This page will contain minutes of 2006 Community Assocation meetings: Back to Community Association Page Management Committee, 31st January 2006
SHEVINGTON & DISTRICT COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION COMMITTEE MEETING TUESDAY 31 JANUARY 2006 7.30 pm SHEVINGTON METHODIST CHURCH
PRESENT: Chairman, Cllr. David Brown. Cllr. Mike Crosby, Gareth Dickinson, Hilda Green, Bill Harrison, Maurice Hilton, Cllr. Veronica Maloney, Cllr. Jim Maloney, Cllr. Carole Miles, Cllr. John O’Neill, Sally Vidler, Mike Holden (Secretary). APOLOGIES Louise Brown, Lorna Ellis, Sandra Makin, Simon Richards, Martin Saxon, Cllr. Ira Whiteley. Cllr. Alice Lister The Chairman requested a moment of silence in remembrance of Alice Lister.
MINUTES OF LAST MEETING ‘That the Minutes of the Meetings of 29 November and 13 December be approved as true and correct records.’ Proposed. Jim Maloney Seconded. Sally Vidler. Agreed. MATTERS ARISING Crooke Village sign The sign had been erected at the boundary to Crooke. REVIEW OF ASSOCIATION ACTIVITY Calendar Cllr Veronica Maloney advised that she would supervise the production of an Association calendar for 2007, with the aim of having it produced by September/October. Businesses would be contacted for advertisements to cover the production cost. Old photographs of the parish were being sought as a theme with anticipated production of 500 copies, probably for sale at around £2.50. Elnup Wood Evidence suggested drug abuse taking place within the wood. Wigan and Chorley Groundwork Trust as Trustees of the wood were involved in seeking solutions to the problem. The Parish Council had suggested resurrecting the ‘Friends of Elnup Wood’ with charitable status to attract grants for improvement to the environment, which links to schools by way of an ‘open classroom. Cllr Jim Maloney invited Members to become involved. Newsletter The Chairman sought to defer discussion to the next Meeting. Shevington in Bloom Contact would need to be established with the Horticultural and Allotment Society which Gareth Dickinson would undertake. The question was asked as to whether the Christmas tree holders could be utilised as frame to support hanging baskets of flowers. There could be issues over watering but Cllr mike Crosby undertook to review the potential. Victim Support Door and chain security locks had been sponsored by the Plough and Harrow and 20 or so would be fitted shortly. Township Matters 1) Boundary signage Cllr Ira Whiteley advised that the Township had offered to fund two signs on the Shevington Parish boundaries, the sign type to be generic but the emblem and wording would be a matter of choice. The Parish Council had been awaiting this opportunity to put in place up to eight boundary signs and had already submitted a design of the Parish crest as it appears in letterheads and on the iron work of the entrance to the War Memorial Garden. Members were in agreement and the Parish Council had already arranged a meeting with the Township manager to discuss siting, which would likely include Wigan Lower Road and Gathurst Road. 2) Environmental shopping list A sum of £3333 had been made available to the Township and before the March meeting of the Township a decision was required as to what it would be desirable to spend this on. An ‘Environmental Shopping List’ had been provided listing around twenty possible items that the money would fund. This ‘pick and mix’ had one item that could not be provided by the Parish Council or Community Association and did not have a monetary value shown. This was a ‘mobile vehicle activated speed sign’ with re-siting up to four times a year and was seen as a much needed piece of equipment to tackle speeding motorists around the Parish. Cllr Whiteley would take the matter forward at the Township Meeting. The Parish Council would discuss the list at its Meeting on 2 nd February to add its suggestions. 3) The Township Plan The Township Manager wished to present the Township Plan to Members at the Meeting of 28 February. In the circumstances Members thought that it would be better if the AGM was put back one month to March so that any update on the Recreation Ground Scheme could be presented to the public. Agreed. RECREATION GROUND SCHEME The Chairman in expressing some disappointment at the lack of progress in providing costs for the scheme referred back to previous discussions as to whether the drainage aspect should be taken forward independently. Clearly this could not happen and the likelihood now was that the scheme would be too late to be put into effect at the end of this football season despite arrangements having been made by the football club to move off the pitch early. That said there were still discussions taking place with the architects and the football club over the size of the pitch area. The Chairman would discuss matters with the Township manager, Darren Barton. The shared car parking issue was still being discussed by the Methodist Church and the Methodist property Division had questioned the agreements already in place. The Church Council would discuss the issue next week. The limited company builder of the flat properties and unfinished road was insolvent no longer trading and the ground rent for the access road was not being paid. Whether this presented an issue for an integrated car park and road access was unclear. LAUNCH OF THE PARISH PLAN Cllr Jim Maloney provided all Members with a full copy of the Parish Plan and then went through each of the sections taking questions from Members. All householders had received a four page highlight version and full copies had been sent to businesses, Schools, Doctors and Churches. The plan would have a fit with the Township Plan that would be presented at the next Meeting A full copy of the Plan is retained with these Minutes. The Chairman thanked Cllr Jim Maloney for the presentation. ACCOUNTS None presented. AGM FORMAT With the Meeting now put back one month the format could be discussed at the next meeting on 28 February. ANY OTHER BUSINESS Maurice Hilton advised that
