OLD COLWYN EAST RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION
Annual Report 8th June 2005
Annual Report 8 th June 2005
This has been quite a significant year for our association. Our committee has continued to work in partnership with other agencies and has achieved good results by persistence for the good of the residents of Old Colwyn.
Adjoining the Tan y Lan Association area, our association continues to be the only constituted residents' association in Old Colwyn itself, despite talk at various times about other groups being set up. For this reason we have taken up various issues which in effect concern Old Colwyn as a whole.
We have worked in a supportive manner with the various Departments of the Council. Issues have been informed to the Council and addressed by them.
We have worked with local police officers, to ensure that they are supported effectively. The police have many demands on their time and are restricted at times by a lack of human resources. Our local officers are hardworking and responsible. The police work within a framework of partnerships to make antisocial behaviour of all kinds unacceptable. It is a hard job and is not well supported by the Court system.
We have worked alongside the local MP David Jones with the HSBC Bank issue.
We have worked with St John 's PCC to transform the grounds of the Church into a Community Garden . The generous help that we have received from the funding agencies WREN ~ £19,245(Landfill tax credits) and Enfys ~ £6,307(a partner of the Big Lottery) is greatly appreciated and made the project possible.
Other donations from the following enhanced the scheme greatly
The Parks Department , through Peter Barton Price and Philip Lingwood ~ donated hundreds of pounds worth of plants and shrubs and a lot of advice.
The Bay of Colwyn Town Council ~ donated £500 for the installation of a bench.
The Church has contracted for the path to be continued around the Church for access groups, as well as paying for a flower bed to be stocked.
The Old Colwyn Environment Federation gave invaluable assistance throughout the application for funding. In particular Cliff Prout, the Funding Secretary. It has also donated wood for concreting work.
Mark Chatham gave eight hours of his time and expertise to clean the roof and walls of the church by abseil.
Gareth Davies and Ray Seager Scaffolding donated timber for a compost bin.
Llanddulas Quarry donated two tonnes of stone for the garden.
Environmental Services has removed over 900 bags of waste over 8 weeks. This has been managed by Chris Perry, our local Environmental Operative.
The Environment Department has donated four cubic metres of Compost to improve and increase the soil level. Cllr Cossey organised that.
Environmental and Engineering Group has given help and advice with specifications and tendering. Iain Hayes in particular gave invaluable assistance.
CCBC Biodiversity Officer , Becky Groves and Countryside Officer Barbara Owsianka gave invaluable help with planning the garden.
Mr Arwel Elias, Rhyd y Creuau Environmental Centre, Betws y Coed gave advice with composting issues
Members of OCRA and the Church potted on 1000 seedlings donated by the Parks and Gardens and stored them in their green houses until ready to plant.
Emyr Owen has allowed his van to be used for collecting stores for the project.
Other residents have donated plants
Members of the OCRA and the Church have volunteered work on the garden projects.
All these people are thanked for their assistance in a project which has so far transformed the garden and the centre of Old Colwyn. It has been a huge partnership effort and will be officially opened later this year Many people have stopped to pass comment about the changes and people are now enjoying sitting in the gardens, which is intended as a peace garden..
The year 2004/5
July 2004
Letter to M P ~ This matter has been going on for a protracted period of time. The meeting was told that a further letter would be sent to the Member of Parliament Gareth Thomas about this issue as the committee was very unhappy about the apparent unprofessional manner in which the public bodies concerned had handled our written concerns about the collective actions and comments of the Chief Constable.
Councillor Cossey secured slabs to cover the unmetalled part of the children's' play area in Min y Don Park,. The Community Services Dept has agreed to install them within their program.
There have been two complaints of persons raiding the Somerfields Bins at the rear of the premises. This is a regular occurrence and probably an attraction to a certain group of persons.
Designated Roads re control of drinking in public. Evidence has been submitted by the Association and the police to the Council Licensing Officer.
The speaker was Mr Stuart Lloyd who is the coordinator of the Antisocial Behaviour Order Scheme in Central Division.
North Wales Housing Association made a contribution of £200 to the Association.
August 2004
Letter to M P. Gareth Thomas MP had agreed to take our complaint to the Home Office and to the HMI of Constabulary.
The issue of Parking in Station Road , Colwyn Bay . The regulations are in the process of being changed to make the laws easier to enforce.
Radios – This issue is moving along, tests have been done by the operator with the existing system, they were disappointing.
Re the flats on corner of Cefn / Station Road . The management company is taking steps to improve the flats. Flat 1 which was occupied by a troublesome family is now unoccupied and has been cleaned. It is hoped that the next tenants will be more agreeable to the neighbourhood.
Somerfield Bins. The committee with photographic evidence, through our councillors, complained to the public health department about the state of bins and rubbish which was causing distress to local residents.
The Wynn Gardens – Sensory Garden was opened on 31 st July
The Police Football Initiative Constable Chris Williams, CBM, Old Colwyn was presented with a cheque for £60 by Emyr Owen the Chair in aid of the Police Football Initiative to give youngsters a focus during their spare time and something to develop team and community spirit.
