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*COMMUNAL BINS*Dogs in the Square*Gardens*Help needed to increase membership
*Road Safety*New phone number for out-of-hours GP service*
************************************************************************ Date and Time of the next Meeting: This will be on Saturday 9 February 2008 at 11am in 13 Brunswick Square THE NEW CHAIRMAN'S REPORT
Daytime is slowly lengthening and your Committee is working towards shedding more sunlight into corners of our, hopefully symbiotic, relationships with the Council. By mid year, we hope sooner, a framework to aid progress will be in place. With the new beds also planted a period of renewed growth is anticipated. Looking backwards helps in looking forwards. Clearly it is the experience of FBST that progressing our 'wish list' is not just negotiating within a Local Authority's working methods, personnel and organization changes, though that can be confusing and become very irritating. Even with patience and an up-to-date understanding of those aspects, moving forward by combined action on many of the local issues which most concern us has become more constrained by a mutual lack of resources. As are results from the support given by Councillors, many of whose endeavours can also be frustrated for the same reasons. It is not just convincing Councillors and the right Officers about something which residents with local knowledge are convinced needs to be done. It is about money and manpower - allied to goodwill and mutual respect.
At the last Quarterly Meeting mention was made of our side of the funding constraints, stemming from keeping the balance between membership numbers and subscription rates. Encouraging new members is important and re-encouragement of present members to influence their neighbours is a first step - new tenants being an obvious example. A spare membership form accompanies this Newsletter - and more are available from Rob and Joy Hole. Any (self-financing!) suggestions and direct efforts to increase membership are very welcome. More is needed to spread our funds effectively - the Committee has endorsed a suggestion that we encourage a matching/contributory funds approach to the Council allied to the establishment of such funding behind the FBST. Decisions for expenditure would be debated and short listed by your Committee and put to the Members. Initial discussions with the Council will centre on that approach to Safety and Open Space issues where modest funding could produce significant benefits for Brunswick residents and visitors - and, we think, the Council.
An important dimension for these endeavours is how the Council's decision taking process is constituted. Members may have heard that this is being radically changed - but not understand why, how, nor what effect it will have upon us in particular. I am very pleased to tell you that Councillor David Watkins, in a non-political capacity, will tell us about that at the Quarterly Meeting. Paul Elgood may be able to join him. Communal bins is not the purpose of our invitation to them.
COMMITTEE REPORTS COMMUNAL BINS
The hot topic of this Newsletter.
By now you should have received a CityClean promotional document & questionnaire and an FBST flyer. If you have not had them please tell me as soon as possible. Last year the efforts of FBST with those of similar associations and some Councillors were to ensure that there was a fair consultation process that took proper account of Conservation areas such as ours. While respecting that a minority saw some advantage the majority being against bins here. As a result of these pressures (and common sense) the Environment Committee rejected its Chairman's public support for CityClean's proposed massive 'roll out'. Instead Councillors determined that there must be a consultation process - the results of which should be brought back to Committee for its consideration. The behind closed doors framing process of the consultation, and the secrecy attached to the proposed bin positions sustained suspicions that it might prove to be a cosmetic exercise. Having seen an advance copy of the Questionnaire, and the proposed Bin positions plan, your Committee determined that this altered the picture of 'semi-neutrality' and authorised a flyer to be delivered across the Square and Terrace. Its purpose is to explain to all residents the reasons for saying NO. It is important not to get sidetracked on the positioning of the bins, which in this area will inevitably dilute the 'no vote' and could be interpreted that we are accepting the bins. Other local residents associations have noted this 'danger' as well.
The Quarterly Meeting's deliberations, in the presence of our councillors (who have supported our views), can have little short term effect, other than to encourage responses by 25 February and to note any members' reports of associated 'goings on'. In Sussex Square there are suspicions that residents are being encouraged to complain about split sacks on the pavement - which are rare and normally cleared up straightaway. Locally, some cellars seem to be less well cleared than usual - allowing black bags to accumulate. Some large blocks of houses with special collections have not received the questionnaire - but residents should still be given a chance to respond to the questions. Paranoia or not, these things may become important and need to be noted at the time.
