BROCKHILL RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held at the Batchley Community Centre on Monday March 7th 2016

In Attendance:

Committee: Sylvia Collinson, David Dallaway, Lynn Dallaway, James Doble, Tisha Greenway, Julie Vincent​.

Members: Karen Baxter, Russell Baxter, Matt Collinson, Robin Dennis, Graham Haynes, Marion Haynes, Shirley Jobson, Peter Merricks, Robert Merry, Susan Merry, Stephen Siddle, Mike Vincent, Doug Wilks.

Non Members: Olivia Baxter, David Healey.

Councillors: Mayor & RBC Pattie Hill, WCC Robin Lunn, WCC Graham Vickery.

Apologies:

Apologies were received from John Dallaway and Angela Preece. Graham Vickery advised he would have to leave early to attend another meeting.

Adopt Minutes of Previous AGM:

David Dallaway apologised that printed copies of last year’s AGM minutes were not available. However, he pointed out that a copy had rested on the Association’s website for over 9 months and hoped all in attendance had had chance to read them. His offer to read out the minutes was declined and they were then duly adopted.

Receive, Adopt and Approve Accounts:

The Treasurer’s report was circulated for inspection by members. David Dallaway pointed out that the accounts covered a period of only 11 months because this year’s AGM was taking place somewhat earlier than the previous year’s. No income had been received in the 11 months, thus illustrating that the annual cost of running the website and hosting the AGM approached £150. The Association does not levy an annual membership fee, so it is vital that as many members as possible support our quizzes since these are currently our only fund raising events. Cash at bank was currently £751 and some of this will be used to print new membership leaflets.

The Accounts were received, adopted and approved by members.

David Dallaway thanked Sylvia Collinson for her work as Treasurer.

Report on Year’s Achievements:

David Dallaway ran through the Association’s main achievements since last year’s AGM:-

• With the much appreciated assistance of Robin Lunn, 99% of all the roads (excepting the new Pointers Way development) have now been adopted. Only Turnpike Lane and Wheatcroft Close remain unadopted, but these just await completion and submission of a form by Persimmon Homes South Midlands.

• A Brockhill Residents’ Association Facebook Page has been established that continues to enjoy a large number of hits. It incorporates a “Lost Pets” section and an early warning system for crime related incidents. David Dallaway thanked James Doble for his work on setting this up.

• Access improvements have been made to the green footbridge leading from Carthorse Lane to Appletree Lane spanning Brockhill Drive.

• “Swan Watch” in Brockhill Park/Wetlands area – “No fishing” signs have now been erected around the pool at our request by RBC.

• Traffic calming measures have been installed in Salters Lane near to the Brockhill Park entrance.

• Early installation of Superfast Broadband. Peter Merricks was thanked by David Dallaway for his work on liaising with the Worcestershire project team.

• Organisation of a “Litter Pick” (part of the “Clean for the Queen” campaign). It will take place this coming Saturday and all were urged to participate.

• “No through road” sign erected at entrance to Marchwood Close. However residents claim that the sign is too high and needs re-positioning.

• Robin Lunn confirmed that work on new pathways on both sides of the traffic island at the junction of Brockhill Drive/Lily Green Lane were due to commence after April this year.

• Approval for the granting of a community facility by Persimmon Homes South Midlands. Members of the committee, together with Robin Lunn, were meeting with Kate Tait, Strategic Planning Director Persimmon Homes South Midlands, on March 11th to discuss this and to receive an update on future development plans for Pointers Way.

Executive Committee Elections:

In accordance with the Constitution, three committee members must resign at each AGM. Sylvia Collinson – Treasurer, Julie Vincent – Secretary and Tisha Greenway tendered their resignation but all were available for re-election. Attendees were asked if there were any other proposals for election to the committee but none was forthcoming. The three existing committee members were proposed for re-election by Robin Dennis and seconded by Mike Vincent.

Future Objectives:

James Doble outlined our future main objectives:

• Growth of membership with a particular emphasis on targeting residents of Pointers Way.

• Development of community facilities.

• Funding of a third community notice board for Pointers Way.

• Quiz Night

• New post boxes for Pointers Way.

• “Open spaces” naming competition.

• Production of “Walks around Brockhill” leaflets and maps.

• Expediting adoption of roads on Pointers Way.

• Growth of relationship with Persimmon Homes South Midlands.

