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*Planning*Communal Bins *Western Road Developments*Garden*
*Painting Cycle*Western Rd Zebra Crossing*Children's Safety*
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Date and Time of  next Meeting - Saturday 1 December at 11am in 13 Brunswick Square

COMMITTEE REPORTS
 
Main Drains Brunswick Terrace.

The works causing the main disturbance are now almost finished - having been delayed by some difficulties in the final section.  Considering the scope and difficulty of the works it would seem that congratulations should be extended to the 4D's Group.

Tom Chavasse

Planning.

 Updates.  The last Newsletter predicted some sort of cafe at 52 Brunswick St.  West - it is a Burger bar, with better extraction fans than before but still at the front.  If you detect smells report them.  Despite 'success' in the past new unauthorised works are taking place at the front and back of No. 7 Brunswick St West - which would not qualify for Planning and Listed Building Consents.  Members in the affected 28-29 Brunswick Terrace properties are fully advised on the action (inadequate to date) that the Council is taking.  The fiasco at 5-6 Western Rd, Farman St still shows no sign of resolution.

New.  In our immediate locality nothing of significance, or where we have a legitimate interest, has come to my attention.  Please let me know of any concern you may have - or news that might affect other members.

Tom Chavasse

Extension of Painting Cycle.  

Hot from the press is the news that in December progress will be made - possibly with the help of English Heritage and not the RIBA.  The accepted target date for a decision is June 2008.  I cannot predict what it will be - but the delays in painting some buildings since the new system was adopted seem to have proved the manufacturer's claims for its better elasticity and moisture breathing characteristics, longevity, gloss retention and tolerance despite some  painters not sticking strictly to the preparation specifications!  We tend to forget how badly the previous paint system performed.

Tom Chavasse

Western Road.  

We had high hopes that the zebra crossing would be moved during the recent resurfacing works.  However, a last minute Safety Audit recommended caution because there is not a proven accident record and thus changing anything might create one!  There are some unclear aspects of that decision but it was too late to investigate it before the works were done.  Though the bus stop has been moved a little to the West the extra space has not been used to lengthen the exit zigzags but given to the Bus bay - where, at least, there is now room for two vehicles.  Summing up all the other Western Rd problems.  BARG, our local residents' associations' consulting and conservation advisory group, has submitted a report and request for action to the Council's Environment Director whose Department covers every aspect of residents' concerns.  Prior to this some progress was made through the Ward Councillors and senior officers who carried out 'inspection walks' with residents' representatives.  Our thanks should go to Juliette Hunting of LARA and to a number of EBRA's members who have contributed greatly to these efforts.

Tom Chavasse

Communal Bins.

We - and all the other associations representing areas where there are significant Heritage designated Terraces, Squares, Crescents and Open Spaces - continue to explore, and press for, a genuine process of consultation on the conservation aspects of this massive scheme.  Members may have seen our Ward Councillors' recent letter on the subject and there is no clearer picture, or confirming details, yet available.  By the AGM there may be more clarification but there are complex political and financial pressures at work militating against the citizens expectations of clarity in the workings of the Council on this emotive service now that Council Tax issues are involved.  It may be that more of the some 185,000 residents, across 10 Wards, who are affected, will wake up to the prospect of some 600 Bins - to save Council Tax for others!  There is now a distraction as a Green Party Councillor for Regency Ward has resigned and the early December by-election has huge political significance for the shared or overall control of the Council.  It is to be hoped that candidates will show their colours on the issue of Communal Bins and support the genuine process of consultation, which residents' associations and conservation groups across the City believe to be essential.  Our Ward Councillors have asked for our views and we have no hesitation in endorsing that request.  'For or Against' there must be a genuine, consultation and resolution method which will not put neighbours in conflict.  As and when needed the FBST may need to conduct its own enquiries - at present it is too soon to decide, but it will be necessary if the written Questionnaire issued by CityClean is prepared without the required level of consultation and ignores the main issue.

