Minutes of Meeting 24th October 2002 Present: Mike Goodman - Chair Jack Dodds - RBL J Armstrong - Fisherman's Association Bobbie Glen - Woodhorn & Newbiggin WI Lynn Yates - Kidz Avenue J G Burn - Newbiggin Sailing Club George Penman - Wansbeck Football Development W Cooper - SECA Mabel Wallace - Welfare Resident's Association Cllr T Saunders - NCC J J Taylor - Neighbourhood Watch Stephen Peel - Highflyers Cllr A Thompson - WDC Joyce Rutter - Community Fayre Association Fred Lothian - Newbiggin Angling Club J Davison - St Andrews Will Roger - Newbiggin Youth Jason Snell - Salvation Army Sonja Bailes - Northumberland Care Trust Pat Fenwick - Bowling Club Carol Butchart - Colliery Community Association Guests: Brian Storey - PART Project D Carling - PART Project Sarah Farnham - Newbiggin Info Point (WDC) Liz Hardon - Comm Legal Services Off (WDC) Ian Roberts - Atkins Consultants In attendance: Karen Maclean - Comm Partnership Officer (WDC) Alan French - Chief Eco & Env Services Off (WDC) Kevin Wright - WCVS/ CEF Viv Schwartzberg - WCVS/ CEF 1. Apologies Vaun Campbell - Alcan Alfie Dower - Newbiggin Chamber of Trade Stan Green - Newbiggin Life Boat Cllr M Boon - WDC Cllr J Lang - NCC Tom Arkle - Newbiggin Central Welfare FC Susan Hawkins - Wansbeck Wansbeck Works! Cllr R McAlpine - WDC 2. Newbiggin Bay Project Update Alan French attended the meeting to set the context of this project. He informed Members that 18 months ago consultants were commissioned to do a study on Newbiggin, and this was accepted in principle. It was also accepted in caveat that Cheviot Housing Association would do a housing needs study then look into possible sources of funding. This is now completed, and WDC have sought to merge both studies. Ian Roberts of W S Atkins Consultants took the floor to outline the progress and various options that have been considered for the Bay project. Progress: There has been an initial appraisal of feasible options, consultation with bay users, report on options, and modelling. Concept: Visitor seaside village - with beach improvements, enhanced and improved boating facilities, and improvements to frontage and promenade. Elements of coastal protection also need to be considered. They have also undertaken consultation with English Nature on various issues. Atkins have considered ten options for coastal protection in terms of environmental, economic and engineering factors; some of which Ian outlined: Coast protection Options (I) Remedial works - which is the minimum option and improves existing defences - questionable on environmental benefits but good from an engineering and economic perspective. Short-listed. (II) Beach restoration with groynes - Good environmentally and economically, but discarded due to engineering difficulties as groynes would not hold material. (III) Beach restoration with fish-tail groyne - benefits are economical, environmental and sound in terms of engineering. However the rock would have high visual impact and would need additional funding to provide public access. Short-listed. (IV) Beach restoration with breakwater - benefits are economical, and environmental and sound in terms of engineering. This option would work in a similar way to option (III) but with not such a high visual impact. Short-listed. (V) Beach restoration with headland breakwaters - In terms of engineering and economics this is a beneficial option, but has been discarded on the grounds of potential harmful effects on bird feeding areas and geological features. Added value options (VIII) Beach restoration with northern harbour - benefits are economical, and environmental, and sound in terms of engineering. This option would fulfil amenity objectives but would be expensive. Short-listed. (X) Beach restoration with southern harbour - Discarded due to a number of concerns - environmental and engineering. The Southern part of Bay is very exposed and may cause difficulty for boats getting in and out if there was any swell. WS Atkins had short listed (I), (III) & (IV) coast protection options and (VII), (VIII) & (IX) added value options. Alan informed members that the Newbiggin Bay Project Team had met that afternoon and were supportive of proposals for Atkins to examine these three coast protection options in more detail, and to go ahead and physically model options (I), (III) & (IV), as well as added value option (VIII). This modelling would hopefully take place in January 2003, a feasibility report submitted to DEFRA in April 2003, and a decision expected from DEFRA around December 03. Alongside this WDC would like to look at the broader context of regeneration, and to bring consultants in to look at the bay. To go ahead with the added value option gap funding would have to be found for capital costs as DEFRA would not necessarily fund the amenity aspect. There would also need to be a feasibility study to determine the benefits, costing in the region of £20 - £30K. The results of which would allow the Project team to consider how much gap funding is required, and to start looking at where it can be sought. It was agreed at the Project team meeting that a bid be made to the NSP RES6 Single Programme Call for Proposals to fund the feasibility study. Alan asked Members if they were supportive of these proposals. Cllr Thompson moved that the Partnership supports these proposals, Fred Lothian seconded this. Members voted, and gave unanimous support. Resolved - Newbiggin by the Sea Regeneration Community Partnership supports the proposal for WS Atkins to examine in more detail the three coastal defence options, plus the added value option. In addition they support the undertaking of a Bay feasibility study and that a bid be submitted to the NSP to fund this study. The Chair informed Members that he was at the meeting of the Newbiggin Bay Project team, and for the record did not vote on behalf of the Partnership. He then thanked Alan and Ian for their presentation. 