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November 2015

Fund Raisers, Minutes

BROCKHILL RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION
Minutes of Meeting Monday November 2nd 2015

Those Present:
David Dallaway​​​DD
Lynn Dallaway​​​LD
Sylvia Collinson​​​SC
Julie Vincent​​​JV
James Doble​​​JD
Angie Preece​​​AP
Tisha Greenway​​​TG
​

Guests in attendance: – WCC Robin Lunn (RL) and Pattie Hill CC & Mayor of Redditch (PH)

Actions from last meeting:

Adoption of Turnpike Lane and Wheatcroft Close – RL
Traffic calming measures for Salters Lane – RL
Setting up Facebook page – JD
Lost pets and security alerts on website – SC
Naming of open spaces competition – JD
New membership leaflets – AP
Notice board for Pointers Way
Culvert rubbish removal – PH
Improvements to new gate into Nature Reserve – PH
New bin for pathway adjacent to Greenford Close – PH

RL has sent an e-mail to the Director of Highways at Persimmon to find out what was delaying the adoption of the last three roads in Brockhill, namely Turnpike Lane, Vowchurch Close and Wheatcroft Close. He was told that the delay was all down to a strip of land outside a house in Wheatcroft Close, which Persimmon said belonged to the resident. The resident was unaware that the strip of land belonged to his property and does not want it anyway. RL said that this matter has now been resolved and that the adoption of these roads should now be able to go ahead.

RL informed us that the traffic calming measures discussed at our last meeting for Salters Lane, near to Brockhill Park entrance, will be hatchet markings painted on the road.

JD has set up a Facebook page which is linked to our website.

SC has added both “lost pets” and “security alerts” sections to the website.

JD suggested that we should l link the “naming of open spaces” competition to the “Walks around Brockhill” leaflets that we hope to produce in the spring.

AP showed us a draft copy of the new membership leaflet, which is almost complete. It is hoped to distribute copies via the local free newspapers. Pointers Way residents will have to be contacted by a letter box drop as they do not receive the newspapers.

RL was asked to continue pursuing Persimmon Homes regarding the funding of a community noticeboard for the new Pointers Way estate.

JD reported that there were still bin bags full of rubbish dumped in the culvert running alongside the pathway that leads from Brockhill Lane to opposite the postbox in Carthorse Lane. PH will arrange for their clearance.

PH was unaware that the safety improvements to the new gate into the Nature Reserve had not been carried out and will now chase this up.

PH will also chase up the bin requested for the pathway adjacent to Greenford Close.

The Agenda:

1. “No Fishing” signs in Brockhill Park (update)
2. New path at Lily Green Lane traffic island (update)
3. New “Brockhill” sign at Tardebigge end of Brockhill Drive (update)
4. “No Through Road” sign for Marchwood Close
5. “Walks around Brockhill” leaflets (update)
6. P.A.C.T. meeting
7. Litter pick
8. Website renewal
9. Quiz Night
10. Speed bumps removal
11. Plans for new school on Pointers Way
12. Persimmon’s sale of land at rear of properties in Carthorse Lane
13. A.O.B.

1. “No Fishing” signs in Brockhill Park update:
We are still waiting to hear from Jackie Boreham at RBC for a date for the erecting of the “No Fishing Signs” around the balancing ponds in Brockhill Park. JV has sent a further e-mail to Jackie this week.

2. New path at junction of Brockhill Drive – Lily Green Lane update:
RL showed us the plans that have been approved by WCC Highways Department for the construction of a path either side of the traffic island in Brockhill Drive/ Lily Green Lane. A date is awaited for its commencement.

3. New “Brockhill” sign at the Tardebigge end of Brockhill Drive update:
The old “Batchley” sign in this area had been removed, ready for the new one to be erected. RL said that this will be taking place very soon.

4. “No Through Road” sign in Marchwood Close update:
This sign was erected a few months ago but has been placed too high up to be noticed clearly. Residents of the Close have requested that the sign be lowered to a more prominent position as through traffic has not eased.

5. “Walks around Brockhill” leaflets update:
JD is looking to create some “Walks around Brockhill” leaflets and will attempt to combine this with the “naming of public open spaces” competition and some arranged walks plus the litter pick, in the spring.

6. P.A.C.T. meeting:
The next meeting takes place at the Tesco Redditch Brockhill Express store on Saturday November 7th between 10am – midday. Police and local councillors will be present to answer queries from residents on local matters of concern.

