7
(i) Brush Quay
A resident reported that the life-belt at Brush Quay was missing. He was concerned regarding the derelict appearance of Brush Quay and the Riverside area in general and asked what the Council planned to do to improve the area for the benefit of local residents.
Councillor Fairhead reported that this issue had been discussed recently at Environment Committee but it was unclear who owned Brush Quay and Councillors were informed that it was not in the ownership of the Council. it had been hoped that as this area had been included in the Coastal Walks programme that this would have driven environmental improvements in the area.
Councillor Plant reported that the ownership of Brush Quay had changed at least three times in the last sixteen years and that different parts of the river walls were owned by different authorities ranging from the Crown Estates, Peel Ports, the Council and the Environment Agency and therefore, identifying ownership was a complex exercise.
Action: (i) To identify the owners of Brush Quay to report to the next meeting.
(ii) To investigate the missing lifebelt and replacement.
(ii) Public Space Protection Order
A resident asked for clarification as to the new Dog Public Space Protection Order which was out for consultation at the present time. The Chairman reported that the fines were £80, rising to £120 if not paid within the stated timescale, then up to a £1000 fine could be awarded at the Magistrates Court.
The Chairman reported that the new PSPO would encompass other areas, apart from dog fouling, for example, dogs on leads and unruly dogs. He reported that this proposal had caused quite a stir on social media, as most dog owners were responsible and were unhappy with the proposed PSPO.
Councillor K Grey urged all residents to complete the on-line consultation document to ensure that their views were fed into the process. It was also imperative for residents to report issues of dog fouling to the Environmental Rangers to enable them to take appropriate action.
(iii) Unruly Motorbikes
A resident reported that a motorcyclist was riding his motorbike at great speed down the passageway at the back of properties on Veronica Green, this usually occurred at 3 pm on a Sunday afternoon. The Police were aware of this but had taken no action and this anti-social behaviour was affecting the quality of life of local residents.
Councillor A Grey reported that the residents should keep a log of these incidents and telephone the Police each time an incident occurred.
Councillor Williamson suggested that the residents should attend the Community Steering Group meetings which were held at the MESH offices on the Shrublands. These meetings were facilitated by Julie Woods and met on the third Monday of every month. The Police attended these meetings to hear first hand local policing issues which were affecting residents.