• Safety improvements to be made around the gate at the top of the steps leading from Brockhill Lane up to the Nature Reserve.

• Creation of new path in Lily Green Lane at the road traffic island for safer crossing.

• Traffic calming measures in Salters Lane at the junction with Oaktree Avenue.

• Re-installation of staggered barriers at the Salters Lane end of Brockhill Park.

• Re-installation of litter bins around Brockhill Park

A.O.B.

The state of the derelict farmhouse and barns, situated next to the Pointers Way Development, was raised by several members. The farmhouse was set alight several years ago. The barns and remaining outbuildings are in a very poor state of repair, posing a safety risk. A number of the surrounding protective barriers have collapsed thus enabling easy access to the buildings, particularly by children. It was established that Persimmon Homes are still responsible for access to this land. We will be voicing our concerns at the aforementioned meeting with Kate Tait on March 11th and will request repair of the protective fencing.

Peter Merricks raised the issue of RBC spending section 106 monies, arising from Persimmon’s Oaklands development, on areas outside Brockhill. James Doble said this was not illegal and nothing could now be done about it. However, we must ensure that section 106 monies in relation to the Pointers Way development are used specifically for the benefit of the Brockhill community.

Matt Collinson voiced his concern about the speeding traffic along Salters Lane on the bend near to the entrance to Brockhill Park. “It is an accident waiting to happen”, he said, as children on scooters and bicycles emerge from the Park on to the busy road. There needs to be a crossing or traffic calming measures put in place. Many people use this route to cross over to get to the shops, playground and bus stop. Robin Lunn said that speed bumps could not be installed as it is on a bus route. However he agreed to investigate what monies may be available to provide another method of traffic calming.

A number of members had heard and or seen cars being raced around Brockhill, particularly along Brockhill Drive. Pattie Hill strongly urged reporting of all such instances to her and/or the police, giving details of place and time, immediately they are witnessed.

An enquiry was made as to whether there would be a bus route through Pointers Way once the new school had been built. Robin Lunn replied that this issue would be addressed nearer the time of completion of the school. Whichever bus company was then in operation would be approached.

Several dog walking members had experienced sheep in the field behind Parklands Close. It was confirmed by Pattie Hill that warning notices to keep dogs on a lead were the responsibility of the landowning farmer. Similarly the repair of a broken entrance stile was also the farmer’s responsibility.

Pattie Hill read out a list of forthcoming events, activities and community projects of interest and benefit to people in the Redditch area.

The meeting ended at 8.35 p.m.

BROCKHILL RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION

  Minutes of Meeting Monday January 11th 2016

Those Present:

David Dallaway​​​DD

Lynn Dallaway​​​LD

Sylvia Collinson​​​SC

Julie Vincent​​​JV

James Doble​​​JD

Apologies: Tisha Greenway and Angie Preece.​

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

Actions from last meeting:

New membership leaflets – JD

Culvert rubbish bag clearance – PH

Date for commencement of new path at Lily Green Lane traffic island – RL

Pointers Way notice board – PH

Public Liability Insurance – DD

Chase up e-mail to Jackie Boreham re: ‘No Fishing’ signs for balancing ponds in Brockhill Park – JV

Litter bin for Greenford Close – PH

Entry forms for ‘the public open spaces’ naming competition – JD

JD said that the new membership leaflets should be finished by the end of February.

JD confirmed that the bin liners had still not been removed from the culvert running alongside the pathway leading from Brockhill Lane to Carthorse Lane. PH thought this had already been carried out and will now check that the correct location had been given to the Grounds Maintenance Department.

RL confirmed that the new path for Lily Green Lane near the traffic island will be created after April this year; the exact date is still to be scheduled.

RL is continuing to pursue Persimmon regarding the funding of a community noticeboard to be situated on the Pointers Way estate.

DD is making enquiries with regard to Public Liability Insurance. A number of policies appear to be geared more towards residents’ associations in leased apartment blocks or those organisations with employees. Such policies insure against risks that are not applicable to our association, with their high premiums reflecting this. RL suggested trying Zurich and JD advised using the National Association of Residents Associations website.

JV is awaiting a reply to her e-mail to Jackie Boreham with regard to the ‘No Fishing’ signs for Brockhill Park. However PH assured the meeting that they would be installed by the end of the week.

