The new Beat Manager reported some success in relation to the continuing mini moto problem, in that nine had been seized in a recent four day campaign and another one in a subsequent effort. It was not known how many had been subsequently returned. Problem has quietened down fttb, but residents can report any recurrence on the Anti Social Behaviour line 915 2020.

Some new planting has commenced on the traffic island, with assistance of some volunteers from the estate. More to be done in the autumn.

A suitable site has been identified for the proposed Community Notice Board, but permission has to be sought from the owner of the plot, and this is in progress.

Still no solution regarding lighting on footpath adjacent to the schools, as there are unresolved problems regarding maintenance and responsibility

A lengthy address was given by a guest speaker representing the Strategic Regeneration Fund, commissioned to advise and consult on plans for development of the North East area of the City. It soon became evident that Rise Park was likely to low down in the ‘scheme of things’, with most concentration on the Bestwood, Top Valley and Bulwell areas – and Beckhampton Drive being suggested as the central hub for any development.

The subsequent discussions were therefore immediately directed to what was needed in this area. Main points were to ensure the improvement and re generation of the Shopping area, the heart of the estate, with the right type of shops and facilities. Much demand for a food store and chemist, as two examples.  Possibly the provision of the right sort of buildings needed here?

Also for the provision of more play areas and facilities for youngsters – in addition to the recently improved playground.

There was no support for the suggestion that any housing for rent should be built, bearing in mind that the estate is currently comprised of privately owned houses, and should remain so. Any such plans would be very clearly opposed in the future.

The future of the Doctors Surgery was of some concern, bearing in mind the development of  Polyclinics and Health Centres, and has been the subject of ‘behind the scenes’ enquiries. It is understood that Graham Allen has indicated that there are no such plans for this area, but it was agreed that the Primary Care Trust should be invited to address the next meeting to allay any fears – or otherwise!

The survey conducted by Gerry Davie (Conservative), of the whole estate, clearly indicated that there was no wish to see an open market, and this was also firmly endorsed by the Action Group meeting. GD also agreed that there was an error/misunderstanding in his last Newsletter which indicated that the Group was in favour of the market idea. The Group had merely reacted favourably to the idea of a public consultation on the matter.

  Some items to be carried forward to the next meeting on 30th October

John Simpson, senior parks officer from Woodthorpe Grange, outlined plans for improvements to planting on the Traffic island. It is hoped to involve the school once again – in design, ‘sponsorship requests’, planting etc. Will consider incorporating a sign to indicate the Schools involvement. Planting cannot take place until the appropriate autumn period, but it is hoped to see an improved display for next spring / summer. The meeting welcomed his ideas and agreed to the proposals.

  Funding is now available for a Community Notice Board and there is to be an ‘on the spot’ meeting to with Council to consider suitable locations. This has to take account of the complex land ownership situation. Bus shelters might provide a suitable base, to be investigated. Suggestions for key holders were also put forward, and agreed in principal e.g. RPAG, Police and Community Association. Also need to consider what can, and cannot, be displayed.

  Lighting of the library pathway continues to be a difficult problem on account of ownership/responsibility issues. EC will arrange for the Rights of Way officer to make a visit to see what progress can be made. Alley is one of those not yet ‘adopted’ by the Council.

  It is now believed that the Kwik Save building is “under offer”, though not yet established by whom. Believed to be a retailer, though some suggestion that it may be a property developer. EC confirmed that no planning application has been received for housing development.

  Charles II is on the market and some interest shown. It is hoped that sale can be concluded within the next two or three months. Premises being sold as ‘de licensed’, and any development here would be limited by the fact that the building forms part of the parade of shops. Details of the interested party also not known.

  A clause in the lease specifies that the Club shall not “prevent nor seek to prevent or restrict free access over open parts of the Property by the general public”.

  The notice warning the public not to cross the golf course will probably need removal or amendment, but it is known that the Ramblers Association also have this matter under consideration – and have already had meetings with the appropriate Council department.

  (Ed. Any confirmed information on this aspect would be welcome)..
 

The meeting was informed of the two days of proceedings relating to the application for a licensing extension by Martins. This was being opposed by the Group on account of problems arising in the area when a previous shop was allowed to sell liquor into the late evening. The appeal against the extension was turned down, but it was agreed that any problems should me monitored and taken up with the shop, police or local authority if appropriate.

AC confirmed that letters had been issued to residents in the flats regarding the non use of the new parking bays on Bestwood Park Drive The situation seems to have been resolved, with the exception of one vehicle – and further efforts are under way in that respect.

