April Meeting: Tuesday 2nd

Over 25 people attended out March meeting, leading to varied and interesting discussion (and debate)! The minutes are available below.

Tonights meeting will be held at the same time, same place and the agenda includes the usual reports such as PC Kevin Hood's crime and anti social behaviour report as well as an update from the Hospital Area Parking Management Scheme Working Group meeting last month.

Anyone is welcome to join us and your thoughts, questions and comments on anything happening within Barnes, Pallion and Millfield are invited.

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

1. Welcome and Apologies: Susan welcomed everyone and introduced Colin Mackintosh, a Chester Road butcher attending for the first time. Apologies were received from: B Blackett, D Lynn, Cllr C Gofton, J Hickman, M Peacock, F Ray, P Tebbs, A Tumman.

2. Matters arising from the Minutes:
City-Link Bus (700): Cllr Scanlan reported her findings about this new bus service. It is funded by Nexus, Sunderland City Council and the University and was introduced in September 2011. It is well used by students during term time and at present there are no plans to route the service through the hospital grounds. However they will consider the proposal and keep in contact with Cllr Scanlan. Nexus are happy to talk to anyone about this suggestion.

Brookland Road: Linda has written to the Chief Executive about the state of the grass verges and this matter has been passed for action to the Executive Director of City Services. Brookland Road residents reported that:
(i) they have concerns about raising the height of kerbs as a solution to stop motorists churning up the grass in the street. They would prefer the grass to be replaced with concrete/tarmac, leaving the trees in situ. Cllr Watson suggested bollards could be a solution if funding permits.
(ii) although the Council bagged the leaves lying in the street over a week ago, these bags are still to be collected. We will contact the Council about this.

3. Crime/Anti-Social Behaviour Reports:
PC Hood gave his report for the period 10 January - 2 February 2012 and for the equivalent period in 2011. He clarified that if six cars are vandalised in one incident, this would be counted as six crimes. He also reported that there have been a numbers of thefts of pedal cycles parked within the hospital grounds.
Pallion residents reported that their area is quiet at the moment; however, car parking around the Percival Street area is terrible. Cllr Watson pointed out it is difficult to find a solution to please everyone and PC Hood advised reporting problems of obstructive parking to the Police.
Cllr Watson drew attention to the November election for a Police Crime Commissioner who will decide how resources are allocated. He felt we need to ensure the new Commissioner is aware of the policing needs in our area.

4. Parking Management Scheme – Hospital Area:
Businesses on Chester Road: Mr Mackintosh reported that hospital parking has migrated to the Eldon Street/Wolsey Terrace area of Chester Road, adversely affecting businesses there. He would like to see parking bays at the ends of the streets, independent of the residents parking scheme. Cllr Watson suggested that Barnes councillors may have a budget to cover a feasibility study for this. Susan will contact them and ask that they get in touch with Mr Mackintosh.

No Parking Signs: It was confirmed that all signage conforms to regulations.
Phase 2 Working Group Meeting: The next meeting is at 5pm on 13th March. Susan invited a representative of the Chester Road businesses to join the residents' group at the meeting to present their point of view. We'll also raise the voting problems created in streets with properties which are either empty or let to transient tenants such as students. We'll find out the results of the recent parking survey and report to the April meeting.

Proposed Hospital Multi-Storey Car Park: Susan suggested we look at the plans once they are submitted but feels it won't solve our problems because of the charges needed to pay for it. The Parking Management Scheme needs to be extended regardless of the proposed car park.

Hospital Parking-Eye: It was reported that 3 people have each received a fine of £60 through the post, despite paying the parking charge and leaving before the time had expired. Cllr Watson is aware of the problem and wonders why people should have to go to the trouble of appealing against the fine.

5. Treasurers Report

6. Blog Update
Kate reported that a comment has been posted regarding the state of Ewesley Road. Susan will report the matter to Bill Blackett and will include his department's contact number in our next newsletter.

7. Any Other Business
Mosque: Given that the Council have still not made a decision about the proposed mosque, a resident asked what they intend to do about the house s being used as a mosque despite planning permission having been refused. Cllr Watson advised this is a decision for the Planning Enforcement Officers to make.
Vacant Land - Hylton Road: Linda asked how a local businessman can find out who owns a plot of land with a view to its purchase. Cllr Watson advised ringing Land Registry at Durham, or asking the Council if they are the owners.
Post Office – Ormonde Street: It was confirmed this is closing due to the retirement of the owner, the post office possibly moving into the Spar.
Nissan: Cllr Watson reported on plans to produce a new model at the Sunderland car plant.

8. Date of Next Meeting
Tuesday, 3rd April 2012 at 7.00 pm in St Mary Magdalene's Church Hall.

The meeting closed at 8.40 pm.