BROCKHILL RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION

Minutes of Meeting Monday June 22nd 2015

Those Present:

Sylvia Collinson​​SC

David Dallaway​​DD

Lynn Dallaway​​​LD

James Doble​​​JD

Tish Greenway​​TG

Julie Vincent​​​JV

Guest in attendance:

WCC Robin Lunn​​RL

Mayor Pattie Hill​​PH

Apologies received from Angie Preece, Brenda Quinney and Cllr Anita Clayton.

The Agenda:

1. Progress on the two remaining unadopted roads (Turnpike Lane and Wheatcroft Close).

2. B.R.A. alert system/crime & security

3. Neighbourhood Watch/PACT venue

4. Illegal fishing in Brockhill Park

5. Traffic calming or crossing on Salters Lane from Brockhill Park to Oak Tree Lane

6. Update on the progress of the new path to be constructed at the Lily Green island

7. New Sign for Brockhill at the Bromsgrove Highway/Tardebigge end of Brockhill Drive

8. Lost Pets section on our website

9. Litter Pick date

10. Naming of ‘open spaces’

11. New membership leaflets

12. A.O.B. (To include the entry to the Nature Reserve, surface at the top of the new path into the Nature Reserve, rubbish bin for walkway adjacent to Greenford Close).

1. Progress on the two remaining unadopted roads (Turnpike Lane and Wheatcroft Close):

RL said that he had spoken to Persimmon Homes to check if there was any work outstanding in these two roads. Persimmon said that any work needed had been completed, so we are now just awaiting confirmation that the adoption has taken place.

RL said that he will arrange a meeting with Martin Brown from Worcestershire County Council in early July, to discuss the adoption of the roads on Pointers Way.

Action RL

2. B.R.A. alert system/crime & security:

Following the recent break-ins to cars and garages in several roads in Brockhill, JD suggested having an ‘alert system’ on our website. He also proposed creating a B.R.A. Facebook page for residents to discuss local matters of concern. JD and SC said that they would be able to monitor this, as they are Facebook members themselves and log in regularly. SC will arrange for a section to be added to the website and JD will set up the Facebook page.

Action SC & JD

3. Neighbourhood Watch/ PACT venue:

We are still waiting to hear from our Neighbourhood Police Team as to where and when PACT meetings could be held. PH said that it was unlikely that a local school would be willing to stay open for meetings, as attendance was very low when previous meetings were arranged at Birchensale Middle School.

The consensus of the meeting was that the setting up of a Neighbourhood Watch scheme would not be worth pursuing.  

4. Illegal fishing in Brockhill Park/Wetlands:

In the evening a few weeks ago, resident dog walkers witnessed some fishermen in Brockhill Park (the Wetlands) enticing the swans to move by feeding them bread, thus enabling them to fish. In previous years swans have been injured, or worse, by fishing tackle. The swans think that the fishermen are throwing them food when they are really casting their lines. If swallowed, the tackle can tear their insides. We are extremely concerned for the safety of the seven cygnets as well as their parents. JV has arranged to meet with the Place Team Supervisor from Bromsgrove and Redditch Borough Council, who is in charge of parks and open spaces, next Tuesday June 30th to discuss the positioning of some ‘NO FISHING’ signs around the Wetlands. Jackie Boreham from RBC Parks and Open Spaces has confirmed that unfortunately they do not have the powers to enforce penalties.

5. Traffic calming or crossing on Salters Lane from Brockhill Park to Oak Tree Lane:

We are concerned for children and older residents crossing over Salters Lane on their way to the shops and bus stop etc. Traffic appears so quickly around the bend from the Lily Green Lane end that, as a minimum, a warning crossing sign needs to be erected. RL said that since a similar sign had been erected further up Salters Lane, near to Beech Tree Close, there have been fewer accidents. RL said that to have an actual crossing would cost too much.

Action RL

6. Update on the progress of the new path to be constructed at the Lily Green Lane traffic island:

RL said that the Highways Department have agreed to construct a path, at one of the sides of Lily Green Lane traffic island, to enable residents to cross more safely. He said that they hadn’t decided on which side to build it yet, but that it had been approved and should be done by the end of the year. JV suggested that the wider side on the left, when coming from Brockhill Drive, would be the better side, as it is wider and most people cross at this side.

7. New sign for Brockhill at the Tardebigge/Bromsgrove Highway end of Brockhill Drive:

The road sign at the Bromsgrove Highway end of Brockhill Drive currently shows only the name of Batchley. We had previously asked RL if he could arrange to have it changed to include Brockhill, as it can be confusing for the visitors of residents when trying to find their relatives’/friends’ new houses. RL said that the new sign showing both Batchley and Brockhill is ready and will be installed shortly.

8. Lost Pets space on our website:

We discussed creating a ‘Lost Pets’ section on our website for use by members. It was felt that this would be beneficial. Also a similar section could be included in our soon to be created Facebook page. It was felt that some members were more likely to visit Facebook than the website, and hence coverage would be increased.

