BRIMINGTON AND TAPTON COMMUNITY FORUM. Wednesday, 19th March, 2003 at Brimington Junior School, Springvale Road. Present

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1 1 BRIMINGTON AND TAPTON COMMUNITY FORUM Wednesday, 19th March, 2003 at Brimington Junior School, Springvale Road Present Representing Chesterfield Borough Council Councillor John Burrows (Chair) Councillor Terry Gilby Geoff Cass Lead Officer Borough Recreation and Leisure Officer Anne Goss Support Officer to the Forum Dick Huskinson Borough Technical Services Officer (for Minute No. 15/03) Representing Derbyshire County Council Councillor Walter Burrows Dave Allen Derbyshire County Council Highways Co-opted Members Evelyn Briggs Chris Brown Mandy Hicken Geoff Mellor Joan Rippon Richard Webb Ian Williams 11 members of the public were also present 12/03 APOLOGIES Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Margaret Middleton and Clive Newman of the Primary Care Trust. 13/03 PROGRESS/INFORMATION Review of Community Forum Boundaries Option 3, the preferred option of this Forum, had been adopted by the Council.

2 2 Re-appointment of Co-opted Members The current term of office for co-opted members would expire in May Existing co-opted members would have their term of office extended for the next two years until May The Forum was keen to expand its membership and anyone interested should contact the Forum Support Officer. Letters had been sent to all members of the public who had attended Forum meetings asking if they would consider joining the Forum as co-opted members. Changes to Support Arrangements The Forum noted that the current arrangements in respect of support to the Forums were likely to change in line with the introduction of restructuring and changes to Forums taking place in May. Community Forum Liaison Group The Forum noted that the next meeting of the Community Forum Liaison Group would take place on Wednesday, 9th April, 2003 at 7.00 p.m. at the Town Hall. This Forum s representatives were Councillor Burrows, Joan Rippon and Evelyn Briggs. None of the above were able to attend the meeting and Mandy Hicken and Richard Webb were appointed to attend as substitutes. 14/03 MINUTES The Minutes of the meeting held on 5th February, 2003 were approved as a true record. 15/03 DRAFT PROPOSAL FOR RAMMED EARTH PROJECT COMMUNITY/ BOWLS FACILITY Dick Huskinson, the Borough Technical Services Officer, attended and gave a presentation on the above proposal as follows:- Current State of Authorisation The concept had been discussed with senior members of the Council and further research had been authorised. A planning application would be made in advance of formal authorisation to the project timetable. Finance had not been confirmed but it was hoped that this would be made available.

3 3 Proposed Building The building would be single storey and contain multi-use area with a small kitchen, store and a disabled standard toilet and shower. A verandah would face the bowling green and french doors would open either on to the bowling green or on to the community garden to the rear. There would be pedestrian access only through the community garden from Manor Drive. There would be no vehicular access. Construction Method The external walls would be constructed using rammed earth technology with a stud partition and dry lined inner wall to permit full thermal insulation. This would be necessary because rammed earth, whilst giving good sound insulation, had poor thermal insulation properties. The roof would be standard roof construction. The rammed earth was part of a research project in conjunction with Sheffield Hallam University in sustainable building techniques. Home Wasn t Built in a Day The concrete foundation slab, with in-built services, would be constructed in advance but it was hoped that the walls and basic roof structure would be built in 24 hours. The building would be undertaken by the Council s own apprentices assisted by experienced trades people and would therefore also present a valuable training and educational experience for the next generation of workers. Construction would be filmed as part of a BBC TV series Home Wasn t Built in a Day examining different types of building technology. Subject to funding, planning permission, building regulation approval and public support, the filming would take place in late June or early July and the programme would form part of the autumn schedules. It was proposed that in the event that funding could be obtained and the scheme go ahead that the Forum support the community garden element of the scheme and that other community groups, such as the Brimington Gardeners Association, and local schools, be asked to participate. AGREED - (1) That the Rammed Earth Project Community Bowls Facility be supported. (2) That the Council be encouraged to contact community groups to participate in the project.

