Grays Central Community Forum Open Meeting

Tuesday May 10th 2011

Attended: Claire Bter, Geoffrey Nathan, Ross Bannister, Claire Bannister, Vivienne Wright, Jean Dexter, J. Gardner, Christine Keeble, Colin Baker, U. Garwood, T. Howard, B. Page, D. Goldfinch, Apologies: Cllr C Kent, Cllr M. Stone, Cllr Y Gupta, N Warren.

1. Meeting Opened at 7.40pm. All were welcomed.

2. Apologies were received from Cllr C.Kent, Cllr M. Stone, Cllr Y Gupta, N. Warren.

3. Minutes read and agreed.

4. Presentation by Terry Piccolo (SLH Forum) on ‘Thurrock CVS’ The presentation was cancelled as Mr Piccolo was unable to attend.

5. Presentation on Fire Safety by Mr Tony Howard. Mr Howard gave a PP presentation on Fire Safety in the Home. It was very informative and raised a discussion within the group on aspects of home safety. Mr Howard informed the meeting that free smoke alarms are available from the Fire Service and that more information can be found on the Essex Fire Service website. Mr Howard was thanked for his presentation.

6. Matters arising GN reconfirmed that the council will not repair damaged equipment installed in parks by forums and that forums are unable to fund any maintenance on equipment already installed.

7. a.Introduction of new PCSO’s The new PC Victoria 'Tory' Harris was unable to attend the meeting. However issues were discussed with PCSO’s Dave Goldfinch and Billy Page and asked about the attendance of representatives from the police at our meetings. It was felt that there had been a communication hiccup but that representatives will be at our meetings from now on. The meeting discussed the issue of the inconsiderate parking by the allotments from the previous meeting and why it seems so difficult to get something sorted quickly. The issue will be looked into and fed back at the next meeting. a.i.i) Suggestion: At the Ward Ave entrance for the school, could the cars only be able to turn left out on to Ward Avenue? This may ease the congestion with the traffic. a.i.ii) Could there be a time restriction placed on the bus stop bays in Bradleigh Avenue? b.Congratulations to new/returning councillors Congratulations to Cathy Kent who has been returned as councillor for our ward. c.Progress on concerns re: Hathaway Road Park Pathway. RB to speak to LG as no response so far. d.Rest Gardens Flower Bed, Planters, Maintenance and Bark. GN to meet with Luke Love and the mulch man regarding when mulch is ready. GN to find out who is going to complete the flower bed and to liaise with JD regarding size and position. Fencing needs to be sourced. RB spoke to Lee Downman regarding the maintenance of the rest Gardens/ Planters by MIND. Lee has confirmed that they have secured some funding from Veolia and that they will be able to continue the maintenance project that we have in place for this next year. e.Planning (Norman Hall) A request had been made to develop the Norman Hall site to build flats. This has been rejected by the Planning Committee. f.Gracelands (Licence) Licence has been revoked and shop shut.

8. Items for discussion. a.Agreement of the Forum joining the Thurrock CVS The meeting agreed to join the CVS and RB will apply for the group.

9. Chairs Report a. Attended 3 TAFF meetings and attended the Mayor’s investiture. b. Spoke about the forums achievements this year.

10.Correspondences No correspondences

11.Finance and Funding As the forum has been allocated only £500 administration money from the council this year, it has been agreed that the money in the forum’s savings account will be used. Discussed about registering as a charity with the HMRC as we have less than £5000 income.

12.Election of Forum Officers Committee Members: Jean Dexter, Ursula Garwood, Vivienne Wright, Christine Keeble, Jeff Gardner, Colin Baker, Ross Bannister, Claire Bannister and Geoffrey Nathan. Officers elected: Chair: Geoffrey Nathan Treasurer: Ross Bannister Secretary: Claire Bannister

13.A.O.B a.Business Seminar available for anyone interested: 6pm – 9pm for 3 Monday’s b.Confirmation that the Forum would be separate from CVS but can seek advice from them. c.Meetings will be every second Tuesday in every month, except August.

14.Next Meeting: Open : Tuesday June 14th , 2011 Meeting Closed @9.25pm.