Community Involvement Ideas

One future direction we hope to take is trying to get groups of residents together to become involved in community groups they are interested in and would hopefully benefit the area as a whole.

A few of the ideas we came up with were as follows;

Community Garden (Allotments)

- If enough residents were interested, make a request to the Council for use of an unused allotment for a community garden.

Friends of the School

- Any residents interested in getting together every month or 2 and volunteering to help the school with general gardening/tidying for a 2 to 3 hours.

Litter Patrol

- Once a month a patrol working together to litter pick in a more detailed way than the Council could ever hope to manage.

Road Island Gardeners

- Any residents interested in maintaining the appearance of the road island near number 4 Ainsley Road. The other island has planning permission for Severn Trent to improve the pumping facilities and landscape.

Street Champion

- Any resident interested in being the voice of their street in regard to resident’s thoughts. Preferable one per street with 2 covering both ends of Grassington Road. Even if not able to attend meetings would be a contact point for the committee to become aware of any issues.

We plan on leafleting the estate to get a feeling of the level of interest in any of these ideas and go forward from there.

Anyone else with any ideas or passions are welcome to come forward with those.

Block Gullies Update

The block drains on the estate now seem to have been emptied. Thankfully just before all the heavy downpours of recent times. I did see new lakes forming on other roads near our estate on the way home from work so I thnk Ainsley Estate got off lightly.

Ainsley Area Residents Association Minutes 8th July 2009

Ainsley Area Residents Association

Held Wednesday 8^th July 2009

5.45pm Robert Shaw Primary School

Present:

Anthony Kelly (Chairman)

Michael Thomas (Secretary), Christine Thomas (Treasurer), Lynn Shepherd, Chris Earley, Eve Earley, Jo Bride, Roger Codling.

In Attendance:

Councillor Alex Foster

Karen Coker (Head Teacher, Robert Shaw School)

Susan Ward-Rice (NAO, Nottingham City Council)

1. Apologies

Pete Dixon

Councillor Gary Long

2. Matters Arising from the Previous Minutes

These were agreed as a true record.

Arbrook Drive

It was reported that the residents of Arbrook Drive felt that traffic still persisted on the road. It was felt that we were unsure whether there was an increase in traffic due to the now finished Grassington Road works or whether the traffic was using increased speed to travel this down the road. It was agreed to review again at the next meeting to see if the problems persisted. It was agreed that there may be only a perception of increased speed and volume at certain times and without a traffic survey these questions may not be answered.

3. Gullies on the Estate

All the gullies on the estate have been surveyed and any blocked have been reported to the Highways Department for rectification. The response from Highways stated that this work would be carried out within 10 days. Most of the blockages were on Grassington Road.

4. Football Match Visit

As of this meeting no applications for the free football tickets had been received. It was agreed to make another delivery with an increased age range and a specific match for attendance. This would be done after the next meeting.

5. Robert Shaw Playing Field Update

After a very positive meeting held on Monday 6^th July between the School and members of the Parks department there was general agreement with the Parks official having to take all the agreed items back to his superior for a final signature.

The general plan is for the field to be locked during school hours during school terms as this is when the schools insurance covers the use of the field. The gates would then be opened out of normal school hours for general community use and would be covered by Parks insurance. A quick general check would be done by the school during term time for any problems that may be seen. A volunteer or the Parks department may have to check for any problems out of term time and inform the school of problems that would need addressing.

It was agreed that information would be circulated to all residents when the field is available for use with a part telling of the substantial work involved in achieving this. It was also agreed to emphasise the fact that this cooperative agreement would be reviewed should major anti-social use become an issue for the school or residents. The major fear of unauthorised motor vehicle use has been addressed with the restrictive barriers and the limited ground being cleared although this would not stop medium or mini bikes. This situation would not be tolerated and active involvement of the local police team would be sort to address any offending individuals.

6. Any Other Business

Beechdale Library

An article regarding Beechdale Library was to appear in Private Eye magazine (issue 10^th July 2009 No. 1240). The petition was to be handed in to the Full Council Meeting on Monday 13^th July 2009 with about 1900 signatures.

7. Date of Next Meeting.

9^th September 2009 at 5.45pm Robert Shaw School

Block Gullies on the Estate

Whilst delivering leaflets to inform residents of the possible closure of Beechdale Library I did a survey on these road of the gullies to see if any needed reporting. I found about 16 that were blocked and some severely.

These have been reported and after a little hiccup with Nottingham City Councils online reporting system the matter has been forwarded to the Highways Department to get these sorted out.

Unfortunately instead of checking themselves to roads on the estate I haven't checked yet to save themselves a return visit I will have to pay a visit to these roads myself and make a second report to Highways and then they may have to make a return visit to clear these out!

How efficient some of these departments are. Hey-ho

Annual General Meeting 10th June 2009

Annual General Meeting Minutes

Held Wednesday 10^th June 2009

6pm Robert Shaw Primary School

Present:

Anthony Kelly (Chairman)

Michael Thomas (Secretary), Christine Thomas (Treasurer), Lynn Shepherd, Chris Earley, Eve Earley, Jo Bride, Lyn Thompson, Roger Codling, Peter Dixon, Pete Uvegas, Brian Bird, Alice Dale.

