COFNODION / MINUTES

Cyng. Dylan Lewis-Rowlands (Cadeirydd)

Cyng. Kerry Ferguson

Cyng. Emlyn Jones

Cyng. Talat Chaudhri

Cyng. Alun Williams

Cyng. Lucy Huws

Cyng. Mark Strong (Eitem 8 i 13 yn unig)

Cyng. Jeff Smith

Cyng. Dani Thomas

Cyng. Julien Brun

Yn mynychu:

Will Rowlands (Clerc)

Catrin Morgan-Lewis (Swyddog Gweinyddol)

Carol Thomas (Cyfieithydd)

Cllr. Dylan Lewis-Rowlands (Chair)

Cllr. Kerry Ferguson

Cllr. Emlyn Jones

Cllr. Talat Chaudhri

Cllr. Alun Williams

Cllr. Lucy Huws

Cllr. Mark Strong (Item 8 to 13 only)

Cllr. Jeff Smith

Cllr. Dani Thomas

Cllr. Julien Brun

In attendance:

Will Rowlands (Clerk)

Catrin Morgan-Lewis (Administration Officer)

Carol Thomas (Translator)

Absennol gyda ymddiheuriadau:

Cyng. Glynis Somers

Cyng. Brian Davies

Cyng. Maldwyn Pryse

Cyng. Bryony Davies

Cyng. Nishant Chandolia

Absennol heb ymddiheuriadau:

Dim

Absent with apologies:

Cllr. Glynis Somers

Cllr. Brian Davies

Cllr. Maldwyn Pryse

Cllr. Bryony Davies

Cllr. Nishant Chandolia

Absent without apologies:

None

8. Ystyried cynnal Cylch Pencampwriaeth Subbuteo Cymru yn Neuadd Gwenfrewi: Datganodd y Cyng. Talat Chaudhri fuddiant personol o ganlyniad i’w adnabod yr trefnydd.

8. Ystyried cynnal Cylch Pencampwriaeth Subbuteo Cymru yn Neuadd Gwenfrewi: Datganodd y Cyng. Jeff Smith fuddiant personol o ganlyniad i’w adnabod yr trefnydd.

8. Ystyried cynnal Cylch Pencampwriaeth Subbuteo Cymru yn Neuadd Gwenfrewi: Datganodd y Cyng. Julien Brun fuddiant personol o ganlyniad i’w adnabod yr trefnydd.

8. To consider use of Neuadd Gwenfrewi to hold Welsh Subbuteo Championship circuit: Cllr. Talat Chaudhri declared a personal interest due to knowing the organiser.

8. To consider use of Neuadd Gwenfrewi to hold Welsh Subbuteo Championship circuit: Cllr. Jeff Smith declared a personal interest due to knowing the organiser.

8. To consider use of Neuadd Gwenfrewi to hold Welsh Subbuteo Championship circuit: Cllr. Julien Brun declared a personal interest due to knowing the organiser.

·          Roedd y Maer wedi mynychu swper yn ddiweddar gydag Anna Cohn Orchard, Cyfarwyddwr Gweithredol UNESCO Dinas Llenyddiaeth, Exeter.  Mynegodd Ms Orchard ei bodlonrwydd bod Aberystwyth wedi’i benodi’n Dinas Llenyddiaeth ac estynnodd ei dymuniadau gorau i’r dref ar gyfer y dyfodol.

·         The Mayor had recently attended a dinner with Anna Cohn Orchard, Executive Director of Exeter UNESCO City of Literature. Ms Orchard expressed her pleasure at Aberystwyth being awarded City of Literature status and offered her best wishes to Aberystwyth for the future.

Roedd aelodau o’r cyhoedd yn bresennol.

There were no members of the public present.

Ystyriodd Aelodau ymgynghoriad Cyngor Sir Ceredigion ar y Map Rhwydwaith Teithio Llesol. Nodwyd bod y Cynghorydd Jeff Smith wedi llunio ymateb arfaethedig ar ran y Cyngor Tref, ac roedd yr aelodau wedi cael copi ohono cyn y cyfarfod.

