Minutes from the 11th May 2009 Bankeyfields Neighbourhood Watch meeting

Date: 11th May 2009
Location: The Rifleman Inn, Kidsgrove
Time: 19:00 – 21:30

MINUTES:

1. Harry Hancock’s Warehouse
Councillor Ryan
Issues were raised re the safety of this building; some children have been seen climbing onto the roof and possibly gaining access. This is a potential danger and needs making safe. Question was raised if anyone has actually bought the building and what they intend to do with it? At present, we believe no-one has shown an interest in the building and the current owner has been approached to ensure the building is made safe.

Councillor Ryan to contact the council to see what if any planning permissions have been applied for. A section 215 can be applied to the building if the roof/safety continues to become a problem/concern. If you see anything suspicious and need to report something, please call (01782) 234234.

2. Hurricane Grove Alleyway
Insp Mark Harden
Many discussions were held re the Hurricane Grove Alleyway. Many residents who live in and around this alleyway have had items stolen such as plant pots, garden ornaments, wooden benches etc. The resident who lives directly next to the pathway have had items thrown over into his garden and has also has been a victim of youths victimising him on his own land.
Norma Tomkinson has been around the majority of Heritage Park to gain signatures to have this pathway shut off, which would hopefully eliminate the problems. Some residents at the meeting rejected this and said they would rather see the pathway kept open as it is used by mothers walking into Tunstall etc and to and from school.
Inspector Mark Harden to review over the next 4-5 weeks to establish what problems arise and will report back at the next meeting. Hurricane Grove Alleyway to be kept on the agenda and on the website for any updates. . If you see anything suspicious and need to report something please call (01782) 234234.

3. Reginald Mitchell Way
Councillor Ryan & NHW Team

Discussions were held over the increasing speeding problems we have on this stretch of road. The police have been present on several occasions enforcing speed cameras/guns, along with spot checks.

The figures from these have been reported both on the website and in the local Advertiser, and The Sentinel and it was astonishing to see just how many vehicles were stopped for either speeding offences, no tax/mot/insurance, un-roadworthy vehicles, driving without due care & attention etc!

A draft sketch of a new revised roundabout was made available which shows the kerb being extended to force motorists to drive around the roundabout as opposed to through it! This stretch of road will continue to be a cause for concern and the police will give it as much attention as they can.

An issue was raised re the Focus Sign that has been erected on the lamp-post as you approach the roundabout on the left hand side; this is causing obstruction as you try to leave the estate. Councillor Ryan to contact Focus to have sign taken down or moved.

A suggestion was made re a concealed entrance sign to be erected to warn motorists that there is a housing estate on the left hand side, this will be looked into. Discussions were held over speeding on the estate itself in particular over the speed humps. Speeding leaflets to be posted to all residents on the estate.

We need to give the police force a special thanks for their continued time and effort with this on-going problem.

If you see anything suspicious and need to report something please call (01782) 234234.

4. Openspace
Councillor Ryan
Main problem on the openspace appears to be litter, alcohol and anti-social behaviour mainly Friday/Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons. Police to ensure their presence at these key times where possibly is a priority. A suggestion was made re why we cannot make the openspace an ARZ (alcohol restriction zone)? The grass cutting or lack of was also raised both on the openspace and the paddock area? Councillor Ryan to chase up. If you see anything suspicious and need to report something please call (01782) 234234.

5. Respect Day

It is intended to hold a Respect Day during the May half term week and another during the 6 weeks school holidays. This will include a police van to encourage residents to take valuable items such as laptops, bikes, mobile phones etc to be marked by special pens, give-aways by the police force, possibly recruitment options for teenagers?

They will also be looking at holding street games which is an on-going throughout parks within Stoke-on-Trent to include football, basketball, cricket etc. This will be a great opportunity for the community to come together and have some fun so please if you can come along and join in the fun

- Update from PC Talbot, and the respect day due on the 31st May

6. Adoption of land

The state of the mini-roundabout was raised and why this isn’t included to be tidied when the openspace/paddock are cut? Still no concrete answers as to who owns the land, however, a meeting is planned with Bryant Homes on the 8th June and the outcome will be shared with all residents at a later date. Issues were raised re the drains which were a concern a while ago (however we are now assured these are all fixed) along with the broken fencing by the kissing gates at the top of Spitfire Way. Again until the meeting is held with Bryant Homes and until we establish who owns this piece of land this problem remain unsolved.

7. AOB

A suggestion was made for the NHW to become a Residents Association, this will only benefit and strengthen the team as we can then apply for funding for sporting activities and lots more. We need funds for items such as printer cartridges, paper, the running and upkeep of the website etc so this would be a great step in the right direction. All residents at the meeting felt this was the way forward. Once set up, the Residents Association who hold their own bank account but would also need a Treasurer, Chair and Secretary (any volunteers)?

Next Meeting to be held on Monday 22nd June 2009 at 19:00 hrs at Sandyford Cricket Club . Shelford Rd (Between McDonalds and the Newsagents)

Apologies: Linda Tweets – AIT Manager (Stoke-on-Trent City Council)
Visitors: Councillor Meg Ryan (MR), Michael Frost (MF) – PCSO, Tunstall Neighbourhood Policing Unit Commander - Inspector Mark Harden (MH)