Stourbridge Township Council - The Neighbourhood Council of Stourbridge established 1979

MINUTES OF THE 364th MEETING OF STOURBRIDGE TOWNSHIP COUNCIL
HELD IN THE TOWN HALL STOURBRIDGE ON THURSDAY 9th FEBRUARY 2012 AT 7.15 P.M

PRESENT:
Stourbridge Township Council: Mrs E M D Scott (Chairman), Mr B S Craddock (Vice Chairman), Mrs K C Shepherd (Clerk),
Mrs M Wakelam (Deputy Clerk), Mr A C Dawes, Mr I J Hackett, Mrs J D Hackett, Mr R S Owen, Mr D M Price and Mr P Shepherd.
Also Present: Sgt S Gordon (Stourbridge Police).
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION SESSION (There were no matters raised under this item).
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies were received from members: Mrs J Collins, Mrs E E Fellows and Miss A Green.
Also from: Ms M James (MP for Stourbridge), Mr D Pope, Cllr K Shakespeare, Ms S Turner and Mrs L Waltho.

POLICE MATTERS
Item A: Following an email from Insp Boyle, Sgt Gordon confirmed that Insp E Boyle had been transferred to Brierley Hill PS and that Insp M Palmer would now be covering Stourbridge PS. The Clerk had sent an email thanking Insp Boyle for his help and support both to Stourbridge Township Council and Stourbridge Town.
Sgt Gordon updated members on local police activities since out last meeting including:
A meeting with Bowman and Kirkland/Tesco regarding the regeneration of Stourbridge/ Crown Centre and through working together to prevent theft, crime and anti social behaviour (skateboarding, graffiti, etc) from increasing during the redevelopment. Sgt Gordon highlighted the theft of copper from the Stourbridge Interchange site in December 2011, and after holding a joint meeting between the developers, Centro and crime prevention the security procedure was revised and no further problems have occurred since.
Bilking or theft of fuel is ongoing, recent incidents in Lye and Oldswinford. Garages do have CCTV cameras but often the vehicle has false number plates. There is currently a joint initiative between the Police and Halfords, where your vehicle can be fitted with tamper proof screws for free. The review of Police station opening hours is ongoing and a decision will be announced shortly.
Following the closure of Lye PS the personnel will be based at Stourbridge with a police ‘office’ being opened at the Thorns School, Pedmore Road for both the public and pupils to use. Mr I J Hackett commented that it was an excellent way on interacting with the students, so they don’t just see them as an authority but get to know, trust and talk to the police officers. Also with half term approaching the police aim to give a high profile in and around the town to deter anti social behaviour, theft of mobiles and bullying amongst young people. Sgt Gordon also illustrated how the use of CCTV and head cams could be used to record incidents and indentify culprits which could also be used as evidence.
A local police initiative to ensure you have sufficient protection against theft of expensive equipment from your garages and sheds by installing locks, security lights, etc. Further information about assessing your property, taking precautions will be sent to the Clerk for distribution to members together with dates and venues for the fitting of anti theft number plate screws by Halfords.
Item B: Mr R Owen raised the issue of the proposed pedestrian crossing in Bell Street, outside the Crystal Leisure Centre and the problems as well as possible danger that it could lead to. Not only is it mid way between the junction of Market Street /Talbot Street and the new two way Bell Street/ Ring Road but sandwiched next to New Street (entrance to the new car park and delivery area for the Crown Centre) and entrance/exit to the Stourbridge Institute. The number of vehicles, especially HGV, using Bell Street will increase. Is it in the interest of traffic or pedestrians to site a crossing at this point, what other options are available or could be created? Also concerns were raised about the access between the Ring Road and Bell Street especially for the large HGV delivery vehicles turning and if the width of the junction would be sufficient for the vehicles to easily negotiate.

CHAIRMAN’S COMMUNICATIONS
Mrs EMD Scott was pleased to see that 2 of the commercial premises on Birmingham Street were now occupied: A new car show room and a car parts /repair centre, they improve the visual approach to Stourbridge and the Interchange for passengers and visitors.
The Chair had received a communication from The Bridge Radio (102.5fm) promoting and asking for talented local musicians to take part in Stourbridge Music and Arts Festival 2012. Interested parties should contact Mark Ashbourne at The Bridge Radio. She had also received an email from Dudley Council requesting an update for contact details of the Stourbridge Township Council to be displayed in the Dudley Communication Information Directory. She asked the Clerk to respond.
A press release from Dudley Council regarding proposed improvements to Dudley Market Place and Town raised comment amongst members. Dudley has recently been highlighted as the town with the most empty shop units in the UK and yet the proposal was to create a further shopping centre and also flood light the market place at night, surely the money could be put to better use: improving existing shopping areas around the Borough not only Dudley but also Stourbridge, Lye, Cradley, etc. The proposals to improve Dudley Zoo and the Black Country Museum (including the Archive facility) are good news as it would link the two sites and thus make it more attractive and also increase the number of visitors. Hopefully this can then be extended to promote other sites in the Borough for visitors to enjoy and share in our heritage. A new enterprise zone is being created at the Waterfront, Brierley Hill to encourage new business into the area so the Chair was looking forward to hearing plans for regenerating Stourbridge Town from Dudley Council in the 2012/13 budget.
MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING
The minutes of the 363rd meeting of the Township Council held on 12th January 2012 were received as a correct record and signed by the Chairman, Mrs E M D Scott accordingly.

