COLLIERS WOOD RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION MEETING
Tuesday 2 March 2010 7.30pm
Colliers Wood Community Centre
www.collierswoodresidentsassociation.org.uk
MINUTES
Present:
Keith Spears (Chair)
Keith Allen (Treasurer)
Invited representatives
Residents of Colliers Wood
1. Introductions
All present at the meeting introduced themselves
2. Minutes of last meeting
Taken as accurate
3. Matters arising
None
4. Update on local developments: from James McGinlay from Merton Council, representing John Hill (Planning Officer)
The Council has ordered Golfrate to make repairs to the building, improve its appearance, deal with falling masonry and repair cladding and fencing by 5th. March . If action is not taken, the Council will serve a section 215 notice on the owners on 8 March 2010, which means the Council will do the work and charge them for it.
Some discussion followed on the longer-term use of the building and the owner’s apparent aim to use it for residential accommodation, to which the meeting largely strongly objected. The preferred options would be demolition, or at least reduction of the Tower’s height. Siobhain McDonagh MP is holding a series of meetings about the future of the tower, and Matthew Marks has launched a website to monitor Golfrate’s activities.
Work is due to start in July/August 2010 and the construction period is expected to be 8 weeks. The meeting asked if the start date could be brought forward since it had already been delayed several times and it was noted that the bridge will not now be completed in time for the Wandle Valley Festival. James thought this was unlikely but said that he would ask again.
The Islamic Seminary
The Seminary was reported to be undertaking only general maintenance and cleaning, and there were therefore no planning control issues involved. The meeting questioned whether there had been a change of use or increase in the number of residents since some of the activity round the building might indicate this. James undertook to find out.
The Health Centre
Sheila Knight told the meeting that the PCT is still planning to move our local GP surgery into Cavendish House – the old Job Centre site - but progress is likely to be slow, and that they are looking to relocate the Lavender Fields surgery into another site in the Lavender ward.
5. Recreation Ground
The recent staffing of the Recreation Ground with a dedicated park keeper was an interim measure and had never been intended to be permanent. No reduction in personnel was planned but a mobile team visiting on a daily basis would replace the current park keeper (Robin).
The meeting expressed great concern as it would be difficult or impossible to maintain the current level of care and continuity with a mobile team. The Rec is highly valued and has improved greatly in recent years and local residents do not wish this to be endangered. The meeting requested that this concern be reported back to the Council and that the policy of using a mobile team rather than dedicated park keepers should be changed. A petition was circulated protesting against the withdrawal of a dedicated park keeper for the Rec.
6. Community Gardening Project
Taken after item 12 on the agenda
Keith S reported that funding could be available from Grassroots for a part-time worker to co-ordinate extra work on local parks and open spaces. He asked if he should investigate this possibility; the meeting approved.
Action: Keith S to investigate possible funding from Grassroots
7. Sporting Olympiad
Taken after item 12 on the agenda
Keith S reported that Merton had asked if CW wants to stage a Sporting Olympiad, proposed to take place on 2 May 2010 in the Recreation Ground - to include the Little League football Funday, basketball coaching, table tennis and badminton. The meeting approved.
Action: Keith S to organise, with input from Fiona on incorporating an art element into the day
8. Wandle Valley Festival and Community Art Project
Ray Murphy from POST – a network of artists in south London – to stage events (art works, performances, exhibitions etc) in Merton over three weekends, with the focus being on the bank holiday weekend 29th. to 31st. May, under the title ‘Away Day’. The events would take place in Wandle Park, Ravensbury Park and Mostyn Gardens. They have council funding and now wish to publicise the events and request participation in the projects in three specific ways: workshops for groups and individuals; local residents willing to be interviewed; and local residents willing to write.
For more information see www.postartists.com or email info@postartists.com
John from Present Attempt, a theatre company, also spoke; the group is intending to make audio recordings of local residents’ thoughts and experiences of Wandle Park, in order to create an audio guide/tour for Away Day focusing on the park and surrounding area and reflecting the local community, possibly including a performance element. Workshops are planned in March and April to gather material. For further information contact James Bush (07733-226414 or email james@presentattempt.co.uk)
9. Community Police Report
Taken after item 5 on the agenda
Sgt Tony Richardson reported on crime levels in the last 2 months. The current priorities relate to burglary, theft from motor vehicles (esp. SatNavs), anti-social behaviour, litter and fly-tipping. There has been a significant reduction in burglary in the period and a small reduction in thefts from motor vehicles. Robberies had been reduced to 6 in the last 2 months. Other statistics included 10 fraud offences, 22 thefts, 13 people carrying cannabis had been stopped, no class A drugs offences, 10 domestic incidents, 10 common assaults, 1 GBH, 1 sexual assault, 1 offensive weapon, 1 firearms incident, 9 public order offences and 3 racial incidents. The ‘community safe’ email goes out twice a month with the latest crime statistics and security tips; for further information email ColliersWood.SNT@met.police.uk
Cllr Nick Draper requested police support in pressurising the Council to repair the lights in the dispersal zone in Singleton Close, and emphasized that clearing up the results of fly-tipping is a council responsibility and not something the police should have to deal with.
It was noted with approval that PCSOs now operate individually rather than in pairs and should continue to monitor our parks and open spaces.
10. Donald Hope Library
The library is being refurbished and is starting a recruitment drive since it has not been meeting its targets for new members. Leaflets are available publicising a prize draw for those introducing new members to the Library. There is a danger that if the library is not better used it would be closed. Concern was expressed about the level and range of stock and about staffing levels at the library and that residents should speak to the manager with their concerns.
11. Local elections hustings
It was agreed that hustings should be held before the May 6 local elections, and Tuesday 20 April at 7.30pm was chosen as a suitable date and St. Joseph's Hall has now been booked for residents to question candidates.
Action: Keith S to invite candidates of all the main parties standing in the local elections to participate in the hustings.
To be distributed to roads which haven’t yet received it.
13. Information sharing about local events
St Patrick’s Day evening – Irish Club in Wimbledon Friday 12 March
Clearing up Myrna Close Nature Reserve Sunday 21 March
Community Picnic in Wandle Park – with Colliers Wood Chorus and Ukulele Orchestra, tai chi and activities for children on Sunday 6 June 12-6pm
14. AOB
It was noted that the council noticeboard outside CW tube station has been moved into the recreation ground and a new sign erected in its place.
15. Times and dates of next meetings
Tuesday 6 April 2010 7.30 p.m. Parks and Open Spaces sub-committee
Tuesday 20 April 2010 7.30pm Local election hustings at St. Joseph's Hall
Tuesday 4 May 2010 7.30pm CWRA meeting at the Community Centre.