EBRA East Brunswick Residents Association
23, Waterloo Street, Hove, BN3 1AN
Minutes of Annual General Meeting, Sunday, 26th
April, 2009
The meeting took place at The Iron Duke at 11.00 am.
Attendance
Bill Cowell , Joint Chair
Wayne Schofield , Web Master
Street Representatives:
Peter Browne, Brunswick Sq and Neighbourhood Watch, Co-ordinator
for Norfolk Sq
Peggy Thomas , Community Garden Waterloo Street
Reggie Vincent , Norfolk Square Gardens
Richard Oxford, Farman Street
Geraldine Diggins , Western Street/Golden Lane
Mark Harris , Cross Street/Little Western Street
Hassan Khabbazeh , Waterloo Street/Chapel Mews/Ivy Place
Rhondell Constantine , Upper/Lower Market Street
Apologies were received from-
Richard Gamper , Joint Chair
Eleanor Gamper , Brunswick St East/Donkey Mews
Sue King, Treasurer
Mike Akins, Neighbourhood Watch for Waterloo Street -
A vote was taken and all the
Committee members were voted into their current position on the Committee – no
votes against
Rhondell suggested a garden barbecue in Waterloo
Street Community Gardens as a means to raise funds for the Garden and for
people to get to know each other. Costings for the event will be mailed out to
determine feasibility.
Bill requested
that anyone who can help contact Rhondell.
A ‘flea market’ type event was also put forward as a way to
raise funds for a new flowerbed on the North side of the Garden.
It was also suggested that perhaps more hardy longer lasting
plants could be incorporated into the garden. Peggy said that we have already
done this but in order to keep colour in the Garden is was necessary to also
plant seasonally.
Anyone wishing to make a donation towards the Garden please
send to Bill who will maintain a separate account for the funds.
Bill
announced that Corbett Lee (Estate Agents) have agreed to sponsor another bench
in the garden. More info on this when to hand.
Bill
told the meeting that in respect of data protection, all email addresses are secure
and that all emails to EBRA members use the BCC (blind) function. That way your
address is not shown to other members. The exception is that members of the
Committee have to reveal their address so that they can be contacted.
Reggie
advised that Norfolk Square needs TLC and regeneration.
Some of the larger trees need pruning and could be in danger
of toppling.
EBRA has approached the council in respect of maintaining
the Square but so far has drawn a blank. Stephanie Williams (Animal Welfare)
Brighton & Hove Council is the person to report dog owners who foul the
Square. Try and find out where the owners live and give full description to
her.
Information has been received however that our Petition for
new railings has failed due to lack of funds.
Anyone can plant in Norfolk Square. So plant you old spring
bulbs there, do not throw them away. If you feel you would like to buy and
plant anything please do so.
A vote of thanks was passed to Reggie (and helpers) for all
their hard work in maintaining Norfolk Square.
The Beer and Wine Store on Western Street has purchased the
kiosk at the top of Norfolk Square to operate as a newsagent, but concern was
expressed that an alcohol licence might be applied for. The situation will be
monitored.
5/6 Western Road.
Bill has made an FOI request concerning the premises and why
after permission was granted to only close the footpath for 3 weeks it has
remained closed for 6 months. It was suspected that drug dealing has resumed in
the footpath.
Matt Guest who was dealing with this case has left the
council, however a reply has been promised by 5th May concerning the
footpath.
The meeting was happy for Bill to take the issue to the
local Ombudsman and also to contact Paul Elgood to see what progress can be
made.
The Farman Street bin store is now defunct, and is being
used by the owner of 5/6 Western Street, who claims two of the stores are his.
It was suggested that EBRA apply for Planning Permission to
convert the store to a flowerbed, by reducing it to half height. It could then
be used to plant larger trees and/or shrubs.
The Old Market
Martin Hodges highlighted the article in the Argus that the
council will be deciding on the proposed development next Wednesday. The reason
for the application was explained to new members – that The Old Market has
debts approaching £1m and the sale of the penthouses will help to pay off the
debt. Bill stated that EBRA has not taken sides in the debate. However in view
of the strong feeling against the project amongst EBRA members it was decided
that EBRA would now take the side against the project. Michael Robbins and
Martin Hodges agreed to draft a letter to Prince Charles that Bill will send
(for EBRA) to Prince Charles trying to get his support to stop the project.
There was no AOB.
Bill Cowell – Joint Chairperson