Bowburn & Parkhill Community Partnership
Charity Number 1112151
GENERAL MEETING
Tuesday 16 May 2006 from 6.30pm to 8.30pm
Present: M Bell, B Bellis, J Blackburn, J Blakey, A Bosley, K Calvert, S Colquhoun, R Cowen, P Dawe, N Dixon, J Geyer, K Haigh, J Halford, R Jackson, R Millerchip, A Richardson, Maggie Robinson,
W Stainthorpe, M Syer, R Walsh, S Walworth, D Whittaker, A Wilson, J Wilson
In Attendance: C Brown, J Dwyer, J Everett, J Harvey, M Ridley, P Sinclair, G Stuart, A Ward
1. Apologies for absence: W. Bates, J Beck, M Dee, J Gray, G Hutchinson, J Kane, S Raine, Maureen Robinson, S Robinson, A Shutt, G Stoker, A Stuart, S Thompson, J Tindale, C Whitfield,
2. PC G. Stuart: PC Gordon Stuart gave a report on behalf of PC Cockburn.
Cassop - 3 criminal damages. Parkhill - None. Bowburn - 2 burglaries; outhouse at Whitwell farm broken into; 8 thefts. Action on youth nuisance has been implemented and a mini bike has been crushed.
The new sergeant is being proactive about crime and the park and bowling-green is patrolled at the weekend; Philip Ave building site has been reported but when police arrive there is no one there. Bede Terr. has youth nuisance. A member passed on the information that 0845 numbers are charged at a higher rate, which could add a significant cost to a call. PC Stuart said to complain to the Police Authority.
A member mentioned that there are trouble spots at Romaine Square and Horton Crescent.
A member warned of a ‘parcel waiting’ and mobile phone scam, which should be reported to Trading Standards. It was asked why dispersal orders were not used and PC Stuart explained that it took up to 6 months but it was being considered along with alcohol free areas.
A member described the problems and dangers at the Church, which have resulted in an indifferent response from the police. PC Stuart suggested that the Church should be fenced off as the building is derelict.
PC Stuart also said that the police are aware of the problems at the church. If necessary, PC Cockburn could be contacted at Sherburn Police Station on 0191 375 2844.
3. Minutes of last meeting and matters arising – 21 March 2006:
The minutes were taken as a true record. Proposed by R Jackson and seconded by R Cowen.
4. Report and matters arising – Trustees 30 March 2006:
J Tindale had emailed to explain that if a project was led by the City Council they would reclaim VAT and exclude that cost from the project. If a group is not VAT registered then it is possible that VAT would have to be paid. Agreed to look at further applications to the Community Chest up to a total spend of £5000.
There were no objections to the BVC using the underspend from the Community Chest on two half colour editions of the Interchange. Agreed to ask the Youth Club members to attend general meetings and give their views e.g. on the teenshelter. Amendments were made to the Flourishing Communities Application Form and the title was changed to “Bowburn & Parkhill Regeneration Fund”. The City Council will print a master copy of the form by the 30 May.
5. Items of Any Other Business – register title of issue for item 12: None
6. Treasurer’s Report:
Amounts to take forward: General Fund £427.57, Home Front Recall £403.50, Centenary Fund £6000.
7. Community Chest:
There are no applications this meeting. The total for bids to date is £33 329.29
A member emphasised that second bids would be taken on merit up to an aggregate spend of £5000.
8. Correspondence: None
9. Safety Issues – Presentation on CCTV Cameras:
Joy Dwyer, City Care Manager, invited members to ask questions of her staff and Andy Ward, Badel Control Systems. Cameras that have a pan, tilt and zoom feature and feed into the City’s control room are the most expensive but have reduced crime. However there are different types of security cameras. It was suggested that once cameras were installed they would have to remain but may be deployed to different areas.
The meeting agreed that there were no objections to going ahead with further inquiries into CCTV. A decision would be taken of what was needed, with the help of the expertise of the City and Police. Andy could provide costings. A member hoped that by installing cameras at the Coop it would break the culture of youth congregating in that area.
10. Reports:
Carol Brown reported that Esh Group, Connexions and New College are launching the adverts for the apprentice scheme, which is due to start in August, taking between 12 and 18 apprentices. After 6 months they would gain NVQ Level 11. They are continuing to work on plans to extend the scheme for a further period to allow recruits to work up to a fully trained trade i.e. joinery. The only expansion of the apprenticeship scheme would be to include horticulture as an outcome of the PARC scheme; if it can be proved to GONE that there is a local need.
There is no news on the possibility of shops on the Ogden site.
The Cape site has plans for mixed use development. A planning application is to be submitted next month.
Masterplan:
> Highways: No further update.
> Environment:
There were 2 feedback forms returned. Members agreed that the group should meet with Carol to discuss detailed plans and costs.
> Unadopted Roads: G. Wingrove is the dedicated officer, who should hopefully progress the matter.
> Recreation/PARC:
A working party led by D. Marrs has proposed plans, which the PARC group favour. Carol showed them to the Partnership to seek members’ approval. A number of public consultation exercises will be carried out over the coming months with the plans being displayed at the ‘Birthday Party’ on 23 July. Carol described the scheme, which extends through the Rec. bowling-green, tennis courts and football field.
A member was taken aback by the size of the scheme, which she felt was 3 times bigger than the original, and another remarked on the major costs involved.
Carol explained that it brought together a number of masterplan projects eg: PARC, Bowls, Tennis, Football, Teenshelter and a number of environmental schemes. Paul Ryan is currently working on an external funding strategy and Carol is working on a consultation strategy. M Ridley informed members that D Marrs had assured that funds would be available from the City by October 06.
Parkhill residents felt that they were fighting on their own, and that they had to find their own funding, as indicated by F Brettwood on the walkabout, and there was nothing going to Parkhill.
