Minutes October 2006

Minutes of meeting held at Butt Lane Community Centre
Tuesday 24th October 2006 at 7.30 p.m.

Present: Graham Sutton (Chairman) Chris Brough (Vice Chairman), Kath Viles (Secretary)
Correna Gallagher (Treasurer) Brian Collis, John Gallacher, Michael Moore.
Guests: Councillors - J Macmilan, J Evans and S. Burgess
Mike Reynolds - Chair - 50's Forum NUL
Speakers: H. Ireland, D. Owen, N. Ley
Residents: 44. Total attendance: 58. Apologies: Mr & Mrs F.Gibson
Minutes of meeting held 12th September 2006 were circulated and accepted as a true record
Proposed by: Mr M Moores Seconded by: L. Sutton

WELCOME/INTRODUCTION and THANKS

Chairman opened the meeting. Thanked residents for such a good turnout. Apologised for in-correct advertising of the meeting in the Sentinel. He would contact Sentinel, yet again, to inform them of their mistake
St. John's Evangelist Church - Kidsgrove - War memorial and angel outside Church has been damaged. Asked Residents if they would agree to a donation in restoration work. This was agreed.
Citizens Advice Bureau - Hanley - to raise much needed funds - selling Christmas Cards, etc, during the interval. *** corrected 8/11/2006 ***
Butt Lane Priority Action Group - have issued a newsletter - Graham asked could they do an article on fly tipping in the area - which they did.
Community Pride Project- November Volunteers to help with leaflets, litter and to give any general support - would be appreciated .
Litter Picks Next date - Sunday 5th November 1000 - 1200 hours - would appreciate support of residents.
Daffodil & bluebell bulbs Newcastle Borough Council have given the Association bags of bulbs to plant in the woodland areas - anyone interested in planting them - contact Graham. Pupils from Clough Hall School will also be helping.
St. Saviour School - holding a fund raising event at Kidsgrove Cricket Club 16th November 2006 - Tickets still available - contact Graham.
Christmas Meal Booked for 20th December Clough Hall Hotel, cost £13.95 - see John or Coreena Gallagher to book.
Christmas Carol Evening To be organised, in conjunction with the Salvation Army, on the green, outside the Clough Hall Hotel. More details later.
Clough Hall School Arranged a litter pick on 3rd November at 14.00 hours, on the walkway behind PMF Kidsgrove, leading to Tesco. Graham would like to see residents helping out by arriving at 13.00 hours. See Graham for more details
Westmorland Unit - Next surgery is 31st October 06 at 17.00 hours, Butt Lane Community Centre. Meetings have been very beneficial to everyone.

GUEST SPEAKERS ....

Introduced Harry Ireland - Chief Crown Prosecution Services
Gave a very interesting talk and brief outline on Sentencing in criminal offences, advise police, decide with case procedure. Sentences are laid down by Parliament - range of sentences available to court - including - discharge, fines, community sentences and custodial. The seriousness of the case, defendants record, personal circumstance, remorse shown. There are programmes to deal with offenders (mental health problems, etc. attending day centre, exclusion order, curfew, etc. a separate penalty for young offenders.
Questions asked from Resident, which were answered by Mr Ireland.

Graham introduced Debbie Owen - Domestic Violence Co-ordinator,

who gave a description of her role in the Community, co-ordinating with various agencies including Victim Support, Out Reach Project, Youth Clubs, etc.
Raising awareness of Domestic Violence via discreet help lines, advertising (on Morrisons Till Receipt), Posters, Health Centres, library, etc. Graham offered our website for Domestic Violence - should they wish to advertise.

Graham introduced Nicky Ley - ASBO officer,
who, again gave a very interesting speech. Outline confidentiality and residents remaining anonymous. All calls received are recorded on data base and allocated Ref. No. They deal with anything from graffiti to off -road vehicle - quad bikes, etc. (which are becoming a big issue across the Borough - A group has been set up to address this issue. Looking at areas where people can go with quad bikes. Co-ordinate with ASPIRE and Beth Johnson. They have organised a Community Safety Drop In at Butt Lane Community Centre, during Community Pride Event.

Any other business

Park Stores - Have withdrawn their application for liquor licence.
Concern regarding the Bus shelters in the Avenue - continually smashed
War memorial at Catholic Church - destroyed
Liverpool Road - everywhere boarded up

Question from Resident - "What is happening in the area"?

Graham responded by saying most of the incidents - were police issues but will ask about the bus shelter.
The meeting was closed

Date of Next meeting : Tuesday 12th. December