Tom Chavasse

Safety

A little bit of good news - the gates to the Gardens (with the exception of the bottom double gate) have been fixed by the council and can now be closed and latched.  Closing the gates may help prevent a child running directly onto the road, so if you remember please close the gates behind you.  It will also make the 'No Dogs' signs much more visible.  Also, there are some temporary signs informing the public that to drink alcohol is prohibited in the Gardens.  If for any reason you feel, or you see others harassed, alarmed or distressed by drinkers or people taking drugs you should report it immediately to the Sussex Police non-emergency number 0845 6070999.  Reporting such incidents will increase Police patrols, which, when informed, will take action in the area making the Square & Terrace a safer place.

Richard Eason

NAG (Neighbourhood Action Group)

Currently this Group meets on a regular monthly basis, when it focuses on a particular topic ie health and well being, enterprise and learning and public safety.  The last meeting in October was on education for all age groups.  There is a small sum of money available for local good causes for the group to allocate in the next few months.  Some of this money has been allocated for the gardens in Waterloo Street and for an olive tree in Lansdowne Place.  We are in the process of making an application for a grant towards part of our shortfall for the Gardens.  This Group can provide a useful forum for local organisations, churches and individuals involved in the community to work together in the neighbourhood to look at the overall needs of the area and to put pressure on the relevant authorities as and when this is appropriate.

Diana Joll

Brunswick Festival

This was held the weekend of 18/19 August.  Overall it went well in spite of the uncertain weather on both days, particularly on the Sunday.  There were fewer attractions than in previous years and the commercial stalls were absent.  However, there was a good crowd on both days.  The fenced off area in the north part of the garden did not seem to cause any problems   apart from one intrepid performer who 'invaded' the space!  I am sure that the installation of the southern bed will not present any problems that cannot be overcome.  Our stall was manned for the two days with the usual 'crew' and we also ran a petition asking for people's views on the bins.  We decided not to continue this after the Festival in view of the City's decision to set up a consultation process.

Diana Joll

CAG & BARG

Both these Groups have inevitably become involved with the bins issue in recent weeks.  Both have strongly advised that consultation needs to take place and for this to be as wide-ranging as possible before any decisions are made to place communal bins in the conservation areas of the City.  Tom Chavasse has fully informed both groups as to the lines on which he considers this consultation should take place   having researched the guidelines adopted by Edinburgh City, when dealing with the same problem.  I understand that both groups will be keeping the whole matter very much to the forefront in their respective deliberations during the coming weeks, when the City will be deciding the exact form of the consultation.

In addition BARG has produced a document entitled "Report on Brunswick Town & Western Road 2007".  It outlines clearly the problems in the part of the Western Road near us.  These include scruffy, greasy and littered pavements, proliferation of unsuitable street furniture, blinds, A-Boards and licensed premises.  It has been compiled by Juliette Hunting of LARA and widely distributed.  It contains photographs of many of the 'eye sores'.  To date there has been a positive response from Alan McCarthy the Chief Executive of the City.  He has asked two of his Assistant Directors to take the issue forward and we have been assured that a response will be provided shortly.  So we await results!

Diana Joll

Rubbish Collections and General Cleanliness

The refuse collections and the general cleanliness of the Square and Terrace have continued to be monitored during the year.  I think we can agree that there has been some improvement in spite of the usual 'black spots'.  Jamie Arnell who has recently come to live in the Square, waged a one-man campaign in the summer in which he highlighted the rubbish problems in the Gardens, particularly at the weekends, when the bins are overflowing.  His efforts resulted in more frequent collections at weekends, a "deep clean" in September and a promise to keep the situation under review.  So congratulations to Jamie Arnell for his initiative!

Diana Joll

Gardens

This has been a busy year but one in which some progress has been made as a result of many meetings, hundreds of emails and endless persuasion and negotiation.  As far as I am aware, both the northern and southern beds have been ordered by Brighton and Hove City Council through East Sussex County Council and then to the contractor.  Complicated isn't it?! The lack of in-house expertise in B&H Council has cost us a lot of money.

