Last Meetings Minutes continued
Mantilla Drive has at long last been included in the Council’s list for repair this year. We await details of timing and extent of repair. SGRA had recently received complaints from three residents that their properties were affected by considerable vibration when buses /heavy vehicles passed along Mantilla. School Streets – this is an experiment being trialled at various schools, but no school in Wainbody Ward has been included. No.19 Bus – John has presented a petition to Transport for West Midlands concerning the withdrawal of this service and they are actively considering this matter.
Charge for Garden Waste (Brown-Lidded Bin) – John and Mattie advised this will start in April 2024 with three months’ ‘grace’ until June. There will be a charge of £40 per annum per bin. It is uncertain whether this will apply for 11 or 12 months. Residents will be required to register for the scheme online or via a call centre and will then be issued with a licence in the form of a sticker to affix to their bin. Any unregistered bins will be taken back by the Council. Mattie advised there is a strong possibility of a bin strike due to equal pay claims over contracts that allow staff to finish work early (task and finish). John reported on many empty buildings in the city and the Council has acquired several loss-making assets. Ikea – the Council want to obtain a loan to create a cultural centre in the Ikea building. Our Councillors are opposed to this expenditure. Defibrillator – John will look at community funding for this project. Street Lighting – John was asked about the proposed dimming of streetlights and he will investigate as to when and where this will happen.
LOCAL POLICE UPDATE – we have no update from our police team. Reported crime remains low on Styvechale Grange with theft of, and theft from, motor vehicles being the most common offence. John A and John B will attend a police liaison meeting at Canley on Wednesday 13 March 2024. Members were warned of distraction burglary where, for example, an offer is made to clear gutters at a very low price and the property is viewed as a potential target for burglary.
STREETWATCH – no news has been received from the team and we presume all is well.
TREASURER’S REPORT – Finances – we currently have £322.14 and with an annual projected cost of £275, SGRA is only financially sound for a further twelve months and our financial situation is therefore fragile. Various money-making/saving ideas were discussed and it was agreed we should carry out a door-to-door collection. The meeting agreed there would be no more raffles and members would make a voluntary contribution of £1 when attending the meetings. Mattie suggested approaching the business manager at Grange Farm School. Website – Mick would be very happy to receive feedback from members. The performance of Google Analytics is unsatisfactory. Facebook – the website currently advises people to join Stivichall/Styvechale Grange Facebook Group. We attract 247 people but again Mick receives no feedback.
Stivichall History Group meets on Mondays at the Festival Pub at 7.30pm. On Monday 25 March 2024 they will have their first guest speaker from Warwickshire metal detecting group.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS – A46 Stoneleigh Junction – John B advised that the closure will be back in place on 11 March until 17 March 2024. Mattie thanked members who had supported her petition for the Mantilla Drive resurfacing. Mattie referred to the proposal to merge the role of West Midlands Mayor with Police and Crime Commissioner and the fact that West Midlands Police are currently placed in special measures. Our Councillors would not want to sell off Canley Police Station. Litter Pick – Mattie will organise a litter pick for one Sunday morning in April, details to follow. Cuppa with a Councillor – the next session is on Friday 15 March 2024 at 11am at Finham Library. Smoke Alarms – as putting the clocks forward is a memorable event (this year on 31st March 2024) the Fire Brigade recommends it is a good time to check domestic fire alarms. Finance – volunteers are required to enable SGRA to carry out a door-to-door collection. John A asked members to recruit as many helpers as possible over the next two months, with the collection being carried out during June/July 2024. It is proposed to prepare a flier to distribute to residents. War Memorial Park – Mick advised that a new facility has been erected close to the bistro café and this is completely out of character with the existing buildings. The facility is believed to be changing rooms/toilets. It was suggested we approach Grange Farm School for support in our door-to-door collection.
DATE OF NEXT MEETING – Thursday, 11 April 2024 at 7.30 pm.