REPORT FROM THE CLERK TO THE COUNCIL
Mrs K C Shepherd was pleased to report that, following on from our contact last month, the Page Arms site had been cleaned up and secured but unfortunately the rusty metal containers remain. The current owners, Cox Homes, want to use the land as a public car park in the short term, until the building market is more favourable. Mr B S Craddock raised a number of questions (about the practicalities including number of spaces, access, and effect on Market Street) which have been forwarded to Mr Cox together with a further request regarding the metal containers. Mr B S Craddock also suggested that a possible solution to ease the flow of traffic within the Ring Road, both during the Tesco redevelopment and for the future could be made by creating an exit from Market Street onto the Ring Road which would also alleviate the congestion in and out of Bell Street.
It had been brought to the Clerks attention that Carlisle Hall, Victoria Street was up for sale and how could this be? It was understood that the Hall had previously been part of the Ernest Stevens Trust and until July 2011 was used by WRVS as a meeting hall and for providing the meals on wheels service in Stourbridge - the service had been withdrawn due to loss of funding from Dudley Council in March 2011. Although the building is not a listed building, it is classed as one of historic interest within Dudley Borough – it has two beautiful stained glass windows and has benefited the people of Stourbridge for 90 years. Surely it cannot be allowed to be sold for a commercial purpose, converted to a restaurant, bar – even if it is no longer part of the Ernest Stevens Trust, we owe it them as benefactors? Also given the prime location within the town and the existing catering facilities it makes an excellent single storey community centre which could be used to benefit many different groups in Stourbridge: children, young persons, for physical activities, the less able and elderly. There is easy access to the Ryemarket car park and High Street. It seems a great pity that Dudley Council doesn’t see the importance and potential for Carlisle Hall to the community. The clerk to make further enquires.
The Clerk commented on a recent article about the campaign to clean up the River Stour being instigated by Transition Stourbridge starting with a litter pick on Sunday 12th February and encouraged members to view the display, including photo’s in the Town Hall foyer. Transition are also planning several other dates to carry out work to improve the River. A book is available from Mary Stevens Hospice Shop which showed the route, good and bad points of the river and also the part it has played in the history of Stourbridge.

MATTERS RELATING TO TECHNICAL SERVICES
Item A: Mr R Owen asked how Dudley Council could justify the cost of replacing all the existing street lighting with low energy bulbs, taking into account the initial cost, hours of work involved, how long would it take to recoup the cost? Surely it would be better to replace them as and when need to be replaced and turn off street lights late at night. Following an article in the Express and Star regarding the build up of traffic caused by the number of traffic lights on High Street Amblecote and the statement from Dudley Council stating there is insufficient funds available to remove them. Mr R Owen asked why they couldn’t just be switched off and covered up until monies are available. Mr A Dawes had seen that signs have been erected advising motorists that Worcester Street is due to be closed to traffic whilst the road is being resurfaced for two weeks commencing 13 February, at various times, which will inevitably cause disruption to traffic.
In response to an email regarding Stourbridge Interchange, Mr A Johnson from Centro had replied that they were confident there was sufficient space for all buses to manoeuvre in and around the bus station given current wheel tracking systems but they would also be carrying out trial manoeuvres prior to the opening of the Interchange. Several members had noted that pedestrians were crossing the Ring Road by the Mercedes Garage, instead of using the pedestrian crossing at the top of the town, which is extremely fraught with danger for drivers and pedestrians. Mrs K C Shepherd said that once the improved underpass from Foster Street to the Interchange is reopened that it would be brightly lit and user friendly so that people would feel confident and safe to use it.
Item B: The Clerk reported that: The planning application made by the Bell Hotel to acquire adjoining premises in order to open a cafe and restaurant has been declined by Dudley Council. In the Ryemarket – Thomas Cook is due to open its new travel agency but sadly Bon Marche is holding a closing down sale, which is very unfortunate as the Stourbridge store was well patronised and also 8 employees will lose their jobs. In the High Street – the former Connections premises is for sale as is Peplows the Jewellers.
Preparation work to the Crown Centre has commenced; the passage way from Market Street to the Library is closed (Smithfield’s) whilst the temporary entrance to the library/ town hall is built. The seating area and former market hall has been cordoned off and the Coat of Arms, protected and made ready for removal. Mr R Owen has received a press release advising that Bell Street Car Park was being closed on 16th February and that the Ryemarket car park would be open 24 hours a day. Mrs K C Shepherd had previously asked Dudley Council to ensure there would be sufficient notices and signage - including the location of alternative car parks around the town and in the local press to inform both residents and visitors. Mrs EMD Scott commented that signs also need to be erected from the car parks: Enville Street, Birmingham Street showing routes into the town. Mr P Shepherd had heard that Dudley Council intended installing parking meters on certain streets in the Borough, including High Street, Stourbridge. This would be a great concern given the timing and disruption and potential loss of trade in Stourbridge whilst the redevelopment work is carried out over the next 18 months and lack of ‘within the Ring Road’ parking.

FINANCIAL, CIVIC AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT MATTERS
(a) Finance; Current balance £1,289.88
(b) Stourbridge Area Committee- Monday 20th February 2012 at Redhill School, Junction Road, Stourbridge at 7.15 pm.
(c) Stourbridge Township Council will meet on Thursday 8th March 2012 and Thursday 12th April 2012.
CHAIRMAN’S OTHER BUSINESS
The Chairman, Mrs E M D Scott closed the meeting at 8.58pm.

Chairman, 8th March 2012

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