Notes of Burngreave Area Panel 28 April 2005

BURNGREAVE AREA PANEL


Note of a Meeting held 28th April, 2005, at Pitsmoor Methodist Church

PRESENT:		Councillor Jackie Drayton (Chair).

		Also in attendance:-

		Andy Shallice	-		Area Co-ordinator

		David Shepherd	-		Lead Manager

		Marilyn King	-		Area Support Officer

		Jane Haigh	-		Burngreave Green Environment Programme

		Johanna Mawson ) Emma Kent )	-		Parks, Woodlands and Countryside

		Joice Richards ) Thomas Coldron )	-		Burngreave New Deal for Communities

		John Turner	-		Committee Secretariat

		There were approximately 24 local residents and representatives of local community groups in attendance.

…………….

1.	APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE FROM MEMBERS OF THE PANEL
	Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Ibrar Hussain and Steve Jones.

2.	MINUTES OF LAST MEETING
	The minutes of the meeting of the Area Panel held on 25th November, 2004 were noted.

3.	BURNGREAVE IN BLOOM
	The Area Co-ordinator reported on the proposals in respect of the Burngreave in Bloom project, which was to be organised in conjunction with the other competitions in the “In Bloom” movement. He reported that Sheffield had won the Yorkshire in Bloom title two years ago and last year, the City had received gold and silver awards in the Britain in Bloom competition. This year, Sheffield, along with St. Ives, was Britain’s entry in the Entente Florale, the European competition. He reported that as a contribution to this effort, the Area Panel, local community groups and local residents were being asked to brighten up Burngreave, by organising floral displays in various locations in the area.
	The Panel had been involved by working with Norton Nurseries, to supply planters and hanging baskets on Spital Hill and Ellesmere Green, and further lights had been installed on the trees in Ellesmere Green. Following the installation of a meter, the tree lights should be on every night from mid-May. The Panel had also funded planters and hanging baskets at the top of Barnsley Road and at Page Hall, and would be supporting Green City Action’s Environment Day on 14th May, 2005, at Abbeyfield Park. One of the activities on the day was to help people make up their own hanging baskets and small planters, and it was hoped that if people got involved in this activity, they would take a greater interest in gardening, and hopefully, cultivate their own gardens.
	In order to provide assistance to residents, the Panel had also agreed to fund a part-time Gardening Development Worker, who would provide ideas and help for people who wanted to contribute to brightening up the area by arranging floral displays in their own front yards. The worker would be in post until September, 2005, when the Panel would review how effective their work had been.
	The Area Co-ordinator concluded by stating that the Panel was also planning to invite residents from a targeted area, such as a block of flats or maisonettes, including residents in an area where properties had been treated under the Facelift Programme, and had their front gardens paved over, or residents living on a major route through the area, to be offered a chance of getting their own pots, plants and compost, in an attempt to brighten up the area.
	The Chair referred to the importance of brightening up the area with floral displays and encouraged residents to participate, in some way, to the Burngreave in Bloom project.
	The following questions were asked and responses given:-

	Q. When would residents in Burngreave be receiving green bins for garden waste?

	R. Residents in some areas of the City were using green bins as part of a pilot. It was not known if and when the bins would be distributed in other areas of the City.

	Q. How do residents get to enter the Lord Mayor’s In Bloom Competition?

	R. Details and application forms for entry into the competition would be available and distributed shortly.

	Q. Had local businesses been approached in terms of sponsoring some of the floral displays in the area as part of the project?

	R. Not in Burngreave, although an approach had been made to businesses in Firth Park, in connection with a similar initiative by the Brightside/Shiregreen Area Panel, which had not proved very productive. The Area Support Officer would be contacting a number of businesses in Burngreave to see if they would be willing to contribute in some way.

	The information now reported, together with the responses given to the questions, was noted.

4.	PUBLIC QUESTIONS AND PETITIONS
	A member of the public questioned whether there had been any progress with regard to proposals to implement traffic calming measures on Grimesthorpe Road He referred to comments made at previous Area Panel meetings, when it had been stated that such proposals would be looked into by the Council as a priority, but it appeared that no further action had been taken.
	A plan for traffic-calming measures on Grimesthorpe Road, as part of the Burngreave Transport Plan, had recently been approved by the New Deal Partnership Board. The Area Co-ordinator would seek further details on this issue, and respond direct to the member of the public.