Cllr Carole Miles advised that there was increasing evidence of glue sniffing at night around the playground at Miles Lane School with an increasing number of drug needles being found near the Doctors surgery. The Chairman undertook to investigate. The Chairman requested the Secretary to send each Member additional copies of the Agenda for the next Meeting so that they could be given to neighbours and interested parties with a view to encouraging attendances. DATE OF NEXT MEETINGS Tuesday 28 February Tuesday 28 March, AGM There being no further business the Chairman closed the Meeting at 9.30pm. CHAIRMAN SHEVINGTON & DISTRICT COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION COMMITTEE MEETING TUESDAY 28 FEBRUARY 2006 7.30 pm SHEVINGTON METHODIST CHURCH
PRESENT: Chairman, Cllr. David Brown. LouiseBrown, Lorna Ellis, Gareth Dickinson, Maurice Hilton, Cllr. Veronica Maloney, Cllr. Jim Maloney, Cllr. Carole Miles, Martin Saxon,Cllr A Sudworth, Cllr. Ira Whiteley. J Hesketh (WL&CT), B Cross (Shev HS), Andrew Meadows and Darren Barton (Township), Mike Holden (Secretary). APOLOGIES Alan Baybutt, Cllr. Mike Crosby, Hilda Green, Bill Harrison, Sandra Makin, Simon Richards, Sally Vidler
PRESENTATION OF THE TOWNSHIP PLAN
The Chairman invited Darren Barton, Township Manager to present a summary of the Standish Aspull Shevington Township Plan. Members received a copy of the Plan. Note. As there was also discussion as elements of the Plan were presented the following aspects which were intertwined are noted in three separate sub headings for clarity , namely, the Plan, Shevington High School proposals, the Recreation Ground/Youth Club Scheme
The plan is divided into six sections, providing information about the Township programme, information about the Standish Aspull Shevington area, indicators as to how this area compares to the rest of the Borough, a summary of issues that the forum feels are important to the area, examples of work already happening locally and, finally, information about the Action Plan that the forum is working on. The key themes focus on, neighbourhood development, health, traffic and public transport, environment, economy, leisure culture and recreation, education and training, together with community safety. Information about Townships can be obtained by telephone – 01942 776155 or by e mail – townships@wiganmbc.gov.uk or through the website www.wigan.gov.uk where ‘Townships’ can be found in the A-Z of Services. Interested parties who might wish to join the sub groups engaged in planning and carrying out the plan are encouraged to volunteer. Minutes of sub groups would be made available to the Township representative. Shevington High School is actively pursuing community involvement in sport and recreation having obtained a £5k grant for renovation of the playing fields from ‘Sport for All’. Further applications for grant aid will be made to renovate the sports hall as a Sports and Healthy Living Centre and a phase 3 will see wider community use, principally Friday evening through Sunday. This aspect was presented by Barry Cross who advised that a questionnaire would be distributed seeking feedback on potential needs and likely usage of the improved facilities. There was some disquiet voiced as to the possibility of all interested parties locally not being seen as working together if residents had just received the Parish Plan, and likely receive a Community Newsletter shortly detailing the village centre plans. There was also a belief that other dynamic parties should be involved, for example, the Primary Health Care Trust. Nonetheless the proposals received a warm welcome from Members, albeit there were some residual concerns that the village centre grant applications might suffer as a result. The Recreation Ground/Youth Club scheme was covered in some detail with indications of cost around £190k with the potential of locally available funds topping £60k. This may seem to be over egging the local fund input provision given that hitherto this level of funding had been seeking to trigger a grant application of nearer to £1m. An application for grant funding had been prepared and likely it would be another four to six months before the outcome was known. This further lapse in timing was a disappointment for Members given the time the current proposals had been in train but it was recognised that to spend available funds now would prejudice the longer term grant levels. Discussion turned to the likely size of the football pitch and it was clear that the site plan was in need of some redrawing if it was to be published in the newsletter in April/May.
MINUTES OF LAST MEETING ‘That the Minutes of the Meetings of 31January be approved as true and correct records.’ Proposed. Veronica Maloney. Seconded. Ira Whiteley. Agreed. MATTERS ARISING Boundary signs The Parish Council had met with representatives of the Township and Wigan Engineering Services and had agreed potential locations for parish boundary sign locations. There would likely be eight in all, three provided by the Township and five by the Parish Council. The design would be the Council’s crest and be accompanied by ‘Parish of Shevington’ possibly with the addition of ‘Welcome to the’ . Environmental Shopping List The cost of the sign for excess speeding had not been determined but likely in the order of £6k which would include up to four removals to fresh sites each year. Locations would need to be finalised and the Secretary undertook to advise these to the Township Manager and Engineering Services. Likely sites would be Back Lane, Shevington Lane and Miles Lane, with possibly two locations in each stretch for variation on the sitings. Elnup Wood. ‘Friends of Shevington Woodlands’ Jim Maloney had met with several interested parties, principally with Groundwork Wigan and Chorley, the Trustees, with a view to reviving what was the ‘Friends of Elnup Wood’, under the anticipated wider brief name of ‘Friends of Shevington Woodlands’. Groundwork was already exploring the potential for grants and matched funding and would in the first instance seek to have a general tidy up of the broken bottles and other detritus in the woods. Members were invited to put their names forward to become involved and Jim would advise of a proposed