January 12th 2009 - meeting minutes

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

Photo by Peter Crowhurst

New special interest groups discussed

By Lynne Arnold, NLCA joint Secetary

Welcome to all, particularly new members. 29 attended.  Apologies from Margaret Daly, Gay Phillips, Sharon Thomas, Christine Pryor, Lizzie Deane, Helen Cornish and Lynne Arnold.

Minutes of last meeting

Should have included apologies from Sarah Dunsmure and judging from the number of dirty wine glasses, the final attendance was close to 60. Approved.

Matters arising

31 Queen's Gardens have fitted their roof light, but we do not know if they had planning permission. We will make representations at the licensing meeting for the Fountain Head. Individuals who objected should get notification.

Environment

Licensing

No comment on Aldi's application for a licence extension as out of our area (corner of Cheapside and London Road).

Ken Handley of Seasons Café gave a presentation on his plans. Agreed by vote to support his application for a licence extension to 8.00pm subject to his suggested conditions (waitress service at tables, last orders 7.30pm), and to consider planning issues separately when permission is applied for.

Planning

No comment on minor alterations to the Dental Surgery in Sydney Street.

Other issues

Residents were warned to be aware that empty properties (eg rented properties between tenants and properties undergoing renovation) were being advertised as potential squats on a website. The information seems to be put up by the Brighton Anarchist group. The problem in Frederick Street is exacerbated by street lighting on one side of the road only and by a particularly high level of activity (vandalism etc) on Friday and Saturday nights. The Chair will check the lighting situation and ensure that PCSOs are aware.

Reports

Runner

More contributions invited for the current issue. Bruce Smith, Peter Crowhurst and Anne Lescombe will try to provide something. Collection day for distribution will be Thursday 29th January. In 2008 the Runner ran a deficit of expenditure over income and members need to be aware of this when planning expenditure.

N L Traders Association

Will hold their AGM in March. Stella Lennon and Elliot Stocker shared the prize in the NLTA's video competition and the winning entries are on their website. They are celebrating 20 years this year and are planning some events to mark this.

Website group

Will next meet on 18th February.

Social events

Theatre group

The next theatre visit will be to see the "The Browning Version" on Thursday 19th February. See Peter Crowhurst for tickets.

New groups

We will test through the Runner whether there is sufficient interest to form (or reform) other groups eg play reading, book reading, cards, gardening, French (or other language) conversation or family history etc.

Any other business