Minutes of the meeting of the
Newgate Action Group
held 6.30pm on Tuesday 16^th July 2002 at 110 Newgate Lane

1. Attendees

Michele Ward (Chair)	Resident
Ian Lilliman (Secretary)	Resident
Gary Jones (Vice Chairman)	Resident
John Pickering (Treasurer)	Resident
Mr & Mrs Gunn	Resident
Sue Adamson	Resident
Caroline Beastall	Resident
G Smith	Resident
Jonathon Dix	Groundwork Ashfield & Mansfield
Councillor Malcolm Sage	Mansfield District Council
Samantha Raggart	Mansfield District Council
Courtney Nangle	Mansfield CVS

2. Apologies

Cllr Barbara Nestor	MDC
Councillor Jim McGuigan	MDC
PC Atherley	Police - Beat Bobby
Pat Gallagher	Resident
Janet Smith	Resident
Allan Wallace / Eileen Heaps	Poetic Pictures, Newgate Lane
Mr & Mrs Mycock	Resident
Max & Rosemary Banks	Resident

3. Introductions

3.1. The meeting began at 6.35pm Jo Riley from the Credit Union was introduced to the group.

4. Previous Minutes

4.1. Minutes of the meeting of 11^th June 2002 were agreed to be a true record. Despite several requests for the local beat bobby to attend, it was reported to the group that he was unable to attend due to secondment to a major Police activity which was occurring at the same time.

5. Reports & Updates

5.1. Jackson’s Park Progress Report

5.1.1. Park Signage - Jonathon Dix and Samantha Raggart provided an update on the Jackson’s Field Renewal. Ian Lilliman stated that since the park had opened, a significant number of dog owners were walking their dogs and not cleaning up after them. He also said that more motorcycles were using the park than had done before the erection of the fence and access gates. He asked why no signs had been erected prior to the opening of the park to discourage motorcycles and scooters and signs to instruct dog owners to clean up after their pets. Jonathon Dix (from Groundwork Ashfield and Mansfield – the park’s designer) said that signage had not been a part of the original plan. Samantha Raggart from the Council said that signs were to be erected in the near future. Ian Lilliman said to Jonathon Dix that because of the installation of the play arena/youth shelter, the park’s usage had increased dramatically, particularly with the older teen age group, which had also attracted persons of a similar age who owned motor scooters and it was these types of motorcycles that were entering the park. Jonathon said that although the community consultation process revealed a need to prevent motorcycle access, it was deemed equally important to have convenient access to the disabled and this included those who use electric scooters. Because of their design, the access gates had to be made wider than usual to allow access to such vehicles, which in turn allows access to motor scooters which are generally small in size.

5.1.2. Perimeter Fencing – Positive comments were raised about the perimeter fence and most were pleased with its design and height. Jonathon Dix said that this was almost complete except for the section at the end of Mill St that was not completed due to having to wait for delivery of another pedestrian access gate. He also said that the far end of the road would be extended to reach the boundary of the last house on Beresford Street.

5.1.3. Park Lighting – Once again, many remarked that the lighting was well in keeping with the park and provided sufficient illumination to afford a degree of feeling safe on the park without being obtrusive.

5.1.4. Grassed Area’s – Several member of the group raised the issue of the areas of the park that were not yet grassed. Jonathon Dix said that the contractors would deal this with in due course. Residents also said that the grassed areas which had been left overgrown (i.e. the ‘meadow grass’) should be cut to the same standard as the rest of the field to improve the look of the field. Jonathon said that he agreed and would look to have the contractors cut the grass at the same level.

5.2. Police Issues

5.2.1. Beat Bobby – Once again, the group expressed their disappointment that the local beat bobby could not attend the meeting to advise the meeting on current crime issues that may affect the local community. Both Michelle Ward and Ian Lilliman stated that they had written to Inspector Sean Konsek asking for the Police’s input but had received no reply. It was reported to the group that a pilot project is running in the Moor Lane area, where the beat bobby carries a mobile phone and the number is available to the public to report crime issues. NAG will endeavour to find out more information to see if the project will be extended to other high-rime rate areas such as Titchfield Ward.

At this point Jo Riley gave an excellent presentation on the benefits of the Maun Valley Credit Union.

6. Any Other Business

6.1. Parking – Parking problems at the bottom of Bolsover St should be eased after the completion of the car park next to the Treasury. It was also mentioned that there is a van on Rock St that has had no road tax since February and appears to have been parked on the pedestrianised area of the street to avoid its tax renewal. It was reported that this vehicle is being used as “additional warehousing” for the electrical shop on Carter Lane. It was recommended that the Police/Traffic wardens department be informed of the situation.

6.2. Planters, Beresford St – During talks about the viewpoint, it was suggested that the planters on Beresford St could be transferred to the viewpoint. However, Jonathon Dix said that although a good idea, they may not be the best solution and, if replanted, would be easily targeted by vandals. Jonathon Dix also mentioned that there was additional planting to be carried out on the field but this would not be done until the autumn.

6.3. Bonfire Night – Comments were raised about bonfire night and whether or not fires would be tolerated on the newly refurbished park. Many at the meeting said it was time to call it a day and ban all future bonfires as some people (who seem not to live in the locality) use the occasion to fly-tip their rubbish, some of which is non-combustible.

6.4. Wheelie Bin Access, top of King St – The resident at the top of King St has reported to the group his dissatisfaction at the park renewal scheme. This is because the property they reside in has a side gate leading onto the field, which they used to take the bin out. The contractors have planted shrubs against the gable end of the house, effectively blocking their normal route to the street. The occupier now has to drag the bin over the grass up to the tarmac path and through the park access gate. The occupier was concerned that this may cause problems when the grass is wet and during the winter months. It was noted that the property is rented and the rear gate is blocked by what appears to be a coalbunker. This prevents taking the bin out from the rear of the property. It was suggested that the occupier ask the landlord to move the coalbunker. Also, the proximity of the shrubs to the gable end of the property will make maintenance more difficult once they have grown bigger. Jonathon said that he would examine their positioning to see if they could be moved further away.

PLEASE NOTE: There will be no meeting in August

Next Meeting 17^th September 2002 at 6.30pm, 110 Newgate Lane