first meeting date. Drug abuse. Following up on reports of drug needles being found near the Doctors Surgery adjacent to Miles Lane School the Police been visiting. There were now reports of needles being found at the Parish Council’s bowling green car park at Forrest Fold. REVIEW OF ASSOCIATION ACTIVITY Newsletter As had been mentioned previously there would be Township support for the publication of a newsletter, likely sometime in April/May. Shevington in Bloom Gareth Dickinson had approached Eileen Longmore Secretary of the Allotment and Horticultural Society. Dave Brown would follow up when contact made. Bowling Competition Gareth Dickinson had been approached by a bowling green club member interested in organising a Competition. After a short discussion it was agreed that this was something the Association could join in with the Parish Council, perhaps providing refreshments or prizes. In view of the limited membership at the green the Secretary was of the view that whatever was held should be open to all members and residents of the Parish/area of Community Association involvement. The matter would be discussed further and Gareth would act as intermediary. Calendar Veronica Maloney provided Members with a Calendar design which would be suited to featuring old black and white photographs of the area. The design could be topped and tailed with a coloured cover and sponsors could feature throughout. A quote had been received from Douglas Printers for £650 and basically 27 sponsors at £25 would clear costs. A quote would also be requested from Wigan Council in house print workshop. If the Calendars were sold at £2.50, a run of 500 would raise £1250, assuming print costs had been covered. Members liked the format and Veronica and Jim Maloney would progress matters with a view to availability in September. FORMAT OF AGM The AGM would take place on Tuesday 28 March at 7.30pm in the Methodist Church Hall, or if numbers exceeded expectations, in the Church. Posters would be available for display by 14 th March and Gareth Dickinson would assist in displaying them around the Parish. The Secretary would send out Agenda on the 14 th and enclose additional copies for Members to pass on to potential attendees. Apart from the formal aspects the central theme would be the Parish and Township Plans, with a focus on the scheme proposals. Members were reminded of the need to bear in mind a few names for election to the Committee, and consider the post of Secretary. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Maurice Hilton drew attention to the gangs of youths congregating in the emergency exit to the Youth Club and the general disturbances in the centre of the village locality. There had even been reported gatherings in the Library. Moving them on was a concern and Dave Brown advised on heightened police activity over the next four weeks. To add to the issues a baseball bat and snooker cue had been found hidden in the park. As a rider to the disturbance problems Maurice advised that the last lighting bill had been investigated and he had been told that the lights should only be on when the Youth Club was in session, which is now the case. To members, this did not seem logical in view of the present problems but recognised that the Youth Club could not be responsible for such large bills. DATE OF NEXT MEETING Annual General Meeting 28 March. Next Committee Meeting 27 April. In closing the Meeting the Chairman, on behalf of Members, thanked Mike Holden for undertaking the Secretary’s role for the last three years. Meeting closed at 9.45pm CHAIRMAN. Shevington and District Community Association Minutes of the Annual General Meeting Tuesday, March 28 th Shevington Methodist Church
Present: David Brown, Louise Brown, Mike Crosby, Gareth Dickinson, Lorna Ellis, Bill Harrison, Brian Hewitt, Alan Kelman, Veronica Maloney, Jim Maloney, Carole Miles, John O’Neil, Simon Richards, Martin Saxon, Alan Sudworth, Sally Vidler, Ira Whiteley, John Whiteley and two members of the public. Apologies: Alan Baybutt, Maurice Hilton, Mike Holden, Sandra Makin, Tony Parkinson. The Chairman asked members and visitors to introduce themselves. Chairman’s Welcome The Chairman welcomed everyone to the Annual Meeting and talked briefly about the work of the Association during the year just past and thanked everyone for their contributions. Parish Plan and the Township Jim Maloney, Chairman of Shevington Parish Council, gave a brief outline of the action plan that was the key element of the plan; Councillor John O’Neil, Deputy Leader of Wigan Bough Council, talked about the concept of the township and the central aim of engaging as many people as possible in the life of the communities in which they live. The priorities are: transport, planning and economic development, the environment, and education, with the aim of making the communities of Wigan places where everyone is valued and given the opportunities to become more skilled and more prosperous. Recreation Ground and Youth Club development The Association waited upon grant information from the Township Manager, but the Youth Club was to have a new kitchen and a disabled access toilet installed.(HAS BEEN INSTALLED) The Year Ahead The Chairman gave an outline of some of the work that the Association hoped to do in the forthcoming year:
