at Nottingham Moderns RFC

Present: David Boulton (DB) Chairman

Roger Steel (RS) Vice Chairman

Sheila Atherton (SA) Treasurer

Josie Foster (JF) Minute Secretary

Kate Clark (KC)

Brian Hardy (BH)

Invited Guest: Chris Bailey, Nottingham City Contract Works (NCCW)

Chris Bailey had been invited to attend the meeting to discuss the new method of recycling and waste collection in Wilford. Residents have voiced their concerns about the green bin waste only been collected every other week and the fact that this could lead to health problems and infestation by maggots, flies and vermin.

He opened our meeting with a discussion about the concerns of residents regarding the new recycling methods recently introduced into Wilford. He informed us that he had walked with the crews for 3 weeks, not only in Wilford but elsewhere, where the scheme has been introduced.

BH had carried out some considerable research into the maggot and fly problem, and had collated some written evidence of the problems connected with this type of infestation, which he offered to Chris Bailey in order that he could take this back to Eastcroft Depot to study in more detail.

Chris Bailey said after being with the crews for 3 weeks the volume of maggots and flies was quite outstanding. He had been in touch with the Pest Control people who said this was in part due to the unusually hot weather and to the fact that people were not disposing of the household waste in the correct manner. The Pest Control management felt that maggots and flies did not represent any threat to the health and welfare of the population. To combat the problem of this type of infestation waste should be double bagged and the NCC has, in some instances, where the problem has been severe, and people have complained, issued stronger bags and where properties have had excessive waste, extra bins have been provided, in particular, to people with large families.

A further suggestion was to put a solution of bleach in the bottom of bin and keep the lid closed.

Chris Bailey said the NCC had carried out a lot of research prior to implementing the recycling scheme and as other Authorities had been using 2 weekly collections successfully for some time, this was the reason for NCC to opt for this method.

He went on to inform the committee of the penalties facing the Council if these environmental issues were not carried out. These issues are EU directives given to the Government and Local Councils have to put into effect the best method that is suitable for the Authority concerned. At the moment there are not enough facilities to accommodate full scale recycling but by 2010 everything will be in place to carry out this type of operation satisfactorily. As of now most of our recycled plastic waste is packaged and sent to India. There is a green bottle waste unit operating at Sheffield, but at the moment nothing in Nottingham. The recycling units in this area are based at the Co-op Wilford and Silverdale Community Centre, which are frequently vandalised, but they are trying to tackle the problem.

It is a problem for some residents who have only limited space available for two bins, but if a resident does not want a brown bin it isn’t compulsory to have one. By 2010 new houses being constructed will take into account the need for housing two bins.

Chris Bailey continued by saying that it was a case of educating people in the methods of waste management. There is a very lax attitude towards the filling of bins, there is a lot of side waste and the lids are not fully closed on the bins. However, at the moment there is no problem about the removal of side waste and this would continue to be taken away. Chris Bailey was surprised at the amount of brown bin waste being put out by residents in Wilford but was pleased to note that residents were not abusing it by filling with the ‘wrong’ type of waste. The tonnage was equivalent to that collected on the green bin day. In turn, the committee complimented him on the good crew that he had working the Wilford route.

Fly tipping was mentioned and the fact that this could be causing a problem with vermin. Again CB said it was something they had to tackle.

BH said he would like a written reply to his comments about vermin, flies and maggots as he felt the problem had not been properly addressed and that weekly collection of the green bin was the correct way forward.

For any problems about Waste Management, the person to contact is Dave Stretton – Manager at NCCW.

RS then mentioned the early morning road cleaning which takes place in Wilford on a Friday morning. The problems were itemised as follows: (1) it is very noisy. (2) too many cars parked to allow proper cleaning of the kerbside, rotating the time schedule would redress this problem. (3) RS would like some flexibility in times of cleaning. (4) Holly Avenue - the vehicle did not come down on the 12^th September and (5) a very tight curve on Holly Avenue into the properties in the Close prevents the cleansing of this area. Chris Bailey did not deal with street cleaning but would pass his comments on to the appropriate department.

Chris Bailey left the meeting about 8.10 pm and the Committee Meeting then started.