PH said she had put in a request for a litter bin to be installed on the pathway adjacent to Greenford Close.

JD asked RL for a map showing all the public open spaces around Brockhill to assist his drawing up of entry forms for the naming competition.

The Agenda:

1. Safety notices for Pointers Way – poor lighting and land holes

2. Safety improvements to Nature Reserve gate

3. Plan for the community building – Pointers Way section 106 monies

4. Date for Quiz Night

5. Date for A.G.M.

6. Litter pick

7. “Walks Around Brockhill” leaflet

8. Drinks licence

9. Facebook and website – link to Alexandra Hospital’s ‘Fight to Keep Services’

10. Persimmon’s land sale – (rear of Carthorse Lane)

11. A.O.B.

1. Safety notices for Pointers Way – poor lighting and land holes:

It has been reported by a member living on the Pointers Way that there are several areas of uneven ground on the estate. These pose potential safety hazards, particularly at night as the street lighting tends to be dim. Also there is no fencing around the balancing ponds which is highly dangerous as they fill up very quickly, especially after the recent heavy rains. JV will get in touch with Kate Tait, the New Buildings Liaison Manager for Persimmon Homes, to arrange a meeting.

2. Safety improvements to Nature Reserve gate:

DD showed PH photographs taken that day of the slippery surfaces and gaps underneath and both sides of the gate at the top of the stairway leading from Brockhill Lane to the Nature Reserve. PH said that she would contact the Grounds Department at RBC to arrange for a non-slip surface to be laid and the gaps blocked off with chicken wire or the like. DD agreed to e-mail PH copies of the pictures to assist her expediting this matter.

3. Plan for the community building – Pointers Way section 106 monies:

GV had attended a meeting on 5th November, arranged by RBC with Persimmon Homes, to discuss plans for and use of the new school on Pointers Way. On a temporary basis we would hope to use the school hall for B.R.A. functions until such time that our own community building becomes available. We had asked GV to put forward our request. GV said that one of the school’s governors is a B.R.A. member with whom we will now liaise. PH agreed to organise a meeting for us with Ruth Bamford, RBC’s Head of Planning and Regeneration.  

JD suggested a way to fund the community building, that Persimmon are offering to provide is for RBC to let it out to local groups and use the income to offset running costs.

4. Date for the Quiz Night:

A suitable date to hold our next Quiz Night was discussed and it was felt that sometime after Easter, which falls early this year, would be a good time. Mid to late April would seem favourable but the availability of our excellent quizmaster, Wayne Preece, would need determining first. JV will enquire about available dates around this time at the Batchley Community Hall in Cherry Tree Walk. She will also determine whether we are able to sell our own alcohol, as the profits arising from this are a vital part of the evening’s success. Membership of the association is free and it is essential that the Quiz Night generates sufficient profit to fund the annual costs of running the association and operating the website. Members will be e-mailed and details posted on the website once a date has been agreed. (See also item 8. below)

5. Date for the A.G.M:

It was suggested we hold the A.G.M. approximately a month after the Quiz Night – JV will find out what dates are available to hire the Batchley Community Hall. (Post meeting note – the AGM is now likely to be held sometime before the quiz. Members will be informed of due dates by e-mail plus website and notice board postings.)

6. Litter pick:

A date of Saturday March 12th was selected for the litter pick. It is envisaged starting at 10 a.m. and finishing around noon. JV will make arrangements to borrow the equipment needed, i.e. litter picks and gloves, from a contact at RBC. Members will be notified of start time and where to meet by e-mail together with website and notice board postings.

7. Walks Around Brockhill:

JD will compile a leaflet containing walks around our Brockhill area for the use of members. DD will contact the Redditch Walks website to ascertain what assistance they may be able to offer. We hope to arrange walking groups at weekends to develop a community spirit.

8. Drinks licence:
SC will apply for an alcohol licence for the Quiz Night (see item 4. above). 

9. Facebook and website – link to Alexandra Hospital’s ‘Fight to Keep Services’:

JD has been monitoring our Facebook page and confirmed there had been a large number of hits from our members and other residents. We hope to form a link with the Alexandra Hospital, so that residents can be made aware of any changes to the hospital’s services. Forewarned is forearmed, so to speak.

