Last Meetings Minutes
War Memorial Park Centenary Celebrations will take place on 9th and 10th July 2022, but no further details are known at this time. SGRA are awaiting an attendance application form to register our interest. We can then hopefully raise the profile of the Association and the importance of the Animal Pound maintenance. Current ideas are a video sequence and an exhibition of photographs; however this will only happen if enough support is forthcoming from SGRA members.
STREET WATCH – our Co-ordinator gave details of patrols undertaken during March and also of anticipated patrols. No problems have been encountered and it is hoped these patrols are having a deterrent effect. They would like to increase the number of patrols to cover different times of the day. It was suggested that patrols be carried out at school starting and/or finishing time. New members are needed and a brief training session would be given. Fliers are available promoting Street Watch and giving details of membership. Since the meeting, Mick has emailed SGRA members asking for volunteers.
LOCAL POLICE UPDATE – Sgt. Betts had reported that theft of and from vehicles is increasing. Members are advised to remove valuable items from vehicles and keep unattended vehicles always locked.
COUNCILLOR MATTIE HEAVEN – Mattie confirmed Police Liaison Meeting on 25th May 2022 at Canley Police Station; also our Councillors’ Drop-in session on 22nd April 2022 at Finham library, 10.45 to 11.45 am, a Police representative to attend. A member of SGRA expressed concern that when she had required Police help, they were unresponsive. Mattie advised that more Police have been recruited. Refuse Collection Dispute – brown-lidded bins (garden waste) collections will re-commence 19th April 2022 and will be collected the same week as blue lidded bins. It is expected that all drop sites will close on 16th May 2022. Conservative Councillors had tried to move an alternative budget to the 2022/23 charges that the Council had proposed, but this was rejected. Footway Repairs, Mantilla Drive – the Council have admitted that they made a mistake in not finishing this work. They are looking at all reported trip hazards. Mantilla Drive Road Resurfacing – in addition to the current petition, Mattie will meet with the Head of Highways Department to show them the problem. Mick advises as many residents as possible to individually report this stretch of Mantilla to the Council. HIMOs – Article 4 Direction, which would limit the number of HIMOs, will be introduced by Coventry City Council in the near future. Mattie will ensure that Wainbody Ward is protected. Community Litter Pick – morning of Sunday 10th April 2022 at Cannon Park. Parking Around Grange Farm School – this problem is ongoing. Coventry City Council would like to carry out a pilot scheme restricting peak time driving, although this would be a complicated exercise. Grange Farm School need to constantly remind parents to be careful and considerate about how and where they park. With regular bin collections now established, Mattie was asked if the waste disposal unit at Whitley could be opened without the need for an appointment. Mattie thinks this may be possible.
A member reported a lot of litter in Coat of Arms Bridge Road and reminded people to ‘take litter home’.