7. Website renewal:
The annual renewal of The Brockhill Residents’ Association website and domain name has been carried out with the kind assistance of Jules Collinson. The total cost of £112 is currently funded by profits from our Quiz Night. Membership of the association is totally free and we are therefore heavily reliant on members actively supporting any fund raising activities we may undertake in order that we remain financially viable.

8. Quiz Night:
We will be holding out next Quiz Night in the spring, date to be arranged. JV will compare the costs and suitability of prospective venues. JD and AP will arrange the hosting of the quiz itself and other committee members will be organise refreshments, raffles and hopefully sponsorship.

9. Speed bumps removal:
LD had noticed that the speed bumps in Cookridge Close, on the new Pointers Way estate, had been removed. JD said that they would have only been there temporarily whilst the road was being used by heavy construction site vehicles. The bumps would have been removed when the road was resurfaced.

10. Plans for the new school:
WCC Graham Vickery is attending a meeting on Thursday November 5th to discuss plans for the new school at Pointers Way. RL will prompt him to ask about the section 106 monies, payable by Persimmon, for the provision of local amenities including a community hall. The possible use of the new school for association meetings, prior to the availability of a community building, should also be explored. We have also requested that the association be informed of the traffic management plan for the school. RL was asked to ascertain whether we would be able to attend future planning meetings. RL hoped to report back on this shortly.

11. Persimmon’s sale of land at rear of properties in Carthorse Lane:
PH said that the delay in the sale of the land was due to the fact that individual solicitors were being used to represent the residents who are buying the land at the rear of their properties. Inevitably the procedure takes longer when several people are involved.

A.O.B.
We discussed the motoring hazard presented by the disabled gentleman who uses his motorised wheelchair in a dangerous manner on the roads around Batchley and Brockhill. He frequently drives on the wrong side of the road, swerves into the path of overtaking or oncoming cars, does not indicate nor use lights when it is dark. He continually causes problems for motorists who are concerned about his safety together with pedestrians and other road users who may be injured trying to avoid him. PH confirmed he is well known to the police who have cautioned him. However he insists on using the road and not the path, saying that the paths are not level enough for him to use.

Actions from this Meeting:
PH suggested that JD creates a link to the Alexander Hospital on the association’s Facebook page.
JD to organise the ”naming of public open spaces” competition.
JV to make enquiries for booking the Quiz Night venue.
AP to complete the new members leaflet. She was also asked to approach her contacts at Bullivant Media Ltd. for assistance with distribution of the leaflets via the Redditch Standard.
RL to continue pursuing Persimmon Homes for the funding of a community noticeboard for the new Pointers Way estate.

PH to request the clearance of rubbish bags from the culvert.

PH to remind the Maintenance Team at RBC of the anti-slip surface needed at the top of the staircase leading from the Nature Reserve to Brockhill Lane and to instruct them to repair the balustrade at the bottom of the staircase.
PH to chase up the bin requested for the pathway adjacent to Greenford Close.

JD to organise the creation of “Walking around Brockhill” leaflets.
JV to arrange the borrowing of “litter pick” equipment in the spring.

The meeting ended at 9.30 p.m.

Worcs C.C. Redditch Area Forum Monday 16th November at 6.30pm Redditch Town Hall

Fund Raisers

There will be an opportunity to meet County Councillors, and there will be presentations on: 

Policing in Redditch – Update on crime stats and policing initiatives by Darren Webster, Safer Neighbourhood Inspector, West Mercia Police.

Fire Service in Redditch – Update on your fire service by Group Commander Mick Cadman, Hereford & Worcester Fire & Rescue Service 

Economic Development – Presentation by Sue Crow, Economic Development Manager, Worcestershire County Council on the support for local businesses and increasing job opportunities.

Recording the Past and Present for the Future – Victoria Bryant, Manager of Worcestershire Archive and Archaeology Service, based at The Hive, talks about the important role of her department and the historic landscape of Worcestershire. 

 

Open Forum – Your opportunity to raise any issue that is important to you!

 

 
 
 

 

 

 

June 2015

Minutes

BROCKHILL RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION

Minutes of Meeting Monday June 22nd 2015

Those Present:

Sylvia Collinson​​SC

David Dallaway​​DD

Lynn Dallaway​​​LD

James Doble​​​JD

Tish Greenway​​TG

Julie Vincent​​​JV

 

Guest in attendance:

WCC Robin Lunn​​RL

Mayor Pattie Hill​​PH

 

Apologies received from Angie Preece, Brenda Quinney and Cllr Anita Clayton.

