Stourbridge Township Council - The Neighbourhood Council of Stourbridge established 1979

MINUTES OF THE 393rd MEETING OF STOURBRIDGE TOWNSHIP COUNCIL
HELD IN THE TOWN HALL STOURBRIDGE ON THURSDAY 9th October 2014

PRESENT: Mrs EMD Scott (Chairman), Mr BS Craddock (Vice-Chairman), Mrs KC Shepherd (Clerk), Mrs M Wakelam
(Deputy Clerk), Miss R Adams, Mr AC Dawes, Mr IJ Hackett, Mrs JD Hackett, Mrs W Packer, Mr D Pope, Mr D Price
 and Ms S Turner.
Visitors: Cllr P Bradley, Mr S Cooke-Black, Insp. J Hobday (Stourbridge Police) and Mr R Eden.

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Members: Mrs EE Fellows, Miss A Green, Mr PJ Miles and Mr RS Owen.
Also:  Cllr N Barlow, Mrs K Dyas, Ms S Griffiths, Cllr T Herbert, Ms M James MP, Cllr C Perks, Cllr H Rogers and Mr J Smith.

POLICE MATTERS
Insp J Hobday introduced himself as the new neighbourhood Inspector for Dudley South covering Stourbridge and Halesowen. (a) Police Update: Over the summer burglaries from dwellings has been a high priority, with properties with high value vehicles being targeted, in order to steal the car keys and in turn the vehicle(s) - often sold on or broken up and not traced. A crime awareness tactic was carried out in local neighbourhoods to raise awareness with local residents.  The situation is now under control, arrests made and offenders are in custody. This highlights the importance of keeping vehicles secure and not leaving keys, valuable personal possessions on display or easily accessible in your car or  your home.
Metal theft -although the national project/funding has ended (in last 12 months there has been a 63% reduction in metal theft in the West Midlands) it remains a priority within Stourbridge/ Dudley, being a highly industrial area. Given the changes in legislation – scrap metal traders need to be licensed, keep records of sales, etc,  police  continuing to carry out spot checks on traders and vehicles, marking items (Selecta DNA/ Smartwater) also helps in identifying stolen property. All these will discourage  thieves or result in an early arrest.
Graffiti – Remains a problem, several offenders have been caught and dealt with. Punishment ranges from reparation work /cleaning alongside Dudley Council, fines to custodial sentence for the repeat offenders. Difficulty is matching the graffiti to the individual, catch them ‘in the act’ - down to evidence gathering – important for the public to report any sightings.

(b) Questions: Following the spate of handbag thefts from Sainsbury’s Withymoor -has anyone been caught?Update to follow.
Insp Hobday is keen to review the best way of delivering effective policing in Stourbridge and improve ways of communicating with the public. Suggestions- hold joint PACT meetings and Community forums- issues often involve the police, council/ other agency, help partnership working. Need to advertise meetings in advance, at least 10 days - through the local press and Bridge Radio. Promotion of 101 telephone service and social media to report issues.  The Cop Shop will reopen in the Ryemarket in November. If there is a specific problem – hold a one off meeting quickly within the neighbourhood to create an impact and raise awareness.
Heath Street/ Worcester Street - Issue of vehicles turning right in and out of Heath Street at the junction with Worcester Street despite signage stating no right turn. Problem is ongoing, needs police action to stop/‘ticket’ offenders. Insp Hobday agreed to look into issue with resident and possibly follow up with Dudley Council Highways department for a longer term solution to the problem.

CHAIRMAN’S COMMUNICATIONS
The Chairman, together with 2 members is to attend Stourbridge College, Oldswinford on 10th October for an update on the redevelopment work and future plans for the college.
Litter in the Town – There had been a marked increase in the amount of litter around St. Thomas’s Gardens, Crown Square and Market Street when the students returned to college in September. In the last 2 weeks the problem has improved greatly following representation being made to each of the 4 schools/colleges around the town by the Township Council, a press article and communication with Street Cleansing, Dudley.  Litter is an ongoing problem everywhere, certain persons think it is acceptable to cast off objects no longer wanted – from fly tipping, street/litter in parks, throwing items from vehicles. Ironically responsible persons are nervous of approaching said person in case of recrimination so being, public spirited and caring - clear up the rubbish.
Allergy awareness week – highlighting the dangers to persons who suffer from allergic reaction to foods, substances, etc and
the importance of having your medical records noted correctly not only with your GP but also within hospitals where you are being treated and cared for by a number of clinical and support staff. Need to also carry personal tag/alert.

