Latest news from last Meeting 11.07.07
Particpation Officer opened meeting with introductions and setting out the format for meeting.
First up was a report by local Police Officers. Confirmed their duties and general responsibilities. Several residents expressed their frustrations at the mini-bikers that seem to use the estate as a track. There was a problem “catching” the bikers but they were aware of the situation.
Other issues included groups of kids in Swinbourne playing football and being abusive, drug and relating problems, harassment and incident with knife. Plus, stone throwing and broken window and some residents were not happy with police response. Another complaint against the police was that community officers were seen standing about. The sergeant explained why this sometimes happens but he will look into it.
The community wardens then gave a comprehensive overview of what they did in the community and explained that they are always there to provide residents with assistance and should be utilized more. The procedures of ASBOs was explained and the need to follow due process for proper action to be taken.
Particpation Officer answered queries such as the refurbishing schedule and lack of clearing up. There were questions about the length of time taken and the difference of work in each house. Also brought up was the delay in certain houses that needed urgent repairs.
Black rubbish sacks left in Bywood - to be reported proper department.
Residents were concerned about the amount of dogs that were now appearing on the estate and the lack of control. It was suggested that a general letter go out to residents reminding them of the requirements and restrictions of keeping pets.
Particpation Officer also gave a report on the previous meeting and general information about the Residents association and the need for better participation.
Looking Back
Last year ended with a Christmas Party arranged for the community by the ACA at the Addiscombe Boys and Girls Club in Stroud Green. Many thanks to the many Addiscombe traders that donated prizes and more importantly, special thanks to all the individuals who made the night possible.The ACA , in its first year did accomplish a lot in promoting the Community Association and speaking up on behalf of its residents. We dealt with housing, traffic and other community issues. The year has also seen the introduction of Community wardens who have done much to instil confidences within the community. Certain undesirable and anti-social behaviour has decreased considerable. The council and its relating agencies appear to be proactive in other areas too. Improved street cleaning, removing graffiti, and prompt removal of fly-tipping has added to a cleaner and friendly environment. A number of houses have had their kitchens and bathroom modernised.
The summer did see a new trend of two-wheeled unlicensed motorised vehicles causing not just problem on the estate but in other parts of the borough. The police have finally accepted that this is a priority issues and have now started to take action and in some cases confiscating vehicles. A police spokesperson did recently say that they were making parents aware of their of their legal responsibilities.The Ashburton Community Association now has it own domain name for its website at www.acacroydon.org.uk On this site you will find a lot of information that may be useful to the individual and to the community as a whole.
Membership to the Association is free and the more residents we have the stronger the association. Please contact a representative or contact the Secretary if you have not yet joined. Remember that this is an annual membership which has to renewed every year.
Winter Blues
The dark nights are slowly creeping up on us with the advent of winter just round the corner. It is a time to remember we do have neighbours and friends who are elderly and frail. Just being aware that they are there and ensuring that all is well goes along way in making them feel part of the community. If you feel there is a problem then please contact the relevant service.And finally...
We hope to produce a printed Newsletter on a regular basis to keep you informed of what is happening locally, subject to time availability.If anyone can offer to help in any way or wishes to participate in some of the projects above, then please don’t hesitate to contact a member of the committee in the first instance. We would especially appreciate help in distribution of leaflets and even this newsletter (printed version) when required.
The Management Committee wishes to thank you all for turning up and supporting the Public Meeting and hopefully see all you at the next meeting.
Important Note: Membership to the Association must be done annually to maintain Council funding and support. This is a council requirement. Don't forget that the membership is free! If you have not yet signed up for your membership then please email the Secretary with your full name/address/and contact details or contact one of the management committee. This applies to Ashburton residents only.
News
Neighbourhood Partnership Meeting (21st May 2008)
Policing Matters: PCSO Andrew Smith (Addiscombe Safer Neighbourhood Team) reported the recent closure of 3 Crack Houses, 10 ABA's (Acceptable Behaviour Agreements) have been issued
Road Safety Panel: Speed traps are to be set up at accident black spots across the Borough. The danger of cars speeding down Morland Avenue will be discussed at the next meeting of the Road Safety Panel.
Uniformed Youth Groups: Project "YOU" (Youth Organisation - Uniforms) has been set up to encourage young people in Croydon to join the Army Cadet Force, Air Training Corps, St. John's Ambulance or the Volunteer Cadet Corps. For more information click HERE
Croydon Street Lighting: Croydon's aged street lighting infrastructure will take 5 years to replace. Work is due to commence at the end of 2009/early 2010.
Croydon Savers Credit Union Ltd.: this is a savings and loans co-operative with its registered office at Taberner House. It is authorised and regulated by the F.S.A. and it offers a low cost flexible loan scheme. Joining fees £1 (unwaged) or £5 (waged) For more information click HERE
Keep Mayday Local: A committee is to be set up to enable communication between the hospital and the public. It will consist of 4 governors from each of the North, Central and South public constituencies.