It was brought to the members’ attention that Parkhill had not brought any plans to the Partnership meetings since the masterplan categories had been put in place.
But in reply, it was said that Parkhill residents needed to approve the plans first at their next meeting.
Carol explained that PARC does not have charitable registration and therefore does not have access to large stream funders. She stated that all community development officers have access to all of the City Officers and Departments to draw on their expertise whenever the need arises which includes access to the new Funding Officer.
P Sinclair said that she offered as much help as was asked for, and the Parkhill rep agreed that when she asked for assistance, Pam had always answered her questions.
Again, it was asked why Parkhill and Bowburn had different development officers. Carol stressed that she and Pam worked together where there was a cross over of plans, such as the unadopted roads.
A member felt that in that case Bowburn was not getting preferential treatment.
A member felt that, for the sake of the children, the best facilities should be available.
A member mentioned the flood area at the bottom of the Rec. and Carol added that the beck would be tidied and the riverbank reinstated in the plans.
A member informed members that there was new legislation for floodlighting, which could be part of the plan.
The Chair asked the meeting if there were any objections to the plans for the PARC scheme.
As there were no objections the plans were agreed in principal.
> Community Centre:
Visits have been arranged to other Community Centres to compare new builds as opposed to refurbished buildings. CISWO have recommended suitable buildings.
> Church: There has been no further progress and they are taking further advice on the plans.
> Parkhill: All points had been covered.
> Heritage:
The Local History Group had taken the decision that it would move forward with plans to establish a Heritage room in the Community Centre.
> Centenary:
Quiz and Curry Night 23 May, Folk Night 5 July, ‘Birthday Party’ 23 July. Tickets are available for all these events and the Pony Picture, Balloon Race. Art Exhibition Plus Art Competition 23 September, Bush Big Band 15 December.
> Regeneration Working Group:
Jan Blakey attended for the affected area on the first item. The outcome was that residents can report any problems to the Site Sales Office (Lawson Road), which will move to Philip Avenue on completion of Phase 1.
It was reported that plant traffic does not move between the sites but drivers may lose their way. Contractors will attempt to keep down the mud and dust affecting the residents. The current contractors use a security guard but Haslam Homes will install security cameras linked to a central control room. Problems with drainage are being dealt with and Mike is meeting with Northumbrian Water. SHIP money is overspent and the shortfall would be looked for from City monies. There are now two properties still occupied in Horton Crescent.
It was not minuted that the City hoped that groups would find match funding but it was not a requirement. Mike had emailed B Spears who reiterated what he had put in the letter to J Blackburn that the Partnership can recommend bids without match funding but they may not be accepted.
A member enquired about the state of the drain in Prince Charles and Mike explained that there is going to have to be another drain put alongside, because the plans had shown the drains at different depths.
> Parish:
S Wrag is assisting the parish. There are training courses for clerks and the code of conduct.
Next Centenary Clean-up 1 June at 9.30am from the Community Centre. They are employing a superintendent for the allotments. M Murdon is responsible for footpaths and rights of way. The cemetery footpath is finished. The centenary flowers will go up on 1 June.
> Quarry Liaison Committee:
Richard has emailed D Morgan about the lack of seriousness on the part of the quarry to meet. A letter has been sent to the quarry by J Holden but they have not replied. There are issues with traffic and fencing.
> 12 Villages/SRB Rep:
Training – arrangements are being made to give out certificates for the community development course.
22 May, Bowburn, 12 Villages meeting; 24 May, County Hall, LSP on health care; Mondays, Q Hill, Churches course until 12 June and 19 June, trip to churches. U3A have shown an interest in the course. 2 June, talk on the artist Tom McGuiness and 3 June miners’ memorial dedication, Q Hill. Brandon FC has been helped to get more volunteers involved. 24 June - Brandon Fun Day. 22 July, Bowburn, funding application training.
11 Group Noticeboard:
> Banner: Information event this Saturday 10am – 1pm. 8 June Methodist Chapel.
> BVC: Look out for the next interchange. It is about to go to print.
> Community Centre: 5 and 6 June Food Hygiene Course from 6pm to 9pm
> Football Teams:
The girls’ team were unfortunately beaten on penalties. The football club at the Infant School is so popular that there is a waiting list. A member asked where the trophies were stored and Alan explained that the children take it in turns to have them at home.
Crowtrees finished 8th in the league, one place behind Bowburn Cooperage.
> History:
Had an interesting talk on the Pre-industrial History of Bowburn. They meet the 3rd Thursday of each month.
> Parkhill Residents:
AGM is at 6.30pm on 6 June. Plans were not passed for home on Parkfield because it would restrict the access. There is a meeting about Kelloe baths on Saturday at 11am.
> Website:
In April the site has had 3924 hits with five new members; in March 5631 hits and again five new members; making a total of 58 signed up members to date. Hits were from as far away as America and Brazil!
> Youth Centre:
The Sunday dance session has been cancelled due to poor attendance.
Tuesday evening – young men’s sports activities; Wednesday afternoon drop in centre for 16-25 years Not in Education Employment or Training (NEET). Wednesday evening Project Club; New Thursday evening 13-16 years with the hope of attracting more young men into the Youth Centre.
There is a group of young people interested in a teenshelter who have had 2 meetings and looked at possible sites, and designs. They will now meet with Jon Niblo who will advise them on the next stage.
12. Any Other Business: Janet described the new quiz, titled “Sweetmeats”, which is now on sale.
13. Date and Time of Next Meeting:
Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of the month.
The next meeting is 20 June at 6.30pm
Future meetings for 2006: 18 July, 15 Aug, 19 Sept, 17 Oct, 21 Nov, 19 Dec.