Mynnodd aelodau eu cefnogaeth i egwyddorion ac amcanion y Map Rhwydwaith Teithio Llesol a chytunasant fod y ddrafft yn cynnig ymateb clir ac adeiladol. Nodwyd ymhellach mai 22 Mawrth 2026 oedd y dyddiad cau ar gyfer cyflwyno’r ymateb.

ARGYMHELLWYD bod y ddrafft ymateb a baratowyd gan y Cyng. Jeff Smith yn cael ei chymeradwyo a’i chyflwyno i Gyngor Sir Ceredigion erbyn y dyddiad cau.

Nodwyd ymhellach y dylid ystyried rhoi’r pŵer i’r Pwyllgor Rheolaeth Gyffredinol ymateb i ymgynghoriadau ar ran y Cyngor Tref, yn lle aros am gymeradwyaeth y Cyngor Llawn. Bydd y mater hwn yn cael ei gyfeirio at y Pwyllgor Polisi i’w ystyried.

Members considered the Ceredigion County Council consultation on the Active Travel Network Map. It was noted that Cllr. Jeff Smith had drafted a proposed response on behalf of the Town Council, which had been circulated prior to the meeting.

Members expressed their support for the principles and aims of the Active Travel Network Map and agreed that the draft provided a clear and constructive response. It was further noted that the deadline for submission was 22 March 2026.

It was RECOMMENDED that the draft response prepared by Cllr. Jeff Smith be approved and submitted to Ceredigion County Council by the deadline.

It was further noted that consideration should be given to enabling the General Management Committee to respond to consultations on behalf of the Town Council, rather than waiting for Full Council approval. This matter would be referred to the Policy Committee for consideration.

Ystyriodd Aelodau ymgynghoriad Cyngor Sir Ceredigion ar y cynigion i ailosod Pont Rhiwarthen ger Capel Bangor. Roedd y deunyddiau ymgynghori a’r ymateb drafft a baratoedwyd gan y Cyng. Jeff Smith wedi’u cylchredeg i’r aelodau cyn y cyfarfod.

Nododd aelodau fod y bont wedi dod i ddiwedd ei hoes ac yn ffurfio rhan o Lwybr Rheidol, sy’n lwybr teithio llesol poblogaidd i gerddwyr, beicwyr ac i bobl sy’n teithio i’r gwaith a gwasanaethau lleol. Cytunodd aelodau â’r asesiad yn yr ymateb drafft ynghylch y ddau opsiwn dylunio—pont â phileri neu bont agored—yn ogystal â’r ddau leoliad posibl: ar safle’r bont bresennol neu ymhellach i fyny’r afon.

Cefnogodd aelodau’r safbwynt y dylid adeiladu’r bont newydd ar safle newydd ymhellach i fyny’r afon er mwyn lleihau’r amser y byddai’r llwybr teithio llesol ar gau. Cytunodd aelodau hefyd â’r pwyntiau yn yr ymateb drafft a oedd yn tynnu sylw at y broblem barhaus lle mae’r llwybr yn ymuno â’r brif ffordd i’r gogledd o’r bont ar fryn serth, ac fe gefnogwyd yr awgrym o ychwanegu adran fer newydd at Lwybr Rheidol i osgoi’r rhan hon.

ARGYMHELLWYD bod Cyngor Tref Aberystwyth yn cyflwyno’r ymateb drafft a baratowyd gan y Cynghorydd Jeff Smith, gan gefnogi adeiladu pont newydd ar safle newydd er mwyn lleihau aflonyddwch i Lwybr Rheidol, a gofyn am ystyriaeth o ymestyn y llwybr i osgoi’r cyffordd serth uwchlaw’r bont.

Members considered Ceredigion County Council’s consultation on proposals to replace Rhiwarthen Bridge near Capel Bangor. The consultation materials and a draft response prepared by Cllr. Jeff Smith had been circulated to members prior to the meeting.

