THURSDAY 14THMay 2015, GARLAND STREET BAPTIST CHURCH
Richard Whalebelly and Rachel Shaw Co-Chair for the Eastgate Ward Community Association welcomed all present to the AGM. Thanking all for coming out in the evening and requesting that all present entered their details onto the signing in sheet to enable the EWCA mailing list to be up to date so that residents can be updated on what is going on and when meetings are taking place.
The EWCA Committee was introduced
Rachel Shaw – Co Chair
Richard Whalebelly – Co Chair
Doug Conran Vice Chair
Keith Fennelow – Treasurer
Julie Webb – Secretary
Colin Payne and Mark Turner Committee Members.
Introductions were also made to Councillors, Patsy Warby the Borough Councillor, Frank Warby the Town Councillor and Trevor Beckwith the County Councillor.
Frank Warby was our new town councillor but was a familiar name and face. He replaces Peter Thompson who has not had much presence at EWCA meetings.
Councillor David Nettleton is also a resident within the Ward and represents Risbygate but is not present this evening.
British Sugar, Fine and Country Estate Agents, Pea Porridge Restaurant, Aubrey Nice and Bury Bridal Rooms were all thanked for their support of the EWCA through advertising on the flyer for the AGM.
Unfortunately due a recent incident within the town there will be no Police representation at the meeting this evening.
EWCA are looking for people to join their Committee and an appeal was made. The EWCA presents a way to meet new people and keep in touch with what is happening in the local community. Bury St Edmunds is a beautiful town and Rachel Shaw stated that he felt privilege to live in the town and this is one of the reasons he became involved. The Committee is looking for people who are not just interested in what the EWCA can do for them but also about what they can do for the EWCA and the wider community.
Richard Bowen – The River Lark “Changes and Challenges” (Environment Agency)
Richard Bowen advised that Andrew Hincley had provided some “A Tale of Two Rivers” booklets free. Richard Whalebelly said that an error in communication from himself meant that Andrew was unable to attend. The Bury Water Meadows Group is looking for people to get involved and continue to do an invaluable job in protecting the leg of mutton.
Following the presentation questions were invited.
Frank Warby asked what help Anglian Water were providing. Richard Bowen advised that they had a hosting role It is hoped to form a river trust charily and involve local people.
Mark Turner made reference to the Eastgate Weir problems of 2009 and asked if it was possible to have a re-occurrence. Richard Bowen advised that it was the silt behind the weir that when cooked in the sun caused the really unpleasant smell that impacted on the lives of those living nearby. The work undertaken means that a valve by the car park upstream is opened to shoot the silt out but can only be done in high water conditions. What is needed is a self cleaning system one that is not reliant on people being sent to open a valve. The self maintining route will be expensive. The weir cannot be removed as it is tied to the foundation of local houses. It would be possible to cut deep notches to the tope f the weir to drop the water level but this is also costly. Money would be required from the government and it would be done in partnership with the Environment Agency.
Richard Bowen advised that the costs would be high, ideally a rock ramp retainer would be most effective and would be £50,000..
Frank Warby enquired about European money. Richard Bowen advised that they would expect an up front contribution.
Trevor Beckwith advised of a further issue – the damage to Eastgate Bridge. A meeting had been held with a Structural engineer from Suffolk County Council but no money had been forthcoming. The bridge is listed. Trevor Beckwith suggested that work to the bridge be brought into the scheme. Richard Bowen advised that this might make the scheme more attractive.
Mark Turner asked if the weir acted as a flood defence. Richard Bowen advised that it was not it was to keep the water back in the Abbey and to keep the foundations of the old abbey wet. The work undertaken will allow a more natural drop further down.
HOLDERNESS ROAD
Trevor Beckwith advised that the work will be undertaken by September when the new campaing commences. The work should have been carried out last year but there were issues with Kier the sub contractors for Suffolk County Council.
There is a facility on the St Edmundsbury Borough website to identify where there are pot holes within the Borough. Flags will be put on the map to pin point them.
Mary Ann White advised that the road is all broken up and the drain blocked in Pickwick Crescent. She has rung the council to no avail. 2 lamp posts also need to be replaced as the old ones were faulty. The lack of lighting has made the area dangerous as it is not possible to see the concrete bollard in the dark. There is also a double yellow line issue that needs to be addressed as currently access is being restricted for residents due to people parking. Trevor Beckwith asked Mary Ann White to speak with him following the meeting and he will purse the matter.
A trip hazard was also reported outside Hartwell Blinds at the Northgate round about junction.
Andre hincley in april, suggest council take backresp enforce parking
PARKING
Trevor Beckwith reported that St Edmundsbury Council are not keen on taking over enforcement of parking based on the fact that it took 10 years for Ipswich Borough Council to break even. There is concern that without parking restrictions a dangerous accident could happen within the Borough. Increasingly due to parking costs cars are dispersing outside of town and either car sharing or walking into town which is compounding the issue.
Residents parking is the only way to stop intruders as currently Police do not have the capacity to enforce double yellow lines.
Mark Turner commented that the recent resident parking scheme in grove rod has worked and St Edmundsbury enforcers visit the area twice a day
A lengthy discussion took place in respect of residents parking on the Barwell Road development in light of the issues that have arisen from non residents parking within the roads on the development during the day.
WASTE TRANSFER SITE
Trevor Beckwith advised that following the plan for the Waste Transfer site to be located at Hollow Road Farm he has written to the Bury Free Press about the feasibility of the waste transfer site being near an isolated locations by a train line in order that the waste can be transferred by rail. The County Council has said that their is not capacity on the rail line.
TREASURERS REPORT
INCOME £88.40
EXP 13578
£705.00 Bank Balance
£15 10 Petty Cash
An additional £200.00 sponsorship from British Sugar will boost the balance. EWCA is losing money annually. The donation bucket for voluntary contributions is on the side.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS
The Committee were re-elected on block and this was proposed by Tony Gough and seconded by Jo Tregear.
REDVELOPMENT OF BAPTIST CHURCH
The Plans shared at the Open Meeting have now been adjusted architecturally in response to concerns. Approval now needs to be sought from the Baptist Union Co-operation and then planning permission can be sought and the fund raising will begin.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
The issue of dog litter bins was discussed. The bin behind the Abbey on the walk towards Moreton Hall was moved due to access issues for the Council who emply the bins.
The Borough Council is moving towards bigger bins due to the smaller ones being vandalised. The Town Council pay for the bins and they are emptied by the Borough Council. The bins will be dual purpose dog poo and other waste.
SCAFFOLDING IN BARWELL ROAD
There is a damaged wall on the Cotton Lane road into the Barwell Road Development. The scaffolding has been erected by Seamans. Enquiries will be made as to ho is responsible for the wall and establish when repairs will be undertaken. Trevor Beckwith advised that he would follow up with the County Council. The road is now single file.
Mark Turner commented that with the growth of houses on the outskirts of town and the need for people to come into town to work or to shop the parking issue will only get worse. The EWCA have the opportunity to do a survey and give some serious thoughts to the proposal of residents parking. Steve Boor has conceded to do a survey so the EWCA need to take action and write to residents and Steve Boor to ensure that the proposal carries weight.
THANK YOU
Patsy Warby thanked the Committee for all their help in the past and recognised how important resident associations are in bring points forward to councillors.