September 10th 2007 - meeting minutes

Loaves and Fishes sculpture by John Skelton, Brighthelm Church and Community Centre

People supported the market

Attendance

21 people

Apologies

Margaret Daly, Peter Stocker, Francis Clark-Lowes, Mark Erickson

Minutes and matters arising

Gabrielle will be in the North Laine for a while longer, as her house sale is proceeding slowly.

Crime report from PCSOs

§  There has been a slight increase in burglaries - residents are urged to be vigilant.

§  Pelham Square/Trafalgar Street: there was a public meeting on 30th July that discussed ongoing issues in the area. As a result of the meeting, the shrubbery in P Sq has been cut back to allow better visibility and this has cut down on some of the anti-social behaviour. Traders and residents are entering a scheme whereby they gather evidence that can be used for giving ASBOs. The police are also working with agencies such as Addaction, and BT has blocked the phone number from the phone box (so that it shows as 'unknown'), which deters drug dealers from answering calls.  However, it appears that some of these problems may have shifted to near GB Liners...

§  Discussed issues to do with cars and bikes going the wrong way down Trafalgar Street. ACTION: PCSOs will ask about restoring road markings and replacing the signs. Also agreed to look at where Gloucester Road is becoming a rat run from Sydney Street.

Licensing

Roy Skam reported that Bill's is seeking an extension of hours from 10pm to 11pm, but had advertised this poorly. They have now readvertised and local residents have until October 1st to object. Discussed problems of notifying residents, who must proactively look for the blue notices in the pub windows, rather than being advised as with planning applications. ACTION: Peter Crowhurst will notify residents near Bill's and follow a similar procedure with other relevant applications.

Planning

Upper Gardner Street market

Mike Chipchase (trader in Kensington Gardens) is leafleting local residents, encouraging them to park in UGS on Fridays and Saturdays. The effect is to prevent traders gaining access and using the road as a market.  General feeling of the meeting was that people supported the market and did not like these actions - some have reported feeling harassed by the notes. ACTION: Sara to write to Council to ask them to support the market.

Runner

Runner collection will be on Tuesday 2nd October from Ruth Goodall's.

Social events

§ The picnic went well, and the Pavilion Gardens event was a great success, with at least 70 people turning up. ACTION: Sara to write to David Sewell to thank him.

§ Over Street and Tidy Street are planning street parties to celebrate Car Free Day on September 23rd. Meeting agreed to offer up to £75 financial support to each street, provided residents come to the next meeting and say how it went.  ACTION: Clifford will notify insurers about the events so that we are covered.  Jackie to lend banners.

§ Cocovino wine tasting event 11th October. ACTION: Peter to ask them about food.

§ Theatre - next outing 'Oleanna' 27 September.

Community & Voluntary Sector Forum conference

Helen Cornish and Elly Hargreave interested in going, with Jackie Fuller as backup.

Any other business