10. Persimmon’s sale of land at the rear of part of Carthorse Lane:

We have had a few enquiries from some members in Carthorse Lane, who are in the process of buying land at the rear of their properties from Persimmon, as to why the sale is taking a lot longer than expected. PH assured us that RBC was not responsible for the delay; it is purely a matter between Persimmon and the purchasers’ individual solicitors.

11. A.O.B:

GV advised that the next P.A.C.T. meeting will be held on Saturday February 6th at the Tesco Redditch Brockhill Express store between 10am – 12pm. Details will be posted on our notice boards and website shortly.

GV told us of a Highways and Transport Forum, to be held at the Town Hall on Tuesday February 2nd, 5pm – 6.30pm. One of our committee members will be attending.

RL reported that the new Batchley/Brockhill sign will be installed before the end of the financial year. Also work on the new pathways on both sides of the traffic island at the junction of Brockhill Drive/ Lily Green Lane will commence after April this year.

SC re-raised our concerns about the dangers experienced when crossing Salters Lane from Oak Tree Avenue across in to Batchley Park. Both RL and PH said that regretfully nothing could be done at present as there was no history of any accidents at this crossing point. However RL has requested the Highways Department to install two bollards in Salters Lane near to the Beech Tree Close crossing, as a traffic calming measure.  

JD suggested organising Dog Training Groups and walks. He has a contact at Vicky’s Pet Services who would be able to provide this.

Actions from this Meeting:

PH to arrange with the Grounds Maintenance Department for safety work to be carried out around the gate at the top of the stairway leading from Brockhill Lane up to the Nature Reserve.

PH to arrange a meeting for us with Ruth Bamford to discuss the community building on Pointers Way.

DD to contact the Redditch Walks website.

RL to provide JD with a map of Brockhill’s Public Open Spaces.

SC to apply for an alcohol licence.

JV to book Batchley Community Hall for the Quiz Night and AGM.

JV to arrange a meeting with Kate Tait from Persimmon Homes.

The meeting ended at 9.20 p.m.                                                  

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.

Brockhill Residents’ Association AGM held at The Batchley Community Centre on Monday 11th May 2015

Agenda

1.     Introductions

2.     Agree  minutes of previous year’s AGM

3.     Treasurer’s report

4.     Report on year’s achievements

5.     Executive committee elections

6.     Future objectives

7.     A.O.B.

The Committee in attendance:-

James Doble                        JD

David Dallaway                                    DD

Lynn Dallaway                    LD

Sylvia Collinson                                    SC

Julie Vincent                        JV

Tish Greenway                    TG

Apologies received from members Angie Preece, Paul Kimberley and Lorayne Kimberley.

1.     INTRODUCTIONS:

The Committee Members introduced themselves to the eleven members present, who also included WCC Robin Lunn, CC Pattie Hill and CC Natalie Brookes.  JD had agreed to be Spokesperson for the evening and he explained that our Chairman had resigned at the last AGM and that we were still looking to replace him.  Our Membership Secretary had also resigned at the last AGM.

2.     AGREE MINUTES OF PREVIOUS YEAR’S AGM:

The minutes from last year’s AGM were read out by JD and agreed.  Due to a change in websites half way through the year, these minutes were not currently able to be viewed.  This oversight would now be rectified.

3.     TREASURER’S REPORT:

Committee Treasurer, Sylvia Collinson, gave her account of the fund activities, which were also printed out for members to examine.  A copy of the accounts is posted on the website.

4.     REPORT ON YEAR’S ACHIEVEMENTS:

DD highlighted the main achievements since the last AGM:-

·       New website – thanks to Jules Collinson for creating and running.

·       Adoption of roads – thanks to Robin Lunn for his considerable work on this.  Robin confirmed that, excluding Pointers Way, the only two roads not yet adopted were Turnpike Lane and Wheatcroft Close.  The process for these last two should be completed in the next couple of weeks.

·       Two community notice boards kindly funded by RBC and WCC (Robin’s discretionary fund).

·       Improvement of Sainsbury’s traffic island road markings.

·       New steps and gated entrance off Brockhill Lane into the nature reserve plus the installation of dog mess bins – thanks to Pattie Hill for her efforts in this area.

·       New road signs for Brockhill at the Tardebigge end of Brockhill Drive.

·       Quiz Night in October raised £165 for association funds – thanks to sponsorship/donations from JGS Autos, Tesco, Morrisons, Wilkinson, Robin’s Bike Den, Winyates Chippy and various committee members.