4 4 16/03 COMMUNITY SAFETY (a) Police Report It was reported that there had recently been an increase in anti-social activity and nuisance in the John Street/Heywood Street area. This was attributed to: - beat manager being absent from duty; - displacement from Neale Bank which had recently been targeted. Those present expressed concern about alleged drug dealing from a vehicle seen in the High Street/Heywood Street area. The beat manager agreed to investigate. The hope was expressed that the introduction of CCTV and increased lighting within the area would help to alleviate the problem. (b) Youth Initiatives It was reported that the External Affairs and Community Issues Scrutiny Panel would be carrying out a review into the provision of youth services in the Borough. The purpose of the review was to asses and, if necessary, improve effective partnership arrangements between the many agencies involved in delivery of the youth service within the Borough and to ensure that the best possible services were being delivered to the community. The review would look at services provided to young people up to the age of 19, as a way of achieving the Council s vision of developing: - a vibrant and diverse economy; - safe communities; - improved homes and neighbourhoods for all residents; - lifelong learning; - enjoyable use of leisure time and active citizenship. The Forum was asked to suggest groups or individuals who it was felt would have a valuable contribution to make to the review. The Forum s attention was also drawn to an open day to be held in June 2003 to which representatives from all agencies involved in the provision of youth services would be invited. AGREED - (1) That allegations of drug dealing and abuse in the High Street/ Heywood Street area be investigated. (2) That the Borough Council s External Affairs and Community Issues Scrutiny Panel note the following as worthy of contact in

5 5 17/03 HEALTH ISSUES respect of the review into the provision of youth activities in the Borough:- PC Ian Godfrey, Beat Manager Music Melting Pot Richard Webb Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator PC Alan McGill Sport 2000 Zone Youth Club/Derbyshire County Council Outreach Workers Clive Newman was unable to attend the meeting but had given the following update on the PCT Service Development Strategy which had been considered by the PCT Board. The preferred option included: - increase amount of home based care; - specialist rehabilitation centre with 20 beds. Preference would be for new build on brownfield site or redevelopment of part of Walton site. If these options were not viable then further development of the Royal Hospital site would be considered. At the moment Haddon Ward at Walton Hospital was being used as a stroke zone ; - there would be general step down beds within the community. The location was being considered, as was the possibility of pooling resources with housing and DSS. Costings would be considered by the PCT during September or October. 18/03 HIGHWAYS ISSUES Most of the schemes previously reported would be completed within this financial year. An additional scheme covering resurfacing of Crow Lane, Wheathill Close, Wetlands Lane and Dark Lane would be included within this financial year. Work would start on 20th March, A road closure would be necessary to complete these works. Schemes to be included in the financial year starting from 1st April, 2003 would include: - 20 mph zone Wikeley Way/Lansdowne Road area; - improved pedestrian access at railway station; - realignment at Ringwood Road; - reconstruction of part of A619 between Lansdowne Road and Briar View; - pelican crossing at Tapton in the vicinity of Balmoak Lane/Lockoford Lane.

6 6 Consultation was still under way with regard to traffic calming at Station Road. The proposed scheme for Balmoak Lane had been abandoned as a result of large numbers of objections being received. Those present requested information on the following: - Failure of Top Dressing at Lockoford Lane Mr. Allen suggested that this would be planed off and resurfaced as necessary when weather conditions allowed. - Need for Repair to Green Lane as reported to 5th February, 2003 meeting This was within the ownership of Chesterfield Borough Council and would be investigated. - Ongoing problems in the Water Lane area Suggested that the Council s Engineer be invited to the next meeting with a view to finalising this matter. - Poor visibility on approach to station access from Crow Lane Rail authorities to be contacted and hedges and overgrowth to be cut back in order to increase visibility. - Representatives of Brimington Gardeners Association asked if it would be possible to acquire a quantity of planings. They were referred to the Highways Contracts Manager based at Stonegravels. - Clarification of Proposal for Toucan Crossing at Lockoford Lane It was explained that this had been included on the reserved list. 19/03 REPORT FROM PLANNING SUB-GROUP Councillor Gilby declared an interest and took no part in discussions raised during consideration of this item. Station Road Residential Development The Forum expressed concern about the small amount of green space in the scheme given that there were likely to be quite a high proportion of children. It was explained that the density of the scheme was necessary because of the cost of remedial works to the site.

7 7 Those present requested that if additional green space could not be provided within the scheme then a contribution be made towards improved facilities at Eastwood Park. Concern was also expressed about the impact a development of this size would make on the local schools and other local facilities. Residential Development Adjacent to 357 Manor Road Those present accepted that the site was already residential but expressed concern that extra houses on the site would create access problems on to Manor Road so close to the current Westwood Lane access. Resubmission of Application for Telecommunications Mast Concern was expressed that the mast, which was to take the form of a tree, would look false and that it would now be more so because the proposed height had been increased. It was reported that a petition opposing the development was circulating within the village. AGREED - That the Borough Planning and Estates Officer note the Forum s comments on planning applications in respect of: - Station Road; Manor Road; - Telecommunications mast. 20/03 QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC Those present raised the following issues: - Indiscriminate dumping of rubbish on the approaches to the Canal at Cow Lane. - Dog Fouling: - Excessive dog fouling on the grass verge at Rother Way adjacent to Sainsburys superstore. - Boythorpe and Brimington Cemeteries. - Problem at Paxton Road entrance to Tapton Park where, although owners were using plastic bags, these were then hung on tree branches and hedges in the vicinity. - Lighting repairs and cleaning up of play area at John Street. - Fouling by horses.