Environmental Issues: The Environmental Response Team currently take an average of 3 days to remove reported graffiti. Bolt-down litter bins are being installed. These are mostly by bus stops on main traffic arteries and in district centres. An intensive cleaning operation took place in Lower Addiscombe Road to address staining caused by chewing gum and the like. Fly-tipping continues to be a problem. Fixed Penalty Notices are issued to residents and businesses for fly-tipping and littering by Streetscene staff and Enforcement Officers. The Law states that all dogs must be under control at all times. stray dogs should be reported to the Council on 8726 6200. The Council'c Dog Warden will then investigate.
District Strategies Meeting: Help shape the future of Addiscombe.Informal "Drop-in" meeting between 5.pm to 9pm but people are encouraged to to turn up at 7pm. Meeting to be held at the Addiscombe Baptist Church at 201a Morland Avenue
The purpose of the meeting>>>
1. To feedback to you what you have identified as your vision for the area and priority issues that you want to see addressed, also feed back on what the council and its partners are already doing to address these and what else might be done.
2. To consult with you on your local regeneration priorities -i.e. where you think new investment could be used to address key issues.
3. To outline the next stages of the project - including explaining how you can get involved in the upcoming spatial planning exercises.
Attending: Councillors Steve O'Connell (Deputy Leader), Tim Pollard (Cabinet Member - Regeneration and Economic Development), District Strategy Project Sponsors and The Shaping the Future Project Team.
For more infomation contact Monica Hofman on 020 8519 7790 or email monica.hofman@tribagroup.co.uk
Addiscombe, Woodside and Ashburton Neighbourhood Partnership Webcast
Themed Workshop Meetings (27/28th of November 2007)This is an innovative way of identifying issues that have been flagged up at resident’s association meetings taken from their minutes to provide the basis for working on strategies that will shape the future of Addiscombe. Five themes are to be covered of 3 sessions and I have so far attended the two. All meetings for this ward are being held at the Addiscombe Baptist Church in Morland Road.
This consisted of have two groups split over two tables. After the preliminary introduction and explanation we were asked to list issues that we felt needed addressing. Some were obviously already listed on the board but they were then put into categories and then we were invited to discuss the issues and our expectations.
After all the themes are covered, results will then be collated and forwarded to the respectful agencies to work out an action plan. We were told that we would be invited back to be told of the outcome in early part of the new year when we will give the opportunity to review and follow up on the action taken.
This does seem a very positive move on the council to have their hand on the pulse of the community’s feeling and expectations. This also gives residents a sense of active participation and a means to ensure that the community’s needs are being met.
Although the Addiscombe ward was the first of 4 wards to participate in the scheme, the issues discussed could also be applied to surrounding areas. I feel that these “workshops” are a positive step forward to providing a better quality of life and improving Croydon’s future.
Theme 1: Environment & Housing.
Topics covered included over-development, modernization and its effect on the environment and the community.Theme 2: Crime & Community Safety.
Topics covered ranged from youth provisions to anti-social behaviour. Overall it seemed that there were a lot of low-key concerns but together caused a lot of anxiety to people. However, there were some important points that were brought up to be addressed.Note: The remaining workshops will be on the 10th of December, 2007.
Theme 4 (10th December 2007)
Children and Young PeopleThis was another well attended workshop to review the district strategies in 4 chosen wards. Again the idea was to discuss the need and requirements that would improve on the current expectations. The best way to I think is to list the main topics that were discussed which should give an overall context of the workshop.
The fundamentals of early schooling were not adequate.
Children not supported adequately through higher education.
Apprenticeships not as available as before.
Breakdown of family ethics
Government policies causing too many social problems.
Youth provisions not addressing the real issues
National policies “strangling” and frustrating genuine work.
Individual staff not supported to promote confidences
“Political” correctness gone “overboard”
Not enough “Competitive” sports and activities.
Too many programs and emphasis aimed at minority groups.
The “race” card used to flippantly to address certain issues.
Facilities should be used to encourage in providing more volunteer involvement.
More interaction by young people with local community – as in sharing skills, etc.
Encourage family “involvement”
Funding wasted in “patching” up projects that have failed expectations.
Youth centres must be more “open” rather than segregating.
Age limit needs to be lowered.
Providing more practical and creative projects that prepare young people for life.
Better co-operation between all the agencies.
Parents to take more responsibility.The above are just some of the points raised but it was agreed that no one particular issue was responsible for the current problems. It was also accepted that the issues would not be solved overnight but profound action was paramount in providing positive behavioural changes. There was a strong suggestion that current youth provisions involved reaching targets instead of the interests of young people. It was felt that young people should also be praised and recognised more when circumstances so dictate.
It is hoped that these workshops are the beginning of the council’s first steps in bringing back common sense and realistic expectations to the quality of community life.