Stourbridge Township Council - The Neighbourhood Council of Stourbridge established 1979

MINUTES OF THE 373rd MEETING OF STOURBRIDGE TOWNSHIP COUNCIL
HELD IN THE TOWN HALL STOURBRIDGE ON THURSDAY 13th DECEMBER 2012 AT 7.15 P.M

PRESENT:
Stourbridge Township Council: Mr B S Craddock (Vice-Chairman), Mrs K C Shepherd (Clerk), Mrs M Wakelam(Deputy-Clerk), Mr A C Dawes, Miss A Green, Mr I J Hackett, Mrs J D Hackett, Mr P J Miles, Mr R S Owen, Mrs W E Packer, Mr D Pope, Mr D M Price and Mr P Shepherd.
Visitors: Mrs S Craddock, Sgt. S Gordon (Stourbridge Police), Cllr T Herbert, Mrs D Owen, Cllr C Perks and Cllr H Rogers.

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
From members: Mrs E M D Scott (Chairman), Mrs J Collins, Mrs E E Fellows, Ms S Turner and Mr D I West.
Also from: Mr I Baggott, Ms K Dyas, Cllr C Hale, Ms M James MP, Cllr I Marrey, Mrs M Miles, Ms S Orton, Mr C Parnell, Mr J Simpson.

POLICE MATTERS
Item A: Sgt Gordon updated members regarding current police activity in Stourbridge including:
Police performance figures - continue to fall, the only increase being in burglary dwellings, unfortunately this is due to a seasonal trend. A public service survey has been carried out which indicates a high level of customer satisfaction at 87.9% and dealing with anti social behaviour at 78.9%. Mr B S Craddock praised Stourbridge Police on its performance and added that the survey showed that the public had confidence in the police and felt they were in control of crime and behaviour within the Stourbridge Sector.
‘The Cop Shop’ – following on from the suggestion made at the last Township Council meeting, Sgt Gordon and Ms K Dyas (Ryemarket Manager) held further discussions which resulted in a retail unit in the Ryemarket being used by the Police for the public to call in and speak to officers with any enquiries or problems they wish to raise. The shop has posters and leaflets on display regarding a wide range of community services and issues – personal safety, domestic violence, living well and feeling safer, etc. Representatives from the Fire Service are offering to carry out fire safety checks on homes and items can be dropped off for the Food Bank collection. The ‘cop shop’ is proving to be very popular with residents and visitors to Stourbridge town. Currently the shop will be open until 7th January 2013. Discussions are ongoing to find a more permanent unit so that this community service can continue and expand. Due to its success in Stourbridge a ‘cop shop’ is being set up in Halesowen town too. It also gives the police a much higher profile in the town itself, less anti social behaviour and more public contact.
Christmas night time economy – Four taxi marshals have been appointed for December. Their remit is to move evening revellers using taxi services in and out of the town as quickly and safely as possible to alleviate some of the chaos expected by the increase in volume of visitors.

CHAIRMAN’S COMMUNICATIONS
The Chairman, Mrs E M D Scott was unable to attend and nothing was raised under this item.

MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING
An error had been identified in the minutes of the 372nd meeting of the Township Council under Item TC2012/1401. “Mrs K C Shepherd, personally, had registered a problem with Dudley Council regarding the street lighting/ uneven pavements on Hagley Road”. The minutes have been amended and duly signed by Mr B S Craddock, Vice- Chairman accordingly.

MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
With regard to Item TC2012/1401 a member pointed out that the quality of the street lighting on Hagley Road was reduced due to the light being provided by sodium-vapour lamps. A concern was raised that any mention of ‘tree roots’ to Dudley Council could result in trees being removed without consultation, which would detrimental to the environment and appearance of Hagley Road. This had already happened to cherry blossom trees in Stevens Road, Pedmore in 2012 which had caused a public outcry. Cllr T Herbert reassured the Township Council this would not be the case as any such proposals would be made public and had to be agreed by the Dudley Council Development Control Committee prior to any action being taken.