·       Scheduled hedge trimming at the Butler’s Hill Lane traffic island.

5.     EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE ELECTIONS:

David Dallaway, Lynn Dallaway and Brenda Quinney stood down (as required by the Constitution).  Members were asked if they would like to stand for election, but nobody volunteered.  David Dallaway, Lynn Dallaway, James Doble and Angie Preece stood for election. They were proposed by Robin Dennis and seconded by Douglas Norris.  Angie Preece will be taking over the Events Secretary role.

6.     FUTURE OBJECTIVES:

JD outlined some of the coming year’s objectives:-

·       Increase committee and association membership – invitation leaflets to be distributed via local newspaper and door-to-door posting for Pointers Way residents.

·       A third community notice board to be sited on the Pointers Way Development.

·       Litter pick.

·       Further Quiz Nights.

·       Production of local walking leaflets/maps.

·       Competition to be held in which residents will be asked to propose names for the open spaces around Brockhill.

·       Continued pressure to ensure the early installation of Superfast Broadband – thanks to Peter Merricks for his work to date in this area.

·       Pathway to be provided at Brockhill Drive/Lily Green Lane traffic island.

7.     A.O.B.

Douglas Norris raised the problem with the junction at Butlers Hill Lane/Brockhill Lane not being wide enough for the increasing traffic.  He said that there is room for the roads to be widened which would help resolve the problem.  Robin Lunn said that he would look into this matter for us.

JD expressed his concern about the speed some drivers approached this junction.  He was aware of at least four cats being killed on this stretch of road in the last year.  Pattie Hill said all road kills should be reported to the PCSO’s in order that appropriate measures could be considered.

Anne Norris voiced her concerns about dogs that were being walked around Brockhill Park/ Wetlands, without being on a lead.  Many people like to let their dogs off their leads when they reach the park, so that they can have a run around.  However there have been many instances, she said, where dogs have become aggressive and because they are not on a lead, their owners have no control over them.  Anne has a small dog herself that has been confronted by an aggressive dog.  Also the swans, currently nesting, are very vulnerable.  There have been several incidents where aggressive dogs that are not on leads, have confronted the swans.  Pattie Hill said that she has several people watching over the swans, but of course, they cannot be on guard constantly.  JD suggested that we create a Pet Watch Section on our Website, where members can report any incidents relating to this.

Matt Collinson enquired about the section 106 monies that had been spent in areas outside Brockhill, such as The Abbey Stadium.  Pattie Hill, Robin Lunn and JD all confirmed that unfortunately this was “fait accompli” and was not illegal as it could be argued that Brockhill residents benefited from improvements to surrounding areas. However it was important we should ensure 106 monies arising from the Pointers way development were spent entirely in the Brockhill area.

As members are aware, we have been trying to get our own Community Hall so that we can arrange our meetings in Brockhill, instead of Tardebigge or Batchley.  There are plans, not yet passed by RBC, to build a school on the Pointers Way site.  If it is built, we are hoping that we will be able to use one of its rooms for our meetings. Pattie Hill said that Persimmon had provided Callow Hill residents with a room for their meetings in one of their Marketing Suites, when their houses were built.  There may be a possibility of Persimmon doing the same for us when Pointers Way is completed.  SC said that on the existing plans, the school would be built at the top of a hill thus causing difficulties for mothers with pushchairs.  It is likely that parents and guardians would be more likely to drive than walk to school and this would cause a parking problem for residents.

SC asked Pattie if she knew why the local paper wasn’t delivered to the houses on the Pointers Way estate.  SC had herself been told by the Newspaper that there weren’t enough telephone numbers registered on the estate to warrant the paper being delivered, even though most of the houses are now occupied.  Pattie said it was more likely that they couldn’t get anyone to deliver them.  DD pointed out that Angie Preece was related to the Bullivants and we were attempting to gain more information on the matter from that route.

Douglas Norris raised his concerns regarding Marchwood Close having traffic problems, as drivers think it is a through road.  He asked if signs saying ‘No Through Road’ could be erected to stop unnecessary access by traffic that then has to turn around in what should be a quiet close. Robin Lunn said he would look into the possibility of this.

Robin Dennis enquired whether we should charge an annual membership fee.  DD responded that this had been muted when the association had first been set up.  However we need to attract as many members as possible and free membership should help this.  To be able to finance this, it is very important that as many members as possible attend our quiz nights and any other fund raising events.

