February 12th 2007 - meeting minutes

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

New sponsor for our photocopying

Attendance

20 people  

Apologies

Gabrielle Villermet, Bruce Smith, Emma Gardner, Sara Bragg and Kevin Daly

Minutes and matters arising

-          Photocopying : The meeting noted that we have a new sponsor of our minutes' photocopying: the Pensions Regulator. Mark Erickson reported that this had transformed the secretaries' workload, and the meeting expressed thanks to our new sponsor.
-          Future meetings : The March meeting will have a presentation from the Chinese Community Centre, April is our AGM, and in May we will have a presentation about car clubs.

Police report

-          PCSO Ed James reported on the ongoing inquiry into enforcement of the 20mph speed limit in the North Laine area. There is a blockage between the Council, who are responsible for signage, and the police, who cannot enforce until signs are in place.

-          He also updated the meeting on recent anti-graffiti initiatives in the area and urged members to report any graffiti as soon as possible. Cllr Paskins reported on the recent decline in anti-graffiti measures taken by Royal Mail in Frederick Place. Following initial excellent measures, Royal Mail now seemed uninterested in maintaining this area and removing graffiti.

Environment

-          Barry Leigh reported on the major tasks for the last month. The principal one was responding to the consultation on the planning system for Brighton & Hove's site specific survey.
-          He then talked us through the planning applications, including North Road Inn's application for extended hours: NLCA will object again according to our standard policy.
-          Peter Crowhurst reported that City College have plans for a radical change in the Pelham Street campus. NLCA officers have been invited to a presentation later in February. Plans include the demolition of the main tower and the building of three new 4-6 storey blocks. The meeting noted concerns that Pelham Street may become closed to traffic, and that there was an urgent need for some student recreational facilities.

Reports

-          Runner : Jackie reminded the meeting that the next issue is the AGM issue so officers need to prepare reports. The deadline is 12th March 2007.
-          Traders : Their AGM is on 12th March at 6pm at the Komedia, ie before the NLCA meeting.
-          Fundraising and social : Peter Crowhurst reported on the new North Laine benefit album, produced by Sussex University students. The launch event at the Prince Albert was a big success, and the CD is available for purchase from NLCA meetings or from Resident records: an excellent product for just £5, and all proceeds go directly to NLCA.
-          Theatre group : Are off to see a Harold Pinter play this week. The next event will be Stoppard's 'The Real Thing' at the Little Theatre on March 29th.

Any other business

-          NLCA has received a letter from Montpelier and Clifton Hill CA asking if we can collate information about activities for members. We agreed to invite them to our meetings and to put information about their events into the Runner.
-          11 North Lainers attended the annual Kingscliffe Society dinner at City College.

Presentation

The meeting then had a lively and interesting presentation from Mareike Engels of the Brighton Peace and Environment Centre on 'Fair Trade versus Free Trade'. Many thanks to her for a stimulating and thought-provoking presentation.