Members noted that the bridge had reached the end of its life and forms part of the Rheidol Trail, a well‑used active travel route for walkers, cyclists, and residents travelling to work and local services. Members agreed with the assessment in the draft response regarding the two design options—pillar or open‑span—and the two potential locations: on the existing site or further upstream.

Members supported the view that constructing the new bridge on a new site upstream would minimise closure of the active travel route. Members also agreed with the draft response highlighting ongoing issues just north of the bridge where the trail joins the main road on a steep hill, and supported the proposal for a short addition to the Rheidol Trail to avoid this section.

It was RECOMMENDED that Aberystwyth Town Council submit the draft response prepared by Cllr. Jeff Smith, supporting the construction of the new bridge on a new site to reduce disruption to the Rheidol Trail and requesting consideration of an extension to the Trail to avoid the steep junction above the bridge.

Ymunodd y Cynghorydd Mark Strong â’r cyfarfod ar gyfer yr eitem hon.

Ystyriodd Aelodau’r cais i ddefnyddio Neuadd Gwenfrewi ar gyfer Cylchdaith Pencampwriaeth Subbuteo Cymru.

Cynghorodd y Clerc yn erbyn caniatáu defnydd cyhoeddus o’r adeilad yn ei gyflwr presennol, gan nodi:

·         nad oedd toiledau;

·         nad oedd yr adeilad yn hygyrch

·         nad oedd unrhyw fesurau diogelwch tân ar waith;

·         nad oedd y trydan wedi’i brofi na’i ardystio eto;

·         bod ansicrwydd strwythurol yn y trawssept gogleddol; ac

·         bod dŵr yn treiddio’n sylweddol rhwng yr eglwys a’r porth mynediad.

Trafododd Aelodau oblygiadau atebolrwydd cyhoeddus, gan nodi y byddai cyfrifoldeb yn parhau gyda’r Cyngor fel perchennog yr adeilad. Cynghorodd y Clerc, o ystyried cyflwr yr adeilad, y byddai’n annhebygol y byddai yswiriant yn cwmpasu defnydd cyhoeddus.

Nodwyd bod y Cyngor wedi prynu’r neuadd er budd y gymuned, a bod angen gwneud cynnydd i’w dod â hi i ddefnydd diogel. Cytunodd Aelodau fod angen trafodaeth fwy manwl. Cytunwyd trefnu cyfarfod o’r Gweithgor Neuadd Gwenfrewi am 6:30pm ar 18 Mawrth i ystyried opsiynau ar gyfer symud y prosiect yn ei flaen.

ARGYMHELLWYD cadw’r opsiwn ar agor i gynnal y twrnamaint Subbuteo, gan aros am ragor o wybodaeth ynghylch yswiriant.

Cytunwyd y byddai angen argymhelliad ffurfiol i’r Cyngor Llawn ar y ffordd ymlaen ar gyfer yr adeilad yn dilyn cyfarfod y gweithgor.

Cllr. Mark Strong joined the meeting.

Members considered the request to use Neuadd Gwenfrewi for the Welsh Subbuteo Championship Circuit.

The Clerk advised against allowing public use, due to the condition of the building, noting that:

·         There were no toilets

·         The building was not accessible

·         There were no fire safety measures in place,

·         The electrics had not yet been tested & certified.

·         There was structural instability to the north transept

·         There was significant water ingress between the church and entrance porch

Members discussed the implications for public liability, noting that responsibility would remain with the Council as the building owner. The Clerk advised that, in light of the building’s condition, insurance would likely not cover public use.

It was noted that the Council had purchased the hall for community benefit and that progress was needed to bring it into use. Members felt that more detailed discussion was required, and  it was agreed to hold a Neuadd Gwenfrewi working group meeting at 6:30pm on 18 March to consider options for progressing the building.

It was RECOMMENDED to keep the option open for hosting the Subbuteo tournament, pending further information on insurance cover.

It was agreed that a formal recommendation to Full Council on the way forward for the building would be needed following the working group meeting.

