In attendance
• Mike Hogg (Chair), Fiona Rushforth, Tom Harrison, Daniel Squibb, Roy Webb, Neil Dixon
Apologies
• Carly Wilson, Rob Williams, Bill Grady
Minutes of the previous meeting
• Minutes Read and Approved – except for the date of the next meeting (Covid intervened!)
Matters arising from Previous Minutes
No updates on any matters
BERA Response to Coronavirus
Mike wished a vote of thanks to be minuted to Rob for being the focal point for coordinating any help needed by BERA members during lockdown
BERA Website
Fiona had circulated a screenshot and accompanying ideas for the update of our website, carried out by Matt Rowlands. All agreed it was an improvement and the various changes were discussed. It was felt that a password protected members’ area was needed, so non members would only be able to see public notices. A fee of £150 was agreed upon
Action:
- Fiona to forward suggestions to Matt and she and Mike will continue to liaise with him
- Fiona to email Carly re photos for website
Update on CRAG and Chester-wide Issues
Mike reported the networks developed with CRAG including Outside In (which coordinates activities concerning the homeless and rough sleepers), Chester High Street Sell and the University of Chester Community Liaison. He also reported on the following projects:
i) Northgate 1
The next large project is laying a surface drain from Northgate, down St Martins Way and down Castle Drive, ensuring polluted water does not enter the River Dee. The work will take about a year and will cause major disruption to traffic. Mike will distribute more information when it is finalised
ii) CH1 BID, CRAG and Pubwatch Actions on Anti Social Behaviour
A recent survey confirmed that the public thought ASB was increasing and was putting people off coming into Chester at certain times. A lot of it was unreported to the police as the feeling was that ‘nothing would be done’ and that the 101 reporting service was ‘broken’. A letter from the above organisations to a wide range of parties including the police and members of the Council was unfortunately leaked to the press. It received a lot of support, however, from the official recipients and the public and an official follow up is awaited. (Now known to be a meeting with PCC David Keane, senior police officers and CWaC staff on 11th September). A Diverted Giving initiative has also been suggested where members of the public can donate money by card at various points which will go to provide facilities such as hostels, rather than giving cash to beggars which may make the situation worse. Dan suggested appointing a night time economy lead and Mike said an organisation, Purple Flag, does exist in Chester – Vanessa Bond, secretary of both White Friars RA and CRAG is a member of that group.
iii) Chester Gateway Project
The Council has appointed a consultant to look at the entry to the City from the railway station and beyond. The aim is to use the land around and links into City more effectively. Hoole Bridge is a particular cause for concern. Suggestions include pedestrian bridges, cycle bridges. Fiona asked that if any cycle lanes are included that they are more effective than the ones recently opened in Chester which stop short of junctions etc. resulting in cyclists swerving onto the pavement.
iv) Student Return to Chester and Coronavirus
Mike and Vanessa attended a meeting and were greatly reassured at the measures put in by the University to reduce the risk of coronavirus including blended teaching, maximum numbers in classes and lanes marked on corridors. There will be no non student facing staff on site. Guidance and advice has also been provided to the managers of PBSAs, owners of HMOs and students regarding off-campus activities. Action: Fiona to send out information on this to BERA members (done) v) Place for the Arts in Chester (PACh) Two pop up art studios have already opened in Chester, one in Bridge Street and one in Northgate Street with several more planned. Artists will work there and be able to sell their work. It is hope to attract tourists and locals.
vi) Proposed Hotel Developments
There are three top end boutique Hotels being proposed – one in the Lloyds Bank building, one on the corner of Bridge Street and Watergate Street and one in Pill Box Way. The latter will be a boutique Aparthotel and will have limited parking
Bikers and the Groves
Individuals, some of whom are members of FOGG (Friends of Grosvenor Park and the Groves ) are understood to have approached the Council and Police to complain about motorbikes and scooters parked on the Groves on the grounds of noise pollution, air pollution and safety of people queuing for ice creams. Apparently, there was an unpleasant response from the bikers on social media in response to the resulting Traffic Regulation Order public consultation process earlier this year and the Council have now painted double yellow lines in the non motorised area and provided the bikes and scooters 4 parking bays further along the Groves. This is not working properly as cars are using some or all of these spaces. Members of the BERA exec felt that there had not been proper consultation with local resident associations, including BERA, so Mike suggested Fiona and Dan draw up a list of the issues for discussion at the next BERA meeting on how to best progress this with the Council. Tom suggested the possibility of having an extraordinary meeting before the next scheduled one to discuss this issue
Action: Fiona and Dan to write a response and send to Mike.
Drill Hall Gardens and Surrounding Trees
Previously, Michelle Markert (CWaC Localities Team) had offered Council help with clearing the Drill Hall Gardens, but this has not been forthcoming. In the meantime, Neil said that he and Jim
Parrish have been tidying the gardens. Carly has asked that the beech tree needs pruning as it is overhanging her garden. There has been promise of some funds by Kevin O’Reilly which may help with this.
Action: Neil to speak with Kevin and Mike to reengage with Michelle Markert
Bera Member Topics
- Rubbish and bins left outside on Park Street, the alley behind Albion Place and St Olave Street (back entrances to houses on Steele Street)
Action: Mike to speak to Michelle Markert.
- State of the Walls – rubbish, weeds, repair updates
Action: Adrian to send Mike any correspondence he has had on this matter, including writing to the MP and Mike to speak to the Council. It was felt that as the Walls are such an important feature of Chester, this must be given a level of high importance. Roy also pointed out that it was also holding up repairs to his house.
- Fibre optic internet to all residents
Action: Dan to send Mike any contact details and correspondence that he has on this issue and Mike will follow up with BT.
- Replacement of pavement in Duke Street with flagstones instead of Yorkshire stone and throughout city – use of tarmac where the new bollards have been installed instead of replacing paving stones, cobbles. Mike reported that the tarmac was temporary and will be replaced with cobbles. No information on the lack of Yorkshire Stone
- State of the Groves – weeds, old railings, lack of upkeep to benches etc.
Action: Mike to speak to Michelle Markert. Note: since the meeting the old railings and some of the weeds have been removed
- Anti Social Behaviour throughout city as well as locally on Walls and on Groves
This is being tackled, as noted above
- Thoughtless parking in St Olave Street including blocking back gates – possibly people staying at the Townhouse 8. Music and drinking in Townhouse garden. Although they were not breaking their licence and the music stopped at 10pm, the level of noise of the music and drinkers combined was causing a nuisance to neighbours in Steele Street
Action for these two points: Mike to speak to the landlord of the Townhouse about residents’ concerns
A.O.B
• Dan suggested that people could indicate their vulnerability on their membership forms. This was agreed to be a good idea and will be incorporated on the website update
• Dan pointed out that the Public Spaces Protection Order expired May 2019. Mike said it was under debate by the Council. (Subsequent to the meeting, Mike has been established that the PSPO comprises several components that expire and are then considered at different dates. The overarching PSPO remains in place)
The next meeting will take place on the 26th October 2020 at 7 pm at The Albion