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Minutes of the last meeting

Stirchley Neighbourhood Forum
Minutes of the AGM held on 13th November 2017, Stirchley Community Church
Present:        62: Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary and Members of the Forum’s management committee, Councillor Huxtable, Councillor Locke and Councillor Sealey
Apologies:    4
Peter Walker took the chair and welcomed everyone to the meeting. The minutes of the previous AGM held on 14th November 2016 were circulated and agreed as a true record.
Presentation of Annual Report
Peter Walker presented the annual report outlining the activities of the Forum over the previous twelve months. The report was adopted by Wendy Pearson and Judith Jones.
PW thanked the Lord Mayor for opening the Late Summer Bash and coming to the AGM, the local councillors, the community policing team led by Sgt Andy Holder, and Gary Cadge and Lee Whitmore of Stirchley Community Church. PW thanked all the committee members and especially Ron Coley who is stepping down after many years work with the Forum. Finally, PW thanked local residents who have supported the Forum over the last 12 months. 
Presentation of Accounts
Paula Aubrey, Forum Treasurer, then presented the annual accounts; these were adopted by Dave Jee and Dave Martin. PA thanked BCC for their ongoing financial support.
Planning Report
Sandra Cooper, Forum Planning Officer, presented the planning report. Plans for new Aldi and Lidl stores are currently stalled pending progress on the Tesco development.  
Election of the Committee
The Committee stood down and Sgt Andy Holder chaired the election of the new Committee.  Peter Walker, Marg Walker, Sandra Cooper, Paula Aubrey, Rowena Evans, Mick Jones, Ann Newbold and Dave Jee were proposed by Cllr Huxtable, seconded by Malcolm Bach and elected as committee members.      
Presentation by the Lord Mayor
Anne Underwood gave an insightful talk on her life as Lord Mayor, revealing a hugely varied workload and family links with Stirchley. One set of grandparents lived on Regent St and ran a local ironmonger’s; the others lived at Bredon Cross. The Lord Mayor showed receipts from purchases made by her grandparents in local shops in 1938 following their wedding.
In response to a question, the Lord Mayor stated a decision on the Commonwealth Games would be made very soon. Birmingham is hosting the Transplant Games in 2018.  
Date of the next meeting
Monday 11th December, 7.30 pm in Stirchley Community Church
Disclaimer notice on behalf of the Stirchley Neighbourhood Forum Management Committee
1. The Management Committee does not normally have prior knowledge of items which will be raised as Any Other Business, but the Management Committee will help facilitate such items where it does have prior knowledge and which are in the interests of Stirchley.
2. The Forum is not aligned to any political party or one group and hence will hold a neutral stance in all political items which are raised at the meetings; the Forum may take a stance (positive/negative) on planning applications discussed at the meeting or on changes to community/neighbourhood services which affect the Forum area
3. The Forum’s Management Committee will not allow a person or organisation to use the Forum’s meeting as a means to any political end.
4. All residents and businesses within the Forum’s area have the right to attend and speak at the meeting.  Business owners, not resident within the forum area, have a right to attend and speak at SNF meetings, but they cannot make up quorum.
5. The Forum or its Management Committee will not be held responsible for leaflets or other media which is handed out by third parties either at or following the Forum’s meeting.  The views of any such leaflets or other communication are those of the distributor/publisher and not necessarily those of the Neighbourhood Forum.

 


Stirchley Neighbourhood Forum
Minutes of the meeting held on 10th September 2018, Stirchley Community Church
Present 32
Apologies 4
Peter Walker took the chair and welcomed everyone to the meeting.
The minutes of the meeting held on 9th July 2018 were circulated. With the exception of 2 small alterations* they were accepted as a true record.
*page one Recent flooding line one 27th May, line 22 Pitcairn Close
Matters Arising
Resident of Pitcairn Close reported that, following July meeting certain flood prevention measures had been undertaken but he was concerned that tree roots, etc could still pose a problem. He was still trying to resolve matters with his insurance company concerning damage to his home and contents.
Police Update
There were no police attending at this meeting.
The Chair introduced representatives of Taylor Wimpey (Jane Humby and Jacob Henry) who were attending to take questions on the progress of The Hazelwells (former Arvin Meritor site).
They confirmed that;

  • there would be no social or affordable housing on the site
  • houses would be freehold with a management fee for green spaces
  • level of rent for apartments would be safeguarded in the deeds
  • the development would be complete within 2 years
  • graffiti had been removed
  • trees along the boundary would remain
  • a flood prevention scheme is being put in place
  • measures had been put in place to damp down dust and remove from neighbouring roads
  • suggestions for road names had been presented to BCC
  • any problems should be addressed to Jane Humby

