WILFORD COMMUNITY GROUP

 

Minutes of the AGM Meeting

held on Monday 20th July 2009

at Wilford Social and Bowls Club

at 7.30 pm

 

 

Present:           Brian Hardy (BH)                    Chairman

Roger Steel (RS)                        Vice Chairman

                                    Sheila Atherton (SA)                Treasurer

                                    Stephanie Taylor (ST)

                                    Frank Wakelin (FW)

                                    Josie Foster (JF)

                                    Chris Allsopp (CA)

                                    Daniel Atherton (DA) - young people’s rep.

Elaine Stenson (Neighbourhood Action Officer)

PC Nigel Brown

PC Sophie?

Andrew Price (Councillor)

Brendan Clarke-Smith (Councillor)

John Lee (NCC Traffic Management)

                                   

Several local residents also attended the meeting

                                   

 

 

 

Action

1.

Apologies:  David Boulton (DB), Bill Roughton (BR)                                

 

2.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brian Hardy opened the meeting by welcoming guests and visitors.

 

Firstly congratulations to our local PC, Nigel Brown, on being awarded the MBE.

Secondly, welcome to John Lee from Nottingham City Council to present the proposals for a new cycle/footpath link for Bader Road. 

 

The Minutes of the 2008 AGM were not read out in full but anyone wishing to read them could do so on line or telephone the Secretary, Dave Boulton

One of the items from the minutes included Section 106 monies, funding for projects in the area and the service of a larger bus to serve the village, which is, of course, now in service.

 

Chairman’s Report

 

Many thanks to all members of the committee for their assistance during the last year and throughout my time as Chairman.

 

We have built up a very good relationship with the members at Area 9 and a lot of what is achievable is only made possible with their help.  I urge that this connection is continued.

 

At the last Area 9 meeting our local Councillors have put in a strong claim to Core Strategy to be able to amend the rules concerning Section 106 funding to enable it to be used for local causes.

 

It is regretted that our local Post Office is closing and I have been in contact with the PO to explain that our two nearest Post Offices are at West Bridgford and Clifton with no bus services to connect.  They have promised to be back in touch within 7/10 days.  I have no further information on this matter, which, of course, will affect many of the local residents.

 

We need to contact Martha of Nottingham City Link (0115 9754647) who promised at the last Area 9 meeting to attend a future meeting to discuss possible transport links to NHS Services.

 

I now stand down as Chairman and am not seeking re-election and request Councillor Andrew Price to stand in as Chairman of the meeting whilst the election of Officers and Committee are dealt with and afterwards a new Chairman will take over for the rest of the meeting.

 

Treasurers Report

To the end of March 2009 – income from West Bridgford Rotary Club  £100

The Report is available showing running costs such as Newsletter and youth events and website.  Deborah Rivers has audited the accounts and signed them and is willing to do so again for the coming year.  Deborah Rivers was nominated and seconded.

A question from a resident querying if monies had been taken from the grants to use in supplying flowers for planting around Wilford.  The answer was no – these had been supplied free by NCC in connection with the Neighbourhood in Bloom taking place around the City.

 

Andrew Price took the chair and thanked BH for his work as Chairman and on Area 9.

 

The Committee was elected as follows:

 

Chair - Stephanie Taylor

Vice Chairman – Roger Steel

Treasurer – Sheila Atherton

Secretary – David Boulton

 

All elected unopposed.

 

Remainder of Committee: Chris Allsop, Daniel Atherrton (Youth Rep), Josie Foster, Brian Hardy, Bill Roughton, Frank Wakelin all elected en bloc.

 

AP went on to suggest that when we had our committee meetings at the club we pay a small fee as the club is trying to generate a higher income in order to survive.

 

The Becket School site on Ruddington Lane will be housing and could generate some 106 money for Wilford possibly for a new library.  AP advisded there is no flexibility for use of 106 money except to use it for social housing, transport and play.

 

AP closed the formal AGM meeting and ST took the chair.

 

ST introduced John Lee NCC Traffic Management who had come along to discuss with residents the proposed options for Bader Road Cycle/Footpath link to Gresham Park and new cycle/footpath.

 

JL explained that nothing is firm as yet, a preferred option will be looked at or it will be back to the drawing board.

 

 

Talks began initially four years ago when a resident put forward the proposal at that time there was no funding available, however, now the potential is there for funding.

 

There are three options and John Lee went on to explain the red, green and black routes shown on a diagram he distributed.

