Grays Central Community Forum

Open Meeting

 

Tuesday November 10th , 2009

 

Attended: Vivienne Wright, Geoffrey Nathan, Ross Bannister, Claire Bannister, Yash Gupta, Steve Veitch, Irene Lewsey, M Curran, R Bloomfield, S Ralling, Colin Baker, KA Smith, M Kiely, M Passfield, Steve Starr, Chris Seamark, PCSO 71858 Walker.

 

Apologies: Ursula Garwood, Jean Dexter, E Cunningham, C Kent, P Harris

 

 

1.     Meeting opened at 7.30pm, All welcomed.

2.     Apologies: Ursula Garwood, Jean Dexter, E Cunningham, C Kent, P Harris

3.     Agreed minutes of last meeting

4.     Matters arising:

Rest Gardens Sign Enhancement has been completed – cost £172.50 + VAT- meeting agreed.

 

5.     a) Strategic Transport Plan

Matt Kiely, Kristina Smith and Ryan Passfield.

  The team from the STG brought in some documents for the group to look at and to give their views on as part of the first consultation for the Local Transport Plan. They wanted local groups’ views. This is a 5 year plan and they wanted views on whether they were going in the right direction. The Department of Transport have asked that this consultation be made. The plans will also be on show in Grays on Wednesday (11th) and at Lakeside on Thursday (12th). We discussed some issues that the group highlighted, including the parking situation at most schools. The team agreed that there are problems and would welcome ideas that could help solve the situation. The use of speed humps and the pros and cons of their use was also discussed. The team requested that the forum members complete the online questionnaires at transport@thurrock.gov.uk . The forum was given a range of leaflets to consider. GN will be invited on a walk around the local area and learn about the issues in our area. Mrs I Lewsey will also attend.

 

CB left the meeting at 8pm

 

b) Adult Play Equipment

GN was unable to bring any conclusions to the issues raised at the last meeting. The members felt that our initial idea for keep fit equipment for the older generation has been hijacked by the council.

GN mentioned that new equipment has been put into Dilkes Park that is similar to what has been suggested for Hathaway Road Park. It was highlighted that it was not what we had originally planned.  We are required to use HAGS, who are the council contractors and they can put in whatever we suggest. GN is to ask Carol where the original suggestions that we made are. GN will report back next meeting.

 

b) Christopher Seamark from the Thames Gateway explained his role and that they release funding to community groups. They have approx, £240,000 a year. Small grant funds can be applied for up to £1000 which has a turnaround of 10 days.

 

Yash Gupta asked if anyone had any questions for him as he had to leave the meeting. The gated path in Bradleigh Avenue can be appealed against again. The new Community Hospital was discussed. It was agreed that there are lots of master plans but no evidence of things happening. Yash left at 8.45

 

c) Rest Garden Grass Cutting.  Steve Starr from TBC Cleaning & Greening attended the meeting, he manages the Rest Gardens. It was decided to have a site meeting to discuss the sign and access for the grass cutting machines. GN, SS and grass cutting team leader to attend. RB to contact MIND to confirm the planned work that was agreed for the rest gardens.

 

 

6.     Chairs Report

a.     Attended the TAFF meeting, and informed the group that there is a LINK meeting on the 15th December, from 2 to 4pm.

b.     We cannot fund Streetlife. Streetlife have also applied for funding from Thames Gateway.

7.     Correspondence

a)     None received

 

8.     Finance and Funding

 

The Forums financial position was discussed and it was agreed that more applications for funding were required  as soon as possible.

 

 

9.       Any Other Business:

a.     CLB asked if we could consider improving the entrances to the park in Hathaway Road as at present it is very uninviting.Who would we need to speak to find out if this is possible?

b.     Suggestion of goal posts in the park area ( RB to ask Andrea re feasibility), more seating areas.

c.     Police matters: General discussion on crime matters. KE pleased to announce that there were no complaints over the Halloween and Bonfire Night season. There was no ‘egg’ nuisance this year. KE explained that his involvement in issues in the area tend to be when more than one incident has occurred of a particular situation. He explained that reports to the central office do not necessarily get reported to the community police. 

 

10. Next Meeting:

 

Tuesday December 8th 2009    7.30 pm  

 

 

 

Meeting closed at 8.55 pm.