Minutes of meetings

Garden Walk Residents Association

Notes of Annual General Meeting

27 November 2017

At NCI Committee Room, Holland Street, Cambridge, 7.45pm

Attendees  

Residents:  Paul Dupree, Deborah Latham, Alison Blair, Christine Outhwaite, Natalie Shale, Paola White, Martin and Paula Bishop, George Hutchins, Githa St John-Ives, Kathy Ritchie

Councillors: Claire Richards (County Councillor), Mike Sargeant (City Councillor)

Apologies – Heather Richardson

1.0      Introductions

2.0      Notes of Last Meeting – these were agreed.

3.0      Our last year's activities

3.1          Progress had been made with various issues including: ASB, Residents Parking proposal, signage saying Access Only, and involving the County Council Highways Officers in planning to improve the junction of Bateson Road and Garden Walk.

3.2          The Street Party had been held in good weather in June and many residents had attended and enjoyed the event.

4.0      Our current work:

4.1       GWRA continues to work with our County Councillor Claire Richards and City Councillor Mike Sargent on a Residents Parking scheme. 

4.1.1   Residents Parking is part of a Citywide initiative to reduce air pollution and vehicle congestion as well as improve convenience for residents. Victoria zone would be part of the first set of zones.  The Park and Ride fee has been reduced, so now only a charge for the bus ride into the City, which it is hoped will help to encourage people out of their cars and put less pressure on City streets for parking.  Residents Parking zones are a major part of the effort to reduce cars coming into the City and improve the environment for residents.

4.1.2   Claire ran through the parking proposals.  Mike and Claire to try to obtain clarity on H bars and how enforceable they are, and to seek further detail on trades vehicles.  Carer’s Permits are free and residents requiring carers to visit will just need to get a signature from their GP as evidence.  ‘City Deal’ funding will pay for the set up costs for a Residents Parking Scheme (normally the costs would have been included in the Permit fees to residents).  The scheme would have to be self supporting.  The Council will simply cover the costs of the parking enforcement (it won’t make money for the Council).  We would be advised to have the same timing as Castle Residents Parking scheme over the road, i.e. 9am to 6pm.

4.1.3   The timeframe for implementing the scheme should residents in the Victoria zone area votes for it (Victoria Zone is currently from Corona Road up to and including Garden Walk) would be around 9 months, as there would be a period of statutory consultation with residents and the Highways Authority.  If there is not a majority vote by residents in the zone, the scheme would not be able to go ahead.

4.2       ‘Access Only’ signage and enforcement:  Claire reported on Access only signs - one will be positioned opposite the other to enable enforcement and Police powers if there was any accident there.

4.3          Junction of Bateson Road and Garden Walk:  Claire reported on efforts being made to make the road junction at the north end of Garden Walk safer, the main problem being that vehicles cut the corner to turn into Garden Walk from Bateson Road and may meet cyclists coming the other way.  Bid for cost of works is in this financial year (Local Highways Initiative money).  To stop vehicles parking near the junction, yellow lines will be added. No further consultation with residents is necessary.  Claire showed a plan of the proposed improvement.  Residents welcomed the news.

4.4       Claire also noted there is a grant for Environmental Improvements. Grant may be available for up to £10,000 per scheme.  Garden Walk has a long stretch of very uneven paving bricks and kerb stones which are trip hazards mainly in the southern half of Garden Walk.  The substandard pavements mean that people often walk up the middle of the road instead of the pavements, which is also dangerous.  Deborah will discuss further with Claire how we could initiate a bid for grant to make improvements.

5.0      Views about what to do in 2018

5.1       Campaign for pavement repairs.

5.2       Push for reinstatement of the missing street light, and to the Resident Parking works if this is approved. (There is a stretch of the street which is very dark between around 23 to 37.

5.3       Investigate having an electric charging point for cars.

5.4       Investigate speed restrictions - the County Council has moved away from putting in road humps, so what else could be done? 

6.0      Supported housing

6.1          Supported housing issues had improved and there had been a noticeable decrease in anti-social behaviour since Sanctuary Care and Support had taken over delivery of the care and support service.