3. Northumbria Police Mick Lillico attended the meeting to give an update on Newbiggin crime figures since the start of the year: 17 burglaries - dwelling 22 burglaries - other 51 criminal damage 1 robbery 32 offences of violence Mick added that the police have been proactive, issuing 53 warrants with 24 successes, and 104 arrests within the same period. In response to a question from the floor, Mick explained to Members that following the recent fatality on Front Street; Police had been discussing chicanes/ changing the style of the road to combat speeding. A mobile CCTV unit is another possibility, and may be utilised as a short-term measure. The area has been given additional cover due to the number of accidents, and Police will be supportive if people are willing to give evidence. Members went on to discuss the fact that there is a reluctance to report offences in the village due to fear of intimidation. Mick Lillico commented that he felt this was a fallacy - however Members argued that it does happen. It was agreed that Newbiggin needs a traffic management system, and Mick said he would approve of a chicane type system. Members went on to discuss CCTV cameras already installed in the village, and asked whether Police monitor them. Mick informed those present that they are a WDC initiative and a matter for them. Police do monitor them when the station is manned, but other times they are not. The problem of abandoned cars was also highlighted - again Members were informed that this is a WDC issue. One member was concerned that fireworks are being sold to youngsters in the village. Mick informed Members that it is an offence to set off a firework within 50 feet of a road, but it is difficult to enforce if there are no injuries, and no trace of offenders. The issue of selling fireworks to under age children is a matter for Trading Standards. Mick also suggested that the fireworks might also be coming through on the tobacco/ drinks runs from France. Finally members asked whether Northumbria Police still have a telephone number for the public to leave details of any misdemeanour. Mick informed members that this is the Crimestoppers 0800 number, which is still in use. The Chair thanked Mick for attending the meeting and talking to Members. 4. Partnership Workshop - Viv Schwartzberg Viv introduced the 'Our PART Project', PART standing for Participative Action Research Team. Viv explained that over 40 people expressed an interest in doing the training, and they have ended up with a team of around 30. They are of varying ages, from different backgrounds, and from all over Wansbeck. They have so far completed 8 days training as well as work experience sessions, and can work towards a nationally recognised qualification. The traveller's children have already carried out this type of research, and Ashington Sure Start has also commissioned research. The results are of high quality and will hopefully influence decision making and delivery of local services. Research is being evaluated by someone from the University of Newcastle, therefore it will stand up to scrutiny. The service of the research team is available to the Partnership and will be funded through the Community Empowerment Fund (CEF). The team can run a workshop on an issue of high importance to Newbiggin at this time such as crime, health, education, youth, environment… or to ask the community what are the important issues in the area. The Learning and Skills council have also spoken to Viv and indicated that money may be available to look at opportunities for learning, therefore finding out what the barriers are to learning in Newbiggin is also an option to consider. The workshop will be organised by the Partnership, and it will be up to members to get people there. A working party of 2-3 Partnership Members will need to be formed to work alongside the Research Team. The Research Team will support the Partnership; design the research based on the Partnership's needs, and help with strategies to get people there. The CEF will cover the cost of transport, childcare, refreshment/ food, and the cost of hiring the venue. Hopefully, all the workshops requested by the Partnerships will be by the end of April 03. However she stressed that this is not a one off offer, and another workshop can be held next year. Viv then invited questions from the floor. One member questioned the value of such research, saying that consultation has been done many times before, but to no avail. Viv explained that this research empowers local people, and is about the big issues and what service providers should do about them. It challenges current service delivery, can back up funding applications and can help to shape projects. Sonja Bailes of Northumberland Care Trust informed members that they recognise the value of the research and have given money to the Our PART project. The Chair added that he would support Viv's suggestion on researching the barriers to learning. Jack Dodds proposed that a workshop be arranged for the end of February 03, Mabel Wallace seconded this. There was a vote and this was unanimously agreed. Resolved - The Partnership will work towards holding a Workshop at the end of February 2003. 