Pattie Hill read out a long list of forthcoming events and activities in the Redditch area that might be of interest to Brockhill residents.

The meeting ended at 8.45 p.m.

BROCKHILL RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION
Minutes of Meeting Monday November 10th 2014

Those Present:
David Dallaway​​​DD
Lynn Dallaway​​​LD
Sylvia Collinson​​​SC
Julie Vincent​​​JV
James Doble​​​JD
Tish Greenway​​​TG
Guests in attendance: – WCC Robin Lunn and WCC & RBC Pattie Hill

Apologies from Angela Preece

The Agenda:

1. Roads Adoption Update
2. Litter Bin needed in Greenford Close
3. Reported problem with the new Nature Reserve Gate
4. Quiz Night: Confirmation of Profit
5. Bike Auction
6. New Membership Leaflets
7. Our Objectives – Long and Short term
8. A.O.B.

1. Roads Adoption Update:
Rosedale Close and Salters Lane were adopted on November 4th. RL has spoken to Dave Pilchard, of WCC Highways Department, for an update on the outstanding work required before Turnpike Lane and Wheatcroft Close can be adopted. These two roads are in the final stages of completion and are the last two to be adopted in Brockhill West.
An Association member reported that he believed a cul-de-sac running off Greenford Close had not been adopted. He also believed several similar areas were to be found within adopted areas on the estate. Investigations by RL had revealed that these ‘unadopted’ areas were in fact private driveways and not, therefore, part of the adoption process. These driveways were part of house owners’ property and were not the responsibility of RBC. RL has communicated these facts to the member in question.
RL has a meeting on Wednesday November 12th with the Highways Officer, to discuss concerns from members of the public in Salters Lane about the lack of a path opposite Beechwood Close. The matter is made worse by a culvert in the road and an area of raised bushes. RL said that the cost of removing the bushes would be more than having a crossing installed. He will be discussing the creation of a crossing near to the park entrance as this is an area where children, sometimes on bicycles, cross over Salters Lane to go to the play area in Oak Tree Lane.
A new road sign has been installed on the right hand side of Butler’s Hill Lane as you access it from the main roundabout. Unfortunately the sign reads, “Butlers Lane” missing both the apostrophe and Hill. PH agreed to investigate.

2. Litter Bin needed in Greenford Close:
An Association member from Greenford Close has reported large amounts of litter being dropped on the footpath, used by local school children, at the bottom of this road. He has suggested that it would be a good location for a litter bin. PH said that she would look into having one installed.

3. Reported Problem with the New Nature Reserve Gate:
Several members have reported that at the top of the steps near to the kissing gate, the ground is very slippery after all the recent rainfall. Also an additional step is needed at the bottom of the staircase as the gap is too steep when reaching the lane. PH said that she was already aware of the problems. She had contacted Matthew Mead, Senior Engineering Technician for Redditch Borough Council, regarding the placement of some extra non-slip material by the kissing gate and the building of an extra step at the bottom of the staircase. PH was also asked whether chicken wire could be installed around the bottom of the kissing gate to prevent young children and dogs from running out of the field and down the steps.

4. Quiz Night – Confirmation of Profit:
We are pleased to report that the Quiz Night on October 18th was a great success, despite the slightly disappointing attendance of only eight teams. As previously it was held at the Tardebigge Community Hall and members, together with their friends and families, enjoyed the provision of a licensed bar and snacks. A profit of £165 was made aided by the Quiz Master, Wayne Preece, providing his services free of charge and raffle donations from J.G.S. Autos, Tesco, Morrisons, Wilkinson, Robin’s Bike Den, Winyates Chippy and various members.

5. Bike Auction:
We are holding an auction of a brand new child’s bike, generously donated by one of our members. The donor, Robin Dennis of Robin’s Bike Den, will conduct the auction with bids being accepted up to midnight on November 30th. Members will be able to view a picture of the bike on our website and a poster, advertising the auction, will be posted on the two Community Notice Boards. If desired before bidding, viewing of the actual bike can be arranged by contacting JV. The proceeds will go towards the running costs of the Association.

6. New Membership Leaflets:
We are aiming to re-design our Membership Leaflets and have them printed and delivered, the costs of which should be covered by the Quiz Night’s profit. It is hoped the new design will encourage more members to join, particularly as the distribution area will also cover the new Pointers Way estate.

