AGM Minutes 2015

The Chairman Brian Longman reported the following. Other matters have been acted on or will be discussed as part of the AGM and included in the various reports.

Action Points

Committee to review whether some money should now be placed in an interest bearing account. This had been looked into and it was decided not to change the current position.
Residents to inform the RRA Chair of any local crime concerns so they can be raised at meetings with police. These meetings are public and open to all. Brian reported he gets few calls from residents concerning matters to raise at the meetings.
Phil Thomas to put streetlamps issue on the website and in the next edition of the Recorder and concerned residents should take the matter up with local councillors. Completed. It was also noted installation has been delayed until July/August 2015 and funding has not been approved yet. There is no choice in the design.
Brian to discuss with the school the use of the farmer’s fields by school children with the aim of getting all people to use the footpaths provided. Action completed. However, residents reported that there has been no change. Brian advised he will take this up via police safer neighbourhood team meetings as the police also have a relationship with the school. However, as the land is private it is really up to the farmer to press for action.

Treasurers Report – Bernard Munn

Accounts with auditors.
Income reduced by £300 which was not considered a significant difference.
Advertising income has risen.
Funday was not run so there were fewer costs.
Printing costs were up a little so the recorder made a small loss.
Overall surplus £1402.52
Noted that interest rates still low and charity/community accounts get low rates. If interest rates were to rise the situation will be reviewed.
Easy access to money still required.
Bank statements are available to view if required.
It was noted that other local residents associations have also ring fenced money for protecting the Riddlesdown green belt.
In response to a question, it was advised that the RRA website is free except for £10pa for the domain name (and any associated software costs) – included in sundries in the accounts.
The accounts were agreed to be a true record. (Link to accounts)

Chairman’s report - Brian Longman

Brian extended the following thanks:

To Phil Thomas for his work on the website and planning and environmental matters.
To Fred Wallis for his work on the Purley swimming pool, where a stay of execution has been obtained.
To Neil Tarrant for his work on the Riddlesdown Recorder in difficult circumstances.

Green Belt

Since 2004 we have lost a few trees, but otherwise kept our green belt intact. Thanks were extended to local councillors for their help.
Since 2004 chunks of land have been sold off and it is now owned by 70-80 different people.
Some areas are getting very overgrown
Contrary to the planning permission granted, the land and hard-standing off Mitchley Hill/Dunmail Drive is not adequately gated leaving the land too easily accessible. Action: Brian to take up with councillors.
New local MP is supportive of green belt issues.
Land at Honister Heights is going to auction at the end of May with a price “in excess of £100,000.” It was noted this is less than was paid for the land. Three successive home builders have owned this land. All have sold it on. The current owner has fenced off council land in error causing access issues. The fences are falling apart and could present a danger, especially to school children.
Tree preservation orders are now on many remaining trees.

Purley Hospital –

Now a Minor Injuries Unit rather than an Urgent Care Centre with reduced opening hours
Still a lack of footfall. It is in danger if it is not used enough.
The lack of X ray facilities may contribute to the lack of use.
Car parking also an issue.
More information can be found on the RRA website but residents are encouraged to use this service rather than go to Croydon University hospital whenever possible as footfall will continue to be reviewed.

Local Shops

Both the Pharmacy and the post office need to be used more or we may lose them. In particular, residents are urged to get their prescriptions locally.

Planning and environment

Proposals have been put forward for a 16 storey tower block in Purley town centre. RRA waiting for the Planning application to be submitted before making representations.
Local Conservative councillors called a residents association co-ordination meeting in April where a number of local RAs met to discuss issues with planning.
Failure to position and maintain planning notices correctly on local lamp posts so residents may not be aware of proposals.
Lots of work in pipeline with Westfield shopping centre and Purley town centre redevelopment.
Concerns about how planning department will cope with fewer people due to cuts.
Loss of referral rights by Councillors and RAs
No longer a footpaths officer in the council
New arrangements for rubbish collection are being made with new bins expected soon. Green garden waste collection will continue fortnightly for this year. Under review for next year.
House at 48 Mitchley Avenue has finally been compulsorily purchased and goes to auction soon.

Policing

The Safer Neighbourhood Team has been reorganised over the last 2 years and Sanderstead (including some of Riddlesdown) is part of the South Cluster covering an area from Coulsdon to New Addington under the control of an Inspector.
We are back to a full team of six officers except in exceptional circumstances.
Officers targeted to specific hot spots and times rather than working 9-5.
Taking a more proactive approach.

Parking in Honister Heights

This is currently a massive problem
Issues due to growth of schools and bigger catchment area
Transport (eg: buses) has not caught up

General

The demographic of the area is changing with more rented property.
Still 90% membership in the area
RRA needs to change, needs new blood and to evolve
Appealed for new members on committee.

Memberships

Following a question from a resident it was confirmed that the membership secretary, John Rapp, does maintain a list of members.

AGM Committee Elections

Those present were asked if anyone wished to stand for any posts.
Bernard Munn’s reappointment as Treasurer was proposed, seconded and approved by the meeting.
Brian Longman’s reappointment as Chairman was proposed, seconded and approved by the meeting.
All other committee members were also nominated, seconded and approved en-bloc by the meeting.
All committee members were thanked for their hard work and those present were introduced to the meeting and their roles outlined.

Any other business

Frankie Wheeler asked if the wooden posts marking the land plots could be removed from field in Mitchley Hill. It was felt that the posts actually deter vehicles and it would be criminal damage to remove them.
A resident reported further damage to property in Mitchley Avenue. Advised to take up with Councillor Hale.
Concerns raised about whether green refuse collection will continue.
Residents value this service
Concerns raised about extra pressure on recycling centres, traffic, accidents etc, if the service is discontinued.
Actions: RRA to write to council to ask its intentions and start a petition if it looks like the service will stop.
A resident asked whether there was any difference in RRA/council communications since the change in political colour. Brian reported no real change – our local councillors remain the same. Phil however reported some difficulties getting things done at council officer level.

Action Points Summary

Contrary to the planning permission granted, the land and hard-standing off Mitchley Hill/Dunmail Drive is not adequately gated leaving the land too easily accessible.

Action: Brian to take up with councillors

Concerns raised about whether green refuse collection will continue.

Action: RRA to write to council to ask its intentions and start a petition if it looks like the service will stop.

Minutes taken by Linda Bevin, Secretary

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