Stourbridge Township Council - The Neighbourhood Council of Stourbridge established 1979

MINUTES OF THE 390th MEETING OF STOURBRIDGE TOWNSHIP COUNCIL
HELD IN THE TOWN HALL STOURBRIDGE ON THURSDAY 12th June 2014

PRESENT: Mrs EMD Scott (Chairman), Mr BS Craddock (Vice-Chairman), Mrs KC Shepherd (Clerk), Mrs M Wakelam
(Deputy Clerk), Mr A Dawes, Miss A Green, Mrs W Packer, Mr D Pope, Mr D Price and Ms S Turner.
Visitors: Ms R Adams, Cllr N Barlow, Cllr PW Bradley and Cllr H Rogers.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION SESSION
Ms R Adams was pleased to inform members that discussions with Dudley Council to place a sign, highlighting the location of the River Stour, on the central refuge on the approach/exit from Stourbridge Ring Road to Amblecote, are moving forward.
Ms Adams asked if consideration has been given to twinning Stourbridge with another town in Europe. It would bring new life into the town as well as sharing our heritage, skills and common interests – especially given our glass industry, which is world renown. It would be cross cultural and could benefit our students and local businesses too. In principal members thought it was a good idea - more information about what is involved – principals, practicality, costs, similar towns, etc is needed to carry out a formal discussion. The Chairman requests that further enquires be made to include it on the Agenda for the September meeting and also with a view to setting up a subcommittee to carry it forward, if members so wish.

The Chairman invited Mrs R Adams to become a member of Stourbridge Township Council. Following her acceptance, she was sworn in and given a warm welcome by all present.

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Members: Mrs EE Fellows, Mr IJ Hackett, Mrs JD Hackett, Mr PJ Miles and Mr R Owen.
Also: Mrs K Dyas, Cllr C Hale, Ms M James MP, Mrs M Miles, Cllr C Perks, Ms B Sykes, Cllr M Wood and Stourbridge Police.
POLICE MATTERS Details of forthcoming PACT meetings were circulated.
Nothing was raised under this item.

CHAIRMAN’S COMMUNICATIONS
Following the Chairman’s complaint to Dudley CCG re the length of time she had to wait for an ambulance (11 hours) and the service she received from the 111 helpline, she has received an apology from Dudley CCG, stating that this length of time is within the contractual timescales of 12 hours. In view of the complaint they are going to review the service standards. The response from Primecare, detailed the actions taken on the day - all within the standard practice and procedures. Mrs Scott did not feel it was an accurate account of the events. The call handler giving a ’comfort call’ and unable to answer her questions or address her concerns. Other members have also experienced a delay in receiving medical attention via 111 service. As the Chairman remained dissatisfied with the outcome, members suggested by continuing through the official complaint procedure and also contacting Healthwatch the service may be improved to prevent other persons having to suffer a similar experience.

MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING
The minutes of the 389th meeting of the Stourbridge Township Council held on 8th May 2014 were received as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
With reference to Item T.C 2014/1606 -Exit from Tesco Car Park – Vice Chairman clarified that the concrete channelling, referred to, should be laid in centre of Crown Lane – so that vehicles exiting the car park cannot immediately cross into the left hand lane, into the path of traffic from Lower High Street. The Clerk has received a response from Dudley Council stating there were no recorded accidents at the junction of Crown Lane/ Bath Row or Crown Square and the existing layout meets with traffic regulations so no changes will be considered.

REPORT FROM THE CLERK TO THE COUNCIL
Car Parking at Russell’s Hall – Following a meeting between M James MP ad Paula Clarke Chief Executive of Russell’s Hall hospital a response had been received, informing that it is car park provider who is in sole control and responsible for the car park and whilst they hold regular discussions with hospital management they have no control over the car park facilities. The issue raised re the removal of the drop off point adjacent the hospital main entrance is being addressed and being reinstated. The Trust is looking to improve access – improved bus services/ routes, offsite parking for staff and provision for cyclists.
Stourbridge Street Pastors have accepted an invitation to come to the July Township Council meeting and give a presentation about the work they do in Stourbridge.
Public transport to Lion Health Centre – No reply has been received from the Health Centre and Centro have no plans to modify their services at present.
It is noted that there is little information available in the reception area or given by the staff regarding transport. It would be helpful if details of current bus services (Enville Street/ Bridgnorth Road) re times, stops, etc together with contact details for taxi services or Ring and Ride could be displayed. Also any cycle routes or footpaths for alternative access to the town could be displayed. Cllr Barlow offered to raise this with the Lion Health Centre management on our behalf.
Following on from this point Mr Dawes asked if it is possible to provide a pedestrian crossing on Enville Street by Katie Fitzgeralds, opposite Lowndes Road. The A458 is a major road into Stourbridge, quite wide at this point, which is difficult to cross, especially if you are less mobile. A further suggestion to create a central refuge was also made. Cllr Barlow added that the situation is made worse by the number of vehicles which park along Enville Street on the bend preceding this area which impedes the view for drivers and pedestrians.
Re vandalism on the Longlands site, Old Quarter - Stourbridge Police have met with Dudley Council and security measures have now been put in place – including fencing, regular patrols by a private security company and also local police officers and PCSO’s are monitoring the grounds and surrounding area. There have been no further incidents reported since.

