Notes from July's Town Talk
| Published: 1st September 2008 16:00 |
Notes from the Town Talk on
Tuesday 22nd July 2008 from 6.15pm to 7.15pm
at the Gurdwara, Wilbury Way, Hitchin
The Chair, Councillor Judi Billing, welcomed everybody to the Gurdwara and thanked the Gurdwara for their hospitality. The next Town Talk will take place on Tuesday 23rd September 2008 at the Roman Catholic Church Hall, Nightingale Road, Hitchin.
Issues raised by members of the public present:
- Disabled Parking
- Parking in Meadowbank
- Starbucks' Bins
- Ickleford Road Post Office
- Litter in Hitchin Town Centre and Surrounding Streets
- Loos in Bancroft
- Town Centre
- Waste Disposal
- Audit Commission Act
- Police Report
Disabled Parking
A resident raised the signage relating to disabled parking. This was an ongoing issue and had been discussed recently at the Joint Member Panel (a panel of North Herts District Council Officers and Members and Herts Highways Officers and Members).
It has been referred to North Herts District Council's Fundamental Service Review Group on Transport..
Meadowbank
A resident raised concern that the proposed Triangle Parking scheme would displace parking to Meadowbank. He had been in touch with the Community Development Officer about a possible Residents Association and the Ward Councillors present said that this would be a good idea. The resident had also raised concerns about the junction and had written to the Council and raised it with the Portfolio Holder, Councillor Richard Thake. It was also suggested that Walsworth Ward Councillors make a site visit.
Action: Community Development Officer to work with residents on forming a Residents Association.
Starbucks Bins
A resident raised concerns that the bins at Starbucks are still on the pavement although attempts had been made with the local management to resolve the issue. It was understood that a letter had now been sent to the Starbucks Head Office. This was confirmed, but it was added that there has to be a certain time lapse between the letter being sent and before enforcement can take place.
It was emphasised that blocking the footpath was a danger to the blind or people with impaired sight.
Litter in Town Centre
A resident declared that she found Hitchin scruffy, with litter bins overflowing. She suggested that litter should be cleared up earlier in the morning.
John Robinson, Strategic Director of Customer Services, replied that the Council employ a cleansing contractor at a cost of £1 million. Under the Environmental Protection Act, places with a high footfall, such as town centres, have to be cleared to a higher standard than other areas. North Herts District Council has better than average results when measured by an independently conducted Government-led survey. The Council was, however, committed to improving performance in any problem areas.
Another resident raised a similar issue and had recently carried out two litter surveys. The response was good in certain areas, particularly fly-tipping. She did report though that concerns reported in April had still not been acted on. She considered the town centre was ‘pretty good'.
Loos in Bancroft
A resident asked what sort of risk assessment took place before the toilets were closed. Judi had taken a request from Hitchin Area Committee to Cabinet for the toilets to be reopened and was told that the estimated cost would be £64,000. The request was subsequently rejected at full Council.
The Area Committee would continue to try to make some provision in that area. It was said that there were toilets in Bancroft Hall and by the Tennis Club.
John Robinson stated that he had spoken to the Divisional Commander of the Police to establish the extent of the problem and had been, as yet, no evidence that there was an issue although more intensive monitoring was taking place..
A resident had done some research and established that councils kept toilets in parks in most areas. It was also stated that the arcade toilets are complex and difficult.
Ickleford Road Post Office
It was stated that this would be a very great loss for that area and that sub post offices are very important to the local community. It was said that this matter would be raised later at the Area Committee meeting. It was also said that other Area Committees may be campaigning on behalf of their sub post offices and that the Council itself should campaign.
Waste Disposal
A resident again raised concerns about the fortnightly bin collection and again mentioned a scientific report. He urged that an amenity site in Hitchin be set up for household recycling and that Hitchin was the only major town that is not within 5 miles of a site.
It was stated that this would be raised at the Committee meeting with the Portfolio Holder.
Town Centre
A resident raised the Churchgate Development project. He considers that the shortlisting to three interested parties seemed a small selection and questioned what would happen if it was found that these were not acceptable. Considers that the topic should be dealt with by the public.
It was also felt that Hitchin Visioning was a voice that has been lost. The Hitchin group had not met for some time. The resident volunteered to take things forward with regard to Visioning. Dr Patrick Candler, Head of Community Development and Culture Services, stated things move on and issues can be highlighted at Town Talk but that he was looking into the future of Visioning.
Councillor Lawrence Oliver went on to clarify what he could from the recent Hitchin Town Centre Working Party meeting. He stressed that negotiating with different people meant it was confidential and that Hitchin Town Centre Working Party meet to ensure the process currently being pursued is legal as per the European Union. He added that he was quite impressed by the professionals employed by the Council and that people will be consulted.
Planning Notices
A resident stated that the Council no longer have to put planning applications (yellow notices) outside the premises to which the application refers. He added that if the Council deem it necessary they can put up the notice and he asked if the arrangements for this could be explained.
He was thanked for raising it and this will be investigated.
Action: Information about this to be obtained for September's Town Talk.
Audit Commission Act
The resident considered that this Act is stronger than the Freedom of Information Act and the Council appeared not to be publicising notices that the annual accounts are available for inspection.
John Robinson to check out when they are advertised.
Action: Information on the above to be available at the next Town Talk.
Police Report
Windmill Hill - numbers on the hill are decreasing, although there is some displacement to Bancroft.
Bancroft Park - members of the public urged to report any incidents as there have not been a large number of reports about this issue.
ROTW - a fantastic success and wonderful festival which the police found easier to contain out of the town centre. Professionally run and safer.
What do you think?
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