6 Feb 2008 - WACAG Residents meeting at 6pm at Woodhouse Primary School

Committee Present:

~ David Bradley
~ Steve Robinson
~ Brenda Monteith
~ Sue Gamble
~ Ronnie Smith
~ Bill Garside

~ (Mohammed Riaz)

Approximately 20 residents attended the meeting after a flyer campaign by the Committee over the two weeks prior must have informed over 200 homes.

1 - Introduction

David opened the meeting by thanking everyone for attending and commenting on the disappointing turnout. He also apologised for the lack of publicity about the previous meeting on 16th January, whereby a few residents turned up at 6:30pm instead of 6:00pm.  After this, he introduced the Committee (all of whom were present).

The objectives of WACAG were outlined: the Committee providing a conduit between residents and those outside the area who can affect the area both positively or negatively. It was asked that residents should put forward their ideas for improvement etc and/or inform the Committee of any problems within the area (it was stressed that this was not the arena for individual disputes).  

David updated the residents on the activities of the Committee to date. These included:

- The adoption of a Constitution (on view to attendees)
- A Child Protection Policy being in the process of adoption
- Discussion of the ‘rat run’ and ‘school run/parking’ problems within the Woodhouse area.
- Verges/trees damaged by rat run traffic etc.
- Young people congregating at the park causing nuisance, now thought to be largely resolved (but see 4 below).

2 - School Run.

A resident raised the issue of the problems caused during drop-off and pick-up times. It was stated that the school and headmistress are aware of this and have in fact taken it up with parents but unfortunately, some parents are abusive/non-co-operative.

Various problems existed - some parents are driving their children to school from only a few yards/roads away; parents were parked on the roadside for long periods waiting for children without actually exiting their vehicles; the local bus has been forced to alter its route at school times (i.e. 3:00pm) because it has been unable to negotiate through the lines of cars on both sides of the road.

A number of possible ways of helping the situation were suggested – an extension of permanent ‘no parking’ signs but this would make things difficult for residents; a one-way system around the area but it was questioned how the residents would react to this; involving the School Safety Officer; creating “walking buses” for local children; getting pupils involved at the school to carry out a survey project of the problem;

It was agreed that the Committee would examine the various issues and report at the next group meeting. .

3 - Trees.

An issue was raised regarding the replacement of trees on Woodhouse Lane. Bill has spoken to the Council, who have stated that there is no intention to replace healthy trees but pruning will take place. Apparently, however, there are some trees missing altogether.


4 - Youth Nuisance.

The topic of cars racing up and down the road and congregating at the park and the ensuing suspicious behaviour was raised. Apparently, a problem still exists with this. Residents have handed a letter regarding the situation to Paul Rogan and Police are aware, making spot checks on the cars but of course, if they are legally owned/taxed there is nothing they can do as Daisy Road (where the park is situated), is a public road. Speed bumps to slow down the cars were mooted but this probably would not work. Speed cameras were suggested but it is a minor road, so the Council probably would not agree. David suggested a 20mph speed limit might be the best option.

5 - Dog Fouling.

This would seem to be a recent epidemic, especially around Danebury, Amport etc. The footpaths were becoming bad but the main problem was on the green areas linking the various roads. Dog waste bins were suggested but Mohammed pointed out that these were expensive to maintain (regular emptying).

6 - Archaeological Relic.

The field to the rear of Woodhouse Gardens apparently contains a “Ha Ha” which allegedly is of archaeological and historical importance (200 years old?). However, it has become overgrown and no one seems to be looking after it. A resident would like permission to restore it/see it restored.

It was agreed that this was an issue which was relevant to the group and the possibility of developing on adjoining sports fields in the green belt would be investigated.

Steve suggested maybe the County Archaeologist could be contacted re the site and David would investigate the possibility of raising funds for a working party

7 - Blakeborough’s Bridge

David mentioned Blakeborough’s Bridge. There have been suggestions that it may be opened to the public at some stage. This would inevitably have a severe knock on effect on the traffic in Woodhouse, as it would undoubtedly increase significantly. This has already been flagged with the Council and the general consensus is that it will not gain funding. However, this is being monitored as things can change.

8 - Weekly black bin collections.

Ronnie canvassed the meeting on behalf of Councillor Rogan about weekly black bin collections being replaced by fortnightly wheelie bin collections. The latter option was not favoured by anyone at all.

9 - WACAG Website.

Steve will look at the possibility of developing a web site for our group.

The meeting closed at 6:45pm.

Addendum – Celebrating Rastrick. Bill, I missed this off the agenda for which I apologise. Would it be possible for you and or Emma to liase with the Rev Malcolm Brown concerning the event? I can be available late afternoon on the Friday and on Saturday morning but am away lunchtime on for the weekend. I would hope other members of the committee can join in and we can of course discuss at our next meeting. Thanks.

 - Next Group Meeting:    Wednesday 23rd April 2008, 6:00pm, Woodhouse School.  
 - Next Comm Meeting:     Tuesday 11th March 2008, 6.30pm, Number 9.