26TH NOVEMBER 2018
/GARRISON RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
HELD ON 26TH NOVEMBER 2018 AT HINGUAR SCHOOL AT 7.30 P.M.
Present
Chris Coomber Hon. Chairman
Pamela Deakin Hon. Secretary
Phil Coombe Hon. Treasurer
Daniel Puddick
Peter Farrington
Simon Wright
43 Resident Members
1. Apologies
Andrew Armstrong (written report received)
Bernice Ell
Derek Jarvis
Larry Irwin
Jonathan Hunnibal
Richard Spence
Chris Coomber opened the meeting by welcoming guests; Councillors Roger Hadley and Anne Chalk; Sergeant David Gardiner from Southend Police Force; Robert Fowler and Michael Stiers of Fowler and Spenceley.
2. Minutes of the 2017 AGM . The minutes of the 2017 AGM were adopted as correct by Chris
Coomber and seconded by Phil Coombe.
3. No matters arising.
4. Chairman's Report. Chris Coomber reported that in the absence of the handover from Avant
Homes that there was not a great deal to report, apart from liaising constantly with the
Managing Agents to try to improve the site. Parking is still an issue however following two
surveys there is a consensus that no parking control is needed. The Garrison Church
has been sold, it is now owned by Ian Homen, who runs the Wet Suit Centre, who
discovered on taking possession, that the artefacts had been removed without permission.
Further information on this situation is to be obtained.
Avant homes have indicated that the S106 handover is finally to take place in the near future.
5. Treasurer's Report. Phil Coombe presented the Treasurers report. The request for funds
brought a positive responses, which enabled the GRA to pay for the outstanding printing and
Web Hosting fees and has left a healthy balance of £1035.77
6. To receive an update on the S106 Handover. In the absence of any report or response from
Avant Homes Cliff Marshall gave a short update. Avant Homes have now completed what they
consider to be their contracted work necessary for Southend Borough to now accept
responsibility for the whole site. The council have appointed independent consultants to assess
the quality of the work. The outcome of their report is awaited,
7. Election of the Chairperson, Officers and Committee Members.
There have been no nominations and no one came forward at this point.
8. Garrison Policing Report. Sergeant Gardiner reported that due to the cuts in police numbers,
that at present for 14 wards there are usually only 5 PC s and 6 PCSO s to cover, in addition
from early 2018 they were also responsible for investigating hate crimes, making the situation
more difficult. Out of 978 crimes reported, 132 have had positive outcomes. With reference to
Anti social behaviour on the Garrison, boy racers,etc Sergeant Gardiner emphasised that it is
important to report all incidences on 101, giving as much information as possible. On a brighter
note he noted that 27 Special Constables are due to start shortly in Southend. Also he drew
attention to the on line survey on Policing in the area which people are requested to complete.
9. Report from Managing Agents, Fowler and Spenceley.
Fowler & Spenceley continue to carry out weekly inspections to identify repairs needed and
maintenance areas needing attention to enable them to be dealt with swiftly.
The following key projects have been dealt with during the year in respect of blocks where the
SGMCL has the responsibility to maintain.
a. Internal redecoration and some damp remedial work to various of the Horseshoe Crescent
and Chapel Road blocks.
b. Internal redecoration of Willow Court
c. Internal and external completion of Magazine Mews block and garages
d. External repairs and redecoration to the Horseshoe Crescent maisonette blocks
e.. Specified and tendered the contract for the communal areas internal redecoration of
Gunners House, to take place, hopefully, early in the New Year.
We continue to monitor the performance of any contractors engaged to ensure value for
money is maintained, we are working closely with the landscapers in particular where we
undertake a quarterly inspection with a senior representative of the landscaping firm and
on a number of occasions the GRA Chairman.
Annual arboricultural survey took place in October various minor recommendations have
been carried out.
Following the Autumn leaf fall the mechanical sweeping and gully clearance is scheduled
for December 3rd and 4th.
Following the conversion to LED lights on the lighting columns the repainting of the columns
will take place shortly. Thanks to the cooperation of the new owner of the chapel it has been
possible to connect the street lamp in Chapel Road to the mains supply.
With the possibility of the S106 handover taking place in the near future we have been in
contact with existing SGMCL board with a view to assisting with the transfer of control of
the Management Company and recruitment of a replacement board. This exercise was taken
several years ago; however due to the prolonged handover some prospective board members
are no longer available. These are unpaid posts but is an opportunity to help maintain the
Garrison as a fantastic place to live. We are in the process of preparing an information pack
to explain to prospective directors the role and responsibilities and we would welcome
expressions of interest from individuals willing to take on the responsibilities of the company.
10. A.O.B.
The following specific issues were raised by the attendees;
Sea Wall: what is the status at present?- Southend Council had added money to the
Developers contribution to carry out the work done so far. However at present no
actual maintenance programme exists for sea defences and repairs etc. Councillor
Hadley will investigate.
Concerns were raised as to the intended use of the Church. -The intended use is for a
Retail Clothing Outlet or possibly, with the necessary permission residential housing.
Cart and Wagon Shed; concern was raised at the lack of progress and deterioration.
It is hoped that in April there will be a council cabinet grant to kick start the project
with a cafe and art project.
It was noted that when the Garrison was developed for the council to adopt any of
the existing roads Gladedale were required to take a core sample of the roads to
see if they were suitable for adoption. They failed to do so; there is a possibility that
this may be done now.
The Chairman thanked all participants and attendees and noted the written report from
Andrew Armstrong, Gunners Park Ranger.
The meeting closed at 9. 30 p.m.