OLD COLWYN (EAST) RESIDENT'S ASSOCIATION ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING ON WEDNESDAY, 8 TH., JUNE, 2011.

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE OLD COLWYN (EAST) RESIDENT'S ASSOCIATION FOR THE YEAR 2010 TO 2011.

1. We have experienced an eventful year and achieved much. The membership has remained constant and steadfast to our aims, although it would be nice to see some new, possibly younger people in attendance. In spite of this, the vital community spirit survives.

2. JULY Saw small drink fuelled problems in Colwyn Bay during football events. Licensees in the area cooperated with the police to help alleviate these. The police dealt with two CRASBO individuals in the area. An initiative whereby ex offenders spoke in local schools was an excellent idea. David Curtis, the Secretary announced that because of domestic reasons, he would in the near future be stepping down. A new Secretary was sought. The Association had supported residents complaining of the noise from a fridge at Aldi. The matter had been resolved and they were grateful. The “Adopt a Border” Scheme at Saint John’s was announced, and volunteers were sought from residents. There were cases of bins left on the street after and before collection. Monty Slocombe had reported the progress of the Pier Pressure Group to the Association. As a member of the Pier Pressure Group he had been unaware of the confidentiality rules of that organization and was therefore unable to report future progress. He has since resigned the Group.

The Police had been busy seizing alcohol in public places from youngsters. 4 people had been arrested after a spate of burglaries in the area. One resident had been involved in helping run football competitions in Min y Don Park for youngsters. Under Freedom of Information legislation it was learnt that many offenders within our area are from outside Wales. Saint John’s Church Gardens had won a Green Pennant Award, and a Gold Medal from Snowdonia Wildlife, in their garden section. They had also won the Church section of the Colwyn in Bloom competition thanks to the dedication of David and Christine Curtis. The newly created “Adopt a Border” idea impressed the judges.

3. AUGUST David Jones, M.P. addressed the meeting and told us that this government would be in for the full 5 year term. Its priority was to reduce wastage, and the national deficit although Health and International Development were to be ring fenced. He praised the commitment and comprehensive reporting of David Curtis. He said that a big part of Government strategy was creating the “Big Society” emphasising that this association was one example. Many things would be changing, including policing in the near future.

4. SEPTEMBER 3 arrests had occurred re recent burglaries. The police emphasised again the need for people to report all unusual incidents. They also needed information from the public to effect warrants. Attendance at Police Authority Consultation Forums had proved to be of no use since our Association views were ignored. Rosie Kressman spoke to us about recycling. Our main speaker was Darren Millar, A.M. Amongst other things, discussion ensued on the amount of people moving here from outside the area who are on benefits, and many with criminal records. He told us that he had tried to get the W.A.G. policy of placing these people at the top of the housing list under their “Priority Needs Order” changed without success. Once such a family were here, offenders under 16 placed the local authority under a duty of care requiring them to re house the whole family. He spoke of the W.A.G.‘s reluctance to devolve power locally

4. OCTOBER Saw Monty Slocombe taking over as Secretary from David. The Chairman thanked David for his work, remarking on his ability to forge relations with public bodies and individuals. David responded by saying it was a team effort. Discussion took place on the future of the M & K building. Apparently the Council have plans, which are to date unknown. Keith Forecast, committee member, Vice Chairman, told of the impending cafe in the "Church in the Park" project with which he was involved in the village.

5. NOVEMBER The police arrested 3 men after a spate of damaged vehicles. Impending police cuts were a problem, and the Chief Constable had been asked to respond. There had been more burglaries in Colwyn. David and Christine were presented with tokens for their work over the last 7 years for the Association.

6. DECEMBER The police had told us that cuts were inevitable to the front line. A new system of policing was to be introduced. Darren Millar A.M had informed us that the W.A.G. dealt less efficiently than England with more money at their disposal with respect to health care. The Association had written letters in support of efforts towards the new pavilion in Min y Don Park. Neal and Shereen had entertained us as a “Thank You” after our efforts towards their problem with Aldi.

7. JANUARY An arrest had been made re a burglary. Discussion took place on the lack of information supplied to residents after such an event. Investigation by the Secretary had disclosed that very few police enquiries had been made to immediate neighbours of the victim. A system of “Hue and Cry” would be a valuable asset to police information and assist them in their desire to encourage the public to report matters. A précis of this Association’s views of the pending police economies was printed in the Pioneer.

8. FEBRUARY Mr. Jones and Mr. Edwards gave a presentation on stage 1 of the promenade refurbishment, which would cost £14.2 m.

9. MARCH Inspector McKeown gave details of the new system of policing. He felt it would work, and said that Colwyn Bay Police Station would not be closing, it being one of the “hubs”

10. APRIL Mike Williams, our C.B.M. is to leave us shortly. A member told us that he was the lone Neighbourhood Watch member active. It was resolved to explore a new entity within the Association. After the frosts, many potholes were being repaired on a priority basis. The state of some shops in Colwyn were untidy and it was wondered what could be done. Some authorities gave financial support, others organized a “Best Display” competition.

11. MAY Rob Darnell took over from Mike Williams. He told us that he was a traditional method policeman and believed in a multi agency approach. Mr. Phil Rafferty, head of the Regulatory Services addressed us. His main points were the increase in prosecutions for dog fouling and litter, amongst other similar matters, together with the close relationship with the police. He explained how they had tightened up on licensees, who they could control. However, the central government would not attempt to control the sale of cheap alcohol from supermarkets despite representations to do so from local authorities. This, as is well known, is the cause of much anti social behaviour by youngsters.

Our two Parliamentary representatives, David Jones MP and Darren Millar AM  have supported the Association by attending, and keeping us informed of national trends and occurrences and for this we thank them.

 Throughout the year, as usual, we have had unstinting support from our three councillors, Bob Squires, Cheryl Carlisle and Brian Cossey. On the occasions they are unable to attend our meetings, on receipt of the minutes we may be assured that they will act promptly on any of the contents which are within their purview. The same may be said of the police although we note that their presence at meetings may not be so frequent, in line with the new policies. Where criticism is of police, it is not to the individual, but to the system. that criticism is directed. We must also thank Colwyn Council and the North Wales Housing Association for financial support towards our efforts over the years and also the generous contributions from the membership itself without which we could not continue. 

In spite of some faltering in mid year when the Association required a Secretary, this was eventually resolved, and it continues as previously, with a dedicated committee for whom we should offer our thanks.

Many long standing items appear monotonously regularly on our agenda. We make no apologies, but they will be removed when we reach satisfactory solutions.

One major worrying revelation over the last year is that we have learned that there will be several hundred “affordable” houses built in the area in the near future adding to extra pressures on diminishing resources like health and policing. This news, allied to the policies of the W.A.G. and their controversial “Priority Needs Order” whereby dubious incoming characters to the area are given housing preference over local people must surely indicate a future decline in the local environment. We also learn that some of these people in England are being advised to relocate here, in Colwyn Bay, by English local authorities.

Plans are in hand for the regeneration of Old Colwyn, and we thank our three councillors for their work in this respect. They have always consulted us democratically.

A common theme has also been the need for everyone to report not only crime and disorderly behaviour, but also anyone, or any thing which is unusual or out of place. We may criticise the police, but they cannot work without the assistance of the public and will never reject observations later proven to be without foundation. So keep your eyes open, and REPORT.

Where talks, reports etc., are reported here, a full account may be found on the web site. only salient points are mentioned in this account.

The recording of “hits” on our web site indicates a growing readership as the months progress. This is currently in the late 500’s per month.