5. Charitable Status The Chair reminded members that at the last meeting members explored the option of going for Charitable Status. He asked if Members supported this option. There were no objections. Resolved - The Management Committee will progress this option. 6. Minutes of the last meeting - 22/08/02 Subject to the amendment of the word 'County' to 'District' (Item 6 (II) line 5), the minutes of the last meeting were received and approved as a correct record. 7. Matters arising (I) Item 4 (I) - Bank account: The Chair informed Members that Committee Members are in the process of meeting with Unity Trust Bank, as this appears to be the bank bested suited to the Partnership's requirements. They specifically deal with voluntary and community groups and can tailor accounts to the group's needs. A meeting has been arranged for 31/10/02, and opening an account will be progressed from there. (II) Item 5(I) - Kidz Avenue: Lynn Yates informed Members that they have been successful in their bid to the Wansbeck Sustainable Communities Fund Grant and have been awarded £15,000. Work starts this week. (III) Item 5(II) - Spital Housing Estate Children's Play Area: Members were informed that this project has attracted around £85K to date and work should soon be underway. (IV) Item 5(III) - Salvation Army: Jason Snell informed Members that work has been put out to tender, and they are awaiting quotes. Stephen Humphries of WCVS is helping to identify funds. 8. Matters arising from the minutes of the Management Committee meeting - 12/08/02 (I) Item 2(I) - Ocean Youth Club Ketch The Chair informed members that the Committee is awaiting further information on this from Ashley Brown of Hirst High School. Once a report is received, it will be circulated to Members. (II) Item 3(c) - Sure Start The letter written to Colin Mitchell, and his response, was read out to members. It was noted that some members felt it absurd that a Senior Officer of WDC was unaware of the Newbiggin by the Sea Regeneration Community Partnership, and asked that a further response be sent to Colin Mitchell. Cllr Thompson asked that it be stressed that Newbiggin needs a multi-functional, 7 days per week facility. The Chair pointed out that now part of the sports hall has been taken away, the community would never get that back. Although Colin referred to the low usage of the Sports Centre, he has never asked why people don't use it. Lynn Yates informed members that Sure Start would provide a much-needed facility that will benefit the community. She also made the point that Sure Start did not ask for use of the Sports Centre, it was offered as a location. The Chair stressed that he has no objections or arguments with Sure Start, and supports their project. Resolved - The Chair will write a further letter to WDC regarding this issue. (III) Item 5 - Fishermen's Memorial: The Chair informed members that the Management Committee has taken this on board and they plan to try and get funding. This is a longer-term project given the Newbiggin Bay proposals. 9. Prioritised Projects The Chair informed Members that the original allocation of £39K made to Newbiggin has now been increased to around £130K. Current proposals include: Promenade - 30 new seats, rubbish bins, 10 dog bins - approx. £33K. Removal of flower beds: Spital Crescent/ Avis Avenue (1 objection) 12/13 Emmerson Road Brentwood Avenue 24 & 34 King George's Road 20/21 Oswald Road 32 & 38 Collingwood Road (The Chair pointed out that the removal of beds on Spital Crescent/ Avis Avenue is on hold at the moment as WDC quotes are too high). Milburn Park - £12K has been allocated subject to further consultation. Outdoor tennis courts behind Sports Centre to be refurbished. Memorial Park - £25K allocated to start work, but further funding will need to be found. Further estimates are being sought for the required work, and this project will go ahead as soon as the money is released. Entrance features at both ends of the village - pictures of the suggested designs for stone seating were circulated to members for approval - there were no objections. The Moor - restriction of vehicular access - Karen is looking into the possibility of getting boulders donated by an open cast mining company to reduce the cost of this project. 10. Fair Shares Lottery The Chair informed members that Newbiggin have been awarded £100K from the Fair Shares Lottery Fund for environmental improvements. This must used for one project, in one location. For a long time discussions have centred on the entrance to the village from Woodhorn, and the Management Committee would like to propose that the money be spent on improvements along this entrance. He added that he would also like to get Alcan involved. A Member queried plans to refurbish properties in May and Ivy Avenues, and asked that the Partnership push to find out what is happening with properties at the entrance to the village. The Chair asked if the Partnership would like this Fair Shares project to go ahead, and Members unanimously approved. Resolved - Newbiggin by the Sea Regeneration Community Partnership unanimously approves of environmental improvements along Woodhorn Road as a Fair Shares Lottery project. 11. Date and time of next meeting It was agreed that the next full Partnership meeting be held Thursday 12 December at 6.30pm.