Out in the community
A big week for community meetings, with another very well attended Whitehawk Crime Prevention Forum yesterday which discussed new, practical steps to deal with motorcycle misuse and the ongoing success in reducing crime and anti-social behaviour in the area.
Tonight I attended the AGM of Central Whitehawk Tenants Association, which drew in more residents than I have ever seen at a TA meeting. The discussion turned to youths causing problems and crime, and it was interesting that even after two or three residents related their very positive experiences of reporting incidents to the police and getting a response in terms of patrols and results, another resident insisted the police do nothing and never respond. Differing perceptions from neighbours is sometimes a puzzling thing!
Tomorrow night it's the turn of North Whitehawk where a recent bin fire has caused some issues which we will need to discuss. In contrast next week I have no residents meetings but two council committees - Major Projects and Sustainability - as well as meetings with colleagues and officers.
Committees, concerns, conservation and Remembrance
I feel like I have spent a lot of time in committee meetings this week. Monday's Major Projects once again had no substantive decisions to take, with only two items on the agenda for consideration. The purpose of the committee was to keep the public informed of progress on things like the Circus Street and Open Market developments, but the only member of the public to attend left after 20 minutes.
Yesterday's Sustainability Commission meeting lasted three and a half hours, despite a ruling from the Convenor who chairs the meeting that councillors could only make three comments per agenda item. I voiced concern at the meeting that the recent decision of the Planning Applications Sub-Committee to allow a grass verge to be used for car parking in Marden Close, Woodingdean against officer advice and more than 20 council policy guidelines could have far-reaching consequences for verges and grassed areas across the city.
Along with my ward colleague Councillor Gill Mitchell I met with senior youth service officers today to discuss issues of concern to Whitehawk Youth Centre and the Crew Club, which was very productive.
This Saturday councillors from East Brighton and Queens Park will be meeting members of the Kingscliffe Society to talk about conservation and quality of life issues. It will bet he third time I have attended one of these useful annual events. I'm hoping the weather improves again for Sunday's Remembrance events in the Old Steine which I will be attending along with other members of the council.
Whirling Dervishes come to the city
Tonight I was very pleased to attend an evening of music, stories and Sufi music and dance at Hove Town Hall. It was organised by the Fellowship Dialogue Society, an organisation founded in 2006 to promote understanding between different faiths and cultures. Their local representatives spoke at a recent Whitehawk Crime Prevention Forum.
The Sufi tradition of Islam has a rich culture, and part of that which might be familiar to people in the UK is the spinning dancing of the Whirling Dervishes, part of tonight's interesting and enjoyable event.
Bonfires - the rules
In response to a recent complaint about bonfires on allotments I have found out what the rules are:
Bonfires are a last resort for disposing of waste generated on a plot (where there is no green waste collection on site). Bonfires are permitted for the burning of dry, diseased plants, perennial weeds, stalks and prunings. Use of an incinerator or ‘burning barrel’ will be required for all bonfires between April and October. When leaving your plot ensure the fire is completely extinguished. Bonfires must never be left unattended.
Bonfires are not permitted at any time for the burning of manufactured materials such as plastics and rubber (which give off toxic fumes that aggravate asthmatic and pulmonary medical conditions), these should be disposed of at the designated rubbish depositing area, or civic amenity site.
Tenants should take into consideration local householders and whether people have windows open or washing on the line which is likely to be affected by smoke.
Smoke from a bonfire, which could be a nuisance to neighbours by interfering with the use and enjoyment of their garden or property, or could affect the comfort or quality of life of the public, could result in action under the Environment Protection Act of 1990. Tenants who light a fire within 50ft (15.24m) of the centre of a highway may be guilty of an offence under the Highways Act 1980.
The council reserves the right to prohibit bonfires on a specific plot and/or group of plots.
The Manor online!
The Manor is now online - to find out more about this excellent sports and activities venue, which is council-owned but run by a committed group of local residents as a charity, go to www.themanorbrighton.com. It is a great venue for sport, healthy activities and community functions catering for the East Brighton/Kemp Town area.
Whitehawk Crime Prevention
At today's Forum meeting we heard from the police that just one burglary occurred in the area last month, and incidents of vehicle crime and criminal damage were almost a quarter of levels at the same time last year. These are crime levels most areas of the city would envy.
One interim ASBO has been lifted after a successful change in behaviour, and police are working with council officers and residents to install "K" bars in pedestrian routes where motorcyclists often ride. The Forum incorporated the local Child Safety Group, and heard that a "Whitehawk World Festival" promoting commuity understanding and anti-racism is scheduled for April 5th.
The Forum sent congratulations to Fr Wright who is marking 25 years at St Cuthman's Church in Whitehawk.