Tom Chavasse ROAD SAFETY Unfortunately the council haven't responded very favourably to my proposals for road safety improvements around the Square & Terrace. They have stated that because there haven't been any reported accidents in the last 5 years that no funds are available. Therefore in order to make any changes to safety in the area we'll have to look at making small incremental changes over a longer period of time, perhaps funding or part funding these changes ourselves.
Probably the most pressing area of concern is visibility for pedestrians at the entry/exit gates of the Gardens (often blocked by parked cars and possibly blocked even more in the future by the proposed communal bins). I therefore propose we consider replacing some parking spaces near the gates with cycle racks to prevent illegal parking and improve visibility. I will endeavour to draw up some detailed plans of the proposals and present them at the next meeting of the Friends.
In the meanwhile - some food for thought whilst you're getting frustrated driving around looking for a parking space, just think; 'it's better to be late in this world than early in the next". Richard Eason PLANNING There is little new. At the AGM members' attention was drawn to complex outstanding applications in the planning system. The Council's Planning decisions are to be expected soon. The Brunswick Street West renewed 'stand off' on unauthorised works, with no applications on the coach houses whatsoever, behind 28 Brunswick Terrace continues. Nothing appears to be happening about the deterioration of the listed 'Hove Town Hall' further up this street. Also in Planning and Conservation, the exercise to extend our painting cycle is proceeding - with slow process heading towards the required deadline for the needed 2008 decision.
Tom Chavasse
LOCAL ENFORCEMENTS
(Flood lighting of 11/12 Brunswick Square). The owner of these houses has been asked by the Conservation Enforcement officer to 'soften' the lighting to one more in keeping with this conservation area, or to remove the lighting altogether. I understand if the owner does not comply that enforcement action will be taken. Unfortunately this action does not happen overnight so I will be keeping an eye on the situation! 3 Brunswick Square. The owner of this house was fined in September last year for failing to paint the front of the house in 2005. At the time of the fine the owner stated that he was intending to renovate the house and that the outside painting would be completed after the interior work. So far, there has been no sign of progress which is disappointing. It is understood that consideration is being given to a Listed Building Application.
Diana Joll DOGS IN THE GARDENS Thanks to those residents who regularly take the risk of challenging dog owners illegally using the Gardens, also to all those who close the Garden gates. Sorry to bore you, but just a reminder that over 100 children are blinded each year by Toxicara Canis contained in dog faeces (which was found in the soil in the Gardens last time they were checked). If you don't wish to challenge dog owners yourself, please report offenders to Stephanie Williams (the Animal Welfare Office, 01273 292483) who has been very helpful in the past.
Richard Eason GARDENS At long last the southern 'open-eye' bed has been marked out. The Council assures me that planting will be completed by the end of this financial year. Mind you, I was told the same thing a year ago. I still have twice reminded Brighton and Hove City Council that a letter guaranteeing future maintenance is required by the Sussex Gardens Trust, in order for us to be given the promised £1000 grant I will probably have to do it again but I reckon on plenty of time!!
A small sub-committee has been formed to consider additional funding to meet the deficit.
Rob Hole
OPEN SPACES
Notices for these spaces, such as our gardens, could figure prominently on the matching fund hit list - these include BBQs, dog fouling, dangers at the gates, unsocial activities and a new Heritage/Bye Laws display board. Still in connection with notices the Committee have discussed the new Estate Agent's offer of a Notice Board on the Western Road and decided to recommend a polite refusal.
What about some input from Terrace members about possible notices for Hove Lawns?
Tom Chavasse CAG & BARG Both these groups have continued to be involved with the proposal to install communal bins in the central area of Brighton & Hove together with the form of consultation required which is now taking place.
