MINUTES OF WEN COMMITTEE MEETING 20TH JUNE 2009 at Drayton Court Pub

Present:

Diane Gill

Gill Adams

David Highton

Eric Leach

Chris Gilson

Sally Greenbrook

Nick Greenhalgh

Allison Franklin

Sarah Parker ( for part of meeting)

1. Apologies:

Frank Proud
Andrew Cazalet
 
2. GML
 
WEN were hoping that Mark Brayford from the council could attend the public meeting on Thursday 25^th June to provide an update on the plans for GML, unfortunately he cannot attend and was not prepared to send anyone else to the meeting in his place.  It appears apparent that the council think that the public consultation is sufficient and are not prepared to make an effort with any other type of communication.  SP stated that the preferred developers (Rydon/Dominion) wish to submit the planning application by December, leaving little time to discuss the plans. SP believes they are taking a very narrow view of the re-build, focusing on housing only rather than dealing with the infrastructure and social and community aspects as well.
 
DH said WEN will look at how it can help broaden out the discussion and consultation as this development will have a major impact on all of West Ealing.  It is far wider than just a housing project.
 
3. Public Meeting
 
It was agreed DH kick of chairing the meeting then DG and CG would take over between them to run the remainder of the meeting.
 
4. Lido Junction
 
WEN are working with Kingsdown Residents Association, Five Roads Forum, transport consultant Chris Veasey and Colin Izzard on this.  The group has conducted the first of two short studies of traffic flow and Chris Veasey will be analysing this data. The public meeting will be an opportunity for people to discuss their experiences.  The council are well aware of the problem but they are reluctant to actually do anything about it as seen to be ‘'too difficult''.
 
5. Regeneration
 
Nick West-Oram from the council is doing a good job attempting to gather relevant parties together to discuss the regeneration of parts of West Ealing including Dean Gardens, Melbourne Avenue and shop fronts. He is holding monthly meeting with DH and EL.
 
6. SEC
 
The much anticipated public inquiry into Glenkerrin's Arcadia development starts Tuesday 23^rd June at the town hall. SEC have undertaken a huge amount of work for this inquiry and Sir Peter Hall is speaking on behalf of SEC.
 
7.  Abundance
 
DG reported on a successful baking day at St James church hall on Saturday 6^th June.  WEN did not raise sufficient funds to cover the costs therefore we will need to think carefully about donations should we run another event. 33 people attended with a good mixture of adults and children.  They all enjoyed the day and were up for another one! The Abundance wing now needs to focus on the jam and chutney making and ensuring that they seek out more varied fruits this year due to the glut of apples last year.
 
8. Forum Rules
 
These new set of rules have gone done very well.  WEN has banned one person from the Forum due to breaking these rules and the Forum is now back to normal with regular contributors.
 
9. Food Shop Reviews
 
These are a little slow materialising and DH asked for more people to contribute. SG & CG volunteered to write reviews for Cudi and Tavazzo and DH will persevere with Super Mazandaran the Iranian shop (he is talking to the owner about the reviews)
 
10. St James Avenue
 
This has become a major drug and fighting area since Richer Sounds closed its doors.  DH called a meeting and the Blockbuster Manager attended along with the new Associate Vicar of St James, Cllr Ann Chapman and Nick West-Oram.  The idea of using the windows for Richer Sounds for a display about the history of West Ealing was liked and will be pursued.  TDH contacted Ealing Community Network who are looking to see if a community arts centre can go in the space until the shop is re-let - the landlord is currently being spoken to about this. Other ideas to use the outside space are still being discussed.
 
11. West Ealing Festival
 
Again Nick West-Oram is part of discussions on a Festival for next year. Barclays Bank are keen to get involved and some local traders are part of discussions and are also keen to see an event take place. The next step is for WEN to bring together a working group of local stakeholders to take this idea forward.
 
12. LDF
 
WEN will pick this up later in the year, as it is behind schedule and not ready for public consultation until the autumn.
 
13. Constitution
 
DH and GA have amended to reflect longer terms for those in office with the aim of a mentoring scheme for those that want to take over the chair and vice-chair roles going forward.  All agreed to the amendments and these will be put to the next AGM.
 
14. Ward Forums
 
EL or DH to put list of forthcoming dates on the WEN site
 
15. Membership
 
310
 
16. Date of next meeting
Saturday 18^th July at 11am at the Drayton

Diane Gill 24th June 2009