MINUTES OF JAG MEETING WED 12 SEP 2007 

Those present: Anne Brown, Roger Blantern, Louise Belson (sec)

1.Apologies received from: Jonna Lansivuori, Chris Kayatz, Pelle Kraft, Garry Turnbull (co-chair), Nick Berry (treasurer), Tim Sutton, Chris van Duuren, Doreen Cornick, Victoria Hardie, Clare Macdonald.

2. Minutes 19/07/07. The secretary apologised to the JAG .for not having time enough to distribute the minutes of the meeting on 19/07/07. Approval of the minutes will be carried forward to the next meeting.

3. Treasurer’s Report: Carried forward to the next meeting. Costs incurred: To: R.B re: materials used in painting and maintaining the pillars on JA and HG: £16.71 To LB re costs of printing and paper: £103.33. LB will forward invoices and receipts to the treasurer. 

4. Barrier Update (LB): The barrier consultation document was delivered to affected residents on Friday 7 September 2007. Replies must be returned to arrive by Friday 28th Sepember. Funding for the sheme was obtained by Lambeth Transport and Highways through London Cycle Network (LCN). The document states the following:The proposed barrier will be sited on Josephine Avenue at Brixton Hill. 

“the final design of the closure is still to be determined. It will remain open for pedestrians and cyclists. The road closure will help create a safer and cleaner environment by removing non-essential through traffic. Existing parking and delivery arrangements will not be affected by the closure.” 

Should the consultation response prove positive, further funding will be needed. 

On Tues 11 September the JAG was informed that the petition would be presented today Wednesday by Val Shawcross AM to the London Assembly. A press release attended by Cllr. Marcia Cameron, Val Shawcross AM,  Cllr. Mark Bennett ( Cabinet Member for Community Safety) and approx.15 residents took place this afternoon in Josephine Avenue. Cllr. Cameron has reported that Val Shawcross and Mark Bennett were very impressed with the turnout of residents and gained a good understanding of the issues.

Cllr Mark Bennett informed us that should the consultation prove positive the timescale to installation is 3 months.

RB suggested that residents consider the idea that the ‘barrier’ could be designed as a celebratory object. Something that would enhance, rather than diminish the avenue. Also, therefore making it less likely to be subject to vandalism.

Roger suggested that a celebration of the visit of Nelson Mandela to the HIV and AIDS Awareness Concert in London next June might be appropriate. Louise suggested that Lambeth Arts might be consulted and perhaps a competition held for a design that celebrates the local Community, the Rush Common or even perhaps the bicycle.

5. Lighting on the Access Road. Update (RB): Despite numerous visits to Lambeth Transport and Highways and assurances of repairs, the light at 5 JA is still not working. The latest job reference number is 2208594 and the latest deadline given is the second week in October. RB will pursue the matter. LB will investigate the feasibility of installing temporary exterior lights over the access road. The JAG has not received any update on the timing of full repair or replacement of the Access Road lights. LB will pursue.

6. Pillar and Rail Repair at FWA. LB reported that the lowest quote for pillar repairs was £1560.00 and for 2 sections of railings £1500.00. Doreen Cornick of the FWA  had reported to LB no further progress on the freeholder’s insurance at the property. LB suggested that the next JAG meeting vote on the JAG contribution and enact.

7. Late Night License Shops on Brixton Hill. Cllr Mark Bennett (Cabinet Member for Community Safety) has advised the JAG that licenses can be retrospectively revoked and that with sufficient proven cause this could be achieved.

8. 5 Helix Gardens. Residents present were keen to help and agreed that with the permission of the ground floor occupants of 5HG, they could and would erect a temporary fence across the gap . They would again request that the alley be cleared of condoms and currently also the pink armchair, by Lambeth’s Rapid Response Clean Team. (020 7926 8888)

9. Autumn Street Clean and Chestnut Leaf Clear-Up: Chris van Duuren suggested before the meeting and the meeting agreed the proposed date of Sunday 18 November. LB proposed that the JAG buy new tree loppers and new secateurs. Decision to be voted on at next meeting.

AOB

10.1 Rush Common Consultation:The JAG received the following update from Marian Girdler,?Senior Planning Officer (Implementation): “I am writing to advise you that following the consultation carried out on the Rush Common Policy and Guidance Note in which you participated, a report will be considered by Corporate Committee on 12 September seeking approval to the proposed amendments. The report and associated documents can be found on the Lambeth website in the Council and Democracy section.”

10.2 Safer Neighbourhood Team PS Carol Brocklesby who was leading the Safer Neighbourhood Team has been promoted and has left the SNT. For the present, PC Keith Dempster will take on her role. LB will forward JAG minutes to PC Keith Dempster and Neil Thurlow and JAG will ask GT to invite them to attend the next meeting. Those present requested that the JAG send a letter of thanks to Carol.  

10.3 Brixton Area Forum. Anne Brown received notification of the next meetings of the Brixton Town Centre Forum. She is unable to attend and suggests that a JAG representative might be interested in becoming a member. The Forum is a membership based organization for people living, working and using Brixton town Centre. It provides a place for sharing information, coordinating plans and activities, for representing and consulting people, and discussing and monitoring problems and initiatives that affect the Brixton Area. It benefits from and draws together a range of previous community and council initiatives. Meetings are held bi-monthly on the 3rd Thursday of the month at 7 Gresham Road. The next meeting is on 20 November and concerns Crime and Disorder. Amongst others, Cllr Mark Bennett (Cabinet Member for Safer Communities) and Neil Thurlow (Community Safety Partnership Co-ordinator), Megan Jones (Drugs Alcohol and T Manager) will be attending. 

10.4 Public Notification of Meetings Note from Tim Sutton (by email) “However, one thing I would like put on the agenda is the lack of public notification of meetings. This is unacceptable. JAG is an un-elected body. It CANNOT claim to represent the residents if they are not invited.” The secretary endorsed this statement and again apologized to the group. She said that Notice of meetings should currently be communicated to residents via door-delivery of 350 printed copies of the full minutes plus abbreviated minutes on notice on street board, additional notices on street and notice on the web. During July and August, the secretary had little free time and other equally urgent JAG commitments and so was unable deliver public notification other than on the web. The secretary would be most grateful to any resident who is able to help her collate and deliver the October minutes.

Meeting closed at 9.15pm 

ACTIONS: 

RB/LB/AB Rig temporary fence at 5HG

GT: Invite NT, MC, KD to next meeting. Letter to CB.

LB: Distribute minutes to residents, SNT and MC and HT;  deliver inv & rec to NB; temporary light at 5JA; pursue access rd light issue; letters re 5HG. 

NOTICES

BARRIER CONSULTATION

DEADLINE FOR RETURN

FRIDAY 28 SEP

If you have lost your form please contact:

Colin Roberts 020 7926 1188

croberts2@lambeth.gov.uk

NEXT JAG MEETING

Wednesday October 10 2007

 8pm at 21 Josephine Avenue

You are welcome to take part. 

If you have issues or ideas you would like raised please contact us. 

Everyone Welcome

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