Minutes of Committee Meeting Held Saturday, 19th August, 2006

Committee Members in Attendance

• William Cowell, Chairperson
• Richard Gamper, Deputy Chairperson
• Susan King, Treasurer
• Jim Livesey, (New volunteer to be Deputy Treasurer)
• Geraldine Diggins, Secretary
• Eleanor Gamper
• Peggy Thomas

Apologies received from David Maunder, David Hales and Mike Stubbs

Guests present who left before the commencement of the meeting were, Councillor Paul Elgood and Two Police Officers from Hove Police Station

Councillor Paul Elgood congratulated our Association for our accomplishments and brought us up to date with the following outstanding issues:

Repositioning of Street Light - Brunswick Street East
There is a delay as permission to mount the light on the adjacent wall has not been received from the owners (Kerrison Mews). The matter is in hand and will be dealt with asap.

Western Street Lighting Improvements/Pavement Repairs
This has been agreed by The Council, but the money will not be allocated until next year. William Cowell requested co-ordination with the colour of lampposts as in Brunswick Square. Paul Elgood will pass this request to the relevant department.

Brunswick Street East Brick Footpath
The footpath has been inspected. The necessary repairs will be done when money is available next year. Concern was expressed by Richard Gamper that the repairs should be in keeping with the bricks as at present and not patched with Tarmac. Paul Elgood would pass to the appropriate department.

Junction of Cross Street and Waterloo Street
Additional parking has been suggested by Paul Elgood which we all agreed should be implemented. It was suggested that one of the spaces could have a Planter placed in the roadway. Paul will check this out when he talks to the Highways Department concerning t he new Parking Spaces.
Strong support for a 20mph limit in Waterloo Street (and the rest of our area). This will cut down on the noise when vehicles hit the speed bumps in the street.

Farman Street - 5/10 Western Road
Planning Department Enforcement team are involved in discussions with the owner. Work on the site has ceased pending the outcome of this.. As a result of this proposed gates for Farman Street are also on hold.

Norfolk Square Railings
Quotes have come in at approximately £170,000 for the Iron Works plus building works. Heritage Lottery Fund and English Heritage will be approached by The Council, with a view to obtaining additional funding. The bid will be reviewed in January. The Environment Committee are in favour of this Urban Renewal project.

Estate Agents' Boards
The current scheme in the banned areas is proving a success. Incorporating new streets into the scheme is under review and awaiting a report. It is likely that a decision will be made next year.
Councillor Elgood stated that there was no local enforcement of the By-laws concerning Estate Agents' Boards. So it is up to EBRA to take action and ask the Agents to remove the boards that are due for removal.

Encroachment into the pavement area by eating/drinking establishments
An increasing amount of establishments are encroaching onto pavements with tables and chairs, making it difficult for pedestrians. In particular, those in wheelchairs and disabled scooters and mothers with prams. The Highways Department are aware of the problems and have warned several establishments about their obstructing the highway.
They have the right to use a small portion of the land in front of their establishments but this area is being extended by some establishments. Action will be taken against those that cause obstruction.

The Police Officers
advised us that in the last month, from Grand Avenue to Western Street there were:- 44 bicycle thefts, 16 drink related incidents, 14 thefts 5 burglaries. These numbers reflect a decrease from the previous year. The Police Officers stated that they will come down hard on pubs and premises causing a noise and disturbance and that it is up to us to report any problems to the NOISE TEAM.
It was brought to the attention of the police that Norfolk Square still has Street Drinkers on most days. The police stated that Norfolk Square, being on the border, makes it more difficult to monitor. They are to try and resolve this problem by better communications between the two Police Areas.

It was suggested that there be signage for "No Heavy Goods Vehicles" in Western Street and Waterloo Street. This would be taken up with the Highways Department by EBRA

Paul Elgood and the Police Officers were thanked for their attendance and at this point left.

The Committee then commenced their meeting at approx 10.45am..

Minutes of our last meeting on the 3rd June 2006 were read and accepted as being a correct record.

Jim Livesey was introduced as a new volunteer to fill the vacant position of Assistant Treasurer. All those present thank him and voted him in to fill this position.

William Cowell thanked Jim Livesey on behalf of the Association for donating his time to set up our new EBRA Website www.eastbrunswick.co.uk . He was complimented on the wonderful job he had done.

Jim stated that the site will only be as good as our input, that it should be updated at least on a monthly basis to avoid appearing stale and that any input and contributions from members should be in a complete form to avoid the time consuming effort of having to edit. So please all of you who would like to write an item for the site please forward to Bill Cowell.

It was discussed that our Association would like to bring on board the residents of Embassy Court. Efforts were being made to do this.

It was suggested by Bill Cowell that we review our Constitution.. All members can suggest any changes that need to be made. This will then be discussed and voted on at the Annual Meeting. Suggestions for any changes to Bill Cowell please.

Provisional dates of 15th, 22nd. or 29th November were suggested for our AGM and we are hoping to be able to use the Iron Duke as a venue. Sue King will contact the owners of The Iron Duke and offer them free advertising on our Website if they will let us use a room for free in The Iron Duke.

The meeting was adjourned at noon.

Respectfully submitted

• Geraldine Diggins, Secretary
• East Brunswick Residents' Association

To be emailed to all our members. Copies will be delivered to members without e mail.