8 8 AGREED - (1) That the Borough Environmental Health Officer arrange for removal of accumulated dumped rubbish on Cow Lane on the approach to the Canal. 21/03 BUDGET (2) That the Borough Environmental Health Officer arrange for dog waste bins to be positioned: - on grass verge at Rother Way; - at Paxton Road entrance to Tapton Park. (3) That dog wardens patrol the above areas together with Boythorpe and Brimington Cemeteries. (4) That the Borough Recreation and Leisure Officer arrange the cleaning of John Street play area and the repair of lighting. A statement of the Forum s budget indicating that 8, was available for projects was submitted. The Lead Officer pointed out that a further 11,000 would be made available from May giving a total of approximately 19,000 which could be used to fund a community project which would make a real impact. A member of the Forum proposed that a sum of 500 be set aside to contribute towards the provision of a community garden in association with the scheme outlined at Minute No. 15/03. AGREED - That, further to Minute No. 15/03, a sum of 500 be contributed towards the provision of a community garden. 22/03 COUNCIL PRIORITIES AND BUDGET 2003/04 A report was submitted on the Council s agreed priorities and budget agreed at its meeting on the 5th March. The report showed: - how Forum views had been taken into account in the budget setting process; - the priorities and budget allocations for 2003/04, particularly those which had an impact on Forums Community Strategies; - progress with the overall Community Strategy. A summary of all the Community Forums Community Strategies had highlighted the following main areas of concern:

9 9 - Promoting community safety. - Reducing anti-social behaviour. - Tackling abandoned vehicles, dog fouling, litter, fly tipping, graffiti. - Improving traffic calming. - More facilities for young people. - Promoting and improving community facilities. - Improving facilities at recreation grounds and parks. Based on this and other information received, the Council agreed that its priorities for 2003/04 should be: - increasing the Council s role in the community, particularly in crime prevention and youth initiatives; - providing better facilities for bus users; - street scene issues (dog fouling, abandoned cars, litter, fly tipping/graffiti, green spaces; - working towards a decent homes standard across the Borough and promoting the Home Improvement Agency; - redeveloping leisure facilities in the Staveley area; - securing the redevelopment of the former Donkin/UEF site on Derby Road; providing new units at Dunston and actively marketing the Ireland Colliery Pithead Site; - maximising the benefits of the new TIC to increase the number of tourists contributing to a vibrant local economy; - embracing new technology to make more of the Council s services available electronically; - actions arising from the Improvement Plan for the Best Value Review on Healthy Communities. The Council had agreed a Council Tax rise of 3.9% for 2003/04 which would bring in approximately 130,000 in additional revenue. The Council s net expenditure for 2003/04 was 10,900,000 funded as follows:

10 10 - Council Tax - 3.3m (30%). - Revenue Support Grant - 3.4m (31%). - Business Rates - 4.2m (39%). 23/03 PROVISIONAL BUS SHELTER ENHANCEMENT PROGRAMME 2003/04 It was reported that the Council was in the process of considering the provisional bus shelter enhancement programme for 2003/04 which included the following proposals which would affect this Forum:- New Provision 2003/04 - Lansdowne Road between Nos. 77 and 91. Replacements 2003/04 - Manor Road, opposite the Post Office. - Manor Road, outside No Works Committed 2002/03 - Brimington Road, junction Chesterfield Road. - Brimington Road, junction Lockoford Road. - Springvale Road, outside Junior School. - Chesterfield Road, opposite Lansdowne Road. ) - Ringwood Road, outside No. 42. ) Replacement - Ringwood Road, opposite Robinson Caravans. ) Shelters Erected 2001/02 - Chesterfield Road, junction Bradley Way. - Chesterfield Road, adjacent Cemetery. - Dorset Drive, outside Markham Arms. - Hall Road. - Neale Bank, outside shops. - Wikeley Way, junction Station Road. 24/03 DATES OF FUTURE MEETINGS The next meeting of the Forum would take place at 7.00 p.m. on Wednesday, 21st May, 2003 at Brimington Community Centre. Preparations were under way for the special meeting of the Forum to take place on the afternoon of the 2nd July, 2003 at Tapton Campus. The meeting would be themed to cover issues of interest to older members of the community.