6.2          The Sanctuary Care and Support Manager will be invited to the next GWRA committee meeting for an update on progress with their review of supported housing for people with a mental health need. 

7.0      Committee Membership and Officer Elections

7.1       Officers were elected for the next 12 months as follows:

Treasurer: Alison and Githa nominated Mike Gatford. Mike was voted in as Treasurer

Secretary: Christine and Paul nominated Deborah Latham.  Deborah was voted in as Secretary.

Chair: Deborah and Paola nominated Paul Dupree. Paul was voted in as Chair.

Githa became an addirtional member of the Committee.  No existing members resigned.

8.         Any Other Business

8.1       Idea that 38-44 could reduce front garden to make way for ambulance parking.  This idea would be raised with the Service Manager at the next GWRA meeting.

8.2       The meeting discussed the idea of a logo for the GWRA and Alison will pursue creating one for discussion at the next meeting.

9.0      Date of next Committee Meeting 

Monday 12 March 2018 at 7.45pm.  Venue to be confirmed (Paul or Alison’s).

Garden Walk Residents Association (GWRA)

Meeting on 

11 September 2017 at 36 Garden Walk

Minutes

Attendees:   Paul, Deborah, Liz, Rob, Christine, Helene, Natalie, Alison, Audrey, Mike, Claire Richards (County Councillor Castle Ward), Kate Shaw (Sanctuary Acting Area Manager), Philippa Gordon-Smith (Service Manager at Garden Walk Mental Health Supported Housing), Jo Flaherty (Sanctuary Care and Support).

1. Apologies – Githa, Heather, Karina

2. Notes of Last Meeting – agreed

3.  Matters Arising

Rubbish at Michaelmas Place had been removed and there seemed to be a regular collection now in place.

Drugs Graffiti on the gable end wall of 146 Victoria Road had been painted out by the landlord after the City Council refused to do it unless it was paid for by the landlord (£500).

Squatters at Michaelmas Place had been evicted.

3.   ASB and Supported Housing

Philippa and Kate confirmed that ASB is treated in a robust way and is viewed as unacceptable.  GWRA residents raised the point that with the clients living at the supported housing it may not always be unavoidable and that it is critical to ensure that behaviour is manged effectively. 

The County Council support service commissioner is supporting a review by Sanctuary, which recently won the tender to provide mental health support services, of both Garden Walk mental health supported housing services, with a view to reducing the pressure on the street of so many higher needs people.  Sanctuary would be looking at the staff structure and level of need of people supported.  This would include looking at the assessment criteria, and move on pathways to housing elsewhere, possibly lowering the level of need of people at the supported housing, higher staffing levels, including two waking night staff.  The review and changes may take up to a year to complete.  Sanctuary is working closely with the County Council. Sanctuary would like to work with residents via GWRA to ensure they are consulted about any proposals and an ongoing dialogue is maintained.  All agreed that consultation is welcome and were pleased to hear that the night cover was being improved.

Concerns that drug dealers may be targeting mental health support service users was raised.  Philippa noted that her staff team is in regular contact with the Police, attend the Drug and Alcohol local meetings.   Sanctuary reiterated that they wish to see a move on strategy in place for people unsuited to living at Garden Walk supported housing.

It was noted that the involvement of some supported housing residents in the annual Garden Walk Street Party was positive.  Committee members said it would be helpful to understand the support service specification and emphasised the point that residents simply wanted there to be a positive relationship between residents living both at the supported housing and along the street, without any ASB issues.  38-44 Garden Walk has an open door policy for residents living along the street, and any resident wishing to pop in should go to the staff office to speak to staff.  

The meeting discussed the procedure to be followed when there is an issue with ASB.  Sanctuary would like us to ring the office to tell staff, and if there is an issue with safety or threats then do not hesitate to ring the Police first.