An initial design proposal was circulated for an Action Group Letterhead and poster. These could possibly be adopted, subject to one small alteration, unless other designs are forthcoming.

A detailed presentation was given, with maps provided, to clarify the situation regarding the status / adoption of roads, footpaths and alleyways around the estate. This also included the results of a survey undertaken to assess the condition and cleanliness of the alleyways. AC agreed to request action where necessary. Dog fouling was felt to be a problem in some parts, and the Council were asked to supply/re fix notices to new lampposts – some original notices lost when these were replaced. (Editors note: It is just a small persistent minority of dog owners who give all a bad name, as the vast majority do clear up in a responsible manner!)

Lighting of the library path is subject to ongoing discussions with the school, little progress to report.

The question of public access to our local City Council park, Bulwell Common, was the subject of some serious concern and discussion. The area has always been open to public access, though shared with the golf club. But a new lease has handed the club the responsibility for maintenance of the area, and considerable investment seems to have resulted in a massive increase in the numbers of golfers using the course. This has made it unsafe to walk most of the area, and conflicts are increasingly arising between golfers and the public. It was made clear that the club must allow free access to the public car park, and must also recognise the public footpaths and rights of way. (Further clarification being undertaken on this aspect).
It also seems to be the case that there have already been breaches of the terms and condition in relation to recent developments on the football field side of the Common, and the Council are to take this up with management.

AC is also aware of the contentious wording of certain signs which may have been worded to give a wrong impression relating to right of access. (More information on the Bulwell Common page of this web site, and readers are invited to e mail the Action Group or this web site with any further relevant concerns or problems)

The traffic island (state of) was raised once again. AC agreed to approach the Parks Department and ask them to consider what might be done – possibly also to attend the next meeting with their ideas. Sponsorship was also to receive further consideration – but affordability might be a problem for the hoped for candidates, the shops.

 Lack of toilet facilities for bus drivers at the terminus was a subject that would be put to NCT for consideration, following one expression of concern about events!

Written confirmation had been received from Lidl to the effect that they had visited the Kwik Save site, but found it unsuitable for their purposes. It was understood that another retailer (details unknown) is showing some interest in taking over the premises.

GD wondered whether there might be some interest in having a small market (as in Bulwell) on the car parks but it was agreed that this presented several problems. The car parks are privately owned, toilet facilities are lacking, an organiser has to be found and setting up and clearing up would need to be dealt with. It was nevertheless agreed that the matter was worthy of consideration, and he is to give it some further attention to check the feasibility.

Thanks were offered to AC for his swift and effective action on the travellers’ encampment on the car parks.

Design work and costings are being undertaken in relation to the suggested provision of ironwork associated with alleyways. There was also some discussion in respect of the unattractiveness of the traffic island and the wish to see some colour in that spot. Also the bad impression of the estate which is now being created by the deteriorating state of the now closed public house, Kwik Save store – neither of which is likely to be reopened or improved whilst remaining in present ownership.

Approaches are to be made to see whether lighting can be improved on certain pathways and the car park, though it was not clear who was responsible for these.

A volunteer has undertaken the task of checking the condition and cleanliness of the alleyways (felt to be in a neglected state), and to report to the Council to see what action can be taken though, once again, the Councillors were not certain that these alleyways had been fully ‘adopted’ by the Council. Checks are to be made.

It was felt that the Groups meeting dates were not being fully publicised (not helped by the lack of a community notice board), and the Chairman took note, and agreed that more notices could be posted in the library, shops, surgeries etc.

It was suggested that a Logo and proper letterhead might be an advantage and a member of the Art Group agreed to see whether they could come up with a design.

Alan Clarke advised that the delays in finishing the Bestwood Park Drive improvements were outside the control of the Council, who were in the hands of E-On and their usual delays in getting electrical work completed (now at least six weeks away) for the new vehicle speed limit signs. Leaflets were being posted to encourage use of the new lay bys – which were currently being generally ignored for parking.

Martins are appealing against the limited hours on their new liquor off - licence, but the Action Group will continue to oppose any extension – and will present their case at the appeal meeting.

Dates of next meetings were agreed (see above), with an appeal for volunteers / nominations for committee members. A Secretary and Treasurer a particular requirement – neither of which post requiring a great deal of time (especially treasurer, as no monies are currently collected – all expenses borne privately by the Chairman and other members).