Unloading at Any Time Traffic Regulation Orders on Heol y Felin and High Street, Cwmgwrach, Neath be amended (as detailed in Appendix B to the circulated report) and implemented on site, and the objectors informed accordingly.

1.   That the objection be overruled and the Traffic Orders on Various Streets, Neath Port Talbot (as detailed in the circulated report) be implemented on site and the objector to informed accordingly.

2.   That the street parking at Theodore Road, Port Talbot be reviewed.

That the revised Highway Asset Management Plan be endorsed.

That the objections be overruled in part and the Prohibition of Waiting at Any Time and Prohibition of Waiting, Loading and Unloading at Any Time Traffic Regulation Orders on Edward Street, School Street, Heol Nedd, Fothergill Road, Heol Wenallt and Cefn Gelli, Cwmgwrach, Neath be amended (as detailed in Appendix B to the circulated report) and implemented on site, and the objectors informed accordingly.

That the List of Approved Contractors be amended as follows:-

Firms to be added to the List of Approved Contractors:

Firm to be removed from category on the List of Approved Contractors:

Firms to be removed from List of Approved Contractors: