Agenda and draft minutes

Everyone was welcomed to the meeting and invited to introduce themselves.

Apologies were received from Councillors Bolton, Bradshaw and Clarke, Stef Brammer, Kris Tavender and Julie Chapman.

To note any declarations of interest from the councillors.  They are asked to indicate the relevant agenda item, the nature of the interest and in particular whether it is a disclosable pecuniary interest.

Any declaration of interest made at the meeting which is not on the register of interests should be notified to the Monitoring Officer for inclusion.

There were no declarations of interest from the Councillors relating to agenda items. 

Councillor Phipps highlighted her role as a Trustee of the Southville Centre Development Association (SCDA) (as entered on the Register of Interest).

To consider any public forum statements or public resolutions submitted.

The deadline for the receipt of statements or resolutions is 12 noon on Friday 2 September 2016.

Attached is a resolution received for the partnership’s consideration regarding a proposal to re-establish a Transport Sub-Group.

A resolution had been received from Stef Brammer as follows;

“This proposal recognises that our streets are becoming increasingly traffic-drenched, and that our buses and trains do not link up, cycling in most of Greater Bedminster is hazardous, the Metrobus  is coming, and that walking routes still leave a lot to be desired.  

While it proved impossible to keep the previous ‘Mobility’ sub-group up and running, hope springs eternal so maybe some of our new Board members - along with others in the patch - might be interested in developing a Neighbourhood Strategy for all forms of transport - walking, cycling, driving, public transport and mobility scooters.

I propose that we endeavour to re-establish a ‘transport’ sub-group (name to be decided at the first meeting), with Terms of Reference closely allied if not identical to the previous TOR (also to be agreed at the first meeting).

I volunteer to organise a first meeting with the intention of stepping down once a group is established.”

The Partnership discussed the reasons why the previous sub group had not been sustainable.  The following points were raised:

-          The sub group had no access to funds so a less definitive focus and difficulty establishing a purpose and identity.

-          Some people had been dissatisfied with the Traffic Choices website, options and recommendations.

-          There was frustration that a three year programme for Highways work had already been set (which was at least 18 months behind schedule.)

-          The title ‘mobility’ insinuated the discussion topic of ‘disability’ rather than people in general getting around the area.

-          It could be argued that walking, running and cycling were safer and had improved recently, along with parking in the locality. 

-          Although issues such as 20mph engagement and enforcement, metrobus and road safety were outside the focus of an environment sub group, there was some crossover including with streetscene and walkability. 

It was considered unlikely there would be capacity for transport within the remit of the Environment Sub Group and a suggested alternative was for items to be presented to the full board, perhaps within a thematic board meeting.  The current total of four board meetings a year could be increased if required.

A consensus could not be reached to establish a Sub Group as yet, it was recommended and agreed however, that a meeting should be arranged with those that were interested in taking the proposal forward. Attendees should consider the viability of the idea and what would be within the remit of the sub group.  The proposal could then return to the GBCP in January with more detail. (ACTION: Stef Brammer to arrange meeting to discuss further.)

Ellie Freeman was proposed and agreed as a member of the GBCP as well as fulfilling the role of Secretary with a focus on communication and engagement (particularly with use of social media).  Ellie was welcomed to the Board.

Phil Manning was proposed and agreed as a member of the GBCP and also welcomed to the Board.

It was AGREED that Ellie Freeman and Phil Manning were now members of the GBCP

‘Age Friendly’ was a World Health Organisation designation and accreditation being sought for the area.  It was highlighted that the three main barriers to engagement were a lack of knowledge, need for improved transport/ walkability of streets and also lack of confidence.  Different ‘Age Friendly’ projects within the GBCP area were;

-          WOOP (What’s On For Older People) helped to inform older people what was available.  Within the remit of WOOP, Bedminster Social Club was a growing network of people that met regularly as an opportunity for older people to have a chat and to stimulate the organisation of group social activities.

-          Lorena Alvarez reported that she had engaged with residents of tower blocks to help them feel more of a part of the community, distributing copies of the Pigeon and South Bristol Voice and arranging meetings to tackle some issues.  Long term it was hoped those groups would then become self-organised. 

-          A similar project within Gaywood House focused in particular on helping set up IT knowledge and connections as well as encouraging and enabling the use of community facilities.

-          The RSVP ‘social prescribing service’ assisted a group of GP’s to consider the social support people required and how they could connect within society.

-          The Greater Bedminster Older People’s Forum met at St.Monica’s once every two months to hear from speakers.  Communications were currently sent to approx 80 people and there was effective engagement through the forum.

-          ‘Shared Well Bristol’ was a process whereby support was given to local GP’s by having guided conversations with individuals that frequently attended the doctors who could benefit from non-medical intervention.  The experimental project was voluntary and aimed to help reduce the GP workload in a pragmatic way.

-          Amerind Court had opened their doors to community involvement and now offered community groups use of a few rooms.   The initiative hoped to bring volunteers into the care home to engage with the residents.

-          The play ‘Productive Measures’ looked at social isolation in an area.  The play had been presented at the Tobacco Factory and would be showed at the Celebrating Age Festival at the M Shed at the end of September.

-          ‘Playing Out’ had two main priorities of reducing isolation and making neighbourhoods ‘age friendly’.  The whole street could be included within events by making them resident led.  Older people could be encouraged to come outside to watch and engage with neighbours.  Connections could be built across generations.

-          A booklet was produced by the Churches in the area highlighting events such as tea/coffee mornings.