5.	BURNGREAVE NEW YEAR’S HONOURS 2005
	The Chair reported on the proceedings of the event to mark the Burngreave Area Panel New Year’s Honours 2005, which had been held on 26th January, 2005, in the Town Hall.
	She stated that the event had been organised in order to celebrate the efforts of local people and representatives of local voluntary organisations living or working in the Burngreave area. The people who had received awards had been nominated by local people in recognition of their outstanding contribution to improving the lives of the local community. On the evening, the awards had been presented by the Deputy Lord Mayor (Councillor Roger Davison), as follows:-

	Name of Individual/Organisation			Reason for Award

	Volunteers

	Fred Woodbine			In recognition of his tireless commitment to the local community, including work for the Pye Bank Trinity Luncheon Club for over 20 years and his work as a Governor at Pye Bank Primary School for over 30 years. Mr. Woodbine had also been a City Councillor for the Burngreave Ward.

	Gloria Campbell			In recognition of her voluntary work to improve the lives of people in Burngreave who were unable to help themselves.

	Betty Smalley			In recognition of her work in connection with her representation on a number of community groups and participation in the organisation of a variety of community events.

	Jean Wood			In recognition of her hard work on the Carwood Estate, being a member of the Carwood Tenants' and Residents' Association and for participating and running various community events.

	John Vincent			In recognition of his work, time and energy given to Burngreave over the last 30 years in the setting up of the Urban Theology Unit, and Burngreave Ashram.

	Patrick Edwards			In recognition of his dedication shown in setting up the Burngreave Soccer School over the past five years, and the setting up of the Burngreave Sports Network. Also recognised is his passion, influence and direction shown to many young people in the area.

	Saleema Iman			In recognition of her active role as a member of the Burngreave Vestry Hall Trust, particularly the expertise in seeking funding, serving the group and being involved in its various initiatives.

	Jean Armstrong			In recognition of her work as founder of the Parkwood Landfill Action Group, particularly her commitment and enthusiasm towards improving the environment in the area, and motivating others to become involved and to fight towards improving people’s heath. Mrs Armstrong has worked tirelessly over the years and is admired by many people for her hard work.

	Groups and Organisations

	Pakistan Community Association and Multi-cultural Advice Centre			In recognition of their hard work throughout the community, particularly as some community members have come to rely on their continuous support and advice.

	Black Women’s Resource Centre			In recognition of setting up the Child Care Centre, providing excellent, affordable childcare in the area.

	The Burngreave Messenger			In recognition of their hard work and commitment in the publishing and distribution of the Burngreave Messenger to over 5,000 households in the Burngreave area.

	Workers in the Area

	Sue Graville			In recognition of her work in the area in encouraging community members to study, where some have moved onto permanent employment and others into higher education. Also, for giving people the confidence in themselves to want to improve.

	Rashida Hassanali			In recognition of her hard work carried out within the community in encouraging community members to attend training courses, and being involved in setting up community events, securing funding for events, training and children’s activities. Also, in recognition of the passion, influence, direction and support given to both individuals and the community.

	Saduf Khan			In recognition of the time and energy given to the area in sharing his life experiences and for getting parents involved in local activities. Also, in recognition of being an ambassador for others to look up to, seek advice from, and in assisting people to realise their own potential and encouraging them to excel and move on.

	Kathy Everard			In recognition of her work, time and energy given to the area in teaching Taw Kwondo to young people in the area, from school age upwards. This work is truly appreciated.

	Laila Wragg			In recognition of her energy in setting up the lifelong learning classes, encouraging others to study, involvement with Green City Action and helping to arrange community events.

	Panni Poh Yoke Loh			In recognition of her work to improve multi-cultural relationships in Burngreave and for her work in connection with the organisation of Abbeyfield Park Multi-Cultural Festival, which has grown into a major event in the area.

	RESOLVED: It was agreed that the Panel be requested to convey their thanks and congratulations to all the local volunteers and representatives of the voluntary organisations who have received awards as part of the Burngreave Area Panel New Year’s Honours 2005.

6.	STREET FORCE ENVIRONMENTAL AWARDS 2005
	The Chair reported on the proceedings of the event to mark the Street Force Environmental Awards 2005, which had been held on 26th January, 2005, in the Town Hall.
	She stated that the event had been organised in order to celebrate the efforts of local people and representatives of local voluntary organisations in recognition of work they had undertaken in connection with environmental issues. The awards had been presented to the representatives of the voluntary groups by the Deputy Lord Mayor (Councillor Roger Davison), as follows:-

	Name of Individual/Organisation				Reason for Award

	Friends of Burngreave Cemetery (Christine Steers)				In recognition of the work undertaken cleaning and tidying up the grounds of the Burngreave Cemetery.