If there is an issue which is reported but remains unresolved, then it was agreed that residents should contact Kate or Jo.  Sanctuary would send us the list of telephone contact numbers.  (Post meeting note: this has been circulated by email by Philippa.)  Claire would like to be copied into any correspondence about issues in order to remain informed:  claire.richards@cambridgeshire.gov.uk

It was agreed that Sanctuary (Philippa, Kate/Jo) would attend future GWRA committee meetings and provide updates on their review work.  Philippa, Kate and Jo were thanked for attending the meeting, and then they left.

  

4.  Update on idea of Residents Only Parking Scheme for the street

Several committee members had recently attended a meeting with Claire Richards and the County Council Parking Manager and technical officers, to look at initial plans for a residents parking scheme for ‘Victoria’ area (Corona Road up to and including Garden Walk and the north side of Victoria Road).  This looked promising although there are a few issues for the very narrow streets (Greens Road and Primrose Street).  The initial plan for Garden Walk could be adjusted to include more parking spaces.   There would be further meetings to resolve space issues on Greens Road and Primrose Street, which Deborah would continue to attend.   There would also be a public meeting and exhibition showing the options for the scheme.  It seemed likely that there then would be a formal consultation about the proposal once further adjustments had been made to the draft plans, in the new year.  The proposed scheme would eliminate the major issues with commuter parking, and encourage more people not to drive into Cambridge but use public transport, so reducing traffic on the roads and air pollution.

5. Police enforcement of Access Only status and speed restriction at Garden Walk

The informal survey resident conducted last December had asked if residents thought there was a problem with speeding on the street and almost all respondents to this question said 'yes'.  There are now 2 x signs near the entrance to Bateson Road (one of these is before the crossroads and facing north along Stretten Avenue).  Sergeant Misik at the North Area Team had been written to by GWRA to request enforcement action, but no-one has seen any Police presence. 

It was suggested we have a ‘Speedwatch’ campaign and work with the Police.  Deborah would talk to Karina about this as she was looking at doing something along these lines on Victoria Road, where vehicles are normally exceeding the 20mph limit.

The turning into Garden Walk form Bateson Road was discussed, as vehicles tend to cut the corner, which is dangerous for oncoming cyclists/traffic.  Antony  (technical officer) is drawing plans for the road layout to discourage corner cutting.  Claire mentioned that signage could possibly be improved through the Local Highways Initiative.  Claire is pushing for an improved road junction. 

6. Publicising GWRA and enabling residents to have their say

It was agreed that a leaflet would be posted to all households along the street to say there is the GWRA and if they would like to get in touch about anything then to email the GWRA2015@gmail.com address, and any matters raised in this way would be included in the subsequent GWRA committee meeting.  The Committee is keen to ensure that residents are aware of GWRA and the channel for communicating.  We would send this leaflet out when advertising the next AGM (27 November).  Rob kindly volunteered to distribute the leaflets two weeks before the AGM date..

7.  Any other business

The Committee thanked Heather who had raised a further £30 as proceeds from her booklet: ‘A Little History of Garden Walk’.  Mike (GWRA Treasurer) agreed to create a savings account for GWRA and pay the cheque into it.  The money would be very useful for any future hall hire fees.

Having GWRA logo was mentioned and Alison would arrange for some drafts for circulation (email) discussion.  Karina had devised one that looked like a street sign and is on the GWRA blogspot.

Deborah would produce the leaflet for the AGM.

8. Date of next meeting

Monday 27 November (Annual General Meeting) at 7.45pm. 

Venue to be arranged.  Deborah to try for the NCI hall on Holland Street.  Deborah would confirm the meeting venue once arranged.

Garden Walk Residents Association (GWRA)

Meeting on

5 June 2017 at 99 Garden Walk

Minutes

Present: Consuela, Stefan, Paul, Helene, Alison, Mike, Audrey, Josh, Paola, Githa, Natalie, Christine, Liz, Boris.

1.  Apologies: Deborah, Cnlr. Clare Richards (Castle Ward).

Note: Consuela to be added to mailing list and mailing list to be revised

2. Notes of the last meeting – agreed

3. Matters arising

i) Rubbish. Shelter for industrial waste bins being constructed in Michaelmas Place.