7. Our Objectives – Long and Short Term:
One of our main aims, as we approach the New Year, is to increase the membership of the Association. We hope to bring the community together for local walks, an ideal way of getting to know one’s neighbours and familiarising oneself with the surrounding area on foot. In the New Year we will produce some local walking leaflets/maps to display on our website and notice boards. When future organised walks are arranged, details of meeting times and venues would also be advertised.
We are in the process of arranging a Litter Pick Spring Clean for next year.
Further Quiz Nights will be organised in the New Year and possibly, a ‘Summer Family Fun Day’, if a suitable venue can be found together with more members to help with its organisation.
The key short and long term objectives of the Association will be discussed and agreed at the next committee meeting.
8. A.O.B
DD and LD had attempted to attend the last Batchley & Brockhill PACT meeting at Birchensale School on October 2nd, only to discover it had been cancelled. PH was asked if any progress had been made in finding a new venue for future PACT meetings. She said unfortunately not and that another problem existed regarding the availability of a Police Officer to attend. The poor attendance by residents at previous meetings means that the whole issue is deemed of not high priority.
JD told us that he had walked around the new Pointers Way estate and noticed that there are two paths which end abruptly, and lead nowhere! He asked RL and PH if they could look into this.
PH advised that a Charity Quiz Night is being held at the Town Hall on Friday November 28th in the large Chamber. The proceeds are to go towards a new robot machine needed at the Alexander Hospital. We are hoping to send a team of members to support this extremely worthwhile cause. Please contact us if you would like to join us.
The meeting ended at 9.50p.m.

minutes for sept

august 2014

Minutes of Meeting Thursday July 24th  2014

Those present:-

David Dallaway   DD

Lynn Dallaway   LD

Sylvia Collinson   SC

Julie Vincent   JV

James Doble   JD

Ellie Doble   ED

Paul Kimberley   PK

Lorayne Kimberley  LK

Guest in attendance: – WCC Robin Lunn

Apologies: – Tisha Greenway, Pattie Hill

The Agenda:-

1. Progress on the adoption of roads

2. Dog fouling and litter signs for the Nature Reserve

3. Replacement gate for the Nature Reserve

4. Road works and signage

5. Membership leaflets and quiz posters

6. Quiz Night

7. Notice boards

8. Batchley Summer Celebration 26th July

9. A.O.B.  (To include Persimmon Meeting at Town Hall)

Actions from this meeting:

DD to contact Doug Wilks to discuss a new membership form and Quiz Night poster

SC to contact the local Community Halls to discuss booking for a Quiz Night

JV to e mail Karen Lumley with regard to the Feedback on the Funding Fair

Actions from this meeting:

JD to contact Sue Hanley to obtain a Schedule of Works

JD to find out whom to contact with regard to getting a new post box for the Wheelers Lane area

SC to make enquiries about an alcohol licence for the Quiz Night

RL to chase the new road sign for Brockhill at the Tardebigge end of Brockhill Drive

RL to find out about having a third Notice Board in the Wheelers Lane area from Section 106 monies

1. Progress on the adoption of roads:

Robin Lunn reported that there is only one road in Brockhill that is giving concern regarding its adoption and that is Rosedale Close.  The area concerned is a Taylor Wimpey development and RL said that he will be visiting residents in Rosedale Close at the beginning of August to let them know of any progress.

In West Brockhill, Turnpike Lane, Vowchurch Close and Wheatcroft Close are still waiting for work to be completed.  Carthorse Lane has been adopted but land to the rear of houses 147 – 159, which is owned by Persimmon, is being sold offered for sale to those houses for £500.  We are concerned that the right of way between two of these houses might be closed off.  This is a much used route for dog walkers and other local residents and the land was intended for this purpose in the proposed plans, so we will be striving to keep this open.  Robin Lunn said that he would look into this matter for us.

The Wheelers Lane area of Brockhill is awaiting a 28 days’ notice period to elapse.  Posters have been displayed on lampposts informing residents of the forthcoming adoption.  During this period residents will have the opportunity of registering their objections.  Subject to there being no objections, adoption should take place on 11th August.