In Attendance:

Councillor Gary Long

Councillor Alex Foster

Karen Coker (Head Teacher, Robert Shaw School)

Susan Ward-Rice (NAO, Nottingham City Council)

1. Welcome and Introductions

The Chairman welcomed attendees to the meeting and introductions were made.

2. Apologies

Cheryl Rawling (Nottingham City Homes)

3. Matters Arising from the Previous Minutes

These were agreed as a true record.

Beechdale Library

The Council had received a proposal from St Johns Ambulance to purchase the library as part of their intended purchase of the building next door. It is believed they wished to use it as a training centre. It is also believe that the Council had not made a formal decision regarding this request and were hopefully consulting users before this decision was reached.

This proposal has quite a response from various sections groups who do not agree with this decision. A resident from outside the estate had organised a rota to obtain signatures on a petition and Councillors Long and Foster are in this process of printing information for distribution to all local residents telling them of the events, hoping to gain more signatures against. Petition forms were distributed at meeting for committee members to help obtain any further signatures and a letter to oppose this action would be sent to Councillor Trimble (Portfolio Holder for Communities, Leisure and Culture).

The petition forms are to be returned to Councillor Long by the 30^th June in preparation for the next Full Council Meeting.

Action : Michael Thomas

4. Chairman’s Statement

The Chairman thanked everyone for their attendance and work over the previous year and hoped to see everyone again over the coming year.

5. Activities from the Previous Year

A review of the activities the association had been involved in was read out by the Secretary. These included the Big Spring Clean event at Robert Shaw School, securing a grant for a visit by certain residents to a football match, road potholes on Arbrook Drive, house energy efficiency promotion; several litter picks and the clearance of New Bridge Steps and Southfield Road garages. A major item hopefully nearing completion with the great assistance of Karen Coker is the reopening of Robert Shaw Playing Fields.

6. Election of Officers

The meeting was handed over to Councillor Foster as an independent to carry out the elections of the officers of the committee.

The follow people were proposed and seconded and after a vote of all carried out of those present were elected to the following positions for the coming year until the next Annual General Meeting.

Chairman - Anthony Kelly

Treasurer - Christine Thomas

Secretary - Michael Thomas

7. Election of Independent Examiner of Accounts

It was agreed to ask Nottingham City Homes if they would again act in this capacity.

Action : Michael Thomas

8. Robert Shaw Playing Fields Update

Councillor Long had a meeting to clear up the final remaining insurance obstacle to the re-opening of the field and this now seems resolved and the re-opening can move forward. They only change is that any inspection requirement carried out during school holidays have to be completed by an employee of the school, council or the Police. Councillor Long was going to ask the local area PSCO or CPO if they could perform that duty on our behalf.

A big thank you goes to Karen and the School for the commitment to fund regular maintenance of the field for it to be able to be used in the long term. Hopefully because of this commitment the youths trespassing on the school grounds for sports play then will no longer have any reason to do so.

9. Any Other Business

Allotments at the Corner of Aspley Lane and Western Boulevard

An issue was raised with the overgrown bushes/trees that impeach in to the pavement area on this corner. There is a problem with the fact that these are privately owned and the association governing these allotments have no recourse ensure that they are kept in a reasonable state. This also makes it difficult for the council to bill for works carried out as some of these owners have passed away and the ownership passed to relatives who do not live in Nottingham or even in the country and just tend to ignore any correspondence.

Arbrook Drive Traffic

A matter of increase activity in traffic recently using Arbrook Drive as a through route had been received. The impressions of the residents were vehicles were approaching a good speed because of the lack of speed-retarding humps. It was unclear whether the speed-retarding humps on Grassington Road had diverted traffic to another route or whether because of the pavement replacement had reached the area of Grassington causing a hold up meaning Arbrook drive would be quicker. It was agreed that since the pavement replacement on Grassington was nearing completion Roger would keep in touch with the residents on Arbrook to see if the situation eases. Councillor Long informed the meeting that usually after the installation of speed humps on a road a repeat survey was carried out after a certain period of time.

Action : Roger Codling

10. Date of Next Meeting.

8^th July 2009 at 5.45pm Robert Shaw School

Grassington Road Litter 30th May 2009

This morning I was delivering the Resident Association Information leaflets to my designated section of the estate. It doesn't take to long even though the road is the longest at about 1/2 mile. On the way back up the street I decided to do my usual litter pick and by the time I'd finished was astounded the amount I'd collected.

As you may see from the picture the litter that abuses our streets are mainly drinks can (soft and alcohol), cigarette packets and ice pop packets. It grieves me as the drinks can and cigarette packets are recyclable and the estate has a bi-weekly recycling collection by the council.

No matter what the council could do, unless they had unlimited resources, they could never keep on top of a litter problem in any city. We need resident involvement and pride in where you live
to become the norm again and help us fight this menace.

