Wilford Community Group

Minutes of the committee meeting

held on Monday 19^th February 2007

at Wilford Social and Bowls Club

Present: Brian Hardy (BH) Chairman

Dave Boulton (DB) Secretary

Sheila Atherton (SA) Treasurer

Chris Allsopp (CA)

Ed Armstrong (EA

Brian Clark (BC)

Kate Clark (KC)

Frank Wakelin (FW)

			Action
1	Apologies Bill Roughton, Jonathan Shewell-Cooper, Roger Steel, Stephanie Taylor
2	Minutes of 15^th January Committee Meeting Approved.
3	Review Outstanding Actions
	a.	Aircraft Overflying / Noise – Letter to CAA Email sent, awaiting reply.
	b.	Dorothy Boot Homes DB had contacted the City Council. They said that while they could not disclose details of any discussions they might have with developers, it was stated that it was unlikely that anything other than a “sympathetic refurbishment” would be approved. KC reported that someone had been inside the houses taking photographs. KC also reported that she had received a representation from a resident who did not live in the homes about the treatment of the residents. DB reminded committee that the residents had known about this since the beginning of 2006, that Boots had offered a great deal of assistance to residents to find new homes, that Nottingham City Homes had also contacted he residents and that as at time of this meeting, only three residents were still to find alternative accommodation. It was agreed, therefore, that no further action was required by the Group.
	c.	Summer 2007 Event. See agenda item 6 below.
	d.	Traffic Speed As agreed at the January meeting, BH will discuss the feasibility of installing illuminated speed signs with the Area Committee. DB reported that to institute a formal Community Speedwatch scheme would require Police training residents on how to handle radar equipment and a minimum of six volunteers would be required, all of whom must devote at least an hour a week to the scheme. It was agreed that it would be unlikely that this level of commitment could be generated from within the committee so a notice would be placed in the next newsletter seeking volunteers. It was also agreed that should the scheme start, the main areas of concern were Clifton Lane between Silverdale island and the mini-roundabout, Wilford Lane between the crossroads and the narrowing of the road to a single-carriageway and Main Road.	BH
	e.	Embankment Footpath DB reported that RS had informed him that the Environment Agency had requested that the footpath be closed for a further six months.
4	Secretary’s Report DB reported that a slightly revised planning application had been submitted for the Fixings House development. DB informed committee that consistent with previous objections, he had registered an objection on the grounds of the building being too high for the area in which they were located. DB reported that he had received an email from John Lee (Footpaths Manager) at the City Council stating that the planting on the embankment at the rear of Chancery Court would take place within the next two to three weeks. DB informed committee that Vernon Avenue had been resurfaced that day. BH reported that Holly Avenue had also been resurfaced.
5	Committee Member’s Conflicts of Interest A discussion took place regarding the publication and distribution of a newsletter entitled “Wilford News” by CA under the banner of the www.ng11.info website which he operates for financial gain. Concerns were expressed that a number of residents linked the newsletter to the Group and questioned why it was apparently reporting that the Post Office was to close. DB had had to place notices in the notice boards denying the story and disassociating the Group from the newsletter and from the ng11.info website. BH reminded everyone that all committee discussions were private and confidential; until details appeared in the published minutes. CA agreed that no information discussed in meetings would be published either in subsequent newsletters or on the ng11.info website. CA also agreed to change the banner on the newsletter to make it distinct from newsletters published by the Group. He also agreed to include a statement that there was no connection between the newsletter and website and the Group. He also agreed to remove any information that appeared to have been taken from the Group’s website.
6	2007 Summer Event CA reported that while a number of positive responses had been received from businesses for the event, very little response had been received from local groups and organisations. The committee agreed that lack of local support was the main reason for the 2006 event being cancelled. While the committee commended CA on his efforts in organising the event, concern was expressed that the event was not a “community” event and the Group would derive little benefit from the event through publicity and being associated with the event. It was agreed that the Group would not participate further in the event and wished CA success should he decide to continue organising the event himself.
7	Group Stock of Tombola Prizes It was agreed that the Group would retain the stock in case it was decided to run a stall at CA’s summer event or a subsequent event. CA agreed to store the prizes on behalf of the Group. KC passed a letter of thanks from a previous prize winner to DB for the Group’s records.
8	Any Other Business
	a.	191 Bus Service SA reported that the service had been seen turning round at the Village Green instead of continuing along Coronation Avenue and Vernon Avenue. FW also reported that there were occasions where the service did not run into the Village during school run times. DB would contact the bus company to investigate. BH also reported that the service would be reviewed at the next Area Committee meeting.	DB
	b.	Ozone Development FW reported that he had visited an exhibition about this development. He reported that the development proposed solar panels on the riverside tower and had warned the developers that the reflection could hit local schools and residences. There was to be no parking on the embankment, but FW had commented that this contradicted the council’s wish for people outside Nottingham to visit the area easily. FW said he would email the Group with details f how to view the proposals online.
	c.	Notice Boards KC reminded the Group that a new licence would have to be sought with the new owners of their house when they move.

The meeting closed at 21:15

Approved…Brian Hardy…………. (Chairman)

Date…19^th March 2007…………..