2. Dog fouling and litter signs for the Nature Reserve:

Signs have been placed around the perimeter of the Nature Reserve area, accessed via Plumstead Close, following the request of several residents.  The signs request dog walkers to ensure they pick up their dog waste.  A dog fouling bin will be erected shortly near to the exit gate.

3. Replacement gate for the Nature Reserve:

Borough Councillor Pattie Hill and Gavin Boyes, Landscape and Arboriculture Officer, have made an inspection visit to the Nature Reserve to assess the requirements of replacing the padlocked gate on Brockhill Lane.  For safety reasons it was proposed to install a new gate further up Brockhill Lane opposite the walkway through to Carthorse Lane.  We all approved this new proposed siting and DD agreed to communicate this to Pattie.  He would also ask her to confirm whether a disability access assessment had been carried out.  Because of the new siting proposal, the replacement will not now take place on 28th July and we await a new date for the work to be carried out.  JD suggested that when the work has been completed it would present a good photograph opportunity for our website.

4. Road works and signage (white arrow in left hand lane at Sainsbury’s traffic Island):

We are pleased to report that a straight on arrow has been added to the left hand arrow on the inside lane of the Sainsbury’s Traffic Island.  However, we are still waiting for a new Brockhill sign to replace the Batchley sign on Brockhill Drive at the Tardebigge island end.  Several residents have reported that their visitors have been confused by the Batchley sign.

The majority of the road works have now been completed in Brockhill by the Borough Council following the adoption of most of the roads.

5. Membership leaflets and quiz posters:

We are in the process of designing new leaflets which will hopefully attract new members.  We plan to have these delivered with the local paper, although we have been informed that houses on the new Pointers Way estate do not currently receive deliveries. Consequently leaflets will have to be hand delivered to these residents.  A quiz poster will also be designed shortly and hopefully be delivered in the same way as the leaflets.

6. Quiz Night:

Following the great success of our first Quiz Night, the date and venue have now been booked for the next challenge.   Please make a note in your diaries for Saturday October 18th at The Tardebigge Community Hall at 7.30 p.m.  Please invite your friends and family to this fun, fund raising event, with a licensed bar and nibbles.  We will be holding a raffle at half time and there will be a prize for the winning team.

7. Notice Boards:

We hope that the two notice boards, which have already been ordered, will be erected before the Quiz Night so that we can display advertising posters.  We are in the process of requesting a third notice board so that we can cover all areas of Brockhill.  The first two boards, which were ordered about six weeks ago, should hopefully arrive by October.  One will be placed in Brockhill Park and the other near to the temporary polling station site in Carthorse Lane.  If we are successful in obtaining a third, it will be placed somewhere on the new Pointers Way development.  Residents will be able to display advertisements by contacting the committee – details to follow.

8. Batchley Summer Celebration:

We were contacted by Maureen Muckle of the Batchley Support Group asking if we would like to have a stall at their event on Saturday July 26th.  Unfortunately we did not have sufficient time to produce membership leaflets and Quiz Night posters and were therefore unable to take up this offer. However we were able to advertise the event on our website.

9.  A.O.B.

DD & JV attended a Persimmon presentation at the Town Hall on Monday June 30th.  The plans for the next phase of mixed use development at Brockhill were on display.  These plans can now be accessed on the RBC website.  We spoke to a Persimmon Planning Officer and expressed our concerns that there are currently no community facilities in Brockhill.  We told her that the Brockhill Residents’ Association has to hold its AGM and fund raising events outside the area because there is no community hall.  We asked if the new development would encompass such a building and were told that the new proposed school would have facilities for us to use.

DD also expressed his concerns about the hedgerow that was ripped out illegally by Persimmon or its sub-contractors at the start of the work on Pointers Way.  A large number of the shrubs planted to replace it have now withered and died.  Also the plans for Pointers Way, held by Redditch Borough Council, showed a fence bordering the road and the public open space along the replanted hedgerow.  This has still not been built.

We were given comment forms when we left the meeting and DD submitted his concerns by e-mail to Persimmon Homes on July 12th.  He is still awaiting a reply!

With the absence of a chairperson we decided to elect a spokesperson.  DD has kindly agreed to fulfil that role until such time that a new chairperson is elected.  If anybody would be able to fill the role of chairperson, please come forward.  We need YOU!  We could also use the help of an artistic member, to aid with the design of our leaflets and posters.

The meeting ended at 9.50p.m.