They later confirmed that the sales office had been opened and several properties bought off plan with show homes due to be completed in February 2019
Planning Update  
Sandra Cooper, Forum Planning Officer, updated the meeting on current planning issues.
No decision has yet been made on the application regarding Three Horseshoes, 1547 Pershore Road or Aldi application on current Magnet site.
Applications regarding 1326 – 1344 Pershore Road and 51 Hazelwell Street still awaited final agreement by Planning Dept
Cllr Mary Locke joined the meeting

No decision has yet been made concerning 1403-1407 Pershore Road. Cllr Locke said that she had been told by Planning Department that amended plans are awaited which will then go out again for consultation.
Cllr Locke reported that she understood that Lidl would be submitting plans for former Fitness First site early in 2019. 
Sandra Cooper said that two new applications had been lodged;
Stirchley Library – listed building consent for boiler installation and associated works
The Hazelwell public house – consent for new illuminated and other signs to the front of the building
Seven Capital
To date there had been no further communication or consultation with local people. Cllr Locke said that she had been informed that BCC Planning Department had suggested they go back to the drawing board following initial proposals.
Late Summer Bash
The Chair thanked everyone who had assisted on the day or donated raffle prizes.
The raffle raised £962 and £230 from stalls which will go towards holding the event in 2019.

Any Other Business
The Chair said that it had come to his attention that, at a recent local meeting, a resident had raised the issue of BCC funding to Stirchley Neighbourhood Forum, in particular funding which was awarded some years ago for a computer, projector and other small items. He confirmed that this was the case and items were still being used by the Forum.

Cllr Locke invited people to take part in meeting concerning development of a Ward Plan;
Weds 12th September 7pm – 8pm Stirchley Baths
Friday 14th September 7.30 – 8.30 Church of the Ascension
Thursday 27th September 7pm – 9pm Stirchley Baths to review options and spending opportunities

The issue of racist and sexist graffiti on Hazelwell Park facing side of Seven Capital site was raised. This had been raised with Seven Capital
Tuesday 11th September Friends of Stirchley Library AGM 7.30 in the Library
Thursday 13th September next meeting of Stirchley History Group 7.30 at Stirchley Baths
6th October Tabitha Webb to attend a ladies only event at Stirchley Community Church - £10

It is intended to hold a Halloween event on 27th October in Stirchley Park and a Christmas event on 15th December in Stirchley Park (weather permitting and subject to permission being granted by BCC for the Christmas event)

Disclaimer notice on behalf of the Stirchley Neighbourhood Forum Management Committee
1. The Management Committee does not normally have prior knowledge of items which will be raised as Any Other Business, but the Management Committee will help facilitate such items where it does have prior knowledge, and which are in the interests of Stirchley.
2. The Forum is not aligned to any political party or one group and hence will hold a neutral stance in all political items which are raised at the meetings; the Forum may take a stance (positive/negative) on planning applications discussed at the meeting or on changes to community/neighbourhood services which affect the Forum area
3. The Forum’s Management Committee will not allow a person or organisation to use the Forum’s meeting as a means to any political end.
4. All residents and businesses within the Forum’s area have the right to attend and speak at the meeting.  Business owners, not resident within the forum area, have a right to attend and speak at SNF meetings, but they cannot make up quorum.
5. The Forum or its Management Committee will not be held responsible for leaflets or other media which is handed out by third parties either at or following the Forum’s meeting.  The views of any such leaflets or other communication are those of the distributor/publisher and not necessarily those of the Neighbourhood Forum.


Stirchley Neighbourhood Forum

Minutes of the meeting held on 9th July 2018, Stirchley Community Church

Present:             44: Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary and Members of the Forum’s management committee

Apologies:         Cllr Mary Locke + 3

Peter Walker took the chair and welcomed everyone to the meeting. The minutes of the meeting held on 11th June 2018 were circulated and agreed as a true record.

Matters arising                                                                 

Firework shop and Party Shop: Cllr Locke has requested a tidy up of both properties.

Recent flooding in Stirchley and Selly Park

Mike Adams, Senior Advisor at the Environment Agency, outlined the events of 27th June that led to a number of properties in the local area being flooded.