Derbyniodd Aelodau wahoddiad i Aberystwyth gymryd rhan yn Nhwrnamaint Pêl-droed Ieuenctid Ryngwladol Kronberg yn 2027. Roedd y Swyddog Digwyddiadau a Phartneriaethau wedi cysylltu ag Aberystwyth a Phenparcau, ond heb dderbyn ymateb pendant eto, ac awgrymwyd y dylid cysylltu â chlwbiau lleol eraill megis Bow Street, Penrhyncoch a Llanilar. Nodwyd y byddai angen i’r Maer fynychu’r digwyddiad yn 2027.

Adroddodd y Cyng. Emlyn Jones fod y twrnamaint yn flaenoriaeth i Kronberg ac y disgwylid i Aberystwyth anfon tîm. Cytunodd Aelodau y dylai’r Cyngor dderbyn y gwahoddiad a dechrau cynllunio, gan nodi hefyd fod 2027 yn nodi 30 mlynedd o gyfeillio rhwng Aberystwyth a Kronberg. Awgrymwyd timoedd cymysg a thrafodaethau pellach gyda chlybiau lleol.

ARGYMHELLWYD bod y Cyngor yn derbyn y gwahoddiad ac yn dechrau trafodaethau gyda’r clybiau lleol i ffurfio tîm ar gyfer 2027.

Members received an invitation for Aberystwyth to take part in the 2027 International Youth Football Tournament in Kronberg. The Events and Partnerships Officer had invited Aberystwyth and Penparcau football clubs but had not yet received a definite response, and it was suggested that other local clubs such as Bow Street, Penryncoch and Llanilar could also be approached. It was noted that the Mayor would need to attend the event in 2027.

Cllr. Emlyn Jones reported that the tournament was a priority for Kronberg and that Aberystwyth was expected to send a team. Members agreed that the Council should accept the invitation and begin planning, noting that 2027 also marks 30 years of the Aberystwyth–Kronberg twinning. Mixed teams and further discussions with local clubs were suggested.

It was RECOMMENDED that the Council accept the invitation and begin discussions with local clubs to form a team for 2027.

Gadawodd y Cyng. Dylan Lewis‑Rowlands y Gadair, a chadeiriwyd yr eitem gan y Cynghorydd Kerry Ferguson.

Ystyriodd Aelodau’r gwahoddiad i gynrychiolydd o Gyngor Tref Aberystwyth ymuno â disgyblion ar y daith i Yosano yn niwedd Hydref 2026.

Nodwyd bod cyfrifoldebau sylweddol yn gysylltiedig â’r daith, gan gynnwys cyfrifoldeb dros ddisgyblion a’r angen felly am wiriad DBS uwch drwy Ysgol Penglais. Nodwyd hefyd mai £1,306 oedd y gost am un cynrychiolydd.

ARGYMHELLWYD cymeradwyo’r gwariant i alluogi’r Maer i gymryd rhan yn y daith.

Ymatalodd y Cyng. Dylan Lewis‑Rowlands rhag pleidleisio.

Nodwyd ymhellach y gallai Cynghorwyr gynnal gweithgareddau codi arian ar sail wirfoddol i gefnogi’r daith, ac y byddai hyn yn cael ei godi gyda threfnwyr Ysgol Penglais

Cllr. Dylan Lewis‑Rowlands vacated the Chair, and the item was chaired by Cllr. Kerry Ferguson.

Members considered the invitation for a Town Council representative to accompany pupils on the visit to Yosano in late Autumn 2026.

It was noted that there were significant responsibilities and requirements associated with the trip, including responsibility for pupils which would therefore require an enhanced DBS check through Penglais School. The estimated cost for one representative was £1,306.

It was RECOMMENDED to approve expenditure for  the Mayor to take part in the visit.

Cllr. Dylan Lewis‑Rowlands abstained from voting.

It was further noted that councillors could undertake voluntary fundraising activities to support the visit, which would be raised with the organisers from Penglais School.

Adroddodd y Clerc fod y swyddfa wedi dechrau gwneud trefniadau ar gyfer Gŵyl y Castell 2026. Y dyddiad arfaethedig oedd ail benwythnos mis Medi, a ystyriwyd yn un ffafriol.

