Friday 18 January 2019

WESTGATE AND WESTBROOK RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION January 2019 minutes.



MINUTES OF A GENERAL MEETING HELD AT THE BOWLS CLUB ON MONDAY 14th  JANUARY 2019 AT 7.15PM.


PRESENT

Ray Taylor (chair), twenty two members, TDC Cllr Ash Ashbee. and WTC Cllrs Joanna Cornford and Matthew Scott.

The chairman initiated a few moments of silence in memory of Simon Moores, who had died in an aeroplane accident the previous week, and members of the W&WRA who had died during the last year.  Simon  Moores had been a local TDC councillor and very helpful to the W&WRA. 

APOLOGIES
Apologies had been received from Pat Sawyer-Jones, and TDC Cllrs Sam Bambridge and Carol Messenger.

MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING
The minutes of the last meeting, (10/12/18), which had been circulated, were agreed as a correct record on a prop. by Mavis Vaughan sec. by Tony Snow, and adopted, and signed.

MATTERS ARISING
1)      There were no matters arising.

REPORTS: Councillors-KCC, TDC, WTC. PCSOs and Wardens.
TDC Cllr Sam Bambridge, (Report sent in and read by the chairman):
1)      Westgate Pavilion.  This now had a new owner who told Cllr Bambridge that the building was in a poor state and would need £200,000 to restore.  Work will start as soon as possible so that it will be available to local people.
2)      Manston Airport.  The preliminary hearing of the DCO by the inspectorate has taken place at the Winter Gardens
3)      Ramsgate Port/Seaborne Freight.   The move to open up the port again had been opposed by some (KCC) councillors.
4)      Local Plan.  This has been submitted for independent inspection, and any queries should be sent in  before the hearing in April/May to Annette Feeney, (programme officer).
5)      Planning – 14 Suffolk Avenue (Fairdales).  This has been called in by head of planning.  

TDC Cllr Ash Ashbee:
1)      Manston Airport.  Cllr Ashbee had spoken at the DCO examination as a resident, business person, and councillor.  Most present supported the airport, some from Ramsgate were against.  After three months the information goes to the secretary of state.
2)      Ramsgate Port.  This has lost money, as it has been kept in a state of readiness, and government backing could be good news.  TDC has to wait on the government decision.  If the port  is not required it will be “moth balled”.
3)      Dog Fouling.  This seems to have escalated resulting in many e-mails.  The enforcement officer has been patrolling, particularly round Westbrook Green, but the culprit has disappeared.
4)      St Mildred's Car Park Recycling Bins.  Some have been removed as the cleansing officer felt there were adequate domestic collections in the area, and some commercial waste was being deposited there.

WTC Cllr Matthew Scott:
1)      Defibrillator Placement.  The Town Clerk has been pushing to find the best location for this with maximum availability.  The likely place will be Edwards.  There is to be training for councillors this week and later on also for residents.
2)      Criminal Activity.  There has been a recent increase, and the local PCSO can be contacted through 101.  WTC is very keen to help, and the Town Clerk may be contacted.
3)      Speedwatch.  There is to be a session this Saturday, and further training for more local people will be provided.
4)      Planning Application 14 Suffolk Avenue (Fairdales).  This has been fully discussed by WTC, (and may be seen on the video of the meeting).  The application is under review. 
5)      WTC Surgeries.  These are held on the third Saturday of the month, at the library, the next one being the 19th January.
6)      Westgate Library.  The consultation ends soon.  WTC  supports the library and needs local residents also to show support.
7)      South and South East in Bloom.  There is to be a meeting on 30th January at 7.00pm.
8)      Westgate Day.  To be held on 18th July.  A meeting is to be held on 7th February.
9)      Knitted Poppies.  Cllr Robert Micallef is organising the knitting of poppies for the next remembrance day commemorations.
10)  Pancake Race.  This will take place as usual this year.

Cllr Scott said that the WTC wishes to work with the W&WRA to benefit the area.

CORRESPONDENCE
1)      From the Police by E-mail.  Residents are advised to make properties and cars as secure as possible as there have been some burglaries.  A TV licence e-mail scam is being received, stating there is a direct debit problem, and asks the recipient to enter personal details.   Also a telephone scam to say the internet will be cut off by BT unless you press certain keys as the voice directs.  Both scams appear very convincing but do not engage with them.
2)      The Sunken Garden Group are meeting on 26th January 10.00am to 1.00pm for snow drop planting, all welcome. 

PLANNING  APPLICATIONS
1)      14, Suffolk Avenue, (Fairdales).  Application for change of use from light industrial to residential including conversion of barrel vault building into 8x2 bed dwellings together with erection of 12x2bed and 3x1bed dwellings following demolition of existing office building, showroom and workshop.   This application has been called in.
2)      52, Station Road.  Application for change of use of basement to 1x1bed self contained flat.
3)      19, St Crispins Road.  Application for single storey side extension and front porch with formation of vehicular access and parking area.  GRANTED

TREASURER'S REPORT  
No Report.

