Grays Central Community
Forum
Open
Meeting
Tuesday March 9th,
2010
Attended: Geoffrey
Nathan, Ross Bannister, Claire Bannister, Ursula Garwood, Vivienne Wright,
Colin Baker, Jean Dexter, D. McGoldrick, M. Dexter, D. Sedano,
J. Kemp, Andrea Gull, Peter Liggins, Sharon Smith, K.
Robson, A. Robson, C. Keeble, PSCO Walker 71858 .
a.
Clarence Road Licence Review – Due to be held
on March 10th but postponed due to unavailability of the licensee.
Rearranged for Wednesday 18 th. Residents
are upset about the time taken and the constant delaying tactics. We are
hopeful that the meeting on the 18th will resolve the issue. Bark
Chippings from TBC
b.
Rest
Garden Refurbishment- The refurbishment is underway, progress is good and works
will be completed on time. The locks to the shutters will be changed so that
they have a common key.
c.
Rest
Garden Shelter Opening – Discussions were had regarding the opening times for
the shelter and there was some opposition to the suggestion that the shelter to
be opened as part of the Park Opening times, with the park staff opening and
closing the shelter. A suggestion was
made that the shelter will only be open when people are in attendance. The
concern raised by residents living near by is that historically when the
shelter is open then ‘young people’ use the facilities inappropriately and
cause a nuisance to the neighbours. It was noted that 2 official complaints
have been made to the council about the proposal to have the shelter open. The
meeting agreed that a request to have the Alcohol Free Zone covering Grays Park
needs to be made. It was felt that this may be a way forward. A suggestion was
put forward that the Rest Garden Area could also be used as a ‘Meet the Public’
Venue for the Police , which could alter the perception of the gardens and
allow people who wish to enjoy the gardens to feel more secure. The meeting
decided that the shelter would not be put onto the Opening schedule of the
Parks Department and that the shelter would only be open when people are in
attendance in the gardens. Possibly when MIND are completing their maintenance,
as well as official events, such as the Holocaust Memorial Service.
d.
Grays
Town Park – YG suggested that the concerns of the meeting with regard to the
Park, such as the damaged fencing, the lack of decent facilities and character
should be brought to the attention of the Council. It has been previously been
highlighted in the Thurrock Gazette. Is there any funding available to help?
Steve Starr will be asked about the security of the Park. There was mention that although the area is
within the Alcohol Free Zone there are no signs informing people of this. Can
there be some? To ask Steve Starr to have lots of signs put up?
a.
Bradleigh
Avenue Trees. – Talk postponed as Speaker unable to attend. Request made by
meeting that the Trees in Hathaway Road are also discussed. Is there a plan to
work around all the trees in the borough?
b.
Planters
– MIND have quoted £175 each for their annual maintenance. The meeting felt
this was quite pricey and alternative arrangements were discussed. It was
decided that the planter outside Quarry Hill School should be moved to the
entrance of the Allotments in Ward Avenue and the Allotment Association will
maintain it. Will request revised price from MIND regarding Theobald
Avenue although the planter does appear to be in good order at present.
c.
Allotments
on Dell Road/ Orsett Road – Believed to be owned by
Thurrock Council. The Meeting discussed future plans for the grounds. The Ward
Avenue Allotment Association have discussed bringing it back into use but as
yet no joy. Unaware of any plans at present for the land.
d.
Hathaway
Road Park Project- GN spoke to Veolia and proposal B
for the location of the equipment was agreed with GN. RB spoke to D. Spring and asked him to
confirm that the finish of the ground (after its use as storage for the Ward
Avenue ground works) is completed to a good standard. S.Starr
has been asked to follow this up and an article in the Echo states that the
land will be sorted out when the weather improves.
Working
Together Conference 2010 – Meeting to be held at the Civic Hall on March 18th
from 10am – 4pm.
·
Received
letter from JD resident of High View Avenue regarding the proposal to open the
shelter in the Rest Gardens, daily – discussed under matters arising
Update given from Treasurer
a.
Ward
Avenue Allotments – Gates are being installed and they are looking good.
b.
No
councillors present at this meeting.
c.
Cleaning
of gullys and drains in the roads. Discussion about
the flooding problems in the roads during bad weather. Unaware of the councils
policy or cleaning schedule. Eurpoa is the overall
organisation that has been contracted to complete the works but do not know
schedule. Is there a budget for it? A.G. to investigate.
d.
Gracelands
– 24 hour licence – Concerns were raised that the PSCO’s
are not all aware of the issues with this property? The shop has a 24 hour sign
up – Question asked if planning permission is needed and if so if it had been
obtained. RB will email relevant person and try to find out.
e.
Back
Alleyways – Discussion about condition of many of the alleyways in our forum
area. Suggestion made to raise issues with the Environmental Health department,
to try to help clear them up.
f.
24 hour
licence data protection – The residents that were involved in the petitioning
regarding the 24 hour licence discovered that their personal details had been
published by TBC. The Council had used ineffective masking and were in
contravention of the terms of the Data Protection Act. Officers have apologised
and The Home Office have been informed.
g.
Ideas
for next year- A request for suggestions for where to invest our funding
allocation was made.
To
discuss AGM and plans for next financial year.
Tuesday
April 13th , 2010 7.30 pm
Any Closed Issues to be discussed at the end
of the open meeting.
11.
Meeting closed 8.50pm