Minutes: October Meeting

Minutes of the Meeting held on Tuesday 1st October 2013 at 7.00 pm

St Mary Magdalene's Church Community Hall

Matters arising from the Minutes
Cleveland Road: The appeal against the planning decision went in on 28th August and could take 8-12 weeks to be decided. It seems like a straight forward appeal hearing according to planning officer. Residents haven't heard anything yet but Cllr M Essl understands that it is a paper chase decided in Bristol. The adjudicator is aware of the objections and will take them into consideration. Cllr Essl will find out if residents photographs can be submitted as part of the evidence. If appeal goes through, that will be the final decision however if rejected the applicant can keep reapplying but is likely to run out of sympathy.

Crime/Anti-Social Behaviour

David Lynn introduced himself as anti social behaviour officer primarily dealing in private rented sector. He informed the group that the area is quite quiet at the moment. Residents reported a couple of issues in two different areas but the officers for those areas haven't had any reports. David urged residents to report problems by phoning 0191 520 5550 since officers can only get involved in a case if it has come in via that number. If person is vulnerable or at risk can be referred to other services and all information will be kept anonymous. It is important therefore to report problems on that number. David is also available on 561 7886 and he can give advice and reassurance. He asked that residents don't wait until next meeting to raise concerns. The 520 5550 number can also be used to report empty properties or properties in disrepair and will receive a response within 48 hours.

 Parking Management Scheme

Phase 2 came into force in mid-September and phase three will come in next year. 
H Wynn showed photos of Brinkburn Street and how quiet it is on a Saturday compared to weekdays when hospital parking is an issue. This has got worse since phase two started. Residents are using cones to reserve spaces adding to problems. The yellow lines have stopped people from parking on those corners that have them but other junctions can be difficult to get around due to people parking right up to them. Cars are also blocking pavements. Residents are advised to report obstructions to the police. Susan will write to the police to ask them to get more involved in this. 

Residents expressed concern at a post van often parked on corners causing obstructions. Susan will write to Royal Mail about this.

Cllr Essl suggested that it may be that yellow lines are needed on corners in streets outside the scheme. He will ask officers to look at the problems in Brinkburn Steet. 

Residents expressed some confusion over the wording of parking permits which Susan will raise at next working group.

Treasurers Report

Elizabeth is working hard to keep us going financially by applying for grants.

Any Other Business

211 Chester Road: Residents are concerned about an application for a change of use to a funeral directors.

Transport users group: Claire Tully from Nexus was at the last meeting. Meetings are open to anyone and they could do with more members. Regarding changes to bus services, issues were raised with the 35, 18, 99 and 700. Clare has taken all these points into consideration but they want more people to comment. Cllr Kay reported that last year Millfield came out as best rated ward in the city for buses and public transport and that Barnes and Pallion were also in the top 5. The challenge for Councillors is that they don't want to lose out while other areas others are improved. Leaflets on changes were circulated.

A complaint was made about the florist on Ormonde Street emptying buckets onto the street which is making a mess. Cllr Scanlan suggested that council officers can have a word with them if they know when they are doing it.  

The grass in Barnes Park hasn't been cut on banks towards Barnes view and it is overgrown by the stream. Susan will contact Cllr Rebecca Atkinson as chair of Friends of Barnes Park.  

Residents are concerned about the state of areas of the city centre such as the area outside Joplings and Holmside. Cllr Scanlan stated that city centre streets are cleaned regularly and people walk the streets every morning to check. She will ask area response officer to look at these areas. Locally she is looking at working with shops on Hylton road to tidy the area up. In the West area, they have been working to encourage shop owners to take more responsibility through encouragement rather than enforcement and hope that this will be rolled out to other areas. 

Tm Hudson asked for update on grass verges in Brookland Road at next meeting. He has seen a difference in parking and fewer people are parking on the grass verge. Cllr Scanlan will look into it.

Date of Next Meeting

Tuesday 5^th November, 7.00pm in St Mary Magdalene’s Church and Community Hall.
Meeting closed at 8pm.