Minutes of the Josephine Avenue Group Meeting 04/09/02

Those present; Maurey Lancaster (joint chair), Chris Van Duuren (joint treasurer), Simon Bond, Elizabeth Owen, Garry Turnbull, Apologies; Tim Sutton

1. THE MINUTES for the previous meeting on 07/07/02 were approved.

2. TREASURERS REPORT, Chris reported that as a result of the successful Urban Art exhibition on 20 July, the bank balance was now around £630. This might reduce when the issues of payment to residents for railing space and the possibility of these monies being donated back to JAG, had been resolved. After some discussion it was decided that a letter to the households concerned reminding them of their £20, should invite them to donate the money to JAG. As an incentive, the good works carried out by the group, along with the possibility of using the money to address some of the more popular issues highlighted by the earlier survey, should be pointed out.

3. URBAN ART 2002, As has already been noted Urban Art was a very successful day, largely due to lots of hard work by Tim and all the other volunteers. The BBQ was perhaps not so well attended?? It was noted that the situation regarding permission to sell works on the street would have to be investigated for next time.

4. SURVEY 2002, Chris reported that the percentage breakdown of the survey was now available. These figures could be used to identify popular concerns and provide possible ways to use the 'windfall cash'. The results will be published in an annual newsletter.

5 ABANDONED VEHICLES, It was agreed that the effort in identifying and ridding the street of many abandoned vehicles had been successful and that the situation should be watched for the future. At present Lambeth Council seem to be removing vehicles promptly enough.

6 STREET PROSTITUTION, A continuing level of prostitution in the area. It was agreed that the large yellow board previously placed at the Brixton Hill end had seemed like a good deterrent. Maurey will contact beat cops to see who was behind this and as to whether a permanent sign could be erected. Garry noted that as yet no surveillance camera had been seen on the new lamppost adjacent to 9 Helix Gardens.

7 COLLAPSED POST AT NO. 5, Mrs B has had 2 dates for a court hearing regarding this matter adjourned and is unwilling to spend any of her own funds on rebuilding until the situation is clearer. As Graham will be a witness at the hearing, we should be kept informed.

8 ALLIED CARPETS CAR PARK, Simon reported that since sending an initial letter, the situation seemed to improve but that there is often a noisy and chaotic scene at the end of the day with some people using the area as a selling ground. He and Sue will monitor the situation and if warranted, send a further letter suggesting contacting Head Office.

9 AGM, November was considered a good time for the AGM. This will allow time for a venue to be located. (any ideas? let us know.) It can also be announced in the newsletter. Simon suggested combining the AGM with a BBQ or Firework evening to encourage support. Date to be sorted at the next meeting.

10 OTHER MATTERS,

- Tree Survey, A photographic record of the Avenue trees was suggested at the last meeting. Should this be combined with a complete tree survey??

- Garry T noted that he has a Chestnut tree in a pot in his garden, which is outgrowing its welcome ( now 3m tall ). So, if anyone has or knows of a suitable site in the Avenue, it needs a new home.

- Fly Tipping. It has been noted by various members that a fair amount of junk and what seems to be old building materials seem to be left on the avenue. Garry pointed out that this seems to be where the council prefer to pick it up. ( and, after leaving the meeting, observed workmen piling up junk at 9.30 onto the pavement. It was picked up 2 days later by the council) The meeting agreed to 'keep an eye on things' and make sure council remove junk. The rubbish seems to be locally generated and not imported by 'fly tippers'.

- An email had been received from a Mr Stephan Lacey suggesting setting up a more communal recycling scheme for the area. The meeting decided that we were happy with what Lambeth were providing with their Green Box scheme. Chris will reply to Mr S. L. informing him of our feelings.

- Trades Person list. It was again suggested that Jag should have a list of local trades people who had worked satisfactorily for members. Garry noted that it was always tricky recommending trades people to others and to publish a list might be ill advised. A possibility might be, to have a list of members who have had good experiences with workers. The member could then be contacted to confirm the recommendation and provide contact details. Further thought needed!

- Urban Art Windfall What to do with the cash now in the account? This should take into account the results of the survey as a guide. Decision will be communicated to the avenue via the newsletter.

First thoughts;

Trim trees around street lamps on Avenue

Renovate access road lampposts

Repaint all communal gateposts and walls

Purchase petrol hedge trimmer

Install speed bumps in Avenue.........could we??

- News Letter, This can be discussed at the next meeting. It would be useful if people began to consider/write items.

11 TO DO LIST;

Chris VD - Liase with Tim re households needing to be contacted over the £20 issue

Chris VD - Contact Mr Stephan Lacey over the communal recycling suggestion.

Maurey L - To contact Beat Cops and ask about placement of street sign and also situation as regards security camera on the Avenue.

Simon B - Keep an eye on Allied Carpets and decide whether next letter is needed.

All - Think about poss. venues for AGM. Consider items for newsletter

12. The Next Jag meeting will be on Tues 1st October at 7.30pm. Venue will be Tim Sutton's house, subject to his approval.