REPORT FROM THE CLERK TO THE COUNCIL
Remembrance Sunday – Mr B S Craddock had represented and laid a wreath on behalf of the Township Council at the Cenotaph in Mary Stevens Park. He was joined by Mrs KC Shepherd, Mr IJ and Mrs JD Hackett and Mrs M Wakelam. The service was very well supported and there was an increase in the number of young person’s (cadets, guides, etc) taking part.
Ryemarket Centre – Minor changes are going to be made to improve the ambience of the Centre over the coming months.
An evening Christmas Celebration is planned for Thursday 20th December in the Centre, including Carol Singers, Salvation Army Band, Stalls, Mince Pies, etc. The Ryemarket, shops and car park will be open until 8.00pm.
Foster Street East Junction – Dudley Council are due to meet with Centro to discuss the problem and possible solution.
Town Traffic Consultation is ongoing. Cllr I Marrey has made some alternative proposals to Dudley Council- additional disabled parking in Drury Lane and Coventry Street. Details were circulated to members.
Township Council Meetings have been booked for 2013. Unfortunately the July meeting will be on 18th July, 3rd Thursday in the month, due to a prior booking. Members will be reminded nearer the time!
Birmingham Street Car Wash – The problem regarding waste water seems to be resolved, thanks to Cllr M Hanif.
Processing Blue Badges – problem is ongoing, process time being 6-8 weeks. An email has been sent to Ms M James MP asking for assistance as this is a national problem.

ITEMS RAISED UNDER STANDING ORDER NO 13 (There were no matters raised under this item).
MATTERS RELATING TO PERSONAL SERVICES
Mary Stevens Park – The public consensus survey, part of the Heritage Lottery Bid, scheduled for 24th and 25th of November in Mary Stevens Park and Ryemarket had been cancelled. The revised date suggested is Sunday 16th December. The Clerk will circulate details and a request for volunteers when details are confirmed.
Mr I Baggott, project manager, for the HLB bid has offered to provide an update to members at the January 2013 meeting.

MATTERS RELATING TO TECHNICAL SERVICES
Item A: Bell Hotel/ Bell Street – Mr P Shepherd raised a concern regarding waste water from the Bell Hotel which is flowing across the pavement and into the road. It is excessive and could be hazardous to pedestrians and vehicles especially if it becomes frozen. The Clerk to carry out further enquires- it is suggested that Environmental Health be contacted.

Item B: Crown Centre/ Tesco redevelopment is moving forward, no major problems have been raised. Mr J Simpson, representative from Tesco is scheduled to attend the STC March meeting, to provide an update on the projects progress and answer any questions members wish to raise. A recent press release announced that Tesco is providing finance for Stourbridge Town Hall to be floodlight.
Birmingham Street, Stourbridge - A planning application has been submitted to Dudley Council to build a Premier Inn and Brewers Fayre restaurant including car parking. The Clerk has requested a copy of the proposals from Whitbread for future discussion.

Item C: Bottles and glasses- An increase in the amount of glass/ debris left in the streets outside drinking venues has been seen and the question raised - What can be done to eradicate it? - Can the premises be held responsible for clearing the area around the establishment, either by carrying out the work or being charged for the service?-It is a alcohol free zone, can persons be fined? Sgt Gordon replied that glasses and bottles are confiscated from anyone seen in possession. He will request that the Licensing Officer contact the management of the drinking establishments to ensure that all staff are made aware of the license restrictions and carry out the procedures accordingly. Failure to do so can result in action being taken against the Licensee.
Leaves on pavements – an annual problem. Generally members felt that most of the highly used streets and pathways in and out of the town, around local colleges/schools and Ring Road, have/are being cleared first. It is acknowledged that Dudley Council has limited resources as well as time to deal with the issue. Should any member have a concern about a specific pathway this can be reported to Dudley Council and urgent action requested.
Ryemarket Centre – Mr P Shepherd asked that, as the Centre is now open longer hours, the public toilets should also be available; they appeared to close earlier than the Centre? There is only one other public facility, which is on the Ring Road- away from the High Street, shops, etc. The Clerk to make further enquiries.

FINANCIAL, CIVIC AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT MATTERS
(a) Finance; current balance £810.24.
Members are reminded to pay any outstanding subscriptions as soon as possible.
(b) Stourbridge Area Committee/ Community Forums – TBA – under review.
(c) Stourbridge Township Council will meet on Thursday 10th January and Thursday 14th February 2013.

T.C. 2012/1415 CHAIRMAN’S OTHER BUSINESS
The meeting was closed at 8.15 pm.
The Vice-Chairman, Mr B S Craddock wished all members and visitors a Merry Christmas and invited everyone to stay and share in a Christmas celebration, with refreshments and a light buffet.

Chairman, 10th January 2013

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