 

 

The Agenda:

 

1. Progress on the two remaining unadopted roads (Turnpike Lane and Wheatcroft Close).

2. B.R.A. alert system/crime & security

3. Neighbourhood Watch/PACT venue

4. Illegal fishing in Brockhill Park

5. Traffic calming or crossing on Salters Lane from Brockhill Park to Oak Tree Lane

6. Update on the progress of the new path to be constructed at the Lily Green island

7. New Sign for Brockhill at the Bromsgrove Highway/Tardebigge end of Brockhill Drive

8. Lost Pets section on our website

9. Litter Pick date

10. Naming of ‘open spaces’

11. New membership leaflets

12. A.O.B. (To include the entry to the Nature Reserve, surface at the top of the new path into the Nature Reserve, rubbish bin for walkway adjacent to Greenford Close).

 

1. Progress on the two remaining unadopted roads (Turnpike Lane and Wheatcroft Close):

RL said that he had spoken to Persimmon Homes to check if there was any work outstanding in these two roads. Persimmon said that any work needed had been completed, so we are now just awaiting confirmation that the adoption has taken place.

RL said that he will arrange a meeting with Martin Brown from Worcestershire County Council in early July, to discuss the adoption of the roads on Pointers Way.

Action RL

2. B.R.A. alert system/crime & security:

Following the recent break-ins to cars and garages in several roads in Brockhill, JD suggested having an ‘alert system’ on our website. He also proposed creating a B.R.A. Facebook page for residents to discuss local matters of concern. JD and SC said that they would be able to monitor this, as they are Facebook members themselves and log in regularly. SC will arrange for a section to be added to the website and JD will set up the Facebook page.

Action SC & JD

 

3. Neighbourhood Watch/ PACT venue:

We are still waiting to hear from our Neighbourhood Police Team as to where and when PACT meetings could be held. PH said that it was unlikely that a local school would be willing to stay open for meetings, as attendance was very low when previous meetings were arranged at Birchensale Middle School.

The consensus of the meeting was that the setting up of a Neighbourhood Watch scheme would not be worth pursuing.  

 

4. Illegal fishing in Brockhill Park/Wetlands:

In the evening a few weeks ago, resident dog walkers witnessed some fishermen in Brockhill Park (the Wetlands) enticing the swans to move by feeding them bread, thus enabling them to fish. In previous years swans have been injured, or worse, by fishing tackle. The swans think that the fishermen are throwing them food when they are really casting their lines. If swallowed, the tackle can tear their insides. We are extremely concerned for the safety of the seven cygnets as well as their parents. JV has arranged to meet with the Place Team Supervisor from Bromsgrove and Redditch Borough Council, who is in charge of parks and open spaces, next Tuesday June 30th to discuss the positioning of some ‘NO FISHING’ signs around the Wetlands. Jackie Boreham from RBC Parks and Open Spaces has confirmed that unfortunately they do not have the powers to enforce penalties.

 

5. Traffic calming or crossing on Salters Lane from Brockhill Park to Oak Tree Lane:

We are concerned for children and older residents crossing over Salters Lane on their way to the shops and bus stop etc. Traffic appears so quickly around the bend from the Lily Green Lane end that, as a minimum, a warning crossing sign needs to be erected. RL said that since a similar sign had been erected further up Salters Lane, near to Beech Tree Close, there have been fewer accidents. RL said that to have an actual crossing would cost too much.

Action RL

 

6. Update on the progress of the new path to be constructed at the Lily Green Lane traffic island:

RL said that the Highways Department have agreed to construct a path, at one of the sides of Lily Green Lane traffic island, to enable residents to cross more safely. He said that they hadn’t decided on which side to build it yet, but that it had been approved and should be done by the end of the year. JV suggested that the wider side on the left, when coming from Brockhill Drive, would be the better side, as it is wider and most people cross at this side.

 

7. New sign for Brockhill at the Tardebigge/Bromsgrove Highway end of Brockhill Drive:

The road sign at the Bromsgrove Highway end of Brockhill Drive currently shows only the name of Batchley. We had previously asked RL if he could arrange to have it changed to include Brockhill, as it can be confusing for the visitors of residents when trying to find their relatives’/friends’ new houses. RL said that the new sign showing both Batchley and Brockhill is ready and will be installed shortly.

 

8. Lost Pets space on our website:

We discussed creating a ‘Lost Pets’ section on our website for use by members. It was felt that this would be beneficial. Also a similar section could be included in our soon to be created Facebook page. It was felt that some members were more likely to visit Facebook than the website, and hence coverage would be increased.

Action SC

 

9. Litter Pick date:

We decided to postpone the Litter Pick until autumn, when the vegetation will have started to die down and litter will be more visible. PH recommended our contacting HM Prison Hewell as they were keen to forge links with local communities. It might be possible for them to supply a few inmates to help with this and other projects we may undertake in the future.  

