Minutes of March Meeting

Minutes of Meeting held on Tuesday 1st March 2011 at 7.00 pm
in St Mary Magdalene's Church Hall


Present: M Adamson, S Adamson, D. Campbell, A Clarkson, Cllr P Dixon, A Donkin, Cllr M Essl, J Hickman, M. Jackson, S Jackson, Cllr I Kay, E Lardner, D Maddison, J McGlen, M Peacock, G Percival, S Rackstraw,
D Rutter, B Smith, P Tebbs, A Tumman, Cllr P Watson, K Wilkinson, K Wilson.

1. Apologies: J Lowther, L Ranton, Sue and Trish of Millfield Residents Association; belated: PC K Hood

2. Minutes of the last Meeting
The Minutes were accepted as an accurate record of the meeting held on 1st February 2011.

3. Matters arising from the Minutes
There were no matters arising from the Minutes

4. Anti-Social Behaviour
In the absence of Jan Wilson of the Anti-Social Behaviour Team, this item was deferred.

5. Chairman's Report
Publicity: (i) An accurate announcement of tonight's meeting appeared in last Tuesday's Down Your Way column in The Echo. (ii) Linda has been interviewed about our work by Kate McClements of Sun FM radio.
Parking Management Scheme: Our local councillors met with the Council's Ken Heads on 4th February. Cllr Dixon advised that there was nothing new to report on the scheme; it is on course to go ahead in October. Cllr Watson commented on the process whereby a resolution to the parking problem was reached, with officers and residents working together.

Traffic lights – Kayll Road/Chester Road: As we felt James Newell's letter of 17th January hadn't addressed our concerns, we wrote to him again on 14th February raising the points: (i) residents are distressed by increased traffic in side streets and frustrated by the no right turn into Ormonde Street; (ii) the pedestrian crossing from St Gabriel's Church to Ormonde St should be reinstated; (iii) the lack of audible signals or easy-to-see visual signals on lights are a concern.
Mr Newell has phoned Susan and promised to monitor and review the situation. He should have the facts by July and Susan will contact him then.
Discussion followed about traffic problems in the area, including the build up of traffic along Ormonde St back to Barnes Park and the traffic lights outside the hospital on Chester Road. It was also reported that there have been 4 accidents in a month at the top of Colchester Terrace.

Fireworks in Pallion: We've written to the Chief Fire Officer who has asked for details of where the fireworks are being sold. On hearing from members that the shop is on St Lukes Terrace, Cllr Dixon advised that the shop in question had closed yesterday. We'll monitor the situation.

Fly-tipping on Metro Line: Photos were circulated showing some of the rubbish strewn along the embankment near Millfield Station. Also, rats have been seen in that area. Cllr Dixon, Morris and Susan met the Echo on 24th February at the metro line and an article/photograph will appear soon. Cllr Watson offered to write to Nexus enclosing our photos.

Rubbish in Back Lanes: (i) Last month's speaker, Tony Hall of the Environmental Health Department, has been reminded about the state of the back lane to Kayll Road/Bexley Street. It was reported that there is now furniture in the lane despite the free collection service. (ii) Susan has received a representation from residents in Queens Crescent experiencing similar problems; that too has been brought to Tony Hall's attention. (iii) A short discussion ensued on the subject of dog fouling in back lanes. Cllr Kay advised that in the last 2 weeks 3 dog owners have been sent warning letters.

Election of BPMRA Officers: Voting papers will be issued in the next couple of months in readiness for the AGM in July.

National Census: Census officials will be going door-to-door in the area from 6-25 April.

Neighbourhood Watch: We've been asked by the police to notify residents that they would like to promote Neighbourhood Watch schemes. We'll receive 2 information packs shortly.

6. Pallion Residents Issues
(i) Inconsiderate parking on the pavement in Percival Street is continuing. This was raised at the Pallion Partners and Community Together (PACT) meeting on 14th February when PC Bell advised that all parking issues are a Council matter unless a vehicle causes a direct obstruction to pedestrians or property access.
(ii) Youngsters are starting to gather again, causing concern to residents who fear future problems. The Neighbourhood Action Team is aware of the problem and the matter will be raised at the next meeting of PACT on 21st March.

7. Treasurer's Report
Elizabeth will have the accounts externally audited for the AGM.

8. Blog Update
Kate has put photographs of pavement parking and fly-tipping onto the blog and linked it with Facebook. David reported we have more than 30 Facebook fans.

9. Any Other Business
Potholes: It was reported that temporary repairs to potholes on Ewesley Road aren't lasting. Cllr Watson said a softer tarmac is being used until planned maintenance is carried out. The Council can bid for extra money from the government to help deal with the problem. Residents should continue reporting potholes to the Council on 520 5503.

Parking Restrictions: (i) A question was asked whether Ashwood and Beechwood Terraces are destined to become no parking streets. Councillors present had no knowledge of any such plans, although parking throughout the city is being regularised. (ii) Due to traffic parked on corners, drivers are experiencing difficulties when turning into Hylton and Eldon Streets from Chester Rd. It was felt yellow lines for 20ft would to facilitate access. The problem will ease for Eldon Street when the Parking Management Scheme comes in, but won't help Hylton Street. Members were advised to take photos of vehicles causing an obstruction and forward them to their local councillor. (iii) A van legally parked on Chester Road (opposite Priory Grove) is obstructing the view of on-coming traffic for pedestrians trying to cross the road via the central refuge island. Susan will contact Ken Heads.

10. Date of Next Meeting
Tuesday, 5th April 2010 at 7.00 pm in St Mary Magdalene's Church Hall.

Susan thanked everyone for their attendance and the meeting closed at 8.00 pm.