Kingsholm Tenants
Consultative
Committee

Railings: Safer Cities now involved. Paul Belotti, head of Safer Cities felt that the railings should come down.Nothing further had beenn received with regards to this. It was also noted that as there was no footpath in front of the houses in Sherborne Street - the footpath for that side of the road running behind the houses. People walking on this area would technically be trespassing on people's hardstanding. Andrew said that David Greenswig supported the T.C.C. and that the community policeman had no view.

Anti-social behaviour: Noise problems particularly bad in Columbia Close this weekend. Andrew has faxed through a report to Justine and to Environmental Health. The problem seems to be worse when the tenant is not there, mainly in the afternoons, and her visitor is left in the property on her own. Problems with loud music, screaming and visitors throwing stones at windows to attract attention of occupant.

Andrew also reported a problem that occurred in the early hours of 6th July 1999 with drunks walking through the estate to a property in Sebert St making considerable noise (shouting).. This happened at 12.15am. The police had been informed. Matters have been so bad at times that one neighbour has been forced to leave her house and sleep in her car because of the noise problems.

It was also noted that youngsters from a family in Worcester Parade and Union Street had also been seen putting "Polyfilla" in the garage locks, electric cupboards & TeleWest cabinet. Again police informed.

There was also an incident involving a suspected air pistol being fired at a screen adjoining a property, which the police are currently investigating.

Estate issues: pigeon culling - With Ivan Hughes.

Cleaning of the refuse bins: Andrew had a copy of an e-mail sent by Trevor Light (Head of Environmental Client Services) to Alex Selsby (Refuse & Cleansing Manager) requesting him to contact Andrew. As yet no response. - Cllr Mark Hawthorne who is on GCS Management Board , he will take this matter up.

New refuse contract started however only had one collection since start of contract, unable to comment fully. Though bins are being returned.

Andrew has also asked for details of street cleaning contract, the refuse contract and the recycling centres contract. Recycling bins should be inspected daily & rubbish cleared, this is not being done.

Door entry system: Ramp at 89-98 Columbia close is in. Another ramp appeared in Sweetbriar Street but no one knows who ordered it. Adrian Thomas is investigating. It is going to be removed at cost to GCS.

A meeting was held on site 05/07/99 between Adrian Thomas, Steve Greening, Charlie Hennessey & George Ridd. Andrew reported that he has heard that problems will be put right. New system in phase 2 is going ahead to be installed by Firmax recommended contractors and GCS will not be involved in the installation.

Shayne Hembrow not yet fed back his comments.

Slatters have been on the estate altering timeclocks but when Andrew questioned where the order came from, he said no one could give him an answer. Andrew has said however that GCS have now admitted it was their mistake. Slatters have since been given new instructions. The new times will also accommodate the 2nd post.

Light outside of 14 Sweetbriar Street has still not been done but Justine is aware of it. Also lights B and C not working at the back of Sherborne House this has also been reported to Justine on the 05/07/99.

Weeds - Louise was going to arrange for handyman to hoe up the weeds (TCC have purchased a hoe)- Hazel to look into.

Clapham Court. Fire & internal doors on landing - Justine looking into.

Blocking off of gable ends at Clapham Court - Hazel to look into.

Cllr Paul James reported that the car parking issue will be looked at by Norman Thomas as part of the overall parking strategy. This however has been put back until October 1999.

Alvin St - Drivers speeding down and using it as a short cut to avoid 3 sets of traffic lights. It was felt that this needed to be looked at. Cllr Hawthorne said that Safer Cities wouldn’t be looking at this particular issue until some time next year. However it was felt that something needed to be done before then.

Road sweeping - Oxford St, Alvin St and London Road. Phil reported that it was not being done and it was an embarrassment. Particularly bad around the 24hr garage & the fish & chip shop. May need to contact owners. Cllr Mark Hawthorne has taken this up and will chase Jo Keigher.

Cllr Phil Beer said that he was aware that a local authoritis elsewhere in the country was giving awards to businesses who took a pride in their shop front and said maybe it is an initiative that the City Council should take up. Andrew also to raise at Environmental Forum in September.

Archway in Columbia Close was still being used by kids for anti-social behaviour. Cllr Mark Hawthorne said that he had heard that if you paint the surface white, it can deter vandalism.

Alleyway at the rear of Alvin Street - rubbish being dumped - encouraging rats.

John Woods Alley - problem with weeds, Cllr Paul James has asked for it to be cleared.

Sebert Street. - Council House garden is disgraceful. Phil to provide an address to Hazel.

Water pressure machine - this was ordered at beginning of the year. The supplier was waiting for a trolley to be made up, the caretaker has been told.

Oxford St/Sherborne St - Double yellow lines. Andrew said that they had not been notified to make comments on prior to it going into the paper. Police have requested that the double yellow lines in the hammerhead between Columbia Close and Sherborne Streed need repainting.

The TCC minutes are now on the internet.