Minutes: August Meeting

Minutes of the Meeting held on Tuesday 6^th August 2013 at 7.00 pm
St Mary Magdalene's Church Community Hall

Matters arising from the Minutes

K Ross described a recent incident where he was parked at his brother’s garage in Walpole Court and a car from the school bashed his. He had asked at the school about security cameras but told to contact police who took statement and said they would look in to it. He has since had a letter saying the case has been closed based no evidence and would like to see cameras pointing in that direction. Cllr Kay responded that it would be best to ask police about that. Susan has taken police officers details will approach Kevin about it. She will try to find where cameras point and contact street scene. 

D Snell described how motorbikes have also been a problem recently. Cllr Kay reported that the police had caught up with a couple of kids on bikes in the area.

A Rafferty: The application for the Nisa shop was unanimously rejected by councillors. A sold sign has recently gone up on it so it may be being sold now planning permission has been refused. The off licence/general store further down is being extended since permission was refused.

 Crime/Anti-Social Behaviour

Susan stated that gypsies on Ford estate have been causing problems. She has emailed police expressing concern as residents there are not happy and horses should not be kept on public land.
Cllr Kay responded to a question about dog waste bins stating that the next round of dog bins would be set up in September. Also a 'don't feed the bird' sign coming to discourage people from feeding seagulls.
Susan asked about the rulings on seagulls. Cllr Kay stated that they cannot be killed and noting can be done during the nesting season. Before and after nesting, old nests can be cleared out and mesh or spikes can be installed. There are similar problems in town with pigeons since people feed them. Letters about not feeing the birds will grow out with signs. Susan described how a neighbour asked council for advice, they sent a large document with advice but it is up to the owner to deal with. Elizabeth and her neighbours are going to get an odd job man to fit mesh or spikes to prevent nesting in future.

 Parking Management Scheme

The working group met last week. As there have been six objections the scheme is going before the planning and highways committee on 15th August for approval.  Anyone can attend if they want to, Susan, Kate and Linda are to speak in favour. If approved, work starts shortly afterwards. Residents will get letters telling them how to get permits, the scheme starts mid September and enforcement starts 1st October. The hospital are on board with this and they are looking to start work on the multi storey car park in early October. To try to cope with displaced cars, the laundry is being knocked down to provide 130 spaces, park and ride is being extending, 100 staff signed up to give up parking permits during the next year,  and the hospital are pushing for more and considering moves such as any staff within 2 miles having their permit removed. The scheme also reinstates spaces along Bell Street. The next working group is 8th October, after the scheme goes live. This will look at how the scheme is working including how extended times for parking bays are working.

 A resident asked about visiting his brother within the scheme. Cllr Kay suggested applying as the designated driver for that house. The council could advise.

A resident asked about Westfield Grove being used as a rat run. Surveyors were seen there but nothing more has been done. Susan will contact the council to ask or Cllr Essl and will pass on Keith's phone number.

A Rafferty asked if Cleveland Road would be included in schemes. Susan stated that we will push for that area to be included after phase three is implemented next year. Ken explained how the streets were selected by majority vote. People who previously voted no are now voting yes as problem spreads out.

Treasurers Report
Elizabeth described how we rely on grants and she is looking for other grants to keep us viable as there is much more work to do. Grants are not as easy to get as they used to be and we have grown and taken on many more issues. Susan stated that it would be unfair to charge members while Linda stated that expenditure kept to a bare minimum.

 Any Other Business

Linda described cars being for sale along the Broadway, at least six for sale recently and also further up by the shops. This is also a problem on Hylton Road where it's stopping people getting to the shops. Cllr Kay responded that it is difficult do doing anything about it if it is on privately owned land.

Susan, Mark and Linda had attend over 50s forum. Mark informed the group that the frequency for free view is changing and information is being sent out to every house informing people that they will receive an adapter. However, people are throwing the information away and are then unaware of what to do with the adapter. 

The residents association will be in next issued of community news.

We would encourage as many people as possible to attend the planning and highways meeting on the 15^th to show support for the parking scheme.

Date of Next Meeting

Tuesday 3rd September at 7.00pm in St Mary Magdalene’s Church and Community Hall.

The meeting closed t at 7.50pm.