Members present; chair Pam Freegard, IT Secretary Robert Williams, Brenda Arnold, Muhammad Chaudhry, Violet Clark, John Freegard, Paul Izquierdo, Brenda Warwick, Bob Wedge. John Pryce.
Apologies for Absence; Treasurer Bob walter, Diana Banner, Kate Johnson, Rebecca McIntosh, Cluniford Mason, Evelyn Mason. John Clark, Cllr Adorabelle Shaikh, Cllr Bob Wright, Cllr John Firmin
There being less than ten members present decisions, including confirmation of the November minutes and the treasurer's statement, were deferring to the next meeting.
Borough and parish council issues;
Due to the immanent general election and the rules governing Purdah, none of the parish or borough councillors were available to attend.
Other business.
Ian James was called about leaves blocking the drains on the streets, resulting in flooding on local roads and pavements. There was a general discussion suggesting that neither the council nor Thames Water were taking responsibility for the flooding. StreetSmart street sweepers were known to have picked up leaves in the past but it was reported that they have said it is not their responsibility. It was concluded that BSACC were uncertain of the remit of responsibilities of the StreetSmart service.
The question was posed: who is responsible for back gulleys/road drainage? It was suggested to ask both StreetSmart and the borough council's Environmental Health department for an answer.
It was noted by one member that the recent progress with clearing rubbish in the back alleyways adjacent to them had reversed with the appearance of more rubbish.
Recycling had not been collected in one street due to a lorry blocking the road. The resident phoned the council who said that they would collect it but it happened again and the recycling has still not been collected. The lorry is believed to be associated with the 9 o'clock shop on the corner of Manchester road. The driver of the lorry did not appear to be loading or unloading and could not be found.
One resident walked into a low hanging structure when they turned into Broad street from Rosebery street banging their head on it. We believe that it was the awning from the corner-shop which was not properly secured and was hanging at head height. Pam will look into it.
The residence of 22 Ponting street are leaving their wheelie bins on the pavement. Apparently the council have received a complaint and said they wrote the residents a letter. For now the wheelie bins appear to still be on the street.
The next meeting will be held on the 8th January as the room has been booked for this date.