 

10. Naming of ‘open spaces’:

JD had suggested that we hold a competition for naming the various ’open spaces’ around Brockhill. Once named it would make it easier when referring to areas of concern. It will also get members more involved and create a pride in our countryside. We will distribute entry forms to our members once they have been designed. JD is in contact with a designer who he hopes will help with this.

Action JD

 

11. New Membership Leaflets:

We hope these will be ready shortly and will arrange to have them delivered within the local newspapers or by hand to those on Pointers Way, since they currently do not receive the Standard or Advertiser.

Action AP

 

12. A.O.B.

RL agreed to pursue Persimmon Homes regarding their funding of a community notice board for the Pointers Way development site.

Action RL

 

As previously pointed out the new path, leading from Brockhill Lane up to the Nature Reserve, needs an improved more absorbent surface at the top of the steps as it gets very slippery when wet and muddy. Also the sides at the bottom of the new gate need to be blocked off with chicken wire or the like to prevent young children and dogs from falling down the steep slope on to Brockhill Lane.  

JD also pointed out that the post and fence next to the 5 bar entrance gate into the nature area from Plumstead Close had become loose and were currently held up by cable ties. JD agreed to send PH photographs of both entrances to assist in her progressing these matters.

Action JD & PH 

 

We are still waiting for a waste bin to be placed on the walkway adjacent to Greenford Close. SC agreed to send PH a photograph depicting where the bin should be situated.  

Action SC & PH

 

JD told us that three black bin liners full of rubbish that had been dumped in the culvert running alongside the pathway that leads from Brockhill Lane to opposite the postbox in Carthorse Lane. The balancing pond into which the water flows has all but dried up, leaving the birdlife stranded in mud and moss. It is not known if the dumping of rubbish in the culvert is the sole cause of the pond’s drying up, but it must exacerbate the situation. The cause should be investigated. JD will send PH a photograph of the location of the bin liners.    

Action JD &PH

 

The ‘NO THROUGH ROAD’ sign, requested by residents in Marchwood Close, has been granted funding by the Highways Department and should be erected shortly.

 

PH encouraged everybody to view her Facebook page, “Pattie Hill for Batchley and Brockhill”. She also recommended our registering on “Streetlife”, a social network for local communities.

 

The ‘Walks Around Brockhill’ leaflets are in the pipeline. One of JD’s neighbours is a designer whom he hopes to recruit to assist with this task.

 

The meeting ended at 9.50 p.m.

                                                     

Charity bag pack for Mayor’s charities

Fund Raisers

Cllr Pattie Hill has arranged 3 charity bag packs to raise money for her 3 chosen charities:

Redditch First Responders, Redditch Cat Rescue and Touchstones.

The dates are as follows:
 
Saturday 22nd August Sainsburys – Redditch
 
Sunday 13th September Morrisons, Redditch     
 
Saturday 21st November Tesco’s – Redditch
 
In order for these events to be a success they rely heavily on the support of volunteers. If anyone would like to give their valuable time on any of these dates it would be much appreciated. Please contact Pattie.

Pattie.Hill@redditchbc.gov.uk

Security Alert 11th December 2016

Security

11th December 2016

It’s been reported to us that there have been break-ins over the weekend in Brockhill, a car in Wheatcroft Close and also a garage.

6 cars were broken into overnight in Marchwood Close, Kite Lane and Harvington Close.

Please be vigilant, do not leave valuables in cars, not even in gloveboxes as these appear to have been searched. Ensure cars, garages, doors and gates are locked. If you have any information or spot anything suspicious please contact the police immediately.

16th November 2016

We have received reports of a car being broken into on Fairweather Close, and of another that has been stolen.

Please keep a look out for anything suspicious and inform the police if you have any concerns  (contact details are on this website)

3rd February 2016

Garage break yesterday 02/02/16 Goscote Close which is at the top of Dairy Lane, Brockhill. Back door to the garage was broken, and bikes stolen. If you see any suspicious people or vehicles inform the Police. We can all make Brockhill safer.
10th January 2016

There was a theft from a motor vehicle last night.  Location was a driveway on Kite Lane. Also one at the start of the week close by. Please phone the Police if you see anyone loitering around or anything out of the ordinary.
1st July 2015
Today, a Police Officer alerted residents in Parklands Close, that several cars had possessions stolen from their UNLOCKED cars in the early hours of this morning. We urge all residents to be more security conscious, and double check at night that they have LOCKED their car doors.