Minutes of Parkside Stakeholder Meeting - Tuesday 19th May 2009 Peter Carrington opened the meeting at 7:35
Apologies were received from Nick Grundy and Jessica Murray
Police Report
The police were not present as they were engaged in an operation. Car related crime has increased recently, but this is probably due to one person, who has been arrested and waiting court appearance. HR Police have started Operation Castro, which includes extra patrols though the night and over weekends.
Sadly, Houghton Regis are losing 3 of their PCSOs as they have decided to join the regular police force; they will be replaced later.
Police are bringing the smiley/sad face traffic speed device back to Parkside; it’ll be used on a regular basis.
Our Safer Neighbourhood Team have bought 4 mountain bikes. The bikes allow the element of surprise and make it easier to cover areas inaccessible by car and faster than on foot.
One resident complained that her young child cannot use the new playground at Parkside Lower because of having received abusive comments from young people using the equipment. It was reported to the police but they did not respond effectively.
Update from Chairman
From 1st of June there will be drop in sessions at the day centre on the 1st Friday of every month, between 9 & 11. There will be a flyer to advertise this and it will be put on Parkside Voice’s web site http://www.parksidevoice.org.uk.
The Tithe Farm Neighbourhood Centre is having its open day on Thursday 28th May.
Cllr David Hogan will be retiring as a Councillor on 4th June. He will be invited to join the committee.
HRTC have had a meeting about allotments in Houghton Regis and an allotment association formed. Clare Evans, Clerk to the Council, is working a plan for the formation of an allotment working group to start looking into potential sites, location & size. Peter Carrington expressed a desire to be on the working group. This is a long term project.
Sadly it’s too late to organise a summer trip for Parkside this year, but a Halloween disco is planned for the children, at Kingsland. There are also plans for a youth club for the younger children.
Playgrounds
Residents stated that the lower Parkside playground had historically been for under 5s. Residents felt that there is nothing for the little children in the new playground. Not enough swings and although the bucket swing is appreciated, little children can’t get on to it. Also, the playground is now being dominated by older children, making it unusable by families with younger children.
Residents were disappointed by the lack of consultation. Cllr Janine Dixon-Wilkinson said that consultation had been done by leaflets delivered to everyone in Houghton Regis, in schools, at the carnival and at events in the council building. No-one at the meeting could recall receiving the consultation leaflet through their door. Cllr Janine Dixon-Wilkinson also said that the other playgrounds in Houghton Regis will be done in the not too distant future and suggested that residents contact Clare Evans to express their views on equipment needed. Am update was given on the replacement part for the burnt section of the new playground – to be replaced in June/July, as soon as possible. Peter said that he had heard that the frame of the bucket swing was not secure. JDW will speak to the council about this.
Sadly there will be no fun day this summer, due to lack of police availability for the event.
It was reported that cars are parking on the grass area in front of Trident Drive, on Parkside Drive. This churns up the grass and is dangerous.
It was reported that access through the alleyway by St Vincent’s is better now the overhanging trees/shrubs have been sorted.
Peter stated that he would like to set up a grass cutting service on Parkside, for people who aren’t able to look after their own gardens. He is happy for his lawnmower to be used. The plan is for it to be done by volunteers, hopefully young people.
The Police Priority forms were explained and residents were encouraged to take them.
Ringmaster Report
The ringmaster notifications for the month were read out, noting the previously mentioned increase in theft from and damage to motor vehicles. Owners need to be encouraged to remove equipment from their cars and remove evidence of Sat Navs – the ring on the windscreen etc. The “Steer Clear of Car Crime” packs were offered, as well as a range of other items & leaflets from the Safer Neighbourhood Team.
Any Other Business
The next meeting will be at St Vincent’s Club 7.30pm on Wednesday 29th July.
The meeting closed at 9.00pm. |