 

There were many objections from Bader Road residents/tenants who have ownership of a section of the proposed route through Bader Road, two of whom had no prior knowledge of this route until it was made public.  JL apologized for this oversight and couldn’t understand how it had happened as he and a colleague had they believed personally been to each property on Bader Road and other roads posting information.

 

Another resident stated that originally there had been a footpath where 7 Severn Trent had built a pumping station and had blocked the right of way when this estate was built.

 

There were many issues raised with regard to the safety of children who lived locally if this scheme went ahead as it was felt it made them vulnerable to any undesirables who chose to use this path.  Safety issues when cycling out of Bader Road into Main Road were also raised.  A concern with regard to increasing crime such as burglaries.  The use of mini motos along the paths but JL said barriers would be used as at Silverdale.  PC Nigel Brown would take this up if it happened.

 

A resident at 85 Main Road said she already had a problem with cyclists using the path off the embankment thereby creating a hazard when her family were entering or leaving her property.

 

An allotment would lose some of its land and there was concern about the loss of privacy.  Paul Owens, Allotment Officer, had been informed about compensation to allotment holders.

 

Safety issues would be addressed by the fact that it is a straight pathway with lighting.

 

There will be an increase in traffic when the Becket School opens in September with children being dropped off in Bader Road.  Congestion is already very serious on the corner of Bader Road and speeding traffic along Main Road.  PC Brown will make checks on speeding traffic.  He was reminded that it wasn’t just at school times but many local residents speed through at all times of the day and night.

 

Questions were raised about the cycle path crossing the tram line; JL responded that no accidents at this type of crossing had occurred in other parts of the country.

 

Summing up JL said he did not want the potential for bad behaviour to be a reason for not doing anything.  How we manage the problems raised by residents and reinforce the laws we already have, a negative approach is not the answer.  Funding is 100% guaranteed.

 

RS made a statement that 2 schools and sports facilities, walking/cycling to Emanuel a new pathway into Becket School and a direct cycle path will detract walkers/cyclists away from a busy Wilford Lane.  Think hard before saying “No’.

 

Andrew Price made a suggestion, because there was such strong opposition to this link he would arrange for a public meeting and this would be the way forward and enable JL and colleagues to take another look at the plans.  Meanwhile a motion to vote yes/no should be taken at this meeting.

 

Peter Stiles, a resident, asked for a formal motion

 

“The Residents of Bader Road wish to retain a non-thoroughfare area, of the three options presented here tonight, none are acceptable”

 

13 against

13 in favour

 

Thanks were given to the councillors for new signs at Bader Road, although others off the main road still need replacing.

 

The new Becket School needs a drop off zone by the school without coming into Wilford Village, what comes into Main Road has to come back on the same route.

 

A resident from Ruddington Lane queried whether the bumps would be removed along the Lane after Becket School was closed.  106 money could be used to re-vamp.  13 had been taken out of Clifton in this way.

 

Elaine Stenson spoke about an area on Scarfe Walk known locally as “the Square”

which has been an eyesore for some time and has raised Health and Safety issues and wondered how best to improve.  It would cost £4,000 just to tidy up and Elaine thought this amount of money could be used to provide a play area for young children or a community orchard.  A resident suggested climbing frames as he has a problem with balls being kicked at his wall.  Another suggestion was a metal ball net.  The preferred option appeared to be just leaving it as a tarmaced area.

A waste bin was requested for the top of Bell Lane mainly for dog waste – this was being organized already.  A question was asked about any plans for the playing fields on Ruddington Lane – ES didn’t know of any.

ES spoke about Wilford residents supporting a Community Safety Event on 12th August being held at Wilford Church Hall, particularly as the WCG have pushed for it to be held locally as well as on Silverdale.  The event at Silverdale will be on 27th July. Residents can attend both.  There will be a free lunch, free raffle and many other items of interest.

 

A free event at Clifton on the 18th August.

 

“Proud of you” Awards are now seeking nominations.

 

NB stated that crime figures were down in Wilford/Silverdale - 195 in 12 months.

13 burglaries in 12 months. 

Garages and sheds are the biggest problem PC Brown suggested that clearing out the garage and putting the car in would be a great help.

 

RS gave notice of an Open Day in September (date to be announced) at the Bowling Club for all ages to “have a go” at bowling.  A discounted rate for Sunday Lunch.

 

The meeting closed at 9.00 pm

 

 

 

 

Chair     Steph Taylor

Date     21st September 2009

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