60mm of rain fell within one hour, almost the monthly average, and 100mm fell within three hours. The Rea rose to similar levels as in 2008 when over 100 homes were flooded in Selly Park south. The newly built flood defences largely protected homes in and around Fashoda and Cecil Roads, but the drainage system struggled to cope with the sheer volume of surface water. Mike explained this weather event was beyond anything local authorities routinely design for.

Much of the criticism from residents concerned the bund in Hazelwell Park; Mike agreed it now looks a mess and explained this was due to the exceptionally cold spring which had stalled sowing grass until the autumn. The lack of grass cover does not affect the viability of the bund which has a solid clay core.

Residents of Ashbrook Rd described surface water washing down the bund onto the service road and flooding both their back gardens and Dad’s Lane Chip Shop for the first time ever. Previously surface water would have been able to drain onto Hazelwell park.

There was some frustration that the bund had been built to benefit St Andrew’s Healthcare and the area downstream, at the expense of Stirchley residents. There were concerns that the proposed extension to St Andrew’s might increase the likelihood of flooding.

Mike explained St Andrew’s had contributed towards the cost of the new flood defences, but that their plans were currently on hold. The Environment Agency are modelling the event to determine what impact the bund has had; they will then consider additional measures to prevent future flooding.

A resident of Hazelwell Crescent reported three properties, including their own, being flooded to a depth of 6 – 12” as a result of surface water overwhelming the drains and pouring down the hill. Mike recommended those affected get in touch with the National Flood Forum for support. The Environment Agency are working with BCC to improve the maintenance of the drainage system, which was blamed by many people for these localised incidents.

Residents reported feeling ignored by the Environment Agency. Mike apologised and explained initial efforts had been focussed on the worst affected areas in the city; he offered to conduct a survey of Ashbrook Road to determine the extent of flooding. 

Policing update                                                                           

Sgt Sam Bonehill, PC Paul Rimell, PCSOs Paul Blackford and James Sargeant updated the Forum on recent activity.  

Burglaries: 3 people suspected of being involved in 10 burglaries were arrested on Saturday, thanks to information from local residents.

Traffic operations: these are continuing when resources allow; a recent operation on the Co-op car park resulted in 2 arrests and the discovery of red diesel. WMP are introducing a more efficient method of dealing with parking violations that uses photos to log offences. ASB involving mopeds has been a problem locally; police are unable to use stingers but can pursue riders without helmets.  

Vehicle crime: a car stolen from Selly Oak was recovered on the Masefield Estate.

Anti-social behaviour: there are currently 980 logged reports of ASB awaiting investigation.

Begging: Sgt Bonehill acknowledged begging can be a contentious issue as many beggars are vulnerable people. All beggars are offered support but as begging and vagrancy are offences, enforcement action will be taken where behaviour is intimidating. 

101 service: Sgt Bonehill agreed response times were still too slow; incidents can also be reported by email. It was pointed out that PCC David Jamieson undertook to improve the service when he spoke at the 2016 Forum AGM.

Stolen goods: a resident reported an increase in these being offered for sale in local pubs. Sgt Bonehill suggested this was due to the police being overstretched and unable to respond swiftly to reports of shoplifting.

Streetwatch: residents were invited to join this scheme and patrol their neighbourhood, gathering information rather than challenging behaviour. The loss of 23,000 police officers nationally was noted by one resident who criticised the scheme for replacing paid professionals with volunteers. Sgt Bonehill acknowledged this opinion but explained WMP had lost 2000 police officers and needed additional support to cope with the current workload.

ASB around Bournville train station: there were reports of a man with mental health issues pushing people. WMP are aware of him; however, incidents at train stations are the responsibility of British Transport Police.  

Assault in Hazelwell Park: police have spoken to witnesses and are following up a number of leads.

Planning update                                                                         

Sandra Cooper, Forum Planning Officer, updated the meeting on current planning issues.

The Hazelwells (former Arvin Meritor site): application for a non-illuminated sign to advertise the new homes.  

58 Ribblesdale Rd: application for change of use from 3 bed house to a 6 bed HMO; SC will submit an objection to the over occupation of a family home.

AOB

Late Summer Bash: volunteers are needed to deliver the flyers in August. Raffle prizes collected to date include a £50 Sainsbury voucher, Galaxy tablet and voucher for the Nature Centre.

Kings Heath Cat Club: any stray or feral cats should be reported to the group, who will arrange for them to be tracked, neutered and released.

Acorn: this newly established tenants’ union is continuing to pick up casework and new members locally. They have had some success at Emperor Court where landlord JJ Khan (of JJ’s flooring) is making repairs to the roof. 