Election of Chairman It was proposed and seconded that David Brown should be Chairman for 2006 – 7. There being no further nominations, David Brown was elected unanimously. Election of Vice Chairman It was proposed and seconded that Mike Crosby should be Vice Chairman for 2006 – 7. There being no further nominations, Mike Crosby was elected unanimously. Election of Secretary The Chairman informed the meeting that Mike Holden was resigning as secretary and proposed a vote of thanks for the excellent work had done as secretary in the past years; this was agreed unanimously and there were many expressions of gratitude for his work. John Whiteley was proposed and seconded as secretary. There being no further nominations, John Whiteley was elected unanimously. Election of Treasurer Simon Richards agreed to stay on a treasurer and his offer was gratefully accepted. Election of Executive Committee The present executive was re-elected en bloc and Brian Hewitt and Alan Kelman agreed to be co-opted with the thanks of the meeting. Treasurer’s Report Simon Richards presented his report, which was accepted with the thanks of the meeting, particularly for his donation to the association. Any Other Business Date of next Meetings The next Committee is April 25th and the next AGM is 27th February, 2007. CHAIRMAN SHEVINGTON & DISTRICT COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION COMMITTEE MEETING TUESDAY 25th APRIL 2006 7.30 pm SHEVINGTON METHODIST CHURCH PRESENT: Gareth Dickinson, Brian Hewitt, Alan Kelman, Sandra Makin, Jim Maloney, Veronica Maloney, Alan Sudworth, John Whiteley (Secretary) APOLOGIES: Dave Brown, Louise Brown, Mike Crosby, Lorna Ellis, Bill Harrison, Maurice Hilton, Carole Miles, Tony Parkinson, Martin Saxon, Ira Whiteley In the absence of the Chairman (at Unison Conference) and Vice Chairman (recently become a father) Jim Maloney took the chair. MINUTES OF LAST MEETING ‘That the Minutes of the Meeting of 28 th February be approved as true and correct records.’ Proposed. Veronica Maloney. Seconded. Alan Sudworth. Agreed. MINUTES OF THE A.G.M. ‘That the Minutes of the Annual General Meeting of Tuesday March 28 th be approved as true and correct records.’ Proposed. Veronica Maloney. Seconded. Alan Sudworth. Agreed. MATTERS ARISING from the meeting of 28 th February (from the Township plan) The Township organisation will provide for the gating of the unmade road behind the shops, and the footpaths which give access to it. The owners of the shops and the tenants of the flats will all have keys. (from the question of lighting around the Youth Club) The Township organisation is looking into fencing off the side of the Youth Club which faces the main road. (from a.o.b.) Youths are now congregating on the Wain Homes site at the old Gathurst Service Station. Jim Maloney will raise the matter with ??? MATTERS ARISING from the A.G.M. The Youth Club now has its disabled toilet and refurbished kitchen. 1. FUND RAISING The fund raising dinner at the Golf Club brought in nearly £1,700. 2. SHEVINGTON IN BLOOM The Community Association will run a Shevington in Bloom competition, awarding prizes for the best front garden, the best back garden and the best hanging basket. There will be an advertisement in the Courier towards the end of the month. Application forms will be available from the Library. The winners will be presented with their trophies at the Shevington Flower and Vegetable Show in the summer. The Shevington Allotment and Horticultural Society will assist in the judging. Dave Brown will coordinate the competition. A letter from the S.A. & H.S. has asked if the C.A. would be willing to sponsor a prize at the show, to be awarded or raffled. There was general agreement and a figure of £25 was mentioned. Gareth Dickinson said he knew where he could get a stainless steel spade and fork for a good price. John Whiteley will contact Eileen Longmore, the S.A. & H.S. secretary to arrange details. Proposed: The C.A. will sponsor a stainless steel spade and fork trophy for the Flower and Vegetable Show. Proposed: Gareth Dickinson Seconded Alan Kelman Agreed Gareth Dickinson will obtain the spade and fork. 3. CALENDAR (minutes 28 th February) Veronica Maloney reported that she was about to deliver letters to 27 local businesses asking for sponsorship for the calendar. Wigan Borough Printshop will also be asked to quote for the printing (Jim Maloney). 4. FRIENDS OF SHEVINGTON WOODLANDS Jim Maloney will contact Mrs McKenzie, the head at Shevington High School, to further the School Council’s interest in the woodlands. Groundwork would be interested in the formation of a “Friends” group because that would lend support to its bid for funding. The question of motorbikes in the woods was raised. Wigan M.B.C. has purchased two off-road motorcycles for the use of the police in dealing with people who misuse the woodlands by riding motorbikes in them. 5. CRIME AWARENESS Dave Brown will liaise with the Police, Age Concern and Victim Support to arrange a Crime awareness day in August. There will probably be mobile phone registering and cycle stamping. A Wigan Business, Identislot, a Community Interest Company in Pemberton Business Centre, offers a door slot to allow callers’ identification to be inspected in safety. The landlord of the Plough and Harrow has donated money to fit chains and locks in the doors of local residents. The offer was made to members of Shevington Residents and Members Association. Sandra Makin asked that Crooke be not forgotten. Since Easter £2,500 worth of damage had been done to Crooke Nursery. The equipment in the playground had been vandalised and the residents did not welcome its refurbishment which would only bring the vandals back. She said that there was poor police response to car crime – it was “low priority”. Jim Maloney will talk to Joanne Bruder. John Whiteley will invite the Head Boy and Girl from Shevington High School to come to a C.A. meeting. 6. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT All the businesses, including the freeholder, a London resident, have worked together to get the gates behind the parade of shops. Darren Barton, township manager for Winstanley and Billinge has made promises about a community newsletter. 7. A.O.B. Brian Hewitt reported that ??? would remember Somme Day (July 1 st, 90 th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme). 8. DATE OF NEXT MEETING Tuesday, 30 th May, 2006, 7.30.p.m., Methodist Church. The meeting closed at 8.45.p.m. SHEVINGTON & DISTRICT COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