     No more rats seen.

    ii)  Bateson Road play area.  New trees have been planted.

4. Residents’ Parking, street access

We have been informed by Nicola Gardner (Cambridgeshire County Council) that preparations are underway for the formal consultation following the initial informal survey that found substantial support for a residents parking scheme.

The plans for consultation on a local scheme are going forward independent of the City Deal which may enforce residents’ parking throughout the city.

No resolution on the proposed yellow lines at the Bateson road junction end of the street (not  gone to consultation, although some suggestions have been made) nor police enforcement of  the ‘access only’ sign nor speed restrictions. The Police had not yet responded to multiple communications from the GWRA requesting monitoring of the speeding traffic, and requesting a view on the adequacy of the signage for enforcement of the Access Only Traffic Regulation Order of Bateson Road and Garden Walk.

5. ASB

A resident of Michaelmas Place reported that squatters had occupied an empty flat.  The resident had also reported several drug related incidents to Metropolitan Housing Association that runs the housing, and had been told to notify police.  It was considered unacceptable by many at the meeting that Metropolitan rely on residents to report such issues to the police. P.C. Luke Upcott is now our contact on drugs matters. 

Bateson Road residents had been advised that any ASB incidents witnessed should be reported to the police on the 101 non-emergency number or by email to cbcitynorth@cambs.pnn.police.uk   Sufficient volume of complaints may lead to cameras, and lighting being installed in the street, and would allow greater police presence. Although some residents felt it inappropriate to generate additional work for the police through reporting of what might be a large number of incidents, it was agreed that residents should inform the police of incidents to encourage better policing of the street and hence reduction in ASB.

There are three issues identified surrounding the recent extreme anti-social behaviour in Garden Walk associated with Metropolitan housing:

1.    The behaviour of one particular tenant

2.    Metropolitan’s choice of tenants

3.    The care provided for the tenants, and lack of monitoring of their actions.

The issue was discussed at length with several shocking examples of recent incidents. The behaviour of one tenant is extreme, and has caused distress to several residents and families of neighbouring properties.  Despite residents’ reports to Metropolitan and the police nothing appears yet to be done by Metropolitan.  It is of concern for the well-being of Garden Walk residents, especially children who might be exposed to him, and the tenant himself.  The tenant has a tenancy with Metropolitan which means that a legal process has to be followed to obtain possession of his room, unless the mental health authority and Metropolitan can find him somewhere suitable to move to. 

To resolve the immediate tenant issue, it was decided that the police should be informed of each incident. Metropolitan had also advised that reporting incidents to the police helps them in terminating tenancies.

Tenants are placed in the house by agreement of Metropolitan and the mental health accommodation forum which is attended by professionals including from CPFT (Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Foundation Trust) makes decisions about the allocation of accommodation.  To address the question of inappropriate referral, it was agreed that GWRA contact CPFT and write to Metropolitan managers  on the issue, pointing out that the tenants have become more seriously disturbed in recent years and that this is not an appropriate location, especially given the number of schools and families in the area.

To address the issue of inadequate care/support and oversight of the tenants, it was agreed that the unsatisfactory situation should be explained in a letter to Metropolitan management, and also that a second letter is sent to the County Council who commission Metropolitan to provide the care. The deficiencies in current provision would be raised, such as the inability of the staff to monitor incidents on the street, requiring neighbours to call the staff regularly.

Finally, it was suggested that GWRA request a meeting with the County Council, Metropolitan and a representative of CPFT to discuss several issues including referral from Fulbourn and moving people on when their placement has not worked out.

Darrell McMurray is the area manager at Metropolitan and his email address is darrell.mcmurray@metropolitan.org.uk

6.  Graffiti at Victoria Road end of the Walk. 

Discussed but no resolution arrived at. The GWRA had assisted the council in getting landlord approval for removal of the graffiti.  Post meeting note: graffiti painted out by landlord.  City Council had refused to remove for free, though had done so for the past two decades.