Ward plan: Cllr Locke is proposing a ward plan for Stirchley and would like representatives of local community groups to get involved.

Date of the next meeting

Monday 10th September, 7.30 pm in Stirchley Community Church

There is no meeting in August.

Disclaimer notice on behalf of the Stirchley Neighbourhood Forum Management Committee

1. The Management Committee does not normally have prior knowledge of items which will be raised as Any Other Business, but the Management Committee will help facilitate such items where it does have prior knowledge, and which are in the interests of Stirchley.

2. The Forum is not aligned to any political party or one group and hence will hold a neutral stance in all political items which are raised at the meetings; the Forum may take a stance (positive/negative) on planning applications discussed at the meeting or on changes to community/neighbourhood services which affect the Forum area

3. The Forum’s Management Committee will not allow a person or organisation to use the Forum’s meeting as a means to any political end.

4. All residents and businesses within the Forum’s area have the right to attend and speak at the meeting.  Business owners, not resident within the forum area, have a right to attend and speak at SNF meetings, but they cannot make up quorum.

5. The Forum or its Management Committee will not be held responsible for leaflets or other media which is handed out by third parties either at or following the Forum’s meeting.  The views of any such leaflets or other communication are those of the distributor/publisher and not necessarily those of the Neighbourhood Forum.