Organisers of events needed help and advice of how to reach out to older people and all support would be gratefully received.  Use of print media, ‘non scary’ language and use of tea and cake were suggested. 

It was reported that Bedminster, Southville East and Bower Ashton residents parking areas were being reviewed between 12 September and 21 October 2016.  Further information and feedback surveys could be found at www.bristol.gov.uk/parking/residents-parking-scheme-local-reviews.

Although they did not have RPZ’s in operation, views of those in Bedminster West and Ashton Vale should be collected at the same time as there may be knock on affects for those residents.  Officers had been allocated to work with residents and Councillors and Councillors hoped to get the opportunity to highlight groups who had not responded in order to reach more people.  It was hoped that Neighbourhood Partnerships would also be involved and any mechanism for that would be communicated.

Due to only one Councillor being in attendance, it was established that the Neighbourhood Committee was not quorate.  As a result, the two Committee recommendations (to allocate ‘Minor Signs and Lining’ funds of £1500 and to progress the Ashton Vale Drop Kerb programme) would be deferred to the next meeting.  Officers confirmed that the deferment would not affect when the works would commence.

On the topic of Highways programme and improvements, it was confirmed that the current three year priorities (so far 18 months behind schedule) were

1) Duckmoor Road

2) Vicinity around Gaywood House

3) Greville Road

Members of the Partnership were asked what the intention of the first priority Duckmoor Road scheme and which ‘traffic calming measures’ were considered most appropriate.  Officers were advised to look back at past communications and reports including the considerations within the minutes of the meetings at which decisions were taken.  Officers were also asked what could be done with the funds available and what the timescale for completion would now be.

There was a continued debate about the delay in implementation of the schemes and whether the priorities may be reconsidered and changed due to the time that had passed.  Some Members suggested that alternative priorities had been identified in the meantime such as schemes around local primary schools.  Also, it was highlighted that the traffic environment may have changed with the introduction of 20mph and residents parking schemes within the area.  On the other hand however, the options had been chosen after full reports, discussions and voting on options and it could be considered unfair to rescind those decisions.

The levels of CIL and Section 106 funds were noted.  Totals were requested as part of the table to show figures remaining as well as funds allocated.  ACTION: Andrew McLean.  The Partnership had set a timeframe for expressions of interest for unallocated funds but no responses had been received to date.  It was acknowledged that more information should be communicated and help offered to complete the application process.

The Neighbourhood Partnership AGREED that

1. Highways financial update and recommendation to allocate £1500 for future traffic signs

2. Progression of Ashton Vale Drop Kerb programme

Were deferred to the next meeting in January 2017

3. The details of the Neighbourhood Partnerships Toolkit and Charter were noted.

4. The Environment Sub Group update was noted

5. The Ashton Vale Playground update was noted

6. The current levels of local S106 and CIL were noted

The Partnership considered the Plan and the updates provided.  It was noted that there were organisations listed that did not sit on the Board who should be asked for updates.  Those shown as ‘no update’ would be looked at in more depth by officers to consider what the barriers were to providing information to the Partnership.

The Board agreed that more updates would be appreciated but could be provided through communications with the Board and via the NEWSLETTER and not necessarily presented to the Board at meetings.  The Partnership suggested that work that is happening through organisations and enterprises as part of the Plan could be communicated by focusing on themes.

The following community updates were noted:

The Ashton Vale Together AGM would take place following confirmation of the speaker and the date/venue circulated via the NEWSLETTER.  In other news, funding to update the garden by the railway had been applied for via Secret Gardens.  Police had also been informed of a black van in the area taking cats and dogs.  Residents were asked to be vigilant.

Following agreement for a painting for a road safety mural on a wall in the area, £5000 had been allocated and further funds were sought to provide boards for the wall chosen.  A bid had been submitted to the Police.

The Southville Community Development Association AGM would take place on 30^th September 6-8pm.  It was reported that a bespoke community centre was proposed to be built at the Boys Brigade Building along Chessel Street.

The Friends of Ashton Gate Station would soon meet with Councillor Bradshaw in his role of Cabinet Member for Transport.

The Caraboo AGM had taken place and the group would now be considering the strategic plan for improvement.

The work of Playing Out continued to support residents across the City and nationally.  The group were in the process of strategic planning for future resource.

St Albans would remain open, and would celebrate with Cider and Carols at the end of November.

The next FROGS meeting would take place on 26^th September, more details would be sent via email.

To approve the minutes of the GBCP meeting held on 27 June 2016.

The minutes of the 27^th June were AGREED as a correct record.

It was reported that unfortunately, the Police had recorded a rise in Brexit related hate crimes in Bristol.  However the statement from the Partnership had been well received. 

Let’s Clean Bedminster continued to look for solutions and work with people to challenge and change attitudes/culture and encourage more recycling.  Targeted enforcement and communications with residents would continue as well as work with Bristol Waste.  Stickers would be circulated and residents encouraged to display the number of their house on their bins.  Those without numbers could then be removed.  It was reminded that sometimes a progressive solution was required to help residents (for example where residents had difficulty moving wheelie bins up or down lots of stairs) 

The Partnership were concerned that not all residents in flats had access to publications such as the Pigeon and South Bristol Voice and highlighted that funding may be required to increase distribution.

The Neighbourhood Partnership Coordinator reported that a representative of Metrobus had offered to attend the next meeting of the Partnership.  Members felt that a written update report would be more appropriate, which should include information about how the land would be ‘made good’ after works were complete. (ACTION: Andrew McLean to communicate with Metrobus)