Minutes of the General Meeting of EBRA

Held Saturday 11th February 2006 at 23 Waterloo Street

The following is a summary of what was discussed at this meeting.

1. Sgt. David Bettiss of Sussex Police

Briefing and update on what was happening with regard the Court Appeal by The Border Store, Western Road, Hove.

The Border Store are taking The Council to Court, they are appealing against the restrictions under which they are allowed to sell alcohol. They are requesting a 24/7 without restrictions License.

Because of all the problems we have had with 'Street Drinkers' and their use of Norfolk Sq., Farman Street and the Waterloo Street Arch to drink it is not a decision that the Police or EBRA wish to go in favour of The Border Store.

Sgt. Bettiss asked that we report any problems with drinkers to him or EBRA so that he can monitor the situation and take action as necessary.

After the briefing Sgt Bettiss left and we continued our meeting.

2. Committee

As this is our first meeting since our Constitution was adopted it was necessary to appoint members of the committee to run EBRA. The present volunteers offered to continue in the positions they currently hold. This was voted on and all agreed it should be as listed below. We need members from Farmen Street, Kerrison Mews and Little Western Street to sit on the Committee. Please contact Bill or Richard if you would like to help.

	Chairperson Deputy Chairperson Secretary Treasurer	Bill Cowell Richard Gamper VACANT (volunteer please with Internet connection) Sue King
	Committee	Mike Stubbs David Maunder Eleanor Gamper Peggy Thomas Enrico Dummett David Hales Mark Harris

3. BARG Meeting

Bill Cowell reported back from the BARG (Brunswick & Adelaide Residents Group) meeting held on the 30th January. (EBRA send one representative to these meetings) Discussed was The Council's implementing new Bye Laws for The Lawns, Brunswick Square and Adelaide Crescent. At the moment there are no Bye Laws that forbid Fires or Ball Games at any of the places mentioned. There was a motor cyclist killed last year when a ball from a game being played on 'The Lawns' went into the road. It is not a case of The Council being 'grumpy'.

The new laws will be submitted for approval to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister shortly. We will be advised the outcome.

Also discussed was the erection of a Vodaphone mast on Intergen House (Top of Adelaide Crescent.) This was done without consultation with local residents or the occupants of Intergen House. A member of EBRA rents an office and works in the building. She is making a formal complaint about the Planning Department to The Council. Only the owner of Intergen House (who lives in London) was consulted.

The Planning Department no longer consult or advise nearby residents of any work being done on buildings. This is Council policy to save time and money.

4. Communal Bins

Many of our members living in Upper/Lower Market Street, Brunswick Street East and Norfolk Square are asking what has happened to the promised Communal Bins. City Clean have been asked what is the reason for the delay. We have yet to receive an answer. EBRA will continue to pressure them for a response.

5. Greening of EBRA Area

Two Olive trees have now been planted in Waterloo Street Gardens. It is hoped to plant more here when money is available. Two containers have been planted out and are situated at the front of The Arch. An EBRA member Wayne Scohfield, has a further two containers and will be planting out and placing outside his house which opens onto The Gardens.

A further four containers are in Farman Street these will be planted out and placed in Farmen Street. It is hoped that all who can will put containers on their front steps, window sills or balconies. This will greatly improve the look of the area. We have asked for more containers but there are none available until after April. Be warned secure them. They will go walkabout if not tied down.

6. Parking Problems

We are in discussions with The Council about the problems with 'Cars for Sale' and Parking in Brunswick Street East and Upper/Lower Market Street. We will be reporting back when there are answers to give you. If you have any questions you would like raised at these meetings with the Council please contact me.

7. The Iron Duke

One of our members Angus Malcolm, is taking his case against 'The Iron Dukes' new drinks license to Court. His Father is a Solicitor and will be fighting the case for him. We wish him well and offer our help and support if needed with the case.

No date was set for our next meeting. You will be advised by e mail or post when the next meeting is to be held.

If you have an e mail address and are not on EBRA's e mail list please let me have it. This is by far the best way to stay in touch.

Thanks. My email is:- W.Cowell@btopenworld.com

Bill Cowell, Chairperson