Present: 69 including Cllrs Cooper, Mallender & Blount

 

Apologies:  Chris Guest of Open Lady Bay Arts & Gardens.

 

The Chairman welcomed all present. He introduced Bruce Smith, Practice Manager from the Greenwood Surgery, Sneinton:

 

Doctor in Lady Bay The Greenwood Surgery put in a bid to open a branch surgery in Lady Bay when Dr. Clark retired. Rushcliffe PCT refused to help. 1 or 2 patients registered with the Greenwood Practice anyway. 2 GPs are here this evening: Jo Taplin & Sarah Layzell. It is up to the people of Lady Bay to persuade the PCT to support the proposal from the Greenwood Surgery.

Questions & Comments

 

The Secretary informed people that “Principia”, the consortium that has taken over the role of the Rushcliffe PCT, is going to be “launched” on Saturday June 9^th at Rushcliffe Country Park. This would be a good place to have a protest with a group of Lady Bay residents with placards.

Simon Anthony asked what size of property would be required.

Simon Anthony mentioned that Dr. Clark’s premises were found wanting by Rushcliffe PCT due to failure to comply with Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) regulations.

Brian Franks informed Bruce that the people of Lady Bay had also had negative responses from the PCT.

The Chairman reminded residents that the reps from the PCT who came to speak at our last Spring Meeting stated that we needed to find GPs who were prepared to run a surgery in the area – now we have.

A resident asked whether the Greenwood Surgery supported home births.

 Elspeth Young stated that there might be a problem due to the Greenwood Surgery being in the Nottm City PCT whilst Lady Bay is in the Notts County PCT.

Ron Baxter asked whether the Greenwood staff had any premises in mind.

A resident asked whether the Greenwood Practice had presented a business case to the PCT, e.g. has there been any research as to the nos. of patients?

Cllr Cooper asked whether the Greenwood GPs would be providing a NHS service & what if the PCT refuse to fund the premises?

Hazel Kerr suggested that residents could collect information, such as nos. of patients prepared to move to a GP in Lady Bay.

The Chairman suggested the formation of a subgroup of LBCA so that information can be collected.

Brian Frank suggested that residents who have sent a letter to the PCT could be listed on the Lady Bay website.

Susan Wilson stated that people who have registered with another GP have done so because they had to; we need a GP in Lady Bay.

A resident mentioned that Dr. Clark had patients from outside the Lady Bay area. How many patients would a GP need?

A resident wondered whether GPs in W. Bridgford might have too many patients – he had heard that 2,000 patients was not unusual.

It would be helpful if this rumour could be verified.

 

The Chairman thanked Bruce Smith & introduced Tony Palmer, of RBC’s Streetwise team.

 

Streetwise: “Streetwise” was developed in April 2005 as a result of new legislation - the Cleaner Neighbourhoods Act. Highways have been taken over by Notts. County Council. The Streetwise team take care of litterbins, street cleaning & dog dirt bins. There are 42 employees who work 7 days a week, sometimes reactive, sometimes proactive. The team visit schools to encourage children and young people to be more responsible about litter. Streetwise employees can give out fixed penalty notices for fly tipping & dropping litter.   

 

Questions & comments

 

John Finney asked who was responsible for canals & canal banks as people have been fly tipping into the Grantham Canal; a dog dirt bin has also been left un-emptied. Streetwise would not help & British Waterways don’t answer the ‘phone.

Cllr Cooper asked how many miles of road Streetwise has to keep clean.

Ron Baxter mentioned that here used to be a bin on Holme Rd at the bottom of Mona Rd, this has been removed. Please could it be replaced? Though position is important, as people do not want a bin under their windows.

Don Read informed people that he had a team of “litter pickers” from Lady Bay Neighbourhood Watch, who had agreed to keep a section of road and pavement clear. If you would like to join in please see Don at the end of the meeting or add your name to the list on the Neighbourhood Watch table.

A resident who is a fisherman mentioned that he paid £25 per year to the Environment Agency for a licence, does RBC receive any of this to pay for keeping the river/canal/pond banks clean?

Alan Bell mentioned that there was a large puddle on Adbolton Gr. 

This is the responsibility of the County Council. 

Inspector England pointed out that Streetwise are involved in the Local Area Group (LAG) meetings with the community & the police. Streetwise have been able to help with problems on the Hook & 10 Acre Field. The Youth Offending Team has been helping with litter picks etc.

Ron Baxter asked who is responsible for drains.

Ron Baxter asked why we no longer see a Streetwise employee using a brush & a shovel; this would be particularly useful in removing waste from trees.

A resident agreed that the borough is generally clean

Simon Anthony mentioned that the planters are now repositories for litter.

A resident asked about a Streetwise employee saving someone’s life on Central Av.

Brian Frank mentioned that he has some teachers from China visiting at the moment & they think that RBC’s streets are very clean.

The Secretary mentioned that the street cleansing dept. in Nottm. City had “clean ups” as part of their “Weeks of Action” – this would be a good idea in Rushcliffe.