7. Reimbursement for GWRA annual meeting venue hire. 

Approved that the costs would be covered by income from the Street Party.

8. Street Party, 17 June 2017.

Githa reported on the party arrangements.  Road will be closed from 10am-7pm to allow longer period of street use, games and party.  Residents will be requested to move cars from the area of the party.  Notices to be put on cars (Githa).  Stefan will put up the bunting. Request for more plates and more food!  Second leaflet about party to be delivered (Githa).  Audrey will do lucky dip.  Helene is providing the tea urn. Karina will be doing name badges. Christine and Alison plants and books.  Heather to be contacted about sweets in a jar. It would be good if we could have some live music.

9. AOB. 

·       Many households had received a note from the City Council about ‘unruly’ hedges. 

·       Githa has records of the Residents Association since 1983. Heather might be interested in seeing them, as a resident interested in street history.

·       Mike agreed to create a generic email for reporting issues on GW.  (Post meeting note: there is an email address for GWRA:  GWRA@gmail.com

·       Blog. Has it been kept up to date.  If so address could be put on flyer for street party.

Date of next meeting.

Monday 11^th September at Mike and Audrey’s, number 36 at 7.45pm

Garden Walk Residents Association (GWRA)

Meeting on  

27 March 2017 at 46 Garden Walk 

Minutes

Attendees:   Paul, Deborah, Liz, Rob, Christine, Heather, Helene, Jim (Bateson Rd), Natalie, Githa, Alison

1. Apologies - Paola

2. Notes of Last Meeting - agreed

3. Update on Residents Only Parking for the street

Deborah reported on latest situation which was that an informal survey of opinion had been conducted by volunteers at Garden Walk, and Victoria Park, Primrose Street, Greens Road and Corona Road, to find out what residents think about Residents Parking.  The County Council had been in touch about this informal survey and had advised on the questions to ask. Several of us had door knocked in December 2016 and a google survey had been sent to households where we have an email address.  For all remaining households that had not returned a survey form, a copy was posted through each door with a request to complete as much as possible and return to number 53 by Friday 31st March at the latest.  

Points were made as follows:

• Would we be expected to have a % of public parking spaces
• We need enough space for emergency vehicles to drive down Garden Walk
• Bateson Road appears not to have a parking problem

Post meeting note: we received 57 responses in total on Garden Walk, of which 3 said 'yes' on balance to residents parking, and 5 said they would like more information and 9 said 'no' on balance.  The information was passed to the County Council Parking Manager and to Jocelynne Scutt our County Councillor, along with results from the other four streets.  They will be taking the next step, which is understood to be a formal survey with more information about Residents Parking.

The informal survey had asked whether residents thought there was a problem with speeding on the street and almost all respondents to this question said 'yes'.  

4. Police enforcement of Access Only status and speed restriction at Garden Walk

• There are now 2 x signs near the entrance to Bateson Road. 
• GWRA had written twice to Sergeant Misik at the North Area Team to request their action, and had not yet heard anything.
• There have been verbal threats made to a number of residents by drivers of vehicles who seem to be using the street as a cut through.
• Alison would endeavour to attend one of the next North Area Committee meetings to raise the issues above.
• Agreed we would re-send the letter to Sergeant Misik and Jocelynne Scutt (County Councillor) and Mike Sargent (City Councillor) 
• We would write to taxi firms to state that the street is access only and to request that drivers stop using it as a cut through.
• Discussed issue of the corner of Bateson Road and Garden Walk being dangerous.

5. Rubbish Collections

These were now being done at Michaelmas Place but three were not enough, so bins sometimes overflow and there appears to be a rodent problem. This has been reported to Metropolitan Housing Association which owns and manages the premises. 

Bins near Peter Maitland Court were also mentioned as they are often not removed to the right place.  Deborah to raise with CHS.

6. Bateson Road play area trees

• These had been damaged either by high winds or vandalism or both.  
• Jim had written to the Principal of Chesterton College about the damage. 
• The City Council Asset Management and Project Officer has agreed with the Tree Officer that smaller trees will be planted in due course.    