EDITOR'S REPORT
Ray Taylor reminded the meeting that the next magazine would be going out at the end of March, when the subscriptions for the coming year would be collected.

SUNSHINE REPORT
Mavis reported that one card had been sent this month to a  member who had been unwell.

MEMBERSHIP
Christina reported there was no new information.

CIVIC REPORT
Westgate Heritage Centre:  Saturday 2nd February at 10.30am at St Saviour's Church, a talk by Heritage Centre Member Jean Cook of “Memories of Westgate over the years”.

Civic Society: Thursday 7th February at the Walpole Bay Hotel at 7.30pm, a talk about the Black Death and its aftermath by Imogen Corrigan.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

SOCIAL REPORT
1)      New Year Lunch.  This went well, and those making the arrangements were congratulated and thanked.  St Augustines would be informed that many of those who had  the steak found it tough and dry.
2)      Next social lunch at The Swan will be February, date TBA.

CHAIRMAN'S REPORT
The Bake House:  It had been agreed that the W&WRA would vacate the Bake House to allow for repairs and decoration.  The return date for the W&WRA had been given as 5th November which would have given time to reinstate the furniture and erect the poppy tribute.  Subsequently the chairman was informed that further works were necessary, and on 2nd January received a text stating that the Bake House would be available to us from 21st January.  Ray had then asked if committee members could move in on 18th January to reinstate the furniture and tidy up prior to opening the doors.  A reply asked for a meeting to discuss this further, at which he was told that there would no longer be a monthly agreement, but the W&WRA would be charged on an hourly basis, (and would not have sole use of the Bake House).  On this basis the cost of the hire for each coffee morning would considerably exceed the average takings and we would lose the income from sub-letting the Bake House to other groups.  The reason given for this change was that the Bake House was under utilised and unfriendly.
Subsequently the chairman informed the committee and it was agreed to put our thoughts to the membership and ask for their ideas.  Possible ideas from the committee were:
1)      Remain in the Bake House and seek community funding.
2)      Create a rotating coffee morning schedule around Westgate and Westbrook.
3)      The W&WRA has been offered use of the Ice House for £50 per week (there would be restrictions in the summer).
4)      Create a social programme instead of coffee mornings, which could include functions trips and tours. 


Joanna Cornford replied that the Bake House could have been available for 5th November except for final adjustments, but the work people were called away for an emergency.  She thought that the better option for the W&WRA would be by hourly rental, and the Bake House would be open to all organisations.  It would be acceptable for the W&WRA to leave their furniture and items in the Bake House, and the Bake House now has WiFi and  a reconditioned PC that residents may use for training and learning  The previous rent was £260 per month plus utilities and insurance, which would all be covered by the new hourly payments.


Following discussion it was agreed that a cost comparison and breakdown of potential out goings should be made (by the treasurer if possible) to see if it would be viable for the W&WRA.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS
1)      Refuse Collections.  Chris Wyer reported that the refuse lorry was sent back to his road to collect rubbish left behind, but no equipment was available to those  giving this service.  Cllr Ash Ashbee agreed to take this up.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            
2)      Tree Problem, Street Court Private.  A large tree was causing damage to buildings and a boundary wall.  Advice from the floor was to contact the Thanet Planning website, then move to the Site Protection Officer, then forms will be available to fill in for TPO Officers for the job to be done.   The clerk of Westgate Town Council could also be contacted for advice.                                        


NEXT MEETING
Monday 11th February at The Bake House (Hopefully?).  


There being no other business the meeting concluded at 8.40pm.


Friday 4 January 2019

WESTGATE AND WESTBROOK RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION December 2018 Meeting


WESTGATE AND WESTBROOK
RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION

MINUTES OF A GENERAL MEETING HELD AT THE BOWLS CLUB ON MONDAY 10th  DECEMBER 2018 AT 7.15PM.


PRESENT

Ray Taylor (chair), nineteen members, and TDC Cllr Carol Messenger. 

APOLOGIES
Apologies had been received from TDC Cllr Sam Bambridge and WTC Cllr Matthew Scott..

MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING
The minutes of the last meeting, (12/11/18), which had been circulated, were agreed as a correct record on a prop. by Mavis Vaughan sec. by Cllr Carol Messenger, and adopted, and signed.

MATTERS ARISING
1)      Road Surface, Canterbury Road.  Cllr Carol Messenger informed the meeting that KCC have planned for the A28 from Brooksend to the clock tower to be resurfaced at a cost of 2.9M£.  No further information had been received concerning damaged tree roots or blocked drains.

REPORTS: Councillors-KCC, TDC, WTC. PCSOs and Wardens.

