DRAFT Minutes of Committee Meeting held on 12^th January 2009 in the Committee Room of Thorpe Primary School at 7pm.

Apologies for absence were received from Mrs. Estelle Griffin and Mr. Tom Heath

Minutes of meeting held on 10^th November 2008 and previously circulated were considered and found to be a true record of business transacted.

There were no matters arising.

The chairman reported that he had achieved success in asking the Environmental Department of the City Council to negotiate a reduction in the intensity and location of lighting as well as the cessation of use of sirens when vehicles were reversing on the New Covent Garden Soup Factory Site.  These night time activities had caused serious distress to residents who were trying to sleep.

Nuisance Log Sheets and Correspondence were placed on file for future reference and possible exposure on the Web Site.

The Secretary reported that most items which he hoped to cover were included within the Agenda but did emphasise that the local PCSO Ronnie Burrell had been in constant touch by Email on the continuing and increasing threat of low grade criminal activity.  Several persons had been taken into the Police Station for questioning and it was hoped that these persons would be put before the Magistrates.   However, everyone must be extremely vigilant within their daily lives and take all protective measures they were able.

The Secretary in the absence of the Treasurer reported that the Association remained solvent.

The written Report of the Web Master was presented (copy on file)

These three proposals, if allowed to proceed, un challenged would have a devastating effect upon the Netherton Environment.  The Secretary had previously submitted written comment on all three to Peterborough City Council and NNA await an outcome.   We will have to prepare a more detailed and more effective challenge to these proposals.   The Secretary reported that he had missed an opportunity to comment upon PCC proposals for the Bretton Sports Club Grounds which was earmarked for change of use to housing.

The Secretary reported and read out a letter received from PCC re a change of procedure to introduce a mandatory standard planning application form and associated information requirements for validation of applications.  New legislation also allowed LPA to review their lists and produce their own standards for information to accompany planning applications.  NNA was asked as a statutory consultee to comment upon these proposals which were contained within a 44 page document which was not attached to the letter. Without the benefit of reading the policy document and the difficulty of understanding the language of the letter we found ourselves at a disadvantage where under we could not make a valid comment upon the proposals.   The Secretary had asked for a copy of the document but this had not been received when the matter was under discussion.  Secretary to write to Interim Head of Planning and Delivery Services drawing his attention to our dilemma and saying that if he needed our contribution he should send a copy of documents to us and not ask us to visit the local central library and other venue where one could not read, digest, take notes and then compose a dialectic comment.

Several members and residents wished to accept the Invitation of Viridor Waste Management to take a party of 8-10 persons to visit the waste recycling facility at Fourth Drove, Fengate.  Secretary to  make contact and arrange date and time.

We had received an invitation to attend a Problem Solving meeting with an aim to reduce crime.  We were not able to fund the £25 fee and would not be able to attend.  Secretary to inform PCC.

This matter remained in the hands of Solicitors and was noted

We met with the Governor of HMP Prison Peterborough who gave us a preliminary view of HMG proposals to enlarge the prison by a new block of 240 cells with various other changes.   He assured us and from presented drawings to be submitted with the planning application that the work will be contained within the existing HMP area with minor alterations to the entrance, car park and visitors Centre.  As in the past nuisance will be kept to a minimum.

Mr. J. Gilligan, Assistant Head Teacher, had recently taken up and appointment with Jack Hunt School.   Part of his duties at JHS  was Public Relations and he was anxious to meet with NNA so that we could work together for mutual local benefit. Mr. Gilligan was invited to attend our meeting but unfortunately he was called away at very short notice to another more urgent appointment and was not able to attend.  He hopes to come to our next meeting.

This meeting and presentation of awards for educational excellence at JHS was very enjoyable with upwards of 100 students receiving certificates and prizes.

Noted as listed.

Noted as listed

Noted as listed.

Noted as listed.

NNA had been invited to attend a Parents Open Afternoon and Thorpe School Evening at Thorpe Primary School on 12^th February 2009   The proposal was that NNA be available to answer any question from parents about future local  proposals on Netherton and also answer any questions which parents may have on what has happened or may happen on Netherton. NNA thought this was a great idea and will attend.

The governing body of Jack Hunt School wrote seeking nominations for a Partnership Governor under relevant legislation which requires Governors to invite nominations from parents, staff and other persons within the community served by the School.  Following discussion it was agreed that the Secretary be nominated as a Partnership Governor.

The Police and Peterborough City Council were keen to hear from any persons who would wish to become Street Leaders.   Articles on this subject have appeared in the local press which were not very complimentary and members expressed chagrin at this invitation.

The local police propose to hold a public meeting outside Sainsbury at 1300hrs on Wednesday January 14^th   hoping to ask residents to identify themselves and sign some type of paper.  There was no clear message with this invitation although it was suggested that this public roll call was intended to strengthen links with the Community.

The local police and the newspapers were warning residents of Netherton to be extremely careful and watchful with regard to their person, property, and motor vehicles due to an unprecedented rise in breaking and entering and stealing flat screen televisions and then using car keys found in prominent places within the house to steal cars parked on drives to take away the stolen items.  Several persons have been apprehended and some have been charged but the crime rate continues to rise.  Residents are asked to take precautions and be aware at all times during this recession when due to the shortage of employment crime was on the increase.

Eric Dent

Secretary

January 2009