Minutes of the Josephine Avenue Group Meeting 08/11/06 ______________________________________________________________________________
Those present: Garry Turnbull (Chair), Anne Brown, Pelle Kraft, Chris Van Duuren,
Roger Blantern, Louise Belson
Guests: PC 139 Liana Cougar (Vice Squad),
Eugene Ochi (Lambeth Transport Planning)
1. APOLOGIES: Graham Lane, Nick Head, (Vice Squad), Tim Sutton, Sara Leon,
Geraldine Glennon.
2. PREVIOUS MINUTES of the meeting held on 4/10/2006 were approved.
3. VICE SQUAD UPDATE: PC Liana Cougar informed the group of the progress of the current operation being mounted against kerb-crawlers and prostitutes in the area. The night operation is in its 3rd week of six and is proving very successful. There will be a second 6 week operation in January. The Vice Squad are using a new fast-track system, which is processing twice as many offenders as normal. Moreover, kerb-crawlers and punters on foot are being required to sign Acceptable Behaviour Contracts (ABC’s) on the spot. A breach of the ABC can quickly result in an Anti Social Behaviour Order (ASBO), or prosecution.
LC also noted that the Vice Squad do not see many girls being run by pimps, most appear to be working independently to support a drug habit.
LC requested that residents report incidents directly to the vice-squad.
4. TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT: Eugene Ochi has been asked by the Crime Steering Group (JASG) to look into ways to prevent kerb-crawlers using Josephine Avenue so freely. He identified the following issues:
CCTV: If trees were pruned, the improved lighting might allow for CCTV coverage in the future.
Gated Carriageways: The side access roads could have their entrances gated to prevent undesirable vehicle access. Rush Common Consent would need to be established to do this.
Avenue Gate A gated closure of Josephine Avenue erected somewhere mid Avenue between Appach Road and Leander Road, which would operate at times to be determined. By disrupting their route, it would deter punters from cruising the area.
EO presented an initial drawing of this proposal. Anyone wishing to view this should contact Garry Turnbull at 57 Josephine Avenue.
The meeting decided that, prior to a residents consultation, the professional organisations involved including the police, community safety and SNT should be asked for their opinions on the draft proposal. EO also said that he is open to any and all suggestions on traffic management in the street. EOchi@lambeth.gov.uk
5. JAG SECRETARY: LB offered to act as secretary and will seek another to share the task, as she is not always available.
6. TREASURER’S REPORT. No report available as the treasurer was absent.
7. AGM. It was agreed that the AGM will be held on Tuesday 5th December at the Baptist Church Hall, Arodene Road.
8. CAR BOOT SALE GT reported that due to high demand, additional pitches were needed. Members agreed to contact Tim if they knew of any available spaces.
9. 85 BRIXTON HILL GT reported that the developer Mr.Ansari had not complied within the 10 day period given by Lambeth to repair the site hoarding around the derelict site, clear up and make safe. Maxine Wilson, Lambeth Empty Property Officer, is actively pursuing the application of a Compulsory Purchase Order to the site. JAG would like to thank Toren Smith and Kate Newham for their efforts regarding this derelict site.
10. SAFER NEIGHBOURHOOD TEAM GT attended the first meeting of Tulse Hill Safer Neighbourhood Panel met on 25/10/06. Hillary Box attended on behalf of JAG.
The panel set 3 main priorities for the SNT to address in our area: Drugs, prostitution/kerb-crawling and anti-social behaviour. The Team confirmed that the community officers for Tulse Hill are dedicated to the ward and are in addition to the core response team.
11. OTHER MATTERS:
a. Urban Art PK suggested that to avoid confusion, there should be more transparent accountability of the event costs, which should include a breakdown of the organiser’s fee. A debate followed about the future structure of the Art Fair. Should it be entirely professionally run or should it be entirely community based and run? Should it be a mixture of these models, more or less as it is now, but with more accountability? Should it run for a second day?
As TS was not present to take part, the group decided that it would become an agenda item for the future. LB noted that Lambeth is trying to establish a local art exhibition as a part of the Brockwell Park Show. A suggestion was floated that there might be a tie-in with Urban Art.
b. 11 Josephine Avenue RB provided follow to his attack last year. His assailant has been found to have a history of violent attacks. He eventually pleaded guilty to the offence. He will be sentenced on the 30th November. In the mean time he is excluded from the JAG area and all his property has been removed. He should no longer pose a threat to residents.
c. Street Clean CvD reminded us that the street clean is due and a date of Sun 3 December was set.
d. Printer GT pointed out that the October minutes had not been printed and distributed because of lack of support for shared printing. For November LB will see if her old office photocopier, now at the Conservative club is available. GT will again check on the current state of the JAG printer. If nothing is available JAG will pay for the copying. Est.£30. PK offered to help distribute.
12. Action
GT Present traffic scheme to professional bodies for comment.
Contact treasurer to ensure report for AGM
Do flyer for AGM and Street Clean
Check out JAG Copier
LB Seek co-secretary
See if her old photocopier is available
Find contact details for Lambeth Arts
Sibs Book Baptist Church Hall for AGM
CvD Liase with Lambeth re: Street Clean
13. NEXT MEETING - AGM
Tuesday 5 December 8.00pm at Raleigh Baptist Church Hall, Arodene Road.
Meeting closed at 10.15pm
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JOSEPHINE AVENUE GROUP
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
2006
8.00 pm
Tuesday 5 December
Raleigh Baptist Church Hall
Arodene Road
Everyone Welcome