CAG has continued to look carefully at all planning applications in the City conservation areas chief amongst these has been that to restore the Bandstand. This is now on course and Building Application will be made at the end of February. The go ahead is hoped for by the end of May - the whole job to be completed by Spring 2009. The lower level will be a cafe and under this will be a kitchen and disabled WC. The existing bridge is to be reinstated with a few steps, and a ramp is to be provided for private functions. There are encouraging drawings for the gardens.
The state of the Adelaide ramps are a cause for concern these definitely need repainting and the condition of the south wall is not good. It is possible that the ramps may need to go on the register of Buildings at Risk.
BARG. I reported to you in December that Juliette Hunting of LARA had produced a very comprehensive document with illustrations entitled "Report on Brunswick Town and Western Road 2007" which has been widely distributed.
As a result of this, a meeting is arranged for 29 January, when BARG representatives will meet with six senior council officials (these include the Heads of Environmental Health, Licensing and Strategy and the Senior Highways Enforcement Officer). At this meeting it is hoped that positive undertakings will be given and that the changes desired result in improvement to 'life' in the Western Road in the future. There will be later progress reports on this.
Diana Joll NAG (Neighbourhood Action Group) Since my last report on the work of this Group in December the Friends have been allocated £500 towards the Garden Project deficit. This is very good news for which we are most grateful.
The Group is concerned with the economic, social and environmental problems of the Brunswick & Regency area, but is dependent for the costs of its secretariat and 'Community Chest' funds on central government funding. A decision in regard to this for 2008 is still awaited, but it is hoped to have news early in February so that the Group can continue to pursue its current concerns, which include pavement cycling, street furniture in the Western Road and local policing.
Diana Joll NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH Brighton and Hove is in the top 20 places for England and Wales as one of the safest places to live.
Using a timer switch on your radio, lights, television can reduce crime and can be obtained from your police station for only £4.00.
Two males working together or alone are pretending to be meter readers. They could be in our area and even if you are shown an ID card by any representative, don't use the number on their card, use a listed number from a bill.
The Fire Service have achieved reductions in home fires in recent years and want to encourage more reductions by giving you a free home Safety visit. Call 0800 177 7069.
Jeanne James FINANCE & MEMBERSHIP As you know, we seek constantly to increase our membership - thus our income and our influence - and to this end a spare membership form is enclosed for your use when the opportunity presents itself. Please try and find someone who might be interested in joining us. It would be much appreciated.
This is the last time an issue of the Newsletter will be sent to the membership existing at the time of our last AGM unless subscription were renewed. At the time of going to press I have received 74 subscriptions, including 4 Hons, which is around 50 fewer than the number last year - so a FINAL reminder for those slowcoaches who just haven't got around to paying
The balance in the general account is £547.26 but there are several large bills still awaited for photocopying. This has been due mainly to the Communal Bins campaign.
The garden account now holds the sum of £12,439.39 - soon to be spent, I hope.
Joy Hole USEFUL INFORMATION
The GP out-of-hours service has recently moved. It is now based at the Urgent Care Centre next to the A&E Department at the Royal Sussex Hospital. It is called South East Health and is staffed by local GP's. It operates at nights during weekdays and throughout weekends and bank holidays. It is possible to telephone for advice, visit the centre or ask for a home visit. The aim of the service is to reduce the number of patients attending A&E.
(Tel 0845 4565420)
Diana Joll THE NEWSLETTER As you know your committee uses the Newsletter to advise you of results information, news and future intentions. However, it is NOT restricted to this only - any member wishing to use this space to recommend reliable tradesmen or professional services would be very helpful.
Rob Hole (Editor) FUTURE MEETINGS 2007 For your diaries - these will be:
Saturday 10 May
Saturday 9 August
Saturday 15 November (AGM)
Light refreshments will be served at the end of the meeting as usual. Stay on to chat and meet your neighbours!
So that we can continue to afford this informal get-together a box for donations will be available.
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