	Green Fingers (Helen Warburton and John Lawton)				In recognition of the work undertaken by the workers under the project, which had been started by Green City Action in 1997, in partnership with a local GP surgery. The project worked with people with mental health problems in the area by encouraging them to leave their homes and take part in various activities such as potting, planting and general gardening activities.

	Friends of Abbeyfield Park (Rob Bullock/Gabby Spinks)				In recognition of the work undertaken by the Friends, in partnership with local residents, regarding general cleaning and tidying up in Abbey Field Park. The Friends were now working in partnership with local residents, Parks, Woodlands and Countryside and the Burngreave Green Environmental Project and the general condition of the park had been vastly improved over the last few years.

	St. Cuthbert’s Church Volunteer’s Group (Rev. Ian Jennings)				In recognition of the efforts to create and maintain a community garden

	SCRAP (Seleema Imam)				In recognition of their work in promoting recycling and reuse.

	Fir Vale School (Hugh Howe)				In recognition of the efforts of staff and pupils in keeping the school grounds clean and well-maintained.

	RESOLVED: It was agreed that the Panel be requested to convey its thanks and congratulations to all the local volunteers and representatives of the voluntary organisations who have received awards as part of the Street Force Environmental Awards 2005.

7.	BURNGREAVE NEW DEAL ENVIRONMENTAL THEME ISSUES
	Green Fingers
	Helen Warburton reported on the progress of the Green Fingers Project, indicating that the funders of the project, Burngreave New Deal for Communities, had agreed a reduction in the numbers of people being assisted under the project, from 60 to 48 per week. A new Support Worker had been appointed, who had started work in January, 2005, and the project had now moved to its new premises on Minna Road.
	Ms. Warburton reported that the Project had started its fourth group in the week, on Wednesdays, from 11.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m., and the aim of this additional group was to act as an open day for referrers and new referrals to find out more about the Project and whether it met their needs. It would also act as a trial period for new referrals alongside a small number of its existing members. As part of the Project, a number of trips had been organised, including a visit in February, 2005, to see the snowdrops at Hodsock Priory and a visit to Ecclesall Woods to see the bluebells had been arranged. Due to their popularity, there were plans to organise a trip every six weeks.
	A 10 week art course had been planned under the project, which would take place at the Cornerstone Building, with some of the sessions, dependant on the weather, being held on the allotment. The project was also acting on requests from other allotment holders and from a resident for help to tidy up their plots and garden.
	The project was presently offering around 40 places a week, with approximately 70 % of these being residents of the New Deal area. The project was beginning to take on referrals from other local projects, such as the Community Wardens and Domestic Abuse Project, and it was expected that such referrals would increase as the weather improved.
	A local resident queried whether the project had given any consideration to offering any food which had been grown, in return for a donation. Ms. Warburton stated that under the terms of the project, they were not allowed to sell any of its produce, but if there was any food left, it could be offered to local residents in return for a donation.
	The information now reported be noted and it was agreed that the Panel be requested to convey its thanks to the workers in connection with the valuable work being undertaken with regard to the Green Fingers Project.

	Recycling Matters
	Joice Richards, New Deal Environmental Theme Manager, reported on the position with regard to Recycling Matters.
	Ms. Richards reported that the project had been funded for three years by New Deal, the funding of which had ended on 31st March, 2005. New Deal were seeking further sources of funding to enable the project to continue. As part of its commitment to the Recycling Matters, the project was looking to organise outreach sessions for schools and community groups, and were looking at the possibility of providing “Bring To” recycling sites. Ms. Richards concluded by stating that New Deal would welcome any comments from residents on what they would like to see in terms of recycling facilities in the area.
	Following a query as to whether any potential sites had been identified for the “Bring To” recycling sites, Ms. Richards reported that three sites had been identified, which included the car park on Gower Street, a site on Verdon Street and a site on Grimesthorpe Road, which had yet to be determined.
	The Chair queried what plans had been made in respect of the shop premises which had been used by Recycling Matters, and who was responsible for the rent of the property. A former Project Worker stated that as the workers had believed that funding in respect of the project would be extended, they had not planned an exit strategy, so there were no firm plans in respect of the future of the shop premises. Ms. Richards reported that the shop was owned by New Deal and leased by them to SCRAP, on a no rental basis. SCRAP were looking to keep the shop open, staffed by volunteers, and had recently had a bid for funding approved for the employment of a worker to look at submitting bids for funding to enable the project to continue. It was agreed that Joice Richards would talk to SCRAP to discuss the best way of progressing this issue.
	This information was noted.