MATTERS RELATING TO PERSONAL SERVICES
Mary Stevens Park parking – Since Dudley Council have transferred the Children’s Services department to Studley Court, MSP – with an increase of 150 staff this has created a huge parking problem. The workers are taking all of the parking spaces and parking in the side roads -there is little or no space for the public to park.
No consideration is given to the number of visitors (car users) to the park, the expected increase in numbers in the summer holidays for the Council organised activity days or when the cafe opens next year. Not only should all parks be primarily for public use but Dudley Council are actively encouraging people to use them for outdoor activities and keeping fit. If visitors are unable to park they may not return to MSP. Even if the parking spaces are split between visitors/ workers, employees will park in the narrow side streets which creates a further problem. A suggestion that council employees use Birmingham Street car park and be transferred by shuttle bus to MSP was made. Cllr H Rogers has raised the issue with Dudley Council and discussions are taking place to address the problem but no consultation was carried out with councillors, public or Mary Stevens Trust Mangers prior to this change.

MATTERS RELATING TO TECHNICAL SERVICES
Item A: Mr Dawes said residents in his road in Wollaston are complaining about the way Council provided wheelie bins and recycling boxes are being left strewn across the pavement after being emptied. Following the wheelie bins being emptied they are then being abandoned, often blocking the pavement, making pedestrians step into the road. The recycling bags thrown on to driveways, which often blow into the road in the path of vehicles. The road being the main pedestrian route to the local school. Residents may well be at work all day and therefore not able to retrieve them. Other similar comments were added by members - the service seems to vary depending on the operating crew. The Clerk will report this issue to Dudley Council and urges all members to use the Dudley Council online reporting service (http://www.dudley.gov.uk/resident/bins-recycling/rubbish-collection) to report each issue. Only by constantly highlighting the problem will Dudley Council see the extent of the problem and take action.
Item B: Stourbridge College – Mrs Packer informed members, that as a ‘neighbour’ to the college she has received a letter from the builders, Cleggs - providing a contact number for any problems and informing residents that a regular newsletter will be issued. The redevelopment work is expected to take approx 42 weeks. The site has been enclosed by hoarding, which has recently been painted. There has been an increase in the amount of street litter due to the loss of the litter bins in the reception/ entrance area which is now part of the redevelopment site. A request will be made to Dudley Council to resite the bins or have more frequent collections as there is the same or possibly an increase in volume of litter due to the workmen onsite. Mrs Packer volunteered to deal with any issues concerning the redevelopment work at Stourbridge College on behalf of the STC and also keep members informed. Members agreed to this unanimously.
Dilshad Restaurant Oldswinford has erected a new sign over their entrance – which has very bright, flashing lights. They have now posted a retrospective planning application (P14/0696). The sign is positioned directly in line of sight for drivers exiting Stourbridge on the Hagley Road. The flickering lights are distracting and could affect persons who suffer from an intolerance to light or epilepsy, triggering an episode. Members agree to submit an objection on behalf of the STC.
The Longlands Centre, Old Quarter – Following a visit to the Longlands site by Cllr Barlow, Margot James MP and representatives of the owners it is proposed to hold a public meeting on 4th July at Greenfield Primary School at 6pm to discuss the future of the Longlands site: What it can be used for, what the local residents would like and how it can be used to enhance the local community. Details to be circulated to members.
The Clerk had retrieved information, dated May 2013, regarding the ownership and issues concerning the land.
The ownership is split between BMet (College Land) and Children’s Services Directorate (Top and Middle Fields). A copy of the information is attached for members.
Item C: A litter pick has been carried out at Greenfield Gardens by pupils from Greenfield Primary School. The children and headmaster were most enthusiastic – so hopefully it may be continued. Thank you to Stourbridge Police and all involved.
Graffiti is a huge problem in Stourbridge and Halesowen. The art work is tagged (signature left) but the same tag is being used by a group of persons and therefore, unless the individual is caught ‘in the act or with the evidence’ the police are unable to act. Both the public and retailers are being asked to contact Stourbridge Police or Dudley Council with details of any person or situation they consider might be involved to this act of vandalism which is being carried out with total disregard to property. The Chairman commented on the state of the empty properties in Market Street, which are sadly neglected and subject to vandalism, including graffiti and broken windows. She asked if there are any proposals in the SAAP to cover this area – to be reviewed at a future meeting.

FINANCIAL, CIVIC AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT MATTERS
Following a meeting between the Auditors (Mr R Owen and Mr P Miles) and the Finance Officer the Accounts for 2013/14 have been signed off. A copy was circulated to all members.
(a) Finance; current balance £434.20
(b) Stourbridge Community Forums- Wednesday 25th June and Wednesday 2nd July– Venues TBA.
(c) Stourbridge Township Council will meet on Thursday 10th July and 11th September 2014. No meeting in August.

CHAIRMAN’S OTHER BUSINESS
The Chairman thanked members and visitors for attending and closed the meeting at 9.05pm.

Chairman, 10th July 2014

Previous meeting minutes