Notice explaining the restoration of the Garden has been affixed to the gates.  It requested that queries could be addressed to the Council.  As far as I know there has been one negative response.  I have used this to reinforce our application to the Sussex Garden Trust for £1000 (made in November) to meet some of the shortfall in the cost of the restoration of both the northern and southern open eye planting schemes.  A decision is expected in December.  Other people, notably Jeanne James and Diana Joll, have made other applications for extra money - all decisions are due in December.  We await the results.

Rob Hole

Work in the Garden

The plan is to try to establish flowers around the edge of the Square which will come up every year, but of course their growth is often inhibited by the constant footballs landing on them and people searching for balls.

We have planted this year two mallows which seem to have taken and are thriving.  As well, foxgloves, marigolds, primroses and violets have taken root and add greatly to the attraction of the borders.
Some of the lavender has become very woody and we would like to replace it with new plants - it does seem to be everyone's favourite.

Franca Mercer has given £20 for plants, which we plan to use.  However, it will take more than this and we wonder if members will help with donations of money and/or labour.

Jane Weaver

Neighbourhood Watch.

Good news - a leading insurance company has placed Brighton and Hove 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.

Hoax telephone callers pretending to be from a local radio station are trying to get your bank details. "Name the Spice Girls" is just one scam. Don't give your details to anyone.Two males working together or alone are pretending to be meter readers.  They could be in our area and even if you are shown ID by any representative, don't use the number on the card, use a listed number.

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. For safety and info on the Internet go to www.brighton-hove-nwa.org .  If your child is being bullied on the Internet you can log on to www.littlehampton.w-sussex.sch.uk/ Bully Busters.html .  Leaflets are available from the police station.
The Brighton & Hove Coalition of Older People is holding a 'Celebrating Age' event at Hove Town Hall on 27 November from 10am till 4pm.  A warm welcome and refreshments will be available.  It's free and there's no age bar.  A Forum of Fun for all!

Jeanne James

Tradesmen

If you have employed an individual or firm that has done excellent work for you at a reasonable price you might like to share them with other members.  I know it is quite difficult at times to find somebody and using Yellow Pages is a bit of a lottery. With your approval we could publish a list of reputable tradesmen in the Quarterly Newsletter.

Rob Hole

Finance & Membership

I have already mentioned in my full statement in the AGM proceedings that the General Account balance is the lowest we have had for some time, due to the large amount of printing generated by the most recent events.  Although we considered it, we have not increased the subscription per household which has remained the same throughout the life of FBST, but it would be helpful if those people who attend meetings and enjoy some refreshments could donate something towards these.  Membership, as mentioned, stands at 121. 

The balance in the Garden Account stands at £12323.75 which is some £3K below the sum needed. We are seeking extra funds from two or three sources but it is not certain that these will be received.  If anyone feels a burning desire to contribute to this fund we will, of course, be delighted to receive contributions - however small.  In the meantime, please pay your subs promptly - and preferably before the AGM rush!
Thanks for your help

Joy Hole

Our Website

We continue to add content to the Friends website www.fbst.org.uk. There you will find information on the latest activities of our organisation, plus the current newsletter and archives of previous ones. In addition there are links to other local sites, and sources of information and a list of what's on.  If you have any news, events or suggestions for the website, please email them to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Richard Vahrman

Our Thanks to Louise Brice of Brice's Estate Agency for printing this document and the proceedings of the AGM

FUTURE MEETINGS 2008

For your diaries - these will be:

Saturday 9 February
Saturday 10 May
Saturday 9 August
Saturday 15 November (AGM)

All at Number 13 Brunswick Square at 11 am.

Light refreshments will be served at the end of the meeting as usual - donations accepted.  Stay on to chat and meet your neighbours!