STOCKWELL PARK RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION
Minutes of committee meeting held on Monday 9 October 2006
Present: Anthony Gladstone-Thompson, Elizabeth Aves, Amanda Cornish, Simon Doff, Caroline Hirst.
Apologies: Martin Kenyon
Review of AGM There had been a good attendance. Thanks were expressed to Anthony for chairing the AGM and to Caroline for taking the minutes at such a long meeting. It was agreed that, to plan and time the AGM and allow for socialising afterwards, the calling notice next year should include a request that those wishing to speak notify the chairman in advance and be included in the agenda. Items not on the agenda will not be accepted. Simon Doff will make payment to Andrew Grant for use of the church hall.
Treasury
Subscriptions: It had been reported at the AGM that 94 households, out of approximately 450, had contributed subscriptions for the year 2005/2006, totalling £1,130. It was agreed to distribute a similar leaflet to last year, summarising the activities of the Association, and requesting subscriptions for 2006/2007. Liz agreed to coordinate production.
Donations: With £2,000 to donate to local charities and organisations, it was agreed to contribute £500 each to: St Andrew’s School for educational toys; the YMCA Healthy Living Centre for signage; and St Michael’s church towards restoration of the spire. Following a suggestion from Sue Shaw to design stationery, the newsletter and a welcome pack for new residents, it was agreed also to pay £500 to The Type Museum.
Planning and Environment
Traffic Calming: It was agreed that, having achieved installation of traffic calming to specifications requested by residents, it would not be appropriate for the Association to pursue individual concerns with Lambeth. However, it was agreed that residents with concerns (for example Sean O’Riordan’s views of the mirror at the junction of St Michael’s and St Martin’s Road) should be referred to Lambeth Transport and Highways and to local councillors.
Extension of 20 mph zone: The Association had expressed disappointment that, despite Lambeth Traffic and Highways indication in July that they would extend the 20 mph zone to St Martin’s and Burnley Roads, this had not happened. Abu Barkatoolah had since proposed a meeting with interested residents to explain the procedures necessary but it had not been possible to find a convenient date. He had now reported that submission has been made for capital funding to include the extension. Simon Doff agreed to follow this up with Lambeth on behalf of the residents of the roads concerned.
Residents’ parking: Cllr Peter Bowyer had apologised for not responding to complaints about application of parking restrictions in time for the AGM, explaining that he had been away on honeymoon. He had confirmed that the new Council intends to clamp down (his words!) on over-zealous application by wardens. He understood that a new contract, which will eliminate incentives for issuing tickets, was due to be announced shortly.
Stockwell Park High School: Since the meeting Tom Maxwell has highlighted consultations for Stockwell Park High School’s development brief and drafted a letter for the Chairman to send voicing concerns which include; loss of green space and trees; proximity of new buildings to existing properties; possible noise pollution; type and height of perimeter fencing; security floodlighting and its effects on neighbouring properties; and the possible reopening of the Stockwell Park Crescent entrance with attendant increase in traffic and parking.
Street lighting: Following queries raised at the AGM regarding the promised installation of new lighting, Simon Doff agreed to pursue this with Lambeth. Gordon Nelki of 42 Groveway had asked for assistance to get a street light working which had been installed in Groveway a year ago. Liz had contacted Lambeth on his behalf and put him in touch with Michael Wilson, who is responsible for lighting.
Neighbourhood Watch Having received a favourable response at the AGM to the proposal to hold a meeting, David Tomlinson is organising a meeting of Neighbourhood Watch on Thursday 23 November at 7.30 pm in St Michael’s Church Hall.
Carol concert It was agreed that, if the choir is holding a carol concert this year, it should be followed by an informal SPRA gathering, as had been so successful last year. Since the meeting, Martin Keiffer has confirmed that there will be a concert on Sunday 10 December and Andrew Grant has agreed that the SPRA may hold its party afterwards. Anthony will liaise with committee members regarding organisation.
Newsletter Elizabeth reported that Matthew Blakstad of Stockwell Park Road and Viv Cook of Stockwell Park Crescent had both offered to help with production of the Newsletter. Thanks were expressed to both of them. It was agreed that the next issue should be produced for distribution at the beginning of December. If necessary a flyer announcing the concert will need to be published. Liz agreed to co-ordinate as needed.
Since the meeting Darius Poli has confirmed that he no longer has time to work on the Newsletter. This is noted with much regret. Thank you, Darius, from everyone for all the work you have done to improve the Newsletter over the last three years.
Any other business
Slade Gardens: At the AGM William Hibbert of Lorn Road had suggested that he would like to do something about investigating improvements to Slade Gardens. It was agreed to put him in touch with Ros Ramsay and those who had been involved in setting up the Friends of Slade Gardens. It was believed that this had recently been wound up and the funds held by the Friends donated to the Adventure Playground.
Thank you Amanda for hosting this meeting.
NEXT MEETING: 7.30 p.m. Wednesday 13 December
at Kas Kassam 37 St Martin’s Road.