Present: David Brown, Chair, Gareth Dickinson, Lorna Ellis, Hilda Green, Brian Hewitt, Alan Kelman, Sandra Makin, Jim Maloney, Veronica Maloney, Martin Saxon, Simon Richards. Apologies: Darren Barton, Louise Brown, Mike Crosby, Maurice Hilton, Carole Miles, Sally Vidler, Ira & John Whiteley. Minutes The minutes of the meeting held on April 25 th were approved as a true and correct record, proposed by Jim Maloney and seconded by Veronica Maloney. Matters Arising The Association wished to thank Joanne Brewder for the provision of the gating behind the shops in Shevington village centre. Martin Saxon reported that soil would be placed on the recreation field to help improve the pitch area. He also reported that the AGM of the Wigan local football clubs would take place and that he would ask for the Shevington fixtures to be `front loaded' to allow for an early finish to the 2006 - 07 season. Arrangements for the lcal newsletter still need to be sorted out. Shevington in Bloom A Courier article would be published, the Horticultural Club would provide judges and Gareth Dickinson would donate die prizes. 2007 Calendar Veronica Maloney reported that some businesses had donated sponsorship sums, and that there would be a second letter to persuade more local businesses to donate. Friends of Shevington Woodlands There would be a short inaugural meeting in June. Crime Awareness There would be a crime awareness day arranged in August. Members were urged to encourage everyone to used the 0161 872 5050 number to report non-urgent incidents to GMP. Township Forum David Brown asked members to consider volunteer to attend the Township Forum to represent the Association. AOB Members were asked to consider the organisation of a Public Meeting to inform local people about the work of the association. Simon Richards presented an up to date finance report and informed members that the Charity Commission required confirmation of the trustees of the association. Date of the next meeting June 27 th @ 7.30pm Shevington Master Plan Update (from Jim Maloney, chair, Shevington Parish Council) On June 14th I had a meeting with Barry Cross, Deputy Head of Shevington High School, Andrew Meadows, Township coordinator and Claire Greenwood from Wigan Borough Economic Regeneration Unit. The purpose was to discuss coordinating the proposals that the school has to develop its indoor and outdoor sporting and recreational facilities with the upgrading of the recreation ground in the village centre. Briefly, all present agreed that the two schemes were complementary and we could work together to ensure maximum progress to both schemes. I was particularly happy that Andrew and Claire would jointly work on the bids for grant funding. There is to be a further meeting on July 4 h @ 2.00 pm. I will keep everyone informed and I do expect real progress to be made. Jim Maloney SHEVINGTON & DISTRICT COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION COMMITTEE MEETING TUESDAY 27th June 2006 7.30 pm SHEVINGTON METHODIST CHURCH PRESENT:
APOLOGIES
1. MINUTES OF LAST MEETING ‘That the Minutes of the Meeting of 30 th May be approved as true and correct records.’ Proposed: Hilda Green Seconded: Lorna Ellis Agreed. 2. MATTERS ARISING from the meeting of 30 th May Crime Prevention Brighter Boroughs has made a contribution of £750, and the Parish Council had made up the rest, for the provision of security gates around the shops. Door chains and security locks have been made available to residents of Local Authority housing. (There is a notice in the Library.) There would be a crime awareness meeting on Saturday, August 12 th at the Methodist Church. Victim Support would be represented. John O’Neill would be meeting Joanne Brewder, Community Safety Officer for Standish, Aspull and Shevington Township, on 3 rd July. Could cameras be installed at each end of the main parade in Shevington? It was mentioned that police tend to get moved from post to post and that, as a result, policing lacks continuity. Outreach workers – “it is difficult to have a decent conversation with them.” Could the township sergeant be invited to the next meeting? Fencing around the Youth Club – this is going ahead because the YC does not want to lose the money that has been offered. If closed gates seem too inconvenient, they can be locked open in normal circumstances. (Risk Management has contributed £1,000 and the YC £500.) Publicity The following points were made: It was mentioned that the Wigan Courier would be happy to run “good news” stories. Extra copies of the minutes should be placed in the Library. John O’Neill reported that Standish Community Forum published a newsletter four times each year, and took a page in the Courier every other month. He thought that there were about 4½ thousand properties in Shevington. We could try for a newsletter in September, Christmas and spring. Councillor O’Neill offered to sponsor the first edition. The Labour party would loan its list of delivery walks. The boundaries of Shevington, Standish Lower Ground and Crooke are the rivers and streams. Shevington in bloom Gareth has bought the spade and fork promised at the April meeting. Advice would be sought from Eileen Longmuir about the appropriate category for the award (best vegetable, in fact). Bill Harrison worried about local people doing the judging of local gardens, and wondered if an outside authority could do it. In view of the small number of nominated entries, Councillor O’Neill wondered if the default situation could be that all gardens be considered. John Whiteley said that he would sort out certificates. (Joe Shaw produced them). Calendar (a calendar featuring pictures of Shevington from the past) arrangements are ongoing. Friends of Shevington Woodlands There was a meeting on 22 nd June. The situation in Elnup Wood has improved a little. Police now have the power to confiscate minimotorbikes. See attached documents from Greater Manchester Police Authority. 3. TOWNSHIP MATTERS £6,600 is available from the township. Andrew Meadows had been informed that members wanted speed activated signs. The Shevington Project would be raised with him again at the next Township meeting. Mike Crosby would deputise for Ira Whiteley at the next meeting. 4. SHEVINGTON PLAN Jim Maloney had produced notes of a meeting with Stuart Cross, deputy head at Shevington High School. 5. SOMME DAY A wreath of green leaves would be laid at the War Memorial by Mrs Hewitt. The Post and Chronicle would be there. 6. FORTHCOMING MEETINGS Dates for the rest of the year would be 29 th August, 26 th September, 31 st October, 28 th November, 12 th December,30 th January and 27 th February (A.G.M.). We considered having a Christmas Social on December 12 th. 7. A.O.B A request was made that Lower Ground be included in any publicity; we will canvass for a representative. Bill Harrison asked about the Wain Homes development on Gathurst Lane; what were the modifications? Perry McGinty would be able to help. Alan would go with Bill to the Planning Department. Has there been a site visit to 142 Shevington Lane? The plan has been deferred because of problems with the sight line. The application will go to the Planning Committee eventually. 8. DATE OF NEXT MEETING Tuesday, 28th August, 2006, 7.30.p.m., Methodist Church. The meeting closed at 8.45.p.m. SHEVINGTON & DISTRICT COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION Tuesday, August 29 th 2006, 7.30 pm Shevington Methodist Church PRESENT:
APOLOGIES
1. MINUTES OF LAST MEETING ‘That the Minutes of the Meeting of June 27 th 2006 be approved as true and correct records.’ Proposed: Alan Sudworth Seconded: Ira Whiteley Agreed. 2. MATTERS ARISING from the meeting of June 27 th 2006 Houses at the old Gathurst Service Station site: Bill Harrison reported that the plans had been slightly altered; 8 houses were now to be 7. He said that the plans had not been sent to Shevington Library. Planning permission for 12 houses at 142 Shevington Lane has been refused. Crime Awareness – there will be a meeting on Saturday, September 9 th, at the Methodist Church, when various organisations will be represented (e.g. Homewatch). 3.COMMUNITY SAFETY GROUP MEETING Jim Maloney reported on a recent meeting. He said that the perception is that anti-social behaviour is much worse. PC Gary Wade, now responsible for Aspull, had said that there had been failings, but that communities could take steps to alleviate the situation. 1,700 letters had been sent out to the community; 23 good behaviour agreements had been made with local offenders, all of whom had been interviewed with their parents, by (Inspector?) Ian Harrison. A further letter will be sent out on due course to say what the successes have been. Township Community Safety budget will go towards, among other things, sports coaching at the Youth Club until Christmas, and to extra police activity in Shevington. On Friday evenings, 9 th, 15 th and 22 nd September, there will be 3 police and 5 community safety officers deployed. The police believe that anti-social behaviour in Scholes has diminished as a result of a 5-a-side football competition. 4. COMMUNICATION MATTERS The Secretary produced a mock-up of a newsletter. Andrew Meadows, Township Co-ordinator, has offered to pay for the printing of the first edition. The Association agreed that, if it went ahead, it should be published twice each year (proposed V.Maloney, seconded I.Whiteley). The Secretary would contact Martin Saxon and John Callon at the Courier. The Courier (a “good news only” free newspaper published in Standish and distributed to the west of the borough) could carry articles about the Calendar, Shevington in Bloom, the Parish Council, and dates of meetings. 5. SHEVINGTON IN BLOOM The Association expressed its thanks to Ted Unwin and his team for judging the competition. The Secretary will write a letter of thanks. The “Brighter Borough” initiative would provide funds for future competitions. Mike Crosby will enquire about how the competition is run in Standish. An entry form for the next competition could be included in the newsletter. 5. CALENDAR Further funds for the calendar had come from selling off the plants (£58, thanks to C.Miles). About £400 was to come in from the advertisers. The Calendars will show one month per page, and will be illustrated with pictures of Shevington in bygone days. Quotes had been received, the better one of £570 for 500 calendars. If they sell for £4 each, they could raise £2,000. If none sell, there would be a deficit of about £170. Proposed that the Community Association underwrite the costs of the calendar (which should not be more than £170) Proposer: I.Whiteley Sec: L.Ellis. Proposed that the calendar be sold for £4 per copy Agreed. Jim and Veronica were thanked for their work, and were entrusted with the responsibility of choosing appropriate illustrations for the calendar. 6. FRIENDS OF SHEVINGTON WOODLANDS Off-road nuisance has diminished considerably now that the police can confiscate and crush causes of nuisance. Groundwork has done work to replace damaged wooden walkways. Friends will be invited to a daytime meeting with Jean Gidman of Groundwork. There is a project to find out who owns some of the intervening woodlands. A resident has asked to expand his garden into the woodland. The Parish Council has objected to his request for a “licence for continued use.” 7. SPEED SIGNS The Township Forum offered the CA £9,900 to spend on a shopping list of environmental improvements. The CA opted for speed-activated warning signs. The total cost would be around £5,000 which would include 3 moves for the signs. Traffic surveys need to be done first. Since there would be money unspent, Andrew Meadows ( Wigan Township Co-ordinator) would look into putting the rest of the money into the project. There was agreement that the installation of speed signs should go ahead. 8. TOWNSHIP FORUM (See information below) There was a report from the Community Safety subgroup (see item 3), but we checked to see if we had representatives on all the subgroups. 9. SHEVINGTON PROJECT (recreation ground improvements, community centre) Jim Maloney is pursuing contacts with Shevington High School, who are looking for £3½ million to upgrade their playing fields, install an Astroturf pitch, and upgrade their Sports Hall into a Healthy Living Project. Jim wondered about calling the joint enterprise H.A.S.P. (Healthy and Active Shevington Project). 10. ANY OTHER BUSINESS Jim Maloney reported that the old school on Miles Lane is for sale by sealed bids. He wondered if this could be a Community Centre, rather than, as it might become, a pub or a factory. 11. DATE OF NEXT MEETING Tuesday, 26 th September, 2006, 7.30.p.m., Methodist Church. The meeting closed at 8.45.p.m.