TDC Cllr Carol Messenger: Report has been covered under matters arising.


KCC WARDEN Laura Bungard: (report sent in and read out by the chairman).
1)      Untaxed Vehicles.  Laura reports these when seen, TDC only considers a vehicle abandoned if it has no road tax.  Untaxed vehicles are reported to DVLA which are then clamped and removed.  Vehicles without MOT or tax risk voiding their insurance.
2)      Drains.  These become blocked and Laura reports and chases up KCC.
3)      Pedestrian Crossing, Westgate Bay Avenue.  There have been complaints about safety, and Laura brings this to the notice of KCC.
4)      Potholes.  These are reported as necessary.
5)      Elderly and Vulnerable Friends/Neighbours.  Ask them if they are OK especially regarding heating, shopping, company and care.  If there are concerns report to Laura.
6)      Laura may be contacted by phone 07969 583922 or by email laura.bungard@kent.gov.uk .


CHAIRMAN'S REPORT 
1)      Bake House.  This was expected to be available on 1st December but no date has yet been given.  Rumours have been circulating that it will not be opening again and the W&WRA may collapse.  Our involvement in the community has been put out on Face Book
2)      Christmas Lights Switch On.  Very well attended.  Ruth (our local hero) switched on the lights
3)      Remembrance Day 2019.  WTC Cllr Bob Micallef is looking for knitters for next year's remembrance day.
4)      Job Vacancies within the W&WRA.  The AGM is held in May when a Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Editor, Treasurer, and Social Secretary will be required.


CORRESPONDENCE
None relevant.

PLANNING  APPLICATIONS
1)      123 Canterbury Road.  Application for listed building consent for replacement, repair, and reinstatement of windows with timber sash and casement dormer windows to match original.
2)      11 Audley Avenue.  Part retrospective application for single storey pitched roof rear extension following demolition of conservatory.  GRANTED
3)      11, Royal Esplanade.  Application for erection of 2 storey 2 bed attached dwelling with dormers to front and rear.   REFUSED
4)      29 Royal Esplanade.  Change of use of existing dwelling to 3 x 2bed and 2 x 1 bed self contained flats.  REFUSED

TREASURER'S REPORT  
Bank balance stands at £6,317.  Bills are paid to date, some rental money from AA and EKIDS will be returned as the Bake House has not been available to them.  The standing order for the Bake House rent of £260/month is still going out and the treasurer will be sending an email to the landlady to clarify the position.
The treasurer, Sam Secomb, has informed the W&WRA that she will be unable to stand for re-election in May and has been warmly thanked  for her excellent work in this office.

EDITOR'S REPORT
Ray Taylor reported that the magazines had gone out.  The face Book page was building up well.  Re the coming vacancy for editor, Don Eacott pointed out that in the past the W&WRA has employed an editor which was not too expensive, and could be worth looking at.  Ray said that with the adverts revenue the magazine was cost neutral.  More advertising may help, and a comment had been received requesting more articles.

SUNSHINE REPORT
Mavis reported that no cards had been required this month.

MEMBERSHIP
Christina reported that all memberships had been paid up to date..



CIVIC REPORT
Westgate Heritage Centre:  Saturday 5th January at 10.30am at St Saviour's Church, an illustrated talk on the history of Westgate-on-Sea Railway Station will be given by Dr Graham Field.

Civic Society: 13th December at the Walpole Bay Hotel at 7.30pm , Christmas  Social and 50th Anniversary celebration with  1960s films , music, and photo quiz, raffle and refreshments.  All welcome, there will be a charge of £6.50  for non-members.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

PRESS REPORT
Pat Castle had sent a report to the Gazette, and the information had been printed but not the photograph.  Ray thought it would be worth trying also with the “Community Ad” and “Isle of Thanet News”.

SOCIAL REPORT
1)      New Year Lunch.  Ninety six people had booked for the New Year Lunch on 13th January so far in spite of difficulties caused by the Bake House closure.
2)      Next social lunch at The Swan will be February, date TBA.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS
1)      Bridge Road.   James Brazier pointed out that the contractor had done an excellent job in tidying up the area and banks.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            
2)      Westbrook Avenue.  Buses were having difficulties getting through where cars were parked on both sides of the road, a member also reported an accident due to this narrowing the road.    The enforcement team now had new and more efficient staff deployed.  This road will be busy when  the A28 is resurfaced.                                        
3)      Bumble Bee Conservation Trust.  There will be a planting session on the undercliff green on Tuesday morning.   
4)      Homeless People.  Cllr Carol Messenger asked to be informed of any homeless people found as there is now a special team who can help them.  This has reduced the number of homeless in Thanet.



NEXT MEETING
Monday 14th January at The Bake House (Hopefully?).  


There being no other business the meeting concluded at 8.05pm.