						ACTION
1	Apologies Mike Cathcart Councillor Brendan Clarke-Smith Absent Jonathan Shewell-Cooper
2	Minutes of the Previous Meeting The Minutes were approved.
3	Review Actions from Previous Meeting
	3.1		Wheelchair Access to the footpath on Coronation Avenue DB reported that he had written to the Highways department.
	3.2		Unsightly pole and bad positioning of Road Sign on Corner of Holly Avenue DB reported that he had written to the Highways department. BT pole RS gave a draft letter to JS for typing and posting.			JS
	3.3		Location of Notice Boards DB reported that both boards were now in his possession. KC/BC had offered to have one of the Notice Boards placed on the wall of their property and have duly signed a Contract between the Community Group and themselves. The Notice Board will be placed on the wall at a mutually agreeable time between DB and KC/BC. KC requested that an extra set of keys be provided in case of an emergency and DB agreed to this being done. The Committee thanked KC/BC for allowing the Notice Board to be placed here. DB stated that the second draft licence has been returned to the Solicitors for the Co-op Property Group but as yet had not received a reply. DB presented us with a selection of information to be placed on the Boards and asked for the Committees approval. BH requested that his telephone number be withheld. DB would place the information on the board as soon as possible after fixing.			DB DB
	3.4		Website Advertising No newsletter has been published since the last meeting, so this action is to be carried over until the next Church newsletter is distributed.			DB
	3.5		Contact Constabulary Field Intelligence Officer Carried over. RS agreed to make contact through the new Beat Manager PC Nigel Brown.			RS
	3.6		Bellway – Improving Site Line/Property fronting on to Pavement DB/RS have a second letter in draft to be sent to the Planning Department at NCC and Bellway. RS has also drawn 3 plans showing how we would like to see the frontage of the property on Main Road. The Committee approved one of the plans, which showed an iron rail fence with a small planting area fronting on to the pavement. RS will work on that and when ready will forward to Bellway and the NCC Planning Department for their approval. Bellway have already agreed in principle to the plan and will support our proposals. DB will write to the Council and say that Bellway support our plans. With regard to the maintenance of this area, Bellway will have a Maintenance Contractor to look after the trees etc on the development and we can ask if they will be willing to look after the railings and planting.			RS DB
	3.7		Area Committee RS is now recognised as our official representative and there is no need for RS to register.
	3.8		No 8 Cribb Close RS has been to see Mr/Mrs Watson at Nr 10 Cribb Close and discussed the issue of the empty property. RS has shown them a draft of a letter the Committee intend to send to the owner of Nr 8 Cribb Close and they are happy that this should be sent. JF will write the letter as prepared by RS.			JF
	3.9		Embankment Footpath DB informed the committee that he had written to John Lee stating the committee’s position and that BH had subsequently attended a meeting with him to discuss screening for the residences on Chancery Court and Hunters Close (see minute 7.1.2 below).
	3.10		Wilford Beat Officer DB confirmed that Nigel Brown is the Beat Officer for Wilford. RS was asked to contact him and see if he is prepared to attend a closed Committee Meeting, together with his Field Intelligence Officer.			RS
	3.11		Fixings House DB confirmed that the he written to Development Control to object to the application on the basis agreed by the committee.
	3.12		Youth Club See minute 7.2.1 below.
	3.13		Tram Consultation See minute 7.1.3 below.
	3.14		Refuse Collection See preamble to minutes above.
	3.15		Spring Bulb Planting RS has provided JS-C with contact details at the Beckett School. MC was not present at the meeting, so his action to check with Severn Trent/the Environment Agency to see if we can plant on the Flood Bank to the Toll Bridge.
	3.16		Meetings DB reported that he had arranged the publicity for the first Open Community Group meeting, details of which are reported in minute 4 below. RS reported that rooms had been booked at the Rugby Club to the end of the year. DB reported that a full list of open meetings had be published on the website with the rota for committee member attendance. DB reported that the list of closed committee meeting dates has been distributed to committee.
	3.17		Community Group Presence at Bonfire Event Some discussion took place and DB, SA and JF agreed to pursue the options. It was agreed that any stalls or games should be kept simple and be aimed at younger children.
4	Update from Open Community Group Meeting (25^th September)
	DB and JF attended this meeting together with two Councillors, Brendan Clark-Smith and Tim Spencer. Two residents, Pat Lister and Ann Gerty, attended and voiced their concerns about the Bellway Development. At this stage of the construction they were told there wasn’t much that could be done, however, we were making efforts to try and improve the frontage of the house on Main Road by way of suggesting a rail fence and some planting. The local Library was also discussed and there did seem to be some merit in updating this facility. Tim Spencer suggested that since Andrew Price would be the Area Committee Chairman from May 2004, this would be an appropriate time to start to pursue this.
5	Chairman’s Report
	5.1		Correspondence – Highways Department DB read a letter relating to the footpath on Coronation Avenue stating that an acceptable alternative route was the footpath on the south side of Coronation Avenue. However, widening the path on the north side would be considered when Coronation Avenue was due for resurfacing. DB read a letter relating to the sign on Holly Avenue stating that the sign would be moved.
6	Vice Chairman’s Report