Roedd staff wedi dechrau gwneud ymholiadau i archebu bandiau ar gyfer yr ŵyl. Gwahoddwyd Aelodau i wneud awgrymiadau, ac awgrymwyd hefyd y dylid ystyried www.rift.cymru fel ffynhonnell bosibl ar gyfer archebu bandiau.

Nodwyd na fyddai’r Maer ar gael ar y dyddiad a gytunwyd.

The Clerk reported that the office had begun making arrangements for Gŵyl y Castell 2026. The proposed date was the second weekend in September, which was considered preferable.

Staff had begun making enquiries to book bands for the festival. Members were invited to make suggestions and it was also suggested that www.rift.cymru be considered as a potential source for band bookings.

It was noted that the Mayor would be unavailable on the agreed date.

Derbyniodd Aelodau ddiweddariad yn dilyn y cyfarfod a gynhaliwyd gyda’r ymgynghorydd Jacob Gough o Deryn Coch ynghylch y rhaglen Gwobr Tref Diwilliant y DU. Nodwyd y byddai Aberystwyth yn gymwys i wneud cais yn y categori Tref Fach, ac y byddai angen cyflwyno Mynegiant o Ddiddordeb (EOI) erbyn 31 Mawrth 2026. Pe bai’r cais yn cyrraedd y rhestr fer, byddai’r bartneriaeth yn derbyn £60,000 i ddatblygu cais llawn.

Trafododd Aelodau’r cais i Gyngor Tref Aberystwyth weithredu fel y Corff Atebol ar gyfer y cais. Nodwyd cyfrifoldebau’r Corff Atebol, gan gynnwys goruchwylio’r rhaglen, rheoli cyfreithiol ac ariannol, cydlynu partneriaid, a chyfrifoldeb dros unrhyw gyllid grant. Cydnabuwyd y byddai rôl y Corff Darparu yn cael ei chymryd gan Brifysgol Aberystwyth.

Cydnabu Aelodau’r seiliau diwylliannol cryf sydd eisoes yn bodoli yn lleol, gan gynnwys y penodiad diweddar fel Dinas Llenyddiaeth UNESCO, ac mynegwyd hyder yng ngrym posibl y cais.

Trafododd Aelodau bwysigrwydd gweithio mewn partneriaeth, gan gynnwys ymgysylltu â Chyngor Cymuned Llanbadarn Fawr, o ystyried pwysigrwydd Eglwys Llanbadarn a’i threftadaeth.

Nododd Aelodau hefyd y byddai angen capasiti staff ychwanegol i gyflawni cyfrifoldebau’r Corff Atebol pe bai’r cais yn cyrraedd y rhestr fer.

ARGYMHELLWYD bod Cyngor Tref Aberystwyth yn cefnogi’r cais am Dref Diwylliant y DU, ac yn cytuno yn egwyddorol i weithredu fel y Corff Atebol ar gyfer y cais

Members received an update following the meeting held with consultant Jacob Gough from Deryn Coch regarding the UK Town of Culture programme. It was noted that Aberystwyth would be eligible to apply in the Small Town category, and that an Expression of Interest (EOI) would need to be submitted by 31 March 2026. If shortlisted, the partnership making the application would receive £60,000 to develop a full bid.

Members discussed the request for Aberystwyth Town Council to act as the Accountable Body for the bid. The responsibilities of the Accountable Body were noted, including oversight of the programme, legal and financial management, coordination of partners, and responsibility for any grant funding. Members acknowledged that the Delivery Body role would be undertaken by Aberystwyth University.

Members recognised the strong cultural foundations already established locally, including the recent UNESCO City of Literature designation, and expressed confidence in the strength of a bid.

Members discussed the importance of partnership working, including engaging Llanbadarn Fawr Community Council, given the significance of Llanbadarn Church and its heritage.

Members also acknowledged that, if shortlisted, additional staffing capacity would be required to fulfil the responsibilities of the Accountable Body.

It was RECOMMENDED that Aberystwyth Town Council support the UK Town of Culture bid, and agree in principle to act as the Accountable Body for the application.