BPRA meeting: 27.05.10 7.30-9.30pm at The Farm Tavern
Meeting chaired by Toni Tye. Minutes taken by Veronica.
The meeting began with each person introducing themselves. Present: Toni Tye, Lee Preisler, David Parkin, Veronica Stephens, Ann Brown, Jay Alvarez, Tara Rawat, Pauline Ford, Carrie Fox, John Watson, Elenie Card, Clive Sweeting, Rob Demel.
- We agreed that future meetings would be regularly held at The Tavern on the last Thurs every fourth month: ie Sept 30th. Jan 27th, May 26th etc.
- No.19 update – The meeting discussed problems related to squatters and the neglect/disrepair of No.19. There were particular concerns for the adjoining buildings as there appears to be constant running water. We have heard that the Council is considering committing £40k of funds towards emergency repairs and then suing the landlord to recover expenditure. It is unfortunate that the owner, who also lives in the street, seems to be taking no responsibility for the building. BPRA have given their support to Clive who will write a letter to the council detailing all of our concerns and asking whether they will consider a compulsory purchase order. Clive will add information re. no. 19’s progress to the website.
- Brunswick Town in Bloom - Toni handed round forms for the BTinB competition and suggested it would be good to be part of this wider event to motivate us to get planting and generally improve the look of the street. It’s a positive project which is linking up our local residents/action groups. Judging takes place 17th July.
- ‘Love Your Street’! - Residents to meet up at 10am on Sat 10th July at Toni & Lee’s place: Fl 1, 62, to have coffee and then collectively tidy up the appearance of the street……maybe putting notices on bins re glass separating etc. Ideas welcome.
- Recycling bins – Question as to whether we should request split recycling bins from the council to reduce the amount of untidy black plastic recycling boxes cluttering the street & make separation of glass clearer. Toni is in contact with City Clean and will make enquiries. John Watson will approach Paul Elgood.
- Finances – we have £5.60 in the kitty! Veronica suggested everyone pay 50p -£1 each time they attend a meeting; we took a collection. Toni reminded us that residents can have a one line on the BPRA website to offer our skills/services and suggests we charge for larger business adverts. Florian agreed to be our first one! Anyone else interested?
- Website - Jay introduced us to the revamped website: we set up 2 laptops & enjoyed exploring the possibilities of individuals interacting by uploading issues & news items on site. She also announced she would be leaving the Place soon and so the website management needs to be to handed over to another person asap…any volunteers welcome…she will be happy to offer initial support. The website has been popular with around 180 hits in the last month. Pauline from Florian’s agreed to monitor posts & emails to the website on a weekly basis and redirect queries to Toni.
- Brunswick Festival - Veronica gave details of this year’s Brunswick festival: Rural Day & Scruffs (St Ann’s Well Gardens) August 15th & Festival in Brunswick Square 21st & 22nd. Stall forms available at brunswickfestival@hotmail.com or call 07956356407 for information or to volunteer services(even a few hrs in tea tent would be very helpful)
- Bicycle Racks – have been approved and will be implemented in 2011, thanks Ann for follow-through.
- The Dangerous Curb in the centre of the road continues to be an unresolved issue. Visitors to the street regularly trip and injure themselves. Paul Elgood brought the Highways department to visit…the outcome of the meeting was that the £40k it would take to remove the curb would not be financially viable. We have suggested a painted white stripe on the edges but were told it would be too costly to maintain! The main problem is that the street is very poorly lit..only 3-4 lamp posts on each site of the road. Lee to set up a petition to improve lighting in the street& Jay will put the petition on the website. John suggested writing to the BHCC Highways committee.
- AOB: Railings – John is keen to see all the damaged and missing railings and gates replaced/repaired as they are Grade 1 listed, he will liaise with the Council.
- Free courses for voluntary groups – John handed out information on courses. More info, contact Danny at : 01273 810230 Community & Voluntary sector or Community Base: 01273 772289
- Thanks to all who came along & made it an enjoyable evening.
- Thanks to Garf for free use of his upstairs room & wi-fi.
Next meeting scheduled for 30th September.
Please note change of date for coffee & street clean-up to Sat 10th July.
Tags: flowers, improvements, rubbish, Social Meeting, Using website, volunteers