Townships, what are they? Townships are Wigan’s way of involving local people in planning and decision making. There are ten townships. We are part of Aspull, Standish and Shevington Township. Some townships are more homogeneous than ours. There is a Township Forum which meets six times each year. Ira Whiteley is the CA’s representative on that. There are five subgroups Community Safety Jim Maloney These meet about three times each year. The purposes of Township forums (fora?) are to (buzz word alert!) co-ordinate, influence, challenge, involve and communicate. They don’t have any money, but are supported by paid council officers who have a budget (hence the speed signs). SHEVINGTON & DISTRICT COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION COMMITTEE MEETING TUESDAY 26th September 2006 7.30 pm SHEVINGTON METHODIST CHURCH PRESENT:
APOLOGIES
1. MINUTES OF LAST MEETING ‘That the Minutes of the Meeting of 29 th August be approved as true and correct records.’ Proposed: Ira Whiteley Seconded Alan Sudworth Agreed. 2. MATTERS ARISING from the meeting of 29 th August. Township business - there is some township money available. What would we like to spend it on? Gareth suggested bollards on Highfield Avenue. 2 or 3 would be needed. An alternative suggestion was for pedestrian guard rails in the same place. Ira Whiteley will liaise with Andrew Meadows about these. Members were asked to consider any other items that could be purchased with Township money and bring suggestions to the next meeting. Calendar – Jim Maloney hoped that proof copies would be available at the next meeting. He also expressed the hope that members would take copies of the calendar for sale. 3. COMMUNICATION The proposed newsletter should be called Shevington and District News. Page 1 could show the footpaths, and the letter could include news from the schools. The first print run would be 5,000 and paid for by the Townships (A.Meadows). Subsequent edition could be paid for by Douglas Valley and other grant providers. It should be circulated to houses and businesses. The CA should get a new e-mail address. (shevca@blueyonder.co.uk will get to the Secretary.) 4. SHEVINGTON PROJECTS Ira Whiteley reported that two architects are drawing up plans for the redevelopment of the Youth Club, on a no-win no-fee basis. Jim Maloney reported that discussions were going on with Shevington High School to see whether the redevelopment of the Recreation Ground could be incorporated into the High School’s plans for development of its facilities. There are 3 parts – 1. drainage of the pitches; 2. a new Astroturf pitch; 3. Healthy Living Project based on the Sports Hall. The school has applied to the Lancashire Football Association for £1million for the first item. The High School is now much more of a Community School. 5. CRIME AWARENESS EVENT There was a good turnout by the community and invited organisations. The Community Association expresses its gratitude to the Methodist Church for its hospitality. 6. SOCIAL EVENT There will be a pub quiz at the Plough and Harrow. Carole Miles and Dave Brown will speak to the landlord, Bernard, to make arrangements. Jim Maloney will be quizmaster. 7. A.O.B. Veronica expressed the hope that members of the CA would take copies of the Calendar to sell. The following shops would take Christmas trees – Spar (SLG), Londis (AB) Nursery (SLG, Nursery (Crooke), Pub (Crooke), Top Shop ( Shevington Lane) and 7 others. Township matters and Twin Ward Risk Management should be a regular feature on the agenda of CA meetings. Could a clean up group help top clear “grot spots”? To go on the next agenda. 8. DATE OF NEXT MEETING Tuesday, 31 st October, 2006, 7.30.p.m., Methodist Church. The meeting closed at 8.45.p.m. SHEVINGTON & DISTRICT COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION TUESDAY 31st October 2006 7.30 pm SHEVINGTON METHODIST CHURCH PRESENT:
APOLOGIES
1. MINUTES OF LAST MEETING ‘That the Minutes of the Meeting of 26 th September be approved as true and correct records.’ Proposed: Ira Whiteley Seconded Carole Miles Agreed. 2. MATTERS ARISING from the meeting of 26 th September. Shevington Projects John O’Neill noted that Shevington High School was now a more community minded school and that links with the school would benefit the community as a whole. Jim Maloney said that we would be applying for grant money piece by piece, but always with reference to the benefits to the area as a whole. Christmas Trees need to be ordered now (Andrew Meadows). 13/14 have been ordered up to now for Shevington, Lower Ground and Crooke. It may be necessary to find an extra £10/£12 for each business for the holders. £666 is available for each ward. Andrew will confirm final numbers with Dave Brown via e-mail. The newsletter should include the CA logo. (It will.) Members chose delivery rounds. 11 of the 25 available were taken. 3. TOWNSHIP MATTERS Darren Barton said that the Township forum and its associated sub-groups were being re‑organised. Up to now there have been the Forum itself and five sub-groups (Transport and Environment, Planning and Economy, Young People and Education, Leisure and Health, and Community Safety). It is proposed that the first four subgroups be abolished. Community Safety will continue. The township, (apparently the largest in the Borough – sec.) does not quite have the homogeneity that other parts of Wigan enjoy. (The Township includes Aspull, Appley Bridge, Crooke Village, Haigh, New Springs, Shevington, Shevington Vale, Shevington Moor, Standish, Whelley, Worthington.) Forum meetings are in Standish and are reasonably well attended but mainly by Standish residents. The other two wards have not had the same input. Standish Community Forum (their equivalent of the CA) have decided to make one meeting each quarter a township meeting where township rather than local issues would be discussed. Darren is inviting the CA to consider doing something similar – a quarterly meeting? with council officers? location? The newsletter would be important in publicising our discussions to the community. The Township Police Inspector would be able to have an input to these meetings and could provide feedback to and from the community. Guard rails / bollards. Andrew Meadows will be responsible for arranging an engineer’s visit to ascertain the best placement / best equipment. WMBC vehicles will soon have a “how’s my driving?” strip on. 4. COMMUNITY PROJECTS What are they? Youth Club Ira Whiteley reported that she was applying to the Tudor Trust for funding. The Trust has moved the application to the second stage and would