Ainsley Area Residents Association Meeting 19th May 2009

Ainsley Area Residents Association Minutes

Held Tuesday 19^th May 2009

5.30pm Robert Shaw Primary School

Present:

Anthony Kelly (Chairman)

Michael Thomas (Secretary), Christine Thomas (Treasurer), Lyn Shepherd, Eve Earley, Jo Bride, Lyn Thompson

In Attendance:

Councillor Gary Long

Karen Coker (Head Teacher, Robert Shaw School)

Susan Ward-Rice (NAO, Nottingham City Council)

1. Apologies

Roger Codling

Chris Earley

2. Matters Arising from the Previous Minutes

These were agreed as a true record.

Southfield Road Garages

Councillor Long arranged for the remaining stump from these garages to be removed, which it now has been.

Arbrook Drive,/ Holbeck Road

Councillor Long took the information about the identified potholes on Holbeck Road to the Highways people. These holes have now been filled in.

Grassington Road Pavement

Work on the pavements has started and at the time of this meeting were nearing completion.

3. Possible Closure of Beechdale Road Library

The Council has been approached by a party interested in buying the building Beechdale Library is located in as well as the vacant building next door. No decision has been made by the Council as this was not a planned action. The money saved from this sale and closure has been identified as possibly being able to make improvements to other library services. At Councillors Long and Fosters’ recent surgery there was significant feeling presented against this course of action.

A resident from the Aspley area plans to start a petition to enable people to show their disagreement with this course of action so it may be presented to the relevant Council committee when any decision is made.

Karen is acting for the school as she feels this is a valuable local resource and is used by the school on many occasions.

Councillors Long and Foster are going to be leafleting the area to canvas local opinion. Residents will have a chance to meet and discuss this proposal with the Councillors at a meeting.

29^th May 2009 at 6pm at Beechdale Library

The committee agreed to assist the resident from Aspley in trying to obtain signatures from any residents in the Ainsley Area that may disagree with the proposal.

Action: All committee members

4. Vale Crescent North Road Surface

Compared to the road surfaces on the rest of the estate, Vale Crescent North’s road surface seems to have suffered worse than others. Councillor Long informed the meeting that a technical inspection of road usually takes place about every 2 years. Councillor Long is going to contact the relevant department to see if the road inspections are due and if not ask if they could look at the worst portions of the road.

Action : Councillor Long

5. Robert Shaw Field Update

Through a lot of hard work everything other than the insurance has been put into place ready for the reopening of the field. The Parks department have agreed to insure the field as long as certain conditions are met. Councillor Long, Karen and Susan met prior to the meeting and see no issues with most of the demands as the agreements are already in place for these. There is only one issue on the list that seems over demanding and that is the daily check for glass. Councillor Long, as well as we, felt this was unattainable in any situation. Councillor Long was going to press Parks department for a more reasonable checking regime.

Another issue Councillor Long thought the Parks might require is for some form of checking during the holiday periods. It was agreed that the committee could do this checking on a rota basis with a contact number to ring should an extreme situation occur e.g. abandoned cars.

Hopefully the insurance issue can be resolved soon as the lead-time on the entrance protection gates may delay opening the field before the start of the summer holidays.

The Committee members can draw up a rota for the summer holiday when a rough opening date is known.

Action : Councillor Long

6. Annual General Meeting.

Leaflets were distributed at the meeting for delivery to advertise the Association and the forthcoming Annual General Meeting. It was agreed to post these leaflets roughly a week before with posters put up earlier to meet the 2 week notice requirement. Karen has kindly agreed to put posters on the school boards. One will also be placed in the library.

Councillor Long has agreed to preside over the election process of officers at the meeting.

Committee members volunteering for election;

Chairman - Anthony Kelly

Secretary - Michael Thomas

Treasurer - Christine Thomas

Action : Michael Thomas

7. Correspondence

Road Sweep on the Estate

Correspondence between the Secretary and Streetscene had taken place to try and coordinate efforts between the Residents Association and the street cleaning service to facilitate car removal to enable cleaning of the worst effected areas. The initial trial had not started well with the stated clean date of the 8^th May not happening. A road sweep is meant to be every 2 weeks after this date. Unfortunately the clean then took place on the 15^th May for which we were not prepared. Councillor Long had not been responded to on his request for the cleaning schedule. The Secretary was still awaiting clarification on the no show and will make further contact regarding the event happening a week later.

Action: Michael Thomas

Nottingham City Homes

Emails have been exchanged between the Secretary and Nottingham City Homes to arrange joint involvement in coordinated inspections. The program of inspections and an identified meeting place have yet to be forthcoming. As there are only a small amount of NCH homes on the estate a general report had been requested on any issues that have arisen and are currently being addressed. This has also, as of yet, not been forthcoming.

8. Any Other Business

Big Spring Clean

Karen thanked the Residents Association for its involvement in organising the spring clean around the school grounds. Everyone involved at the school and RA on the day made a big difference to the environment around the grounds. She also thanked a couple of the committee for returning on the following Saturday for some follow up work clearing foliage.

9. Date of Next Meeting.

Annual General Meeting, 10^th June 2009 at 6pm Robert Shaw School

Meeting closed 18.10