Beaconsfield Old Town Residents Association

Meeting 8th March 2010

• Planters - Installation has been delayed due to the recent bad weather. This is now planned for when weather improves otherwise new plants at risk.

• RTA Parking Survey – BTC have reviewed and commented on the SBDC report. Henry understands that the report will be considered by SBDC (Cabinet?) on 23rd February, before general release. – Still no news!

• Chair referred to a second zebra crossing incident last month – letter written to Bill Lidgate and copied to Dominic Grieve. Lidgate responded saying that SBDC would be visiting the location (this week?) before deciding what steps to take. He promised to report back to BOTRA.
• Chair and Frank attended the BTC/NAG presentation about the Probationary Service at the Fitzwilliam Centre on Thursday 11th February. Very good and informative. Unfortunately, not well attended; mostly councillors and local group representatives.
• The Girl Guide Open Day on Saturday 20th February was attended by Chair and Hans. The Guides had a radio “ham” set-up so that they could speak with fellow Guides in 7/8 other countries throughout the day. They also launched the plans for their new building – quite impressive. BOTRA donated £150 to the building fund. A thank you card was received from Morag Mason.
• Jill Barr and Chair met at the Greyhound to meet Sarah, new manager, to discuss concerns about recent complaints from neighbours. Will discuss further when Jill available.
• Chair confirmed that Dominic Grieve had accepted invitation for annual forum in October.
• Chair invited Graham Davie, local resident in Aylesbury End, to discuss planter requirements and concerns about apparent miss-use by Crazy Bear of no. 17 Aylesbury End. Although owned by the Crazy Bear the property is not being used for residential purposes. It seems to be used for storage of trade goods and the side entrance for access to the rear of The George. Graham & Frank to follow-up.
• Concerning the planters; 6 to 8 would be required to replace the current, dilapidated planters. Chair had investigated planters from a Plantscape catalogue provided by Frank (ex-BTC). Unfortunately, the two most suitable items proved too expensive for our means (£1904 & £529 each + delivery). Hans mentioned that some large concrete planters may be surplus to requirements and would investigate further to see if BOTRA could “rescue” them. Graham also requested that a second waste bin be made available for Market Garden. Frank suggested that Chair write to the Town Clerk.
• Treasurers Report - Current balance was £4051.19 as of 25th February (including cash). Some minor expenses still outstanding.

Comment was made about the reduced circumstances of BOTRA’s coffers in future due to loss of income from Bentley Productions and Shanly Homes. It was agreed we need options for fund raising to help offset this loss of future income.

Planning Issues:

Two items where discussed:
1/. Re-proposed development at 19, 21/23 Amersham Road. Chair confirmed that BOTRA had placed an objection on the SBDC Planning website. Neither Mel or Chair have received any response from SBDC.
 2/. The application for a two-storey extension to the side of 72 London End was identified. In absence of any knowledge of the property, it was agreed to investigate further. Subsequent to February’s meeting, Chair visited the property, located in a lane next to the Loch Fyne restaurant, and concluded that there was very little or no apparent reason for objection. However, he has since received since an email from a resident in that lane complaining about problems of lorries and vehicles using her property for turning around and, at time blocking access to the lane. Chair responded that lane access is a matter between the owners of the properties and, if cannot be resolved, then a solicitor should be involved. The resident later emailed Chair to say that the original planning application had been withdrawn and that a modified proposal could be expected soon. Chair will continue to monitor the issue.

AGM

The Reading Room has been confirmed for the 14th April. Chair confirmed that the guest speaker will be Julian Hunt, local historian. Julian confirmed that he would bring his own presentation material, projector, screen etc.
Meeting to start at 7:45pm. Help with room preparation would be appreciated – meet about 7-7:15pm to put chairs in place etc.
Agreed that advertising flyers would be required. Request that Alastair provides 12 x A4 and 100 x A5. Mel to email details to members. Chair to provide flyer. Action: John.

BOTRA Christmas Cards:

Took stock of remaining Christmas cards and confirmed a total of 79 packs remaining. Was agreed to print more for next Christmas.

Volunteers for Coffee Mornings:

Deferred again, until next meeting. However, discussed prices and suggested increasing cost of coffee & cake to £2; coffee + biscuits for stall holders, £1.
Will need obtain a pack of mini milk cartons.

AOB:

• Email from Deborah Sanders enquiring about sweeping of footpath alongside St Mary’s Church/Market Sq. No one from BOTRA involved.
• Awareness Day – BOTRA to confirm participation.
• Tent/Marquee for Denham Band at FM carols event.
• BTC new website – Chair confirmed BOTRA participation.
• Chair mentioned that Independent Electors Association have their AGM on 18th March, 8pm at Beaconsfield Town Hall.
• Discussed traffic problems in Windsor End and Hedgerley Lane arising from the rugby tournament last weekend. Chair agreed to write letter on behalf of BOTRA. However, Chair stressed that, to have meaningful impact, local residents should also submit their own complaints.

Next meeting: 14th April 2010 (AGM) at the RR.