North Chelmsford community update
North West Chelmsford Community Action Group
Community Safety
PCSO John Gipson updated the group - burglary in the area had increased and anyone seen acting suspiciously should be notified to the Police. University students were now back and were susceptible to crime in the town eg having their phones etc. taken and needed to be aware.
Jude Deakin asked if there was any evidence of increased crime since the turning off of the street lights and John Gipson reported that there had been no evidence of crime increasing.
Sister Moira raised the issue of calling the Police and it taking half an hour for them to arrive which caused the situation to escalate. John Gipson explained that the response team would prioritise their jobs and if a call came through which appeared more serious this would take priority. John Gipson suggested that as much information was given when making the call including background information so that the response team could deal with the situation appropriately.
St Peters Site Update
The representative of Thriftwood College updated the group on the renovation to the South Block, which had been delayed 4-6 weeks by asbestos. The school had found alternative accommodation at Chapter House for the interim period for 18 students and 6 members of staff who were using the opportunity to do some community work in the town.
It was hoped that work would be complete for Thriftwood to move in by November. The three community groups on the site already who would also be moving in to the block.
Cllrs. Stephen Robinson and Jude Deakin were both keen to see the site have some inclusive community space in future and suggested that with a decision on the site being imminent it would be advisable to constitute the St Peter's site steering group as a formal organisation.
Kings Road / former New barn pub
Carl Hockey from CHP updated on the New Barn pub site. They now have planning permission for 6 one bedroom apartments and 4 two bedroom houses on the site. This would hopefully attract residents on the estate who were under-occupying. It was noted that the future of the All Saints Church and hall could impact on this site.
It was noted that the derelict shops on the corner of Kings Road and North Avenue were up for sale and thus potential of improving the parade of shops
Stephen Robinson reported that there had been discussions between the council and Kings Road School about tidying up the land in front of the school.
Primary Schools
Stephen Robinson updated the group on ECC need to find primary school provision in Chelmsford due to the increase in population and confirmed they would not be using the St Peters site.
Alan Arnot gave an update on the new building at Lawford Mead which was to be built on the current junior school playground. The two existing schools would continue until the new, combined primary school was complete which should be September 2015.
The new school was being built to house current provision with no extra capacity although there had been a steady increase in numbers each academic year.
Tracy Dennis updated the group on improvements at Melbourne Park School. Sister Margaret commented on how the school had changed since Tracy had become the Head and how calm it now was when visiting. Parents that had children at the school were very positive and hopefully this would work towards increasing numbers.
Melbourne Project activities
Sisters Margaret and Moira reported a very good fun week in August, which this year had been held for the 10th year running. It had been sad to have had to send a lot of children away due to too many attending, but 50-60 had participated.
Youth projects
Jude Deakin reported attending two YMCA events and although only on for one day were both very successful. The Youth strategy Group - ECC - had an amount of money available for each area for group providing activities. They had to be existing projects and the money could not be used for salaries, or they could be for events that were inclusive to the whole community.
St Andrews church
Rev. Paul Greenland reported a very successful holiday club with an average of 40 attendees per day.
Following the closing of the Mother and toddler service, their community café opened on the 1st October 8.30am to 12pm. The Food Bank opened on the 15th October to distribute parcels to those who had been referred by other partners and Bishop John Wraw performed the official opening.
All Saints Church
Rev. Michael Hall reported that All Saints congregation meeting at The Church of the Ascension seemed to be working well. There were more people worshipping and they were working towards becoming one Parish rather than one Church and looking at putting in mission posts across the area to cover provision.
Parkside Community Hub
Debbie Willson informed the group that classes had all started after the summer break with new learners attending each class and the start of two ESOL (English for speakers of other languages) classes on a Wednesday and Thursday 1pm to 3pm with the provision of a crèche.
A touch typing course had started and consideration was being given at getting it accredited to offer recognised qualifications in IT.
A food hygiene course ran on the 13.08.13
An Information, Advice and Guidance Advisor was starting with CHP in a couple of weeks to give IAG to residents from the Hub and throughout Essex.
There had been three motivational workshops run in partnership with the Job Centre and Aspire for people on JSA and these had worked really well.
CHP would be running a Halloween event again this year and agreed to confirm with Sister Margaret and Moira who would be attending.
Salt bags
Stephen Robinson informed the group that in areas with no Parish Council County Councillors are "salt monitors" and the Fire Station would be the salt depot for this area. If a group of volunteers wish to clear snow and put down salt, they should contact either Stephen or Jude, who would meet with them and this would make sure they were covered by insurance.
NB This is the update from a meeting earlier this autumn. November update to follow soon.