Minutes of September Meeting

Minutes of the Meeting held on Tuesday 6th September 2011 at 7.00 pm
in St Mary Magdalene's Church Hall

1. Welcome to: Representatives of Millfield Residents Assn; David Lynn, Anti-Social Behaviour Officer.

2. Matters arising from the Minutes
Potholes: We've been advised that Victory Street works will be carried out this financial year. Ewesley Rd and St Gabriel's Estate will be inspected with a view to repairing defects considered to be an immediate danger. A resident reported that an elderly lady had fallen in Ewesley Rd due to a pothole; four small holes have now been filled in. Cllr Watson explained that there's a programme of planned maintenance but small holes which developed in the winter are now getting bigger. The Council only have money to effect temporary repairs in roads but try to ensure footpaths are as safe as possible. David Lynn advised reporting potholes to the Helpline 0300 100 0101 and an officer will respond.
Shackleton House: Linda wrote to Julie Elliott MP who referred the matter to the Chief Executive of Crown Estates. Linda has now received a letter from solicitors Burges Salmon questioning her information about the property's ownership and phrased in such a way as to make it virtually impossible to comprehend, it being compared to something from 'Yes Minister'. Cllr Gofton suggested sending Julie Elliott a copy of the letter with a request that she follow it up.
Mosque: Representatives of Millfield Residents Association gave a report on the meeting they'd called last week which was attended by over 150 people. There'll be a protest tomorrow at 1.30 by local residents at the Civic Centre Council Chamber. Their campaign is gathering momentum.

3. Crime/Anti-Social Behaviour Reports
David Lynn advised there've been no more reports of the anti-social behaviour in Croft Avenue reported at the last meeting. Any incidents can be reported on 0300 100 0101.
PC Hood gave his report for the period 26 July to 23 August 2011. He reminded residents to lock their front doors, especially those who live in the rear of their property. Graffiti problems have settled down since an offender was caught; graffiti can also be reported on the above 0300 number.
Getting his landlord to carry out repairs to a door was a problem for one resident. David Lynn asked anyone with problems of this nature to ring him on 561 7886 and an officer will contact the landlord.
During a discussion on drugs, PC Hood advised that houses where drugs are grown can be spotted as curtains are permanently closed and there's condensation on windows.

4. St Luke's Terrace Shopping Parade – Planning Application for Cafe/Restaurant
The Development Control Sub-Committee met on 16th August and David Campbell spoke well against the application, quoting the Council's Unitary Development Plan. According to the planning officer there is sufficient parking but we feel this is a big issue. Despite concerns being raised by the Sub-Committee members themselves, they voted unanimously to approve the application as recommended by the planning officer. Cllr Iain Kay showed support for the residents but had to abstain from voting as he was seen to have a biased interest. We were very disappointed, feeling the outcome was cut and dry before we sat down. The Council don't seem to be listening to what the community wants. Local residents have to tolerate cooking smells, rubbish and car parking but have no say in what's going on. We intend to complain about the Sub-Committee as, although councillors expressed the same concerns as us, they didn't vote against the recommendation to approve the application.

5. Parking Management Scheme
A workshop briefing was held on 23 August with Ken Heads, James Newell and councillors Blackburn, Dixon, Gofton and Morrissey. They're looking to have everything on track for 1st December unless they encounter legal objections during the public consultation period. There'll be walkabout meetings on 13th September comprising Ken Heads, residents, and councillors starting at 2.30pm at St Gabriels church, 4pm at Wilson St/Hylton Road, and 5pm at Jackson St/Chester Road. The idea is to point out where signs and double yellow lines are to be sited for the pilot scheme.
A survey of the wider area will be carried out to get a snapshot of residents' and commuter parking on one day in October. The results will be compared with a 2nd survey in the spring 2011 which will show where parking has migrated to. We've asked for reassurance that those streets which voted in favour of the scheme but were excluded from the pilot, will be included when it rolls out. We'd also like it extending to include weekends.
We've written to the Hospital with our view that their new parking-eye system will make things worse. There are empty parking spaces on an evening but drivers are parking in our streets as they don't want to pay the hospital's charges.

6. Extension of Temporary Traffic Regulation Order 2009 – Chester Road/Ormonde Street etc.
At the meeting of 23rd August James Newell confirmed we're getting our right-turn back at Ormonde Street; those further down Chester Road will remain. To keep traffic flowing, traffic up and down Chester Road will get a double-cycle at the lights, and the timing sequence will be altered. We can't get our pedestrian crossing back but they're hoping to put in a pedestrian refuge to the west of Ewesley Road. A new TRO has been published for the hospital area.

7. Treasurer's Report
We have money for our needs and no expenses.

8. Blog and Facebook Update
Facebook: one member has been removed but more have joined. Blog: minutes have been posted.

9. Any Other Business
Newsletter: We need volunteers to help distribute at least 2000 copies. We cover a large area.
Refuse Collections: Cllr Watson asked if we could let him have our thoughts on what the Council could do about collections, eg they're emptying green bins about 1/3 full every week but garden refuse bins only every 2 weeks. Is this enough in summer? What about the size of bins? He'd appreciate some feedback.

10. Date of Next Meeting
Tuesday, 4th October 2011 at 7.00 pm in St Mary Magdalene's Church Hall. Everyone Welcome