Action SC

9. Litter Pick date:

We decided to postpone the Litter Pick until autumn, when the vegetation will have started to die down and litter will be more visible. PH recommended our contacting HM Prison Hewell as they were keen to forge links with local communities. It might be possible for them to supply a few inmates to help with this and other projects we may undertake in the future.  

10. Naming of ‘open spaces’:

JD had suggested that we hold a competition for naming the various ’open spaces’ around Brockhill. Once named it would make it easier when referring to areas of concern. It will also get members more involved and create a pride in our countryside. We will distribute entry forms to our members once they have been designed. JD is in contact with a designer who he hopes will help with this.

Action JD

11. New Membership Leaflets:

We hope these will be ready shortly and will arrange to have them delivered within the local newspapers or by hand to those on Pointers Way, since they currently do not receive the Standard or Advertiser.

Action AP

12. A.O.B.

RL agreed to pursue Persimmon Homes regarding their funding of a community notice board for the Pointers Way development site.

Action RL

As previously pointed out the new path, leading from Brockhill Lane up to the Nature Reserve, needs an improved more absorbent surface at the top of the steps as it gets very slippery when wet and muddy. Also the sides at the bottom of the new gate need to be blocked off with chicken wire or the like to prevent young children and dogs from falling down the steep slope on to Brockhill Lane.  

JD also pointed out that the post and fence next to the 5 bar entrance gate into the nature area from Plumstead Close had become loose and were currently held up by cable ties. JD agreed to send PH photographs of both entrances to assist in her progressing these matters.

Action JD & PH 

We are still waiting for a waste bin to be placed on the walkway adjacent to Greenford Close. SC agreed to send PH a photograph depicting where the bin should be situated.  

Action SC & PH

JD told us that three black bin liners full of rubbish that had been dumped in the culvert running alongside the pathway that leads from Brockhill Lane to opposite the postbox in Carthorse Lane. The balancing pond into which the water flows has all but dried up, leaving the birdlife stranded in mud and moss. It is not known if the dumping of rubbish in the culvert is the sole cause of the pond’s drying up, but it must exacerbate the situation. The cause should be investigated. JD will send PH a photograph of the location of the bin liners.    

Action JD &PH

The ‘NO THROUGH ROAD’ sign, requested by residents in Marchwood Close, has been granted funding by the Highways Department and should be erected shortly.

PH encouraged everybody to view her Facebook page, “Pattie Hill for Batchley and Brockhill”. She also recommended our registering on “Streetlife”, a social network for local communities.

The ‘Walks Around Brockhill’ leaflets are in the pipeline. One of JD’s neighbours is a designer whom he hopes to recruit to assist with this task.

The meeting ended at 9.50 p.m.

Brockhill Residents’ Association AGM held at The Batchley Community Centre on Monday 11th May 2015

Agenda

1.     Introductions

2.     Agree  minutes of previous year’s AGM

3.     Treasurer’s report

4.     Report on year’s achievements

5.     Executive committee elections

6.     Future objectives

7.     A.O.B.

The Committee in attendance:-

James Doble                        JD

David Dallaway                                    DD

Lynn Dallaway                    LD

Sylvia Collinson                                    SC

Julie Vincent                        JV

Tish Greenway                    TG

Apologies received from members Angie Preece, Paul Kimberley and Lorayne Kimberley.

1.     INTRODUCTIONS:

The Committee Members introduced themselves to the eleven members present, who also included WCC Robin Lunn, CC Pattie Hill and CC Natalie Brookes.  JD had agreed to be Spokesperson for the evening and he explained that our Chairman had resigned at the last AGM and that we were still looking to replace him.  Our Membership Secretary had also resigned at the last AGM.

2.     AGREE MINUTES OF PREVIOUS YEAR’S AGM:

The minutes from last year’s AGM were read out by JD and agreed.  Due to a change in websites half way through the year, these minutes were not currently able to be viewed.  This oversight would now be rectified.

3.     TREASURER’S REPORT:

Committee Treasurer, Sylvia Collinson, gave her account of the fund activities, which were also printed out for members to examine.  A copy of the accounts is posted on the website.

4.     REPORT ON YEAR’S ACHIEVEMENTS:

DD highlighted the main achievements since the last AGM:-

·       New website – thanks to Jules Collinson for creating and running.

·       Adoption of roads – thanks to Robin Lunn for his considerable work on this.  Robin confirmed that, excluding Pointers Way, the only two roads not yet adopted were Turnpike Lane and Wheatcroft Close.  The process for these last two should be completed in the next couple of weeks.

·       Two community notice boards kindly funded by RBC and WCC (Robin’s discretionary fund).

·       Improvement of Sainsbury’s traffic island road markings.

·       New steps and gated entrance off Brockhill Lane into the nature reserve plus the installation of dog mess bins – thanks to Pattie Hill for her efforts in this area.