Dan's Den Fun day £50 donated to the Fun day.
CBM Chris Williams spoke of problems with people congregating outside eating establishments late at night. An instance of this is Jackie's in Old Colwyn often open until 3am at the weekend. It is a matter for residents to progress with the council.
September 2004
Jackies take away Disturbance to residents late at night from visitors to Jackie's is a problem. The Association has had some input in that vicinity in helping residents to make their views known to the Council Licensing Department.
Keep Wales Tidy campaign. Following an offensive poster campaign by KWT ( On the KWTidy website ~ the offending posters are censored). The secretary wrote to press that these signs are not displayed in public. Carwen Jones Assembly Minister for Environment contacted.
Address by Mr Tony Sykes, Waste Strategy Manager, Conwy County Borough Council ~ Recycling of Waste
October 2004
Proposals considered and agreed for the secretary to cooperate with the PCC of St John's Church to seek funding for railings around the Church to replace the vandalised hedge.
An address by Mr Nick Jones, Environmental Health Officer of Conwy County Borough Council.
November 2004
? Letter to M P. Gareth Thomas MP has taken our report about the Chief Constable to the Home Office.
The bus route / Cefn Road ~ Road box painted, buses using Cefn Road, some taxis and mainly cars parking with impunity in the red box. The police previously promised passing officers would enforce the regulations and that is sorely needed. Representations made.
Proposal to demolish the old Church House Cliff Road . A letter of support for the proposal to build starter homes has been sent to the person who is managing the case.
An address by Inspector Gary Ashton, District Inspector for Colwyn
December 2004
Report by the Secretary on his visit to a Reception at No 10 Downing Street ~ Monday 6 th Insurance of the meeting hall ~ The secretary related that as our association has more than three meetings a year, the Methodist Church rules state that we must cover our activities with £500,000 of Public Liability insurance. Lowest of two quotes is £150.
An address by Becky Groves, Biodiversity Project Officer for Conwy County Borough Council .
January 2005
Edgar Whitley was elected as the new treasurer
CBM Chris Williams told the meeting that he had liaised on behalf of the Association with the Police Driving School and that they had given an undertaking that the constant use of blue lights and two tone horns through Old Colwyn on training drives has been stopped
An address by Sergeant Gary Kelly Community Beat Sergeant for Colwyn
This was the point where the partnership for the cleanup of graffiti was revealed and we have benefitted a great deal from that partnership with the police and the Community Service program.
February 2005
The CCB Council is discussing funding a police link officer in CCTV to do CCTV tape review where offences seen on CCTV are followed up
Radios were tested in Old Colwyn shops, the reception was not good in some locations but there was an arrest as a direct result.
Bins at the rear of Somerfield Store ~ Following photos of overflowing bins sent together with evidence of persons taking food from bins and open bins, last Wednesday, chains were seen being fitted through the lid and body of the bins by staff.
Address by Mr Peter Barton-Price, Conwy CBC Parks and Gardens on the subject of Britain in Bloom.
March 2005
Chair's Address ~ he was pleased to have something positive to say about policing in the village and generally in the area. He recalled Inspector Ashton had spoken to us recently with positive views, followed by Sgt Kelly and Chris Williams who are also positive. Kath Parmley has now started as a CBM and there seems to be a different direction and a more proactive approach in the village by the police from his view.
There have been reports of persons riding a mini motor cycle illegally in Station Rd , Cliff Road and Princess Road . The police have been informed.
Jackies take away. The secretary informed the meeting that at a recent meeting of the Licensing Committee, a closing order was imposed for 12 midnight . The proprietor has 28 days to appeal to the Magistrates Court .
Address by Mr Paul Banholzer, Highways Department. Mr Banholzer spoke to give information about the structure and work of the Highways Department.
April 2005
Cllr Cossey was asked what was happening with regard to the Church House as it was rumoured that planning permission for demolition had been withdrawn. Cllr Cossey updated the meeting that a written answer about the reasons for refusal was awaited. A comment was made that there was a huge amount of positive local opinion for the demolition.
Mr Ceri Thomas from the Planning Dept will speak to next open meeting. Mr Thomas has been asked to consider bringing pertinent info re this issue.
Sergeant Kelly spoke of pubsafe which was becoming a very successful part of the policing priorities of the area... The next step is addressing the proxy sales of alcohol for the consumption by young people, all off-licences are being called to a meeting this month. Somerfield management will be addressed at the meeting.
Shopwatch is important and this will be linked in with Pubwatch. If a person is banned from a pub, then he or she will also be banned from shops in the area and vice versa. The message of this is that all antisocial behaviour is unacceptable. Requires cooperation from the shops and pubs.
Letter to M P – Gareth Thomas has spoken to the secretary and has assured us that the letter is still an ongoing issue within the Home Office. The election has now resulted in Parliament being dissolved. It is over a year now since our letter was submitted and it has not yet been dealt with satisfactorily by a number of organisations.
The paving around the play area in Min y Don Park – We are assured that the matter is in hand the work being carried out by persons on Community Service, no update.
