East Brunswick Residents Association

23, Waterloo Street, Hove, BN3 1AN

 

Committee Meeting Minutes held on 13th June 2009 at Flat 2, 23 Waterloo Street, Hove

 

Committee Present

Bill Cowell: Co-chairperson

Richard Gamper: Co-chairperson

Eleanor Gamper: Representative for Brunswick Street East

Geraldine Diggins: Representative for Western Street & Golden Lane

Mark Harris: Representative for Cross Street

Hassan Khabbazeh: Representative for Waterloo Street

Peter Browne: Representative for Norfolk Sq. and Neighbourhood Watch for Norfolk Square

 

Apologies received from

Rhondell Constantine, Peggy Thomas and Richard Oxford

 

No response from

Reggie Vincent : Representative for Norfolk Sq (Gardens)

 

Present by invitation

Michael Akins: Neighbourhood Watch for Waterloo Street and roads off

 

Minutes of the last Committee Meeting held on 28th March 2009

The minutes of this meeting were read and agreed as being correct

 

Secretary

 

It was announced that Gerald Featherston, of the Iron Duke,  is moving away from the area and is therefore standing down as Secretary to EBRA. The committee agreed to advertise the position within EBRA on a temporary basis, subject to the committee’s approval.  It was suggested by Gerald that Peter, his business partner at the Iron Duke, might be prepared to take on the role and it was agreed that he should be invited to apply.

 

A brief discussion was had as to the merits of including local tradespeople in the group and, in line with EBRA’s constitution, which states that it is for “residents and businesses in the area” it was agreed that this would be of mutual benefit.

 

Vandalism in the Community Garden

 

Bill Cowell reported that there had been a number of incidents of vandalism to plants in the garden. This has happened since the CCTV warning notices had been removed  at the request of Stephen Nieman and Louise Rennison. They felt that the CCTV signs undermined the atmosphere of the garden. However, it was felt that, in light of these incidents of vandalsim, the notices should be re-instated and this has now been done.

 

It was pointed out that reports of plant vandalism made to PCSO’s would not be recorded by the police and that they would only be recorded if reported on the 0845 number or on 01273 475 432. Richard Gamper suggested that we should invite a police representative (rather than a PCSO) to our next EBRA meeting to explain reporting procedures. Richard also offered to investigate the whole reporting procedure with the police, in particular to ascertain whether there is any way that written reports or e-mails would be accepted by the police. Peter Browne referred to the “police pledge” as a useful reference.

 

 

Future plans for the Community Garden

 

EBRA are happy to accept the proposal of Louise Rennison (who as a benefactor originally enabled the garden to be established) that she should now assume control of funds for the garden. This means it will no longer be the responsibility of EBRA to collect the monthly fee from the Old Market.  Louise will be setting up a charity enabling her to put money into the garden and to deal directly with Stephen Nieman.

 

EBRA volunteers will continue to maintain the garden, but EBRA will no longer have financial responsibility for it.

 

Fund-raiser for the Community Garden & Mayor’s visit

 

At our AGM this idea was proposed by Rhondell. She is organising the event and whose phone number appears on the poster for any enquiries (749394).   Scheduled for 26th July, the fund-raiser will feature a barbecue, organised by Rhondell, and various tables that are available to rent to all at £20 for the day. There will also be free tables for local residents’ associations to advertise and recruit members.

Cityclean will have a stand to deal with refuse/recycling questions.

 

An attractive poster has been produced and it has been suggested by Rhondell that a flyer be added to it advertising 50p off the barbecue food on production of the flyer. Committee members are asked to deliver posters for their roads. Rhondell has kindly offered to deliver posters outside the EBRA area. These posters (flyers) will not be circulated until the 2nd week of July.

 

The Mayor has accepted an invitation to attend.

 

The Old Market will be open for the event, (i.e. bar, teas and coffees) and have kindly agreed that, in the event of rain, the whole event can move inside.

 

Richard Gamper raised a number of questions about EBRA’s responsibilities and liability with regards to Health and Safety and insurance, - for example, with regard to food safety. Bill Cowell agreed to investigate and to check with Stephen Nieman what the OM’s arrangements are when they hold barbecues in the garden.

 

Local Action Groups

 

Geraldine Diggins is hoping to set up a LAT group for Western Street and it was agreed that Peter Browne (Norfolk Square) would investigate the possibility of joining forces.

Those of you who were unable to attend our L.A.T. meeting on Monday can attend a further L.A.T meeting organised by Michael Akins in the Iron Duke on the 9th July at 7.30 p.m.

 

Any other business

 

Peter Browne, referring to the upgrades to London Road Brighton, wondered whether the Council had any similar plans for the Western Road Hove. The importance of residents and traders working together was again stressed.

 

Farman Street 

 

The issue of drinkers urinating etc in Farman Street, now that the passage is once again open, was raised. Various lighting and Gating solutions were discussed and Bill Cowell offered to discuss these ideas with Richard Oxford (Farman Street representative). 

 

 

Bill Cowell

Co Chair

East Brunswick Residents' Association