	6.1		Update from Area Committee Meeting (10^th September 2003) There were one or two notable facts that came out of this meeting, nothing that would affect us in Wilford. However, it was interesting to note that in Clifton, Silverdale and Wilford 60% of the population were over 65. The John Ryle Health Centre at Clifton is being redeveloped to the tune of several million pounds. We could review the needs of Wilford with regard to this project. Burglar Alarms can be fitted, free of charge, in the homes of vulnerable people, i.e. the elderly or those who have been burgled twice. DB suggested RS place details of this on the Notice Board. There is to be a team operating in this area from 2^nd November to remove graffiti and we have to identify areas. They are aware of the ‘B’ bank and Clifton Bridge. RS suggested growing ivy or virginia creeper on the wall to combat the graffiti on the ‘B’ bank Graffiti on utility property. It was also noted that the Council need permission from the owners of the bank to remove the graffiti. RS will make enquiries about progress at next meeting. The Field Intelligence Officer should be contacted if graffiti problem continues. If we get Nigel Brown involved with the Committee it would, therefore, mean involvement with the community.
7	Sub Committee Reports
	7.1		Planning and Development
			7.1.1	Village Shop The Committee have no objections in principle. But it was felt that DB should write to the planning department stating our concerns are that the development of this property should happen within a reasonable time scale and also our concerns regarding parking for visitors to the Tea Shop.		DB
			7.1.2	Embankment Footpath On 9 October 2003 BH met with John Lee, Rights of Way Officer, NCC and David Ankers, Project Officer BTCV, Conservation Training Centre at the Embankment Footpath. BH reported as follows: Funds are in place both for the path on the top of the embankment and for the planting. It is expected that work on the path will commence in about 2 weeks. A lengthy discussion took place regarding the planting and the position is subject to full details being provided later by David Ankers after taking into account the position of, unknown at this time, existing underground services. Planting will consist of a double staggered row of Willows in the more exposed places intermingled with bushes and covers having thorns to address any concerns of loss of privacy and security. It is expected that the planting will be at the bottom of the embankment on the side nearest the houses but will be away from the fences etc. to allow for root growth. The Willows will be approximately 1.5 metres high at planting and will grow at about 2 metres per year. The other plants will grow at a slower rate. The Willows will be of mixed colours i.e. orange, reds and greens. Planting should commence in mid February 2004, which is the first available time for the BTCV to do the work. John Lee will examine the position regarding restriction access to motor bikes and horses at a later stage. The gap between the sewage pumping station and the fence will be blocked by a fence to avoid the area being accessed. John Lee left a copy of the pre-consultation document, which has been sent to owners/occupiers of adjoining properties.
			7.1.3	Tram Consultation DB had prepared a Newsletter to be delivered after we have received the consultation plans from NET. The date for this is now sometime after 30^th October. RS had some additional information concerning the Toll Bridge which he felt should be added into the Newsletter. The bridge will be altered by widening 1 metre overall and will be of a Bowstring construction, similar to that of Lady Bay Bridge and the track will be raised to prevent vehicular access. DB will ring NET about the plans already submitted to residents in the Meadows.		DB DB
			7.1.4	Portland Swimming Baths (possible closure thereof) DB would write and see what the proposals are and state that Wilford residents would not be happy about the closure.		DB
	7.2		Young People
			7.2.1	Youth Club SA attended the AGM and stated that no-one other than Committee Members attended. The Chairman resigned at the beginning of the meeting. The Treasurers Report was excellent and very well presented. SA was not very impressed with the way the Youth Club was being run, a severe lack of interest from anyone on the Committee. SA volunteered to become a member of the of the Youth Club committee in her capacity as Community Group committee meeting and would liaise between the two Groups. As it stands at the moment the Youth Club will be closing in March. As the AGM closed there were no actions being taken before the next Committee meeting, which is not until November. SA reported that action was needed to clear up the outside of the building to make it look more presentable and this would be the time to invite people along. Inside is in excellent condition. There is a kitchen with seating etc. Vandalism is a big problem. The Council will provide grants and SA will get in touch with the secretary to try and get things moving, at the moment there is no motivation behind the Committee. However, it is not money that is needed at the moment, the most helpful thing would be help with the running of the group.
			7.2.2	Skateboard Park As JS-C was absent from the meeting, this will be carried over.
	7.3		Fundraising
			7.3.1	2004 Open Gardens Day KC/BC would like to take advantage of the bulb season in Wilford when the village looks its most attractive and open their garden at Easter. The Committee agreed to support this effort. But for a Garden Trail around Wilford it was felt that the end of June was still the best time and so we would put an invitation on the Notice Board for residents to volunteer to join the scheme. SA thought the Church would be holding the annual Flower Festival in May and this would be a better time to have a garden trail. JF did not think this was an annual event but would check with the organisers.		DB JF
8	Spring Bulb Planting
	As JS-C was absent from the meeting, this will be carried over. However, concern was expressed that time was running out for planting this season, despite the committee having started the plans for this several months ago.
DB reminded committee that the next Open Community Group Meeting would be held on Thursday 30^th October, to be attended by DB and JS-C. The meeting closed at 10:45pm
Signed		David Boulton.…………………..			Chairman
Date		6^th November 2003……………..