Minutes: January Meeting

Minutes of the Meeting held on Tuesday 10th January 2012 at 7.00 pm
in St Mary Magdalene's Church Hall Upper Room

1. Welcome and Apologies

2. Matters arising from the Minutes
Shackleton House: Linda has learned this building is still in use with a lease which extends until 2025.

St Mark's Road speeding traffic: PC Hood reported he is still waiting to hear from the Traffic Department about training on speed cameras. Cllr Dixon advised that residents have rejected speed humps in the past and Cllr Kay added that there are plans to narrow the road.

3. Crime/Anti-Social Behaviour Reports
Anti-social behaviour incidents were reported for an address in Pallion and for the rear of Pendle Green. PC Hood noted these for action. Cllr Dixon advised anyone experiencing problems to ring 0300 1000 101. Besides anti-social behaviour matters, noise problems would be referred to Environmental Service. Susan referred to an article in the Echo about a virtual meeting in which anyone can ask questions of Northumbria Police and get an immediately reply by going on to their website.

4. Parking Management Scheme – Hospital Area
Residents expressed their views on the operation of the scheme:


Ewesley Road Increased parking is causing problems, particularly at its junction with Chester Road, with cars being fastened in and traffic bottle-necks.
ABC Streets, Belmont Road, Priory Grove All experiencing significant increased parking.
Brookland Road Was bad before but is terrible now. Not only are cars fighting to find a parking place, but inconsiderate parking on the grass verges is causing them to be churned up with mud spreading everywhere. A resident showed photographs to illustrate the destructive effects of the parking. Susan asked him to email his photographs to her. This resident has now put his house up for sale.
St Gabriel's Avenue A vast difference since the introduction of the scheme. A resident reported she has "now got her home back" and complimented the traffic wardens patrolling the area.
Henderson Road Residents reported there's been a vast improvement in parking levels in their street.
Bell Street A resident is thrilled with the effects of the scheme and is no longer trying to move house because of the parking.
Kayll Road Is safer for traffic and pedestrians.

Susan reported she's received an email from James Newell's secretary wanting to arrange a working group meeting week commencing 6th February. This will be arranged since we need to maintain communication to avoid things being missed. We'll take photographs of the parking to show the effects of the scheme, including those of Brookland Road.

Discussion ensued on when it would be feasible for the next vote to take place. Residents would like it to be soon, but some councillors expressed doubt whether it could be held before June because it could conflict with the 'purdah', or pre-election, period when there are restrictions on local authority publicity. Susan emphasised that the decision to have a parking management scheme has already been made and, as far as the residents are concerned, is not a party political issue. Cllr Watson advised we must go through this process properly and seek legal advice on the matter.

City-Link Bus (700) Susan asked Cllr Watson if there are any plans for the city-link bus to be routed through the hospital grounds via the new road. She understood this road was constructed for such a bus, stopping at out-patients, casualty etc., but to date it hasn't materialised. Cllr. Scanlon will investigate.

5. Sunderland Royal Hospital Car Parking
Susan reported that the Hospital's Chief Executive in his Christmas message to staff acknowledged there are problems with the 'parking eye' system. A resident with a blue badge related problems he'd encountered recently having parked legitimately in a disabled bay.
The Christmas message also advised that the Trust is to seek a loan to build a multi-storey car park, expected to be functioning in 2013. Unfortunately, as Susan pointed out, some drivers won't pay to park, preferring to walk from the side streets where parking is free. For this reason the Residents Association will continue to seek support from residents and press for the Parking Management Scheme to be extended. It was pointed out that abstentions are treated as 'no' votes and a clear majority of 'yes' votes must be cast.

6. St Luke's Terrace Café/Restaurant
Susan reported that the applicant is not proceeding with the change-of-use. However, as the planning permission is granted on the premises, we'll be monitoring developments. It was reported that Posh Nosh is turning into a take-away and there are proposals to convert the Pallion Inn into an In-Shops. Residents advised that the recently opened Dickson's pork shop, a traditional shop, is often full. Cllr Watson referred to the general decline in support for the Terrace and said we must find other uses for the shops. He's happy to help promote businesses by being photographed with the owner for publicity in the Echo.

7. Treasurers Report
Elizabeth reported that the Association is running on a shoe-string. A grant is paying for room hire. Cllr Watson pointed out that funds from the Community Chest could be available.

8. Blog Update
Kate reported there's not a lot of activity at the moment but will update the site with some of the issues discussed tonight.

9. Any Other Business
There was no further business.

10. Date of Next Meeting
Tuesday, 7th February 2012 at 7.00 pm in St Mary Magdalene's Church Hall.

The meeting closed at 8.20 pm.