January 11th 2010 - meeting minutes

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

Photo by Peter Crowhurst

Anti-social behaviour in the North Laine

By Lynne Arnold, NLCA joint Secretary

Introduction

27 attended. Apologies were received from Ian Davey, Stella Mainstone, Keith Taylor and Pete West.

Minutes of the last meeting

The minutes of the January meeting were approved with minor amendments. There were no matters arising.

Main speaker, Inspector Derrrick

Inspector Derrick attended to hear our concerns about anti-social behaviour and to work with us to find ways to better the situation for the North Laine. Peter Crowhurst outlined the issues for the North Laine and the steps we have taken to try and address the situation. However, the issue seems to always come back to there being not enough evidence backing up our claims.

Inspector Derrick suggested that we log it with the police using the 0845 60 70 999 number, either at the time or the following morning. It should be noted that the police response will be not to respond in person.

After discussion it was agreed that an Alcohol Disorder Zone, where all licensed premises are taxed to pay for increased policing required to manage antisocial behaviour, would be an over-reaction to our situation in the North Laine.

The Inspector will attend our meeting again with Vicky Harris, the Licensing and Planning Officer, to discuss the criteria and process of police objections to licensing.

Environment

Licensing

- Music Library: it was agreed to object to this licence in writing, using our standard response which highlights the issues for us as a community as a whole, but unless anyone wants to attend the hearing Roy and Sandy will not attend.

- It was agreed that we would send our standard objection to Mullberry’s on York Place

- The meeting agreed not to comment on Trafalgar Street as this is the new owner applying for the existing licence.

Planning

- Music Library: it was agreed to point out the discrepancy between the opening hours stated in the planning application and the licence application. We had previous not objected to this application.

- It was agreed not to comment re: 31-32 Queen's Gardens, 6 Sydney Street or 34-35 Trafalgar Street.

Traffic

The council are undertaking a review of the whether a standard 20 mph limit should be set for all central residential streets and have asked for our comments. The meeting made suggestions.

Reports

Runner – Jackie Fuller was pleased to say that she had enough articles for the January edition. Help is still required with advertising. A number of street reps are required – even if you don’t live in one of these streets please consider whether you could take on one of the following: Portland Street, Regent Street, Blenheim Place flats, and half of Gloucester Road.

Brighton Society - No report was received.

Police - John Sharman, PCSO, reminded us that we may want to reevaluate our local priorities.

Traders - There was no report but there will be an article in the Runner.

Website group - The group is looking for ideas to take the website forward. Please contact  Peter Crowhurst.

Living Streets - No report was received.

Social events

- The Theatre Group  is going to see on ‘A murder is announced’ by Agatha Christie on 4 February; and in March ‘The Seagull’ by Anton Chekov. Contact Peter Crowhurst if you are interested in attending either.

- Thanks were extended to all those who contributed to the Christmas social. It was an enjoyable and profitable event.

Any other business

- The council has announced the closure of the History Centre. If you are interested in knowing where the collections are going, Peter Crowhurst has more information. There is an e-petition on the Council website and a link to it can be found on the NLCA website. It was agreed that Peter Crowhurst should send a letter of objection on behalf of the NLCA.

- The new edition of the Brighton Encyclopedia is to be launched in May 2010. If you would like to reserve signed copies, which you will receive before launch, please contact the library.

- It was suggested that we ask Rose Collis, one of the authors, to attend one of our meetings, possibly the AGM. Lynne Arnold will check her availability.

- It was announced that the Joint Secretaries, together with the Chair, are stepping down at the AGM in April. If you are interested in either of these posts please contact the present incumbents.