be arranging a site visit. John O’Neill said there was a lot going on. Can we get the major players together and publish it in the next newsletter and through the Churches; can it be written down on a sheet of A4? (A meeting for the business plan will take place on December 6 th, 2.00.p.m., Shevington H.S.) Jim Maloney said than an application will be submitted by the CA for the landscaping part of the Recreation Ground Project to Breathing Spaces, a project sponsored by the BBC. Jim also reported that a bid is to be submitted to English Heritage for the Old School on Miles Lane. 5. COMMUNITY SAFETY CSO Andy Furnival attended the meeting. He reported that the area Inspector (Insp. Jones) goes through the log and is always aware of drinking in public, or vandalism. There are 20 Good Behaviour Agreements in force in Shevington at the moment. CSO Furnival urged people to ring in and report problems. Alan Baybutt said that it was important to generate log numbers. People are coming from other areas, and deterrence was necessary. Was there any possibility of CCTV? Brian Lowe said that all First Bus vehicles carried 9 video cameras, at least two of which were pointed out from the vehicle. Martin Saxon said that much of the anti-social behaviour stemmed from alcohol abuse. Dave Brown said he would contact Trading Standards to see if there could be more test purchases, though it was the case that much of the alcohol was bought by over-18’s anyway, and shared or resold. He would contact the Risk Management group about CCTV. 6. CALENDAR There would be slightly fewer than 500 copies to sell, at £4 each. Advertisers would receive a complimentary copy. 7. ANY OTHER BUSINESS Maurice Hilton was presented with a certificate from the Lancashire Association of Clubs for Young People for 20 years service to Shevington Youth Club, and a special LACYP award as “Volunteer of the Year, 2006”. Hilda Green received a similar certificate for 30 years service. We resoled to send £50 to the Royal British Legion for Remembrance Day. Hilda to obtain the wreath. 8. DATE OF NEXT MEETING Tuesday, November 28 th, 7.30.p.m., Shevington Methodist Church. The meeting closed at 9.00.p.m.
SHEVINGTON & DISTRICT COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION TUESDAY 28th NOVEMBER 2006 7.30 pm SHEVINGTON METHODIST CHURCH Present
Apologies
1. Minutes of last meeting “ That the minutes of the meeting of 31 st October, 2006, be agreed as a true and correct record.” Proposed: Ira Whiteley Seconded: Carole Miles. All agreed 2. Matters arising from the minutes It was noted that the Christmas trees were mostly in place. Shops on the eastern ( Wigan) side of Gathurst Lane had been more willing to take part than those on the other side. 3. Newsletters These had still not been received from the printer. The secretary undertook to deliver them when they arrived. 4. Shevington Projects Recreation Ground: The Secretary asked about the condition of the ground. Martin Saxon said that recent work in the churchyard had improved things a little, but it was still waterlogged in places. The Secretary said that the plans only envisaged drainage, not relaying. Martin said that in the season 2005-6, the fixtures had been arranged so that restoration of the ground could take place over the summer. If anything were to be going to happen in 2007, a similar request needed to be made now. The Secretary said that he would begin to seek funds for the restoration. Youth Club: the application to the Tudor Trust was going forward. A similar application was being prepared for the Big Lottery Fund. Old School, Miles Lane: (Jim Maloney) An application has been made to the Heritage Lottery Fund. The fund requires an audience survey (who would use it) and a technical survey (what would need to be done with it). Karen May (of the HLF) said that the 1814 building would need to be reinstated; the more modern part would have to be pulled down; the false ceiling would have to be removed, revealing the beams and the upper storey windows. 5. Township Matters John O’Neil gave a helpful summary of the changes proposed by the Township managers. The Townships, each representing about 30,000 people, are Wigan’s way of delivering the Community Plan (www.wiganmbc.gov.uk/pub/commplan). In the light of this each Township Forum should put forward its own plan, as ours has done :-(www.wiganmbc.gov.uk/pub/partnership/township/standish/ActionPlan.pdf). The forums look at the bigger issues. While the Forum had been generally well attended, the sub-groups had not, and those who did attend were mostly from Standish. Standish were going to have a quarterly meeting dealing with Township business. The Secretary suggested that, at the January meeting, we would set out our priorities for the year ahead, and at the same time consider how we would deal with Township matters. He would send out copies of the Township plan with the minutes. 5. Community Safety Jim Maloney and John O’Neil have had a meeting with the Township Inspector. They had passed on the perception that nothing was happening about anti-social behaviour. Friday and Saturday nights were a continuing problem. There had been a promise of more Police Community Support Officers in the New Year, and more occasions of intensive weekend policing. CCTV, however, is not an easy solution. Community safety is contributing to the cost of alley gates to be erected on the Vicarage Lane side of the housing estate to protect residents from nuisance on the adjacent field. Things are being done for the young people. There are arts and sports programmes. Positive Action for Young People is putting workers into Shevington for one year to work with children who have come to the attention of the police. But it was noted that residents in Longbrook did not want a play area installed there, and the public meeting about a skate park has been The newsletter can tell people what is happening with regard to ASB. Mobile cameras might come around to check on behaviour. Joanne Brewder at Wigan’s Community Safety office is very efficient. 6. Clean up group Gareth reported that the main “grot spots” were behind Spar on Woodnook Road and on the path from Vicarage Lane to Crooke. The “Beat It” team is coming in January. We decided to defer until more obvious places presented themselves. 7. Social Event At the Plough and Harrow, December 12th Ira and Carole were deputed to liaise with the landlord about the food. Jim will do the Quiz. 8. A.O.B. The Calendars are selling well. 9. Date of next meeting Tuesday, January 23 rd, 2007
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