8.	BURNGREAVE GREEN ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMME
	Jane Haigh reported on the progress of the Burngreave Green Environment Programme, which had been funded by New Deal, and undertaken as a partnership between Burngreave New Deal, Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trusts, the City Council and Green City Action.
	Ms. Haigh reported that whilst Burngreave had large areas of parks and green spaces, such areas had suffered greatly through years of neglect, under-use and vandalism. The area’s environment however, retained huge potential to contribute positively to peoples lives and the Burngreave Green Environment Programme was undertaking a wide range of projects and capital improvements in the parks and green spaces to benefit both people and wildlife. To assist the work, it was necessary to find out exactly what was already there in terms of parks and green spaces, and a Green Audit had been carried out in order to gather information on the facilities, wildlife, history and the problems of the area’s environment, and most importantly, the people who used them. As part of the Green Audit, three sets of surveys had been carried out, which included community, ecology and history surveys. The community survey involved gathering information on how people used local parks and open spaces and this had included talking to people who used the parks as well as people who did not, and measurements were taken of the number of visitors to the parks. Residents suggested a number of ways their local parks could be improved, such as reducing litter, improving safety and installing toilets, cafes and other facilities. As part of the ecology survey, a team of experts had conducted a thorough survey of Burngreave’s wildlife and their report set out all the interesting and important wildlife in the area, taking into account the contributions wildlife could make to people’s lives as well as the rarity of habitats and species. A special historical survey had also been made of Burngreave’s parks and open spaces, which had revealed traces of an Iron Age hill fort, a medieval hospital and the more recent arrival of industry.
	The information collated as part of the Green Audit had been used to draw up an Action Plan setting out a vision for Burngreave’s environment, which included plans for improving individual parks and green spaces, and set out a wider framework for improving the whole area. Due to the need to concentrate its resources in order to maximise the benefits it brought, the results of the Green Audit were used to prioritise local parks and open spaces for action. The sites were split into three categories, which included flagship sites, priority sites and non-priority sites. The flagship sites would comprise sites of higher priority which would be used as the focus for larger-scale capital work and improvement projects. The priority sites would include a number of sites which would be the focus of significant improvements, though at a lower level of activity than the flagship sites and the non-priority sites would include smaller-scale improvement programmes. The locations of all the sites were set out on a map included in the booklet circulated at the meeting.
	Ms. Haigh made reference to the Action Plan which had been drawn up following the Green Audit, which, subject to consultation, review and endorsement, would become the blueprint for the future of Burngreave’s environment, delivered by the Programme partners and the local community. A number of key themes had emerged from the results of the Green Audit, and had been used in drafting the Action Plan, and strategies and actions to address each of the themes had been put forward. The actions were based on experience of other successful projects across the City and the United Kingdom, as well as suggestions that had arisen directly from the results of the community consultation. Ms. Haigh reported on the key themes, which, amongst others, included work to make parks and open spaces clean and tidy by reducing litter, dog mess and vandalism, making the spaces safer by improving lighting and visibility and increasing staff presence, making the spaces available for sports and play and ensuring that any improvements made were sustainable.
	Ms. Haigh concluded by referring to the delivery of the Action Plan, with the emphasis of the delivery being very much on working with local people, businesses and community groups with the aim of ensuring that the improvements work properly and have long-lasting benefits. It was envisaged that the Action Plan would take some time to deliver, as improvements to parks and open spaces had to be properly planned, implemented and managed to make sure they were successful. The first open spaces to see improvements would be Catherine Street/Somerset Road Open Space, Osgathorpe Park and Abbeyfield Park. At Osgathorpe Park, the partners would be working with a local residents’ group to provide active play facilities for children and young people, and improvements would be made to the open space’s facilities and appearance at Catherine Street. Whilst proposals in respect of Abbeyfield Park were in the planning stage, it was hoped that major improvements would be made to this site. It was also intended that a review of the Action Plan would be undertaken on the basis that it had been drafted in June, 2004. Staff were also working on a revised management structure for Phase 2 of the Programme, and it was intended that the different partners involved in the project would be identified to work on specific schemes. It was also planned that work would be undertaken to bid for matched funding under the Programme.
	The following questions were asked and responses given:-

	Q. Will the planned improvements on the open space between Grimesthorpe Road allotments and Smithy’s Field be postponed subject to a decision being made with regard to the implementation of traffic calming measures on the streets surrounding this area?