Cedars Park Residents Association
Minutes of first AGM held at Cedars Park Primary School
on Friday 27th April 2007 at 7.30 pm
The meeting was attended by over 70 residents
Also present were:
Frank Whittle – Councillor
PC Jon Eaves
PCSO Nick Kegge
Committee Members
Apologies received: John Mason
Unfortunately Tim Passmore – MSDC – was unable to attend
Chairman, Roger Willison-Gray opened the meeting and gave an overall update. Specific items are detailed later in these minutes.
Election of committee members:
The present Committee was re-elected unanimously, having been proposed by Kevin Stobbs and seconded by Michael…… The Chairman asked for other nominees to join the Committee; although there was some interest no-one has formally come
forward.
Treasurer’s Report:
Alan Tanner presented his report and at the same time stated that although we are currently solvent, this is mainly due to people giving time and effort free of charge.
A good example being David Cole setting up the website. Something which charged commercially would run to a few thousand pounds. We are also pursuing a website pilot scheme to generate new funds. Up dates on this project will follow.
Phillip Kendall was thanked for auditing the accounts
The accounts were proposed by Dick Downs , seconded by W Thursting and unanimously approved.
Policing:
PC 1118 Jon Eaves our newly appointed officer and Police Community Support Officer 3127 Nick Kegge were in attendance. Jon Eaves gave an overview of the new Policing Organisation his aims and objectives. Nick Kegge explained the role of the CSPO.
These officers cover Stowmarket North (Includes Cedars Park), Stowupland, and Creeting St Peter, under Sergeant Jane Hertzog.
The 1st of June is D Day for their website and will forge links with Residents Association, schools etc
Jon reported that there were 126 crimes committed in the Stowmarket area this month of which 46 have been detected. Residents were made aware of fake twenty pound notes in circulation and to be alert. There is a Community Hotline number 01284 774029 for anybody wishing to pass information to the police, this can be done confidentially.
There will be public briefings in various places starting 3rd May at Tescos between 2 and 4.30pm and Stowupland
Post Office on 4th May.
A question raised from the floor concerned the withdrawal of the Police Direct Service. Dick Downs stated he had e-mailed David Ruffley (our MP) to pursue a course of reinstating this.
The Chairman thanked Jon Eaves and Nick Kegge for a presentation well received and appreciated
Updates on important issues and achievements.
We have established constructive dialogue with Suffolk, Mid Suffolk and Town Councils who now recognise us as a fully representative body.
Road safety improvements have been put in place through our perseverance.
Toucan crossings to go in in due course; safety barriers erected at various points
Village Centre phase 2 (5 storey flats)
As a result of our objections and pressure, the plans were formally rejected by MSDC.
Crest Nicholson now have to submit new plans. No details at present.
With a balancing pond and its close proximity of the school, the head is expressing safety concerns.
Although in the original plan, we have been informed by the PCT that a Doctors surgery will not happen. Frank Whittle stated that he was told that there was no money for a surgery This is of great concern as we understand that both Combs and Violet Hill surgeries are nearing capacity
Multi-Modal (Containerway Depot)
The Chairman outlined the proposals for this 150 acre development. You will see on our AGM leaflet a brief description. Should this go ahead we expect it to have a substantial detrimental effect on our quality of life and will strongly oppose it. We need to be on our toes, so keep your eyes and ears open..
Warehouse on Distributor Road.
The original application has had alterations to make it far more acceptable, i.e. better landscaping; setting further back from the road etc these were made clear during the Chairman’s overview. These would not have come about without a very straight forward meeting with those concerned.
Play area
The vandalism to this site resulted in the climbing wall being demolished; the damage to it made the structure a potential hazard and danger. Thanks to Councillor Whittle’s intervention and two committee members we now understand that some form of replacement will be constructed and the zip slide will be upgraded and strengthened.
Should you see incidents occurring you have the 999 facility and the reporting hotline use.
Buses
A direct service from Cedars Park to the town is needed. Frank Whittle assured members he would take this up very actively to get this in place. If the town needs trade, we need access without always having to use the car
We also need a proper shelter and access to bus stop
You will notice from these points that people power does count, but we have to be persistent not apathetic. Please support your association!
AOB
The Chairman threw open the meeting to questions.
These ranged from problems with boilers to inconsiderate parking and HGV’s.
On the inconsiderate parking issue it basically comes down to individuals; but bear in mind these points:
- The emergency services must be able to get through; it could be your house on fire or a medical emergency.
- The bin collectors will not empty your bin if they cannot get clear access
Have a thought for your neighbour
Until the roads are adopted the Council have little or no powers in this matter, although the police have offered to speak to people
HGV’s –Road congestion and night time parking on the distributor road from the A1120 to the Tescos entrance roundabout has prompted us to contact SCC to investigate the introduction of double yellow lines.
Alan Tanner stated that he is willing to pursue with local management the Tesco lorry parking situation in Kestrel Drive and the noise from refrigerated container lorries. Following this we also would be prepared to discuss with Tesco the possibility of gating off the car park after shop closing hours in order to reduce anti social noise.
Please contact us with your opinion on this matter.
Issues on property. The Chairman stated that we cannot take up individual cases but would assist with collective issues
We see a clear need to engage with the youthful elements of Cedars Park, they are part of the community and could provide positive and useful input. Why not ask your children to come forward
Concerns are still raised re the school crossing and no school sign.
On the sewage plant odour situation, Councillor Frank Whittle is taking this up with Anglian Water
Ideas and participants are needed to use our website more actively, there has to be talent somewhere on such a large development like ours.
The meeting closed at approx 9.30 pm