·       New road signs for Brockhill at the Tardebigge end of Brockhill Drive.

·       Quiz Night in October raised £165 for association funds – thanks to sponsorship/donations from JGS Autos, Tesco, Morrisons, Wilkinson, Robin’s Bike Den, Winyates Chippy and various committee members.

·       Scheduled hedge trimming at the Butler’s Hill Lane traffic island.

5.     EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE ELECTIONS:

David Dallaway, Lynn Dallaway and Brenda Quinney stood down (as required by the Constitution).  Members were asked if they would like to stand for election, but nobody volunteered.  David Dallaway, Lynn Dallaway, James Doble and Angie Preece stood for election. They were proposed by Robin Dennis and seconded by Douglas Norris.  Angie Preece will be taking over the Events Secretary role.

6.     FUTURE OBJECTIVES:

JD outlined some of the coming year’s objectives:-

·       Increase committee and association membership – invitation leaflets to be distributed via local newspaper and door-to-door posting for Pointers Way residents.

·       A third community notice board to be sited on the Pointers Way Development.

·       Litter pick.

·       Further Quiz Nights.

·       Production of local walking leaflets/maps.

·       Competition to be held in which residents will be asked to propose names for the open spaces around Brockhill.

·       Continued pressure to ensure the early installation of Superfast Broadband – thanks to Peter Merricks for his work to date in this area.

·       Pathway to be provided at Brockhill Drive/Lily Green Lane traffic island.

7.     A.O.B.

Douglas Norris raised the problem with the junction at Butlers Hill Lane/Brockhill Lane not being wide enough for the increasing traffic.  He said that there is room for the roads to be widened which would help resolve the problem.  Robin Lunn said that he would look into this matter for us.

JD expressed his concern about the speed some drivers approached this junction.  He was aware of at least four cats being killed on this stretch of road in the last year.  Pattie Hill said all road kills should be reported to the PCSO’s in order that appropriate measures could be considered.

Anne Norris voiced her concerns about dogs that were being walked around Brockhill Park/ Wetlands, without being on a lead.  Many people like to let their dogs off their leads when they reach the park, so that they can have a run around.  However there have been many instances, she said, where dogs have become aggressive and because they are not on a lead, their owners have no control over them.  Anne has a small dog herself that has been confronted by an aggressive dog.  Also the swans, currently nesting, are very vulnerable.  There have been several incidents where aggressive dogs that are not on leads, have confronted the swans.  Pattie Hill said that she has several people watching over the swans, but of course, they cannot be on guard constantly.  JD suggested that we create a Pet Watch Section on our Website, where members can report any incidents relating to this.

Matt Collinson enquired about the section 106 monies that had been spent in areas outside Brockhill, such as The Abbey Stadium.  Pattie Hill, Robin Lunn and JD all confirmed that unfortunately this was “fait accompli” and was not illegal as it could be argued that Brockhill residents benefited from improvements to surrounding areas. However it was important we should ensure 106 monies arising from the Pointers way development were spent entirely in the Brockhill area.

As members are aware, we have been trying to get our own Community Hall so that we can arrange our meetings in Brockhill, instead of Tardebigge or Batchley.  There are plans, not yet passed by RBC, to build a school on the Pointers Way site.  If it is built, we are hoping that we will be able to use one of its rooms for our meetings. Pattie Hill said that Persimmon had provided Callow Hill residents with a room for their meetings in one of their Marketing Suites, when their houses were built.  There may be a possibility of Persimmon doing the same for us when Pointers Way is completed.  SC said that on the existing plans, the school would be built at the top of a hill thus causing difficulties for mothers with pushchairs.  It is likely that parents and guardians would be more likely to drive than walk to school and this would cause a parking problem for residents.

SC asked Pattie if she knew why the local paper wasn’t delivered to the houses on the Pointers Way estate.  SC had herself been told by the Newspaper that there weren’t enough telephone numbers registered on the estate to warrant the paper being delivered, even though most of the houses are now occupied.  Pattie said it was more likely that they couldn’t get anyone to deliver them.  DD pointed out that Angie Preece was related to the Bullivants and we were attempting to gain more information on the matter from that route.

Douglas Norris raised his concerns regarding Marchwood Close having traffic problems, as drivers think it is a through road.  He asked if signs saying ‘No Through Road’ could be erected to stop unnecessary access by traffic that then has to turn around in what should be a quiet close. Robin Lunn said he would look into the possibility of this.

Robin Dennis enquired whether we should charge an annual membership fee.  DD responded that this had been muted when the association had first been set up.  However we need to attract as many members as possible and free membership should help this.  To be able to finance this, it is very important that as many members as possible attend our quiz nights and any other fund raising events.

Pattie Hill read out a long list of forthcoming events and activities in the Redditch area that might be of interest to Brockhill residents.

The meeting ended at 8.45 p.m.