7. Street Party 2017 - date, arrangements

The application for insurance had been made.  It was agreed that street closer from 10am to 7pm would be a good idea.

Sub-committee to prepare and run the street party was agreed as: Githa, Helene, Alison, Christine, and that Githa would act as coordinator.  Liz would advise of the actions that need to be taken to organise the party.

We would invite the PCSO, our City and County Councillors.

Noted that Bateson Road have a picnic on the green in May.

8.  Anti-social behaviour

• There had been ongoing issues with shouting and disturbances, often involving 999 services.   The stance of GWRA is agreed as being that it is supportive of people living in the hostels on the street but they need enough support, and so to this end GWRA had written to the County Council which contracts for support services to express concern that there does not appear to be enough support provided to residents at the hostels. 
• There is a meeting at Akeman Street Community Centre, with Metropolitan, the Police and any residents who would like to go along to discuss, and a couple of GWRA committee members would try to go along to that.
• Agreed it would be useful to send another letter highlighting the matter to the County Council.

9. Any other business

Issues with street lighting not adequately covering all of the street - dark areas near 33 and 99.  This had been raised before but the Council is highly unlikely to do anything about it, so is up to affected residents to think about maybe putting a light on the front of their properties.

10. Date of next meeting

Monday 5 June 7.45pm at number 99.  

(N.B. Deborah is away and we need a volunteer to take the notes of that meeting please!)

Garden Walk Residents Association (GWRA)

Meeting on  

11 April 2016 at 33 Garden Walk

Minutes

Present:

Freddie Garcis (64)
Paul Dupree (41)
Liz Frayling(46)
Stefan Butlin (39)
Boris Doerflinger (99)
Yussuf Casbai (41)
Alison Blair Underwood (71)
Paola White (33)
Deborah Latham (53)
Sheila Holmes (49)

Apologies:

Mike Gatford

Commuter Parking, Police Intervention, No Access signage

Commuter parking continues to be a major problem.  Residents cannot always find a space on the street and have to park elsewhere.  This puts pressure on neighbouring streets.  

‘Rat running’ down Garden Walk to Victoria Road is a major issues, taxis without any frequently use the street as a cut through.  University Students are banned from having cars in the City.  Anglia Ruskin students presumably have the same ban – we will find out.

The street has ‘No Access’ status which means that access to the street is only for people who live on it and their visitors including their contractors.  Access is allowed for taxis/vehicles picking up or dropping off residents who live on the street.  There is a £60 fine for anyone who does not qualify to drive down or park on the street.

We discussed that Victoria Park residents have enlisted the Police to approach commuters who park on Victoria Park – the Police are warning people to leave or they will be fined.  (Victoria Park does not have the problem of rat-running as it is a cul-de-sac.)  The meeting agreed we should approach the Police about the problems on Garden Walk.  Paul had circulated an email about this.  DL will send email to the Police requesting their presence to catch commuters and rat-runners.

The No Access signage is in position at both sides of the entrance to Bateson Road.  These are not very easy to see from either direction on Stretten Avenue.  We could do with further signs at the entrance to Garden Walk.  DL to draft letter to Jocelyn Scutt, our County Councilor, detailing the problems we have and requesting the extra signage. 

Post meeting note:  Paola  asked Jocelyn Scutt if the no access signs could be positioned better so they can be seen from all dircetions.  Jocelyn Scutt said she would ask a County Council engineer to see what could be done to improve positioning of the signs.  Paola to follow up with Jocelyn.

Residents Only Parking – Jocelyn Scutt confirmed that any parking scheme has to be ‘financially neutral’ i.e. pay for itself.  This means a scheme would only go ahead if enough streets want it.  However, we should try arguing to be attached to the parking scheme on the streets other side of across Victoria Road.  If we have to ask for other streets to be included we need to consult with neighbours on Stretten Avenue and Harvey Goodwin Avenue.  (Other nearby streets have parking spaces off road on properties so are very unlikely to want to participate.) The annual cost per household is £52 for Mon-Sat 9am-5pm, or £81 for 8am to 8pm.  The meeting decided it would be a good idea to ask for residents parking.  To get an idea of how many on road parking spaces there are and how many houses do not have off road parking, DL and Stefan would do a count.  DL to contact the County/City Councils about joining the scheme operating on the other side of Victoria Road.