There is also a culture developing of driving cars around the back streets in the evening at relatively high speed for the circumstances, making a lot of noise with the revving of engines. It would be a pity if someone was knocked over and hurt. It is boy racer behaviour.
Designated Roads re control of drinking in public . All the locations that we recommended are now designated areas, awaiting signs to be erected. This is seen as a major public order measure. Of course it needs policing but it is a step in the right direction and gives the police the powers to work with.
The level of drug related activity. Members are urged to continue to report matters to the police. There is still activity but the police are taking positive action. They need our help. If people are pushing drugs we need to identify the addresses at which it is going on, times etc. Pass it to the police or to one of the committee.
Sgt Kelly commended the level of contact from the secretary and realised that he was a conduit for information from others but he stated that it is important that other people report matters frequently.
Funding application for improvements to St John's Church gardens. The work has started in the gardens
Address by Sgt David Roome of the Safer Communities Team, based at St Asaph.
This presentation looked at the overall problems of policing and what the police force is strategically doing to combat them
£200 donated by North Wales Housing Association to Association funds in respect of their premises in our area.
May 2005
Radios to complement CCTV. Glyn Rowlands has proposed that a separate base station for Old Colwyn is needed. This is due to degradation of signal in Colwyn Bay by moving the base station. He contacted the sec and suggested that the sec apply for funding of £2500 for the base station.
Church Garden project~ North Wales Tree Services have done an excellent job.
There had been a disturbing spate of burglary in the last few days before the last meeting. ~ Update a man was arrested by the police for six burglaries.
This month, we have a serious problem facing us in the village ~ HSBC has announced the branch in Old Colwyn is to close. A petition has been organised and we need people to collect signatures ~ this is a very important part of a campaign because it shows public support for our stance.
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the provision of posters has been organised, by M and K who kindly printed them.
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a meeting has been organised on Saturday with our new MP.
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We have been in touch with the newspapers including the TV to raise the profile of the issue.
Address by Mr Ceri Thomas, the Forward Planning Officer, Conwy CBC talking about the new Local Development Plan.
The secretary asked Mr Thomas to give an input about a previously notified question, the Church House in Cliff Road, Old Colwyn on which planning permission to demolish had been refused by a planning officer although strongly supported by residents.
Mr Thomas replied that he could only answer factual questions on the Church House as he lived nearby to the property and would have to declare an interest if discussing the merit of the case.
From his understanding the application was refused on the basis; first of all it is a listed building and the application was not supported by the evidence that is expected for applications for listed building concerns; also the building is within a Conservation Area and proposals involving the demolition of buildings in Conservation Areas can only be supported in cases where specific criteria apply, in the case of Conservation areas for example, the department looks at the impact of the development on the character and amenity of the area.
The secretary continued to say that the application for demolition had had a lot of support from local people and parishioners of the Church. Housing would be a way of using the land well, whereas just to keep the building because of its listed status, even though it is falling down inside and has no use.
He then asked how the residents can go about putting their thoughts into writing and making representations on the issue, which they had supported originally.
Mr Thomas replied that the decision has already been made although it can be appealed against. If there is an appeal against the decision, then those who made representations on the original application will be notified that there is an appeal in and depending on the type of procedure involved, there will be an opportunity to make written or verbal comments.
The secretary continued that the Association had made representations on the initial application.
Mr Thomas replied that if such representations were made, then they would be forwarded to the Planning Inspectorate, a Division of the National Assembly, an executive agency, although employed by Government are independent inspectors. There are different appeal procedures, some just an exchange of written statement; others involve an enquiry or hearing.
June 2005
The HSBC bank in Old Colwyn has given notice it is closing. The MP David Jones has met with Mr Burgoyne and the manager who is in charge of ATM operation. ~ the bank remain open until 15 th July. They will maintain the ATM which will continue as at present until they have considered another building / Accent or the supermarket. Looking for incentives from the council. / Has been announced to the press by the MP. / Bank is impressed by strength of feeling locally. / Approx 2 weeks to a decision. / Resolved Write to council and express hope that ATM continues. Letter written. Secretary and Chair have been interviewed by Mail on Sunday, re the issue.
Radios to complement CCTV. Secretary applied for funding of the base station successfully. CCTV manager now wants a meeting to decide which shops will have the 10 radios {owned by council with financial help from Cllr Cowans}. Also training is an issue he wants to discuss. We will have the radio scheme in the next few weeks. This will be a major improvement to public safety.
Jackie's late night refreshment licence. Secretary attended the licensing meeting and gave evidence. A closing order was granted. Appeal was due to magistrates; committee agreed to a 1a.m. closing order after liaising with Licensing Dept. Any problems during the summer, the order can be varied to 12 midnight . We have succeeded in establishing that Jackies need to exercise control of their customers.
The letter to the Home Office remains outstanding in terms of an effective response from official bodies and considering the evidence contained in the document, it is very surprising. It has taken a year and three months to get absolutely nowhere and receive no recognition even though we have gone through all the official channels.
We will ask the MP David Jones to try to find out what is happening with the report. At present he is working on the HSBC issue.
I commend this report to the meeting as a record of a year where we have met the objectives laid down by our constitution.
David Curtis
Secretary