Stirchley Neighbourhood Forum
Minutes of the meeting held on 11th June 2018, Stirchley Community Church
Present:             41: Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary and Members of the Forum’s management committee
Apologies:         Cllr Mary Locke + 1
Peter Walker took the chair and welcomed everyone to the meeting. The minutes of the meeting held on 14th May 2018 were circulated and agreed as a true record.
Matters arising                                                                 
Firework shop and Party Shop: Cllr Locke has gone on a walkabout of the area with Doug Lee from BCC Regeneration to identify vacant units and discuss strategies for bringing them back into use. The owners of the Firework and Party shops have been asked to tidy up their properties.
The neighbour who raised this issue last month welcomed Cllr Locke’s intervention but questioned why BCC could not CPO the properties.      
Policing update                                                                           
PCSOs Paul Blackford and Jenene Tandy presented their report on recent activity.  
Speedwatch: checks have been carried out on Fordhouse Ln, Cartland Rd and Heath Rd; 2 motorists were given tickets. Residents can request speed checks in their area, but these are limited to roads wide enough to allow vehicles to be pulled over without obstructing traffic.
A resident noted the speed limit sign on Hazelwell Crescent next to Fordhouse Ln is not sufficiently visible due to its position by a hedge. PCSO Tandy explained this was an issue for BCC Highways; this will be fed back to Cllr Locke. 
The ANPR operation planned for June 21st has been postponed due to staff training.
School parking: WMP have been visiting local schools; during one patrol a parent was fined £200 and given 6 points for using a mobile phone while driving.
ASBO: a man who breached an ASB for harassing their neighbours is now in custody awaiting trial.   
Sexual offence: following an incident on the no. 47 bus a man has been arrested; WMP will be running a safer travel operation over the next few months.
Local burglaries: a man has been arrested in Kings Heath. Burglaries have returned to routine levels. The perpetrators responsible for the recent spate of burglaries in Stirchley are still on remand.   
Summer festivals: WMP will be attending both the Bournville Village Festival and Cocomad. 
Vehicle crime: Ford Fiesta and Focus models remain the target. WMP recommend using a steering lock and keeping keys in a Faraday bag in the house to prevent remote access. A local resident suggested a crisp packet performed equally well. In a recent theft on Woodlands Park Rd neighbours were threatened at 8.00 am by 2 white lads stealing a brand new £12,000 Fiesta.
Thefts of mopeds and motorbikes are also on the rise.   
Travellers: a camp has been set up on Billesley Common; WMP asked residents to report travellers attempting to move onto parks and other sites.
Stirchley Trading Estate: WMP visited the Howdens unit yesterday following reports of their alarm going off over the weekend; a further visit will be made as the alarm has continued to sound.
Dangerous cycling: WMP have to use their discretion when dealing with cyclists on pavements; the River Rea is a shared surface where cyclists should respect other users.
Muggings: although it was reported there have been no more along the River Rea corridor, there was a mugging in Selly Park recently. Bournville police were unaware as it was out of their area.      
New inspector: Noeleen Murrin has moved from Perry Barr to lead the team in Selly Oak. 
Stirchley Fruit and Nut Village
Felipe Molina and Rob Tilling presented their plans for a Heritage Lottery funded project to plant 6 sites in and around Stirchley as perennial food sources such as orchards, with a focus on local heritage species. The sites are: Stirchley Park, Hazelwell Park, Ten Acres, land off Fordhouse Ln alongside the River Rea, Umberslade Nursery and Pebble Mill Playing Fields. The project is funded for 2 years, although Rob and Felipe have already been working in the area, for example planting an edible hedge in Stirchley Park.  
Local people can get involved in a number of ways such as helping with planting or adopting and caring for a site. A public consultation is being held on Saturday June 16th from 1.00 to 5.00 pm in Pebble Mill Fields.
In response to concerns about children being encouraged to pick fruit in parks, Felipe explained they would start by planting common recognisable fruits and would avoid those which could be confused with poisonous varieties.
Planning update                                                                         
Sandra Cooper, Forum Planning Officer, updated the meeting on current planning issues.
51 Hazelwell St: one of the conditions of the approval was a noise survey; this usually results in a requirement for additional double glazing.  
1381-3 Pershore Rd/Wild Cat Tap: approval has been granted with conditions including CCTV, a noise survey and the first floor residence is only to be used by the business owner. Operating hours will be 12.00 to 11.00 pm with deliveries from 8.00 am to 6.00 pm. No use can be made of the outside space until plans have been submitted for smoking shelters. The Forum are not consulted on any applications for alcohol or entertainment licences.
Demolition of Hunts Rd/Pershore Rd buildings by Seven Capital: BCC have requested an ecological mitigation plan and a demolition statement following concerns raised by the Forum.
1403-7 Pershore Rd: no decision has been made. SC submitted an extensive objection on behalf of the Forum, and suggested the potential for planning gain by creating a new access to the rear of adjacent properties. No information has been made available on the plans to demolish the existing buildings; some coloured glass panels had been offered to Stirchley History Group.
One resident suggested the planning permission notice had not been adequately displayed.
The Three Horseshoes: no decision has been made.
1216 Pershore Rd: no decision has been made.
Aldi: no further news.
Arvin Meritor site: a resident noted the large amount of dust being produced by the building works.
AOB
Hazelwell Estate potholes: a resident questioned when BCC would deal with the large number of potholes, including on the cycle path at the foot of the Fordrough; this will be fed back to Cllr Locke.
Hazelwell Park bund: residents of Ashbrook Rd reported having their back gardens flooded by water running down the bund during the recent torrential rainstorm. A meeting held in Selly Park South to discuss the floods was not advertised in Stirchley, so residents were unable to feedback on the impact of the bund.
Elsewhere in Stirchley water backing up through drains and sewers caused localised flooding; some residents cited poor maintenance of the River Rea’s banks and incoming gullies as the cause. SC suggested information should be collected about the number of properties affected. SC reported there was no river flooding of Fashoda and Cecil Rds, suggesting the new flood prevention scheme had worked in that area.
Upcoming events
Stirchley History Group: 14th June 7.00 pm in Stirchley Baths, a talk about WW1 Chuggers.
Ten Acres clear-up: 17th June 10.00 am to 1.00 pm.
Big Bug Hunt: 23rd June 10.30 am to 12.00 pm in Cannon Hill Park.
Date of the next meeting
Monday 9th July, 7.30 pm in Stirchley Community Church
Disclaimer notice on behalf of the Stirchley Neighbourhood Forum Management Committee
1. The Management Committee does not normally have prior knowledge of items which will be raised as Any Other Business, but the Management Committee will help facilitate such items where it does have prior knowledge, and which are in the interests of Stirchley.
2. The Forum is not aligned to any political party or one group and hence will hold a neutral stance in all political items which are raised at the meetings; the Forum may take a stance (positive/negative) on planning applications discussed at the meeting or on changes to community/neighbourhood services which affect the Forum area
3. The Forum’s Management Committee will not allow a person or organisation to use the Forum’s meeting as a means to any political end.
4. All residents and businesses within the Forum’s area have the right to attend and speak at the meeting.  Business owners, not resident within the forum area, have a right to attend and speak at SNF meetings, but they cannot make up quorum.
5. The Forum or its Management Committee will not be held responsible for leaflets or other media which is handed out by third parties either at or following the Forum’s meeting.  The views of any such leaflets or other communication are those of the distributor/publisher and not necessarily those of the Neighbourhood Forum.