Copy of an Article from Stourbridge Urban Council document: detailing the mayoral role and regalia (including a loving cup), dates of historical moments of Stourbridge. Clerk to copy and pass on to members on request.
Question asked – Could the mayoral regalia and items of special historical interest to Stourbridge be returned and displayed in Stourbridge town rather than locked away in Dudley?
Member made a request for any photos of the original bridge over the River Stour.

MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING
The minutes of the 392nd meeting of the Stourbridge Township Council held on 11th September 2014 were received as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

STOURBRIDGE AREA ACTION PLAN
The Vice Chairman gave a presentation at the September meeting - a copy of the discussion points were distributed.
One of the key points raised was regarding the provision for cyclists in and around Stourbridge (within the area highlighted in the SAAP). Stourbridge town and Ring Road is always heavily congested with cars, so ideal to encourage people, students to cycle into town In order to hear about a cyclists point of view, Mr R Eden, representative of Stourbug (over 300 members), has agreed to talk to members.
Points highlighted –Stourbridge town is ‘locked in by way of the Ring Road and also the one way systems within the town. For cyclists entering High Street from Hagley Road, there is no exit back to Hagley Road other than the 3 lane Ring Road, likewise to the Crystal Centre. If you enter from Amblecote, again no cycle route to top of town. From Wollaston – Enville Street, Crown Lane/Square and then?
Cycle racks – Although there are racks around the town, little thought/planning has gone into their location – should be near shops, in the High Street and not out of the public view – leading to theft, vandalism, etc.
Mr Eton has had  discussions with Dudley Council over a period of time but feels they do not understand the practical users point of view – he illustrated the ‘Dudley’ cycle route from Stourbridge to Kingswinford and Stourbridge via Withymoor Village – numerous barriers, chicanes, steps lack of cyclist crossing on major roads, as an example – none of which are cycle friendly. It was agreed to hold a meeting between the STC and a group of regular local cyclists to discuss the matter in more detail, formulate some ideas and recommendations to present to Dudley Council.

REPORT FROM THE CLERK TO THE COUNCIL
The Clerk and Vice Chairman attended the Memorial Service for Crpl Harry Whitwell held on 11th September in MSP.   
Litter -Clerk has written to Stourbridge College, Old Swinford Hospital School, Red Hill and King Edwards VI and received a positive response that students will be reminded to be responsible. Dudley Council has 4 street litter wardens who operate in the Borough and can issue on the spot fines of £50 for dropping litter.  Contacted Subway, Crown Centre – a litter bin has now been installed and the cleaning team for the Crown Centre are working together with Subway to maintain the cleanliness of the area which is much improved in last 2 weeks as previously discussed.
Russell’s Hall Hospital Car Parking – ongoing. Remains major problem. Discussion, review being carried out by management.
Tesco have erected new signs at  the bottom of the Crown Centre car park ramp alerting pedestrians that it is not a footpath and dangerous for them to use but several members commented that it is being ignored. Issue raised with Dudley Council.
Mary Stevens Park parking issues ongoing. Clerk contacted Margot James MP and Dudley Cllr’s, say under review but no decision – only solution is to move some of the workers out of the Studley Court, it must be difficult for them to park.
Mr I Baggot will attend the November meeting and give an update of the HLB for Mary Stevens Park.
Town Twinning – meeting 2nd October. Plan to build a picture of what partnerships, cultural exchanges are already in place in Stourbridge. Members asked to provide a list of groups, contacts a view to speaking with them to ask/share ideas.
 
MATTERS RELATING TO TECHNICAL SERVICES
Item A:  Nothing was raised under this item.
Item B: Maynard Avenue, Norton – issue with cars parking up to junction with mini roundabout outside St. Michaels and All Angels Church – restricted view for vehicles turning. Clerk to report.
Item C: New beauty salon and holistic centre in Victoria Passage opening in November.

FINANCIAL, CIVIC AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT MATTERS

1. Finance; current balance £527.18
2. Stourbridge Community Forums- Wednesday 5th and 12th November 2014. See attached handout.
3. Stourbridge Township Council will meet on Thursday 13th November and 11th December 2014.

                                                                                                                                                                   
CHAIRMAN’S OTHER BUSINESS
Remembrance Sunday is on 9th November 2014, the Vice Chairman will lay a wreath on behalf of the Township Council.
The Chairman thanked members and visitors for attending and closed the meeting at 9.25pm.

Chairman, 13th November 2014

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