Front gardens converting to parking

Paul pointed out a planning application for off street parking at one house on the street.  There is the issue that gardens may gradually be lost to parking space with the environmental consequences, unless we do something about having residents parking.  This issue means GWRA will press for residents parking.

County/City Council ideas for parking improvements for City residents

DL attended a meeting on 17 March about traffic and parking problems, held by Jocelyn Scutt (County Councilor) and Nicola Gardner (Parking Policy Manager), and Evan Lachlan ( Council Highways).  An idea presented by the County Council is to designate Cambridge City free parking for residents only and free park and ride for commuters.  This would be policed and fines applied to non-residents parking in residential areas.  This would be paid for by a business levy.  (It would also be paid for by the fines collected!)  As we know, the City has a major problem with commuters driving in and parking in residential streets, so the meeting noted that a policy of free residents parking only would be most welcome.

Possible impacts of City Deal for Histon Road and Milton Road

Deborah had attended a meeting about the possible impacts of the City Deal proposals for Milton and Histon Roads.  Many local people had expressed concern about the commuter rat-running which is very likely to result and the pressure on side streets.  Deborah, Alison and Paola would between them write to the City and County Councils about the issues for Garden Walk.

Graffiti

The City Council was recently called to clean graffiti on fencing on Garden Walk and had done this within 24 hours of it being reported.  The City Council street cleaning team number is 01223 458282 (see City Council website for more information).

Street Clean

The meeting discussed that the City Council had recently cleaned the street, and we could not see that there would be a lot to do for the time being, so this idea was kept aside for the future. 

Hedgehogs

The gardeners along Garden Walk recognise that hedgehogs are good for our gardens, as they eat slugs and snails and other pests.  These creatures are in decline, yet our back gardens are a wildlife corridor and will help perpetuate the species and benefit our gardens if we make sure that there are gaps in our fencing for hedgehogs to move through.  Some fencing (close boarded and chain-link) often impedes the movement of hedgehogs between gardens unless there are hedgehog sized gaps in it!  i.e. 6 x 6 inches or 15 x 15 cm.  The meeting agreed that all would  check there is a gap each side of their garden and if not make one, and would talk to our neighbours about doing this.

Thinking ahead for the Street Party

Saturday 11 June was agreed as the best date.  It was agreed we should use the email addresses we have for GWRA and the gardening club to spread the news, and would leaflet the whole street.  It was agreed that Bateson Road residents be invited to join in. Helene/Boris to ask their contacts on Bateson Road.

It was decided to publicise the Garden Walk Residents Group at the Street Party.  There will be a further meeting about this nearer to the date in order to finalise who is helping with it and what the volunteers are doing.

Any other business

Karina (Wells) would be asked to create an email group for GWRA, incorporating all the email addresses we hold for GWRA and the gardening club, to make contacting people a lot easier.  Deborah to ask Karina.

Date of Next meeting

Monday 27 June 2016 at 7.45pm, 53 Garden Walk

Monday 12 October 2015

St Luke's Church Hall Ramsey Room (use side or front door)

7.45pm

Agenda

1. Minutes of the last meeting

2. Purpose of the Residents Association and how it will conduct itself- the written constitution

3. Ideas about things we would like to do

4. Election of the Chair, Secretary, Treasurer - nominations and voting

5. Federation of Residents Associations

6. Our Street - Map from 1886 (Heather)

7. Hiring the meeting room

8. Any other Business

9. Date of next meeting - suggestion of Monday or Tuesday evening mid-January 2016

To read the minutes of the meeting click HERE

Monday 22nd June 2015 

St Luke's Church Hall Ramsey Room (use side or front door)

7.45pm-8pm

To read the minutes of the meeting click HERE