A resident mentioned that there was still a problem with horse droppings on Gertrude Rd & on the footpaths on the Hook.

The Chairman suggested that residents should contact the Streetwise team if they see horse manure left on footpaths or the road. Streetwise will lean on the stables to collect the manure.

Cllr Cooper wished to clarify the responsibilities of RBC & the County Counc – this is a fairly reasonable list –

Notts County Council is responsible for:

RBC’s responsibilities:

The Secretary has added the purple section as a point of information.

Ron Baxter asked why the grass on the Hook has been left uncut, is it because it is being managed as a nature reserve? The tractor used for grass cutting can no longer reach the Hook as the access has changed.

The Secretary mentioned that the Environment Agency is hoping to recreate a water meadow type flora on some parts of the Hook.

 

 The Chairman thanked Tony & introduced Rebecca, PCSO:

 

Smartwater Rebecca informed the meeting about “Smartwater”. She explained that a leaflet had gone out about it with the LBCA Spring newsletter. There has not been a big take up in Lady Bay. She showed those at the meeting the small bottle in which the Smartwater can be obtained. 1 dab is all that is necessary to mark items with the code. The bar code is detectable from 1 mm^2. The bar code is unique & registered to each user. Smartwater dries clear. It is a good idea to apply the dab of Smartwater on a rough surface such as across a serial number from where it cannot be removed. When an item marked with Smartwater is subjected to ultra violet light the code is revealed. The police scan all recovered items. The mark lasts for 120 years. Items such as bikes & laptops can be marked. Stickers for your goods & for your windows are provided so that a warning is given to potential thieves. If you have a son or daughter at university it is a very good idea to mark his/her property. Smartwater signs will be put up in the area soon.

 

Questions & comments

 

Simon Anthony asked what action should be taken if you move & how much does Smartwater cost.

Alan Bell asked if there was any for sale this evening.

Yes, there are 10 packs available.

A resident mentioned that residents in Nottm City have received Smartwater free of charge during the Weeks of Action.

Simon asked whether insurance companies might reduce premiums.

A resident asked what would happen if Smartwater was put on one’s skin.

 

The Chairman thanked Rebecca & introduced Inspector Norman England:

 

Crime Update PC Adrian Bradshaw & Rebecca, PCSO are the main contacts for information on crime in the Lady Bay area.

Comparing crime statistics from ‘05/’06 to those of ‘06/’07 – there have been 95 fewer victims in Lady Bay. Burglaries are down by 30%. Lady Bay is 1 of the safest places to live in Nottm. In the recent past the biggest problem was shed burglaries, this type of crime has reduced by 35%, this may be due to the campaign to reduce shed burglaries with shed locks & shed alarms being sold. A shed was given as a raffle prize as part of the campaign.

Robberies have fallen from 11 to 6, though the aim is to go down to 0.

Thefts from vehicles have gone down with 67 offences in ‘06/’07. However, thefts of vehicles have bucked the general trend & there has been an increase from 17 to 30. This may be because many people have older vehicles in this area that are easier to break into.

Criminal damage has increased with 98 offences this year & 76 in ‘05/’06. This increase is mainly a result of vehicles being damaged on summer evenings & during football matches.

Offences to do with drugs have risen very slightly to 9 offences.

Violent offences have gone down by 19% with 34 offences in ‘06/’07. 7/10 violent offenders are arrested. 17 or 18 of these violent acts are a result of domestic violence.

 

 Questions & comments

 

John Finney asked whether the reduction in crime was due to a well-known perpetrator being in prison. When will he be released?

A resident mentioned that late night youth activity on 10 Acre Field was a problem.

A resident asked whether all crimes should be reported.

John Finney reported that police vehicles disturb him at night when sirens are used on Radcliffe Rd – surely this isn’t necessary at times of low traffic?

Cllr. Mallender asked whether any test purchasing might take place to prevent shops selling to under age drinkers & smokers.

A resident asked whether the “no cold calling zone” could be extended.

Susan Wilson reported that a cold caller using a bike had been seen, could he be assessing properties that might be easy targets to break in to?

The Chairman thanked Inspector England & introduced Mike Harman Joint Venture Partner of the W. Bridgford Royal British Legion.

Plans for the British Legion Site 2 years ago the W. Bridgford Royal British Legion (WBRBL) was bordering on bankruptcy. The members own WBRPL. Mike bailed out the WBRBL & secured it in the short term. It is envisaged that the building will be demolished & replaced. The present structure was built in 1946; it is not compliant with DDA regulations. The WBRBL has 500 members. There is a bowls club & a tennis club. The latter is based in a shed built in 1932. The suggested plans are on the website: www.legionhall.co.uk Mike intends to produce a leaflet with the plans for the site depicted on them to the Lady Bay area as a consultation exercise. There are 16-20 small groups using the premises at the moment: ex-servicemen’s, Burma Star Association, marshal arts groups, archery club, Clifton Clog Morris Dancers, dance groups, model helicopter club etc. Mike & other members would like to increase the numbers of members. The tennis club could become a centre of excellence. The Legion Angling Club has recently bought a 15-year lease on Pinder’s Pond.

 

Questions & comments

 

Hazel Kerr suggested that the new building might include a surgery for a Lady Bay GP & that the leaflet could include a section about the campaign for a GP surgery.

 

The Chairman thanked Mike & introduced Julie Palmer:

 

FIELDS Report: The tenant farmer has died. When the County Council get vacant possession, which will be soon or within 2 years of the Notice to Quit being given, the farmhouse & farm buildings, the garden & the paddock will be sold for residential use. The County intend to retain the ownership of the fields, letting it to other farmers. Because of the “strategic location” of the land, the County want to keep the land.

 

Questions & comments

 

A resident asked whether the farmhouse was listed.

Another resident asked whether the W. Bridgford Equestrian Centre might wish to extend into the nearby fields.

Ron Baxter asked what was happening regarding the proposed Park & Ride.

Simon Anthony asked what was happening regarding the FIELDS committee.

The Chairman suggested that we must wait to see what happens. If the executers of Chris Scott’s will decide to keep the farm on for another 2 years then the rent will have to be paid. This may be a use for the money FIELDS has raised. The community could band together to buy the farmhouse. The rest of the land is in the Green Belt until planning permission is granted for another use.

 

The Chairman thanked Julie & introduced Paul Olejnik of Simkin’s Farm & Community Partnership:

 

“Greenies’ Field” The partnership was set up 4 years ago on “awkward field”. The field was so named because it was full of weeds & very wet as well as being too small for conventional farming. The group has successfully grown vegetables & herbs on the field & an orchard has been planted. At the Lady Bay Festival ice creams will be sold from Alan Bell’s garden to raise money for the partnership. The “greenies” are determined to keep going.

 

There were no questions or comments.

 

The Chairman thanked Paul & introduced Richard Butterwick of the Open Lady Bay Arts & Gardens. This is an amalgamation of the Lady Bay Open Studios & the open gardens weekend. The money FIELDS has raised is mainly a result of the open gardens events.

 

Open Lady Bay Arts & Gardens Richard is speaking in place of Chris Guest. The Open Lady Bay Arts & Gardens event is on the weekend of 9^th/10^th Jun. The aims of the event are to be a distinctive Lady Bay event with high quality Art & culture & to raise money for LBCA, especially FIELDS. The event has public liability insurance through LBCA. An expected grant from the Arts Council has not been forthcoming so there will be a charge of £2/adult. There are 10 gardens open, some of these are gardens only; others will have Art on display. Refreshments will be provided at Lady Bay Primary School where there will also be Arts workshops. There will be Art on display at the Scout Hut & at All Hallows’ Halls. There will be scarecrows in some front gardens as well as philosophical estate agents’ boards! On the evening of Sat 9^th Jun there will be a community picnic on 10-Acre Field. There will be an open debrief after the event during the week beginning 11^th Jul.   

 

Questions & comments

 

The Chairman asked those present what they thought we should do regarding Simkin’s Farm.

John Finney stated that he is hoping to set up a centre providing services for disabled people. He is looking for premises & has approached the County Council with a view to buying the farmhouse.

Alan Bell considered that the community should retain an interest & perhaps employ a farm manager.

The Chairman asked whether Julian, Chris Scott’s Farm Manager was still working there.

The Secretary explained that Julian is no longer working on the land.

Elspeth Young suggested that we pay the rent for the family. We could collect money for FIELDS at the Open Lady Bay Arts & Gardens event.

The Chairman suggested that Chris Guest be asked whether raising money for FIELDS is acceptable at the Open Lady Bay Arts & Gardens event. It is also the National Gardens Open day on Sun 10^th Jun & the 3 gardens that are part of this scheme will be making a separate charge.

Maureen Mitchell suggested that there could be a display & a collection bucket at the school.

Cllr Mallender advised that Chris Scott’s family should be asked 1^st as to whether they would like the community to help with payment of the rent etc.

The Chairman agreed: we should wait to hear what the executers of Chris Scott’s will would like to happen.

Peter Hammond advised that the farmhouse should not be left empty.

AOB There are many unofficial footpaths that cross the fields & recently several have been blocked by a fence erected around the W. Bridgford Equestrian Centre. Nick Johnson of Holme Rd has suggested that the paths could be protected for people to walk on if the fields became a “Village Green” which is a designation available due to recent “Right to Roam” legislation. He suggested that LBCA join the Open Spaces Soc.

The Secretary explained that there are, at present, no designated paths on these fields.

Nick suggested that the W. Bridgford Equestrian Centre could extend the other way rather than over the Simkin’s Farm fields.

Julie Palmer seconded the proposal that LBCA join the Open Spaces Soc.

The Secretary asked people to give her evidence concerning uses of the fields over the last 20 years.

Ron Baxter asked whether the handrail on the new entrance to the Hook from Holme Rd could be extended. At the moment cyclists use the grassy banks & there have been accidents.

 

Meeting closed at 10.20 pm.