Minutes of May Meeting

Minutes of Meeting held on Tuesday 3rd May 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, J Hickman,
PC K Hood, S Jackson, E Lardner, D Maddison, I McCready, I Murton, G Percival, S Rackstraw, L Ranton, D Rutter, B Smith, A Tumman, K Wilkinson, K Wilson

1. Welcome and Apologies
Apologies were received from P Thomas, S Woodcock and councillors who are campaigning for local elections. (Belated: J Wilson, Anti Social Behaviour Officer).
Susan thanked David Campbell and Cllr Dixon for finding time to attend.

2. Matters arising from the Minutes of the last Meeting
The Minutes were accepted as an accurate record of the meeting held on 5th April 2011.

3. Police Report
PC Hood gave sector-by-sector crime figures for our area for the periods 29 March-26 April and 1 March-28 March 2011, and for 30 March-27 April 2010. He said that the overall crime rate is going down and advised that a local crime map can be found on www.police.uk. In response to requests he'll supply figures for anti-social behaviour for the next meeting.
Some residents questioned why they never see police patrolling their streets, to which PC Hood replied that their area has no Neighbourhood Beat Manager team. Susan reminded the meeting that reporting problems to the police creates hot-spots to which manpower will be allocated, and PC Hood added that anyone making a report can remain anonymous. Kate commented on her recent experience when she'd contacted the police; their response had been positive and she was told she'd done the right thing in contacting them. Cllr Dixon praised the excellent work done by PC Hood and his Millfield team.
Susan's trying to get a member of the police teams for Pallion and Barnes to come along and talk to us. The Pallion PACT meeting is held at 4.00pm, making it difficult for many to attend.
The problem of eggs thrown from passing cars in the area was raised and PC Hood advised it's happening city-wide. Linda gave details of a BT scam which had been brought to her attention and the potential dangers of not locking car doors when going to pay for petrol.

4. Chairman's Reports
Bottle Bank - The Chesters: Susan to supply names of charities which supply recycling bins.

Speeding - St Mark's Road: We've emailed James Newell asking for traffic calming measures; we should have his report for the next meeting. PC Hood said the police plan to carry out an operation in this connection. Cllr Dixon advised that last year a petition had been presented to the Council who declined their request saying there aren't enough accidents to warrant any speeding restrictions.

Potholes- Mount Road: Some resurfacing work has been done and Beryl commented that the road is much improved.

Fly-tipping - Metro line: As client confidentiality prevents Cllr Essl updating us on progress, we've written to Julie Elliott MP for her help in resolving this problem. Cllr Dixon suggested we bring this matter up with next month's guest, Bill Blackett, Area Response Manager for Sunderland West.

Extension of Temporary Traffic Regulation Order 2009 – Chester Rd/Ormonde St etc:
A Public Notice appeared in the Echo last week extending the TRO to 4th November 2011. This TRO prohibits right turns from Chester Rd into Greta Terrace, Ormonde, Brinkburn and Chatsworth Streets, and from Brinkburn and Chatsworth into Chester Rd. We've written to the Chief Executive saying we still strongly object to its implementation on which we weren't consulted, and that residents are upset, aggravated and distressed by it. We've asked for it to be revoked, the traffic returned to the status quo and the crossing from St Gabriel's to Ormonde Street be reinstated for pedestrians. We're awaiting a reply.

Parking Management Scheme - update
We've emailed Ken Heads requesting a date for its implementation and a copy of plans for signage and double yellow lines. Despite being told there'll be no need for yellow lines in back lanes, a plan has been seen which shows them along the rear of Kayll Road and Bexley Street, prohibiting parking all around some homes. A reply is awaited.

State of the streets – Millfield area:
A Facebook message has been received drawing attention to the untidy and dirty appearance of Millfield streets, the unkempt grass around Holly Court, and the goods on the pavements outside second-hand shops. Cllr Dixon advised all issues raised have been addressed.

5. Pallion Residents Issues
The residents reported that problem tenants have moved on. (Extract from Jan Wilson's email, opened following the meeting: "Tenant moved out of the property as of 25.04.2011, we will be inviting the landlord to become a member of the Sunderland City Councils Voluntary Landlords Accreditation Scheme which will enable them to request vetting on future tenants.")
It was felt that landlords should be accountable to other residents for their tenants' behaviour.
PC Hood issued complimentary UV marker pens for members to mark their possessions.

Any Other Business
Street Rubbish Collection: Beryl had phoned the number given by Tony Hall (550 5503) to request clearance of overflow rubbish from a skip in her road and as a result it was quickly removed.
Sunken Road – Abingdon St: A large dip in the road now has white markings around it but no remedial work has been carried out. Cllr Dixon advised that the markings indicate a repair is planned.
Barnes Park Reopening: Planned for 21 May. 14 CCTV cameras will be monitored by the Civic Centre.
Advertising in Community Directories: Linda's getting a quote to advertise our meetings on the Community Notice Board of this publication.
Nomination Papers for Election of Officers: Will be available next month ready for the AGM on 5th July.
Wear Surma Clinic: Ken gave details of a fundraising event for this medical charity.

10. Date of Next Meeting
Tuesday, 7th June 2010 at 7.00 pm in St Mary Magdalene's Church Hall.
The meeting closed at 8.30 pm.