Minutes of the meeting of

Newgate Action Group

held on Tuesday 26^th June 2001 at Newgate Lane School.

Present:

Michelle Garden (Chair)

Ann Norman

Ian Lilliman

John Pickering

Janet Smith

Sheila Judson

Gary Jones

Jo Comerie, Mansfield Diamond Partnership

Barbara Nestor, District Councillor – Titchfield

Malcolm Sage, District Councillor – Titchfield

Jo Comerie – Mansfield Diamond Partnership

Anthony Hodge – Mansfield District Council

Dorothy Coupe

Ann Price

Christine Clay

Apologies: C. Cllr. Chris Winterton; Rob Purser, Don Smith, Harold Yap (all MDC)

Minutes of the meeting of 22^nd May were agreed to be a true record.

Matters arising:	Action
Most matters arising were already on the agenda. It was agreed to return to any missed items later if necessary.
Reports and updates
1. Carter Lane traffic
Chris Winterton was reported to be still working on the issues which include drivers reversing out of parking spaces into the road causing many near-misses, lack of a pedestrian crossing, the need for a traffic warden to be policing the situation and ticketing where appropriate. Gladstone Street was also reported to have numerous illegal dumped cars.	BN>CW
2. Jackson’s field
Anthony Hodge reported that progress has been slow because of a glitch with the funding, but that Groundwork had secured £80,000 from East Midlands Development Agency, making a total funding package of £200,000. There are issues of long-term maintenance. Planning permission might be needed. Work would probably start towards the end of the year. Mill Street residents expressed their concerns about the youth shelter and about youths using the field for motorcycling. Anthony said he would check on the access details. Other people present explained about the consultation process that had led to the project being requested, modified to suit objectors and agreed, with the shelter in the middle. To help the Mill Street residents appreciate the issues, Anthony agreed to invite Ian Rose, the Groundwork designer, to the next meeting. Janet invited comparison with the very successful Racecourse area and hoped that Jackson’s field would have a similar success.	AH, IR
On the question of the mast, Anthony said that MDC is still trying to find ways around the issue. Ian explained the history of the planning permission. Ann described the possible shape and landscaping of the probably street lamp sized mast. A question was asked about a small piece of land next to the pocket park: Anthony said it had planning permission for housing. He would check on the “For Sale” sign.	AH
Quality Street
Anthony, on behalf of Harold Yap, reported on the “pocket park” issue of contamination, leading to extra expense and time delays. But Harold had put together a scheme that will clear the contamination starting 2nd July, begin other work on 16^th, the park to be complete by about the end of August. Barbara reported on the preliminary work undertaken by Sherwood Coalfield Development Trust to make safe and begin the renovation of some shops between 125 and 135 Newgate Lane. Further funding was now being sought to complete the work of refurbishment and then occupation by example businesses of a niche-market type.
141 Newgate Lane
Barbara reported on progress and asked for guidance. It was agreed she should look at the option of 110, try to ensure that the position with regard to 141 was regularised and report back to the next meeting.	BN
Tree pruning and related matters
The pruning was reported to have been done. As 2 Gladstone street is private property can Environmental Health pursue it? And reported dog dirt at 37 Bowling Street. Malcolm agreed to chase up these matters. John Pickering reported on the co-operation between Leisure and local residents over care of the planters.	MS
Neighbourhood renewal update
Anthony reported on behalf of Rob Purser that this year’s budget for group repair was £298,000. There would be some new work starting, one on Bowling Street and one on Redcliffe Road; work is in progress on Coronation Street (3-11 odds) and 5 properties on Newgate Lane; and work will begin on 5 or 6 properties on Coronation Street (carrying on from 13) starting this year.
Any other business:
a) Barbara and Michele reported on the setting up of a “Community and Voluntary Sector Forum” in the district.
b) The Treasury broken step had become two broken steps. Anthony would pursue this with Groundwork.	AH
c) Other matters arising from last minutes: John reported that the footpath between Mill Street and Rock Hill had been cleared up. Improved lighting was still needed for the garage area on Mill Street. The camper van had been removed, but replaced with a car; however it is on private land, so no action can be taken.	BN

As the school would be closed, it was agreed that Michele would try and arrange the Treasury for the next meeting and inform everyone of the date and venue.

It was agreed to invite Anthony Hodge (MDC), Ian Rose (Groundwork designer), Chris Veasey (NCC Highways), and Rob Purser (Housing renewal).