East Brunswick Residents' Associatio n 23, Waterloo Street, Hove, BN3 1A N

Committee Meeting Minutes held on 11/10/08 at Flat 2, 23 Waterloo Street, Hove.

Present:

Bill Cowell, Co Chairperson
Richard Gamper, Co Chairperson
Eleanor Gamper, -Brunswick Street East
Geraldine Diggins, -Western Street and Golden Lane
Susan King, Treasurer
Mark Harris, - Cross Street
Kerri Burns, - Norfolk Square
Rhondell Molina, - Upper and Lower Market Streets
Wayne Schofield, - Web Master
Reggie Vincent, Norfolk Square Gardens
Peggy Thomas, Waterloo Street Community Garden

Guests:

Louise Rennison
Michael Robins
Michael Akins, Neighbourhood Watch - Waterloo Street and roads off

Apologies received from:
Richard Oxford, Farman Street
Gerald Featherstone, Secretary
Peter Browne, Neighbourhood Watch, Norfolk Square

1. Norfolk Square

Reggie Vincent requested the assistance of volunteer gardeners to help tidy up the garden, prune back bushes, clear up litter etc. before the winter set in. Sunday, the 26 ^th Oct, at 10.30 ish, was set for this to take place.

2. Waterloo Street Community Garden

Peggy Thomas reported that the garden had now been put to bed for the winter and several hundred bulbs planted. The poor summer weather had made it difficult to maintain the garden to the highest standard, but many people had enjoyed sitting in it or just walking through. In total, 5 trees are due to be planted during November/December: two to be provided by the council and three sponsored by EBRA. Donations towards the trees and the upkeep of the garden had been received, both from EBRA members and visitors. One tree is to be sponsored by the local Conservative Party (£100.) Wayne Schofield said that he thought the creation of the garden had massively changed the local area for the better and thanked all those who had spent so much time looking after it. Wayne suggested that a notice should be displayed in the garden, explaining that the garden is sponsored and maintained by EBRA volunteers and that anyone willing to volunteer their services or make donations for the upkeep of the garden should contact EBRA. Bill Cowell to look into this suggestion.

Some concern was expressed over the brightness of the recently repaired large street light in the garden. Bill to look into this concern.

3. Waterloo Street Bollards Bill Cowell explained that the bollards erected in Waterloo Street four or five years ago were still waiting to be painted by the council. EBRA had, in the past, volunteered on several occasions to paint them, if the council were to provide the paint. The council were now saying that they could not afford to paint them or provide paint for EBRA. It was agreed that EBRA would purchase paint and do the job themselves. Sue King undertook to see if she could persuade a local company to provide discount/free paint.

4. Street Drains Bill Cowell reported that each street drain should be cleaned once a year. The Council had now contracted out this task and each drain should be cleaned every 12 months. by their Contractor.

If, when undertaking their annual cleaning, the Contractor was unable to clear the drain due to an obstruction such as a car, the drain would not be cleaned and would be left for the following year. Therefore some drains will probably never be cleaned. Any problems with blocked drains should be reported to Bill Cowell.

5. Estate Agents Boards Bill Cowell reported that the council had now submitted their decision to ban estate agents boards from being displayed in Brunswick Town (and other city locations) to the office of the Deputy Prime Minister for ratification. Local estate agents had now, despite previous discussions with the Council, raised further objections to this decision. It was understood that further discussions by the Council were being held with estate agents and that therefore final ratification may be delayed.

6. Old Market Arts Centre Bill Cowell explained that Louise Rennison had asked to attend the EBRA committee meeting to discuss with the committee her vision for the future of the Old Market Arts Centre. Louise explained that she wanted to see the Old Market as a more community-centred venue, with more community activities taking place, such as youth theatre, and other related activities. Whilst she appreciated the centre had to be financially viable and would need to continue hosting lucrative events such as weddings, she believed the centre should also be an outreach into the community. She felt that the local residents should view the centre as part of their local community, where they would all be welcome, with suitable events and activities taking place. She had already had some initial discussions with Stephen Neiman about promoting this idea and had suggested that, as part of a way forward, local residents be offered some form of membership which allowed them to purchase standby unsold tickets for shows or events. Stephen had agreed to put this idea forward at the Old Markets next Committee Meeting to consider the idea. Details of the outcome will be circulated to all EBRA and BARG members. Louise asked the committee to give some thought to her proposals and consider a way forward to promote her vision.

Mike Robins, who conducts local tours of the area, said that he would promote the centre by starting and finishing at the Old Market.

7. BARG (Brunswick And Adelaide Residents Groups) Bill Cowell explained that BARG was made up of one member from each of the residents groups in Brunswick Town. BARG meet on a regular basis to discuss issues of mutual interest. For example, discussions are taking place on the council's proposed new 20 year plan for Brunswick Town, changes to refuse collections and communal refuse bins. Regular meetings are also held with appropriate council officers and councillors to debate many other issues.

8. Any Other Business