Agenda item

If you have made a scheme suggestion that is included on this years ballot, come along to the meeting to make sure that people have the information they need to make an informed decision.

6.1             Cllr Pierce explained that Hull Road Ward Committee receives an annual budget in the region of £26,000. Local Improvement Schemes are suggested and voted on by residents, and grants will be given to those best supported (thought not always the full amount requested).

6.2             Those who were attending the meeting to speak on behalf of one of the suggested schemes were invited to do so:

Scheme 25    Mary Bradford pointed to the churned up lawn at the front of the church; caused by cars using it for parking. This leads to people treading mud through the church when they come inside. At one point, the church made the car park for church use only, but this had no effect. The alternative is to tarmac the area.

Q                     I can see the sense in this, but am opposed to anything that would see an increase in car use. Would this happen?

A                     No, because cars park there already.

                        Cllr Cregan suggested that Highways should look at repairing the footpath at the front of the church too.

Scheme 2      Cllr Pierce spoke about the ward’s annual funding for the installation of bollards where they are required in the ward. The most commonly used bollards are wooden – costing about £100 each.

                        Steve Hedges, a resident who put forward a suggestion for some bollards in the ward, spoke on his request for extra bollards at Matmer House. Cars have been pulling onto the pavement at speed and have twice almost hit a child. Due consideration should be given to shop owners and to access to the cycle path, but it would be a good idea for the safety of pedestrians.

Q                     This would be a good idea. There is a car park behind the shops for shoppers to use.

Q                     Where would you want the bollards positioned?

A                     Close to the road. The existing bollards are on the property of Matmer House.

                        Cllr Cregan pointed out that it would be the Highways department who would assess the area and decide where bollards should best be positioned. This scheme is not proposing exactly where bollards should be placed at this point; only that there should be a fund to provide them.

Scheme 7      John Cossham, clerk to the Hull Road Planning Panel until April, introduced Vicky Gladders; the panel’s new clerk. Based on last year’s expenditures, the panel will only be requiring £200, rather than the £300 listed. The panel meets once every three weeks at Tang Hall Community Centre, and the funding is used for room hire.

                        Cllr Pierce explained that the panel are consultees on any planning applications in the ward. Local knowledge of the area for which the plans are concerned is invaluable, and the views expressed are reported in the applications which then go to the decision makers. The panel is recognised by the ward committee and these expenses are a necessity. Other residents are encouraged to attend their meetings.

Schemes 3  & 13 John Brierley from Friends of St Nicholas’ Fields spoke about their proposals to install a dome CCTV camera at the centre (scheme 3) and to replace the play equipment that had to be removed because of rot. The CCTV is to combat the vandalism that has been seen in the play area - police have given this proposal their support. Heworth Ward Committee have also been asked for funding towards replacing the play equipment, so Hull Road will not have to provide it all.

Q                     What is a dome camera?

A                     It has 360 degree coverage. The camera itself is protected by a darkened dome; people can’t see where they are pointing.

                        John Brierley also thanked the ward committee for their support of previous schemes. The Apple Day event saw 200 people attend, and the Big Recycling Day saw 300. Funding also provided for the extension of the network of paths, including improved access from the Eco Depot – due to be seen in November.

Residents had the following general questions and comments:

Q         Mary Bradford added that the church would like to reserve use of their grounds for parking on the occasions of weddings and funerals.

Q         What exactly are the proposals for schemes 23 & 24?

A            Planting and general tidying up of two areas of scruffy land.

Q         These areas are in Fishergate ward.

A         This